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Evers Says he Will Make ‘First Step’ Toward pot Legalization

Evers Favors Legalization
The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers says he will likely include a “first step” toward legalizing medical marijuana in his first state budget proposal. Wispolitics.com reported Wednesday that Evers made the comment in response to a question after meeting with board members of the Wisconsin Technology Council on Tuesday. Evers was asked about his views on marijuana and said…
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Patterson Lawyers: Confession may Hinder Defense

Public Defender Says Starting the Case "Behind the Eight-Ball"
The Associated Press,

BARRON, Wis. -Attorneys for a man accused of kidnapping a Wisconsin teenager and killing her parents are acknowledging his confession could present a problem in his defense. According to a criminal complaint, Jake Thomas Patterson told investigators he broke into 13-year-old Jayme Closs’ home near Barron in October, gunned down her parents and abducted her. He said he took her…
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Scientists: Minnesota is Among Fastest Warming States in US

U of M Scientists met With Lawmakers Tuesday
The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS – Scientists say Minnesota is one of the fastest warming states in the country, as its famously bitter winters grow milder. The Star Tribune reports that University of Minnesota scientists met with state lawmakers Tuesday to discuss how climate change is affecting the state. Professor Tracy Twine says Minnesota’s winters are warming 13 times faster than its summers. Researchers…
Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Beargrease Offers Whiskeys of the World Fundraiser

The Inaugural Whiskeys of the World Fundraiser is Happening Friday, January 18 at Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub
Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Voted as a Top 40 Whiskey Restaurant in the United States by Whiskey Advocate, Whiskeys of the World will wake up your taste buds. Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub is hosting the fundraiser in support of the 35th Running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. Five top-shelf whiskey’s will be paired with five made-from-scratch small plates for guests to enjoy. The…
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Ruby’s Pantry to Offer Federal Employee Discount

Federal Employees Will Receive Half off
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop is offering federal employees a discounted share at this month’s food distribution at the First United Methodist Church. Federal employees will only need to provide a $10 cash donation for Thursday’s food distribution. All federal employees will need to provide proof of their employment to receive the discount. Registration is from 4:00 p.m. to…
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Shopko to Close 38 More Stores, Files for Bankruptcy

The Announcement was Made Monday Morning
Site Staff, The Associated Press,

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Shopko has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy according to a Wednesday morning press release. According to the release, “The Company is seeking to facilitate the restructuring as a result of excess debt and ongoing competitive pressures.” In addition to the filing Shopko also announced it will be closing an additional 38 stores and is relocating over…
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Suspect’s Father: ‘All I Care About’ is Jayme’s Family

Patterson was on the Verge of Tears
The Associated Press,

(Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)BARRON, Wis. – The father of a Wisconsin man accused of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl and killing her parents says he cares about the girl’s family. CNN reports that 21-year-old Jake Patterson’s father, Patrick Patterson, visited the Barron County Justice Center on Tuesday saying he wanted to pass a note to Jayme Closs’ family. Patterson’s son,…
Community, Entertainment, Features, Great Outdoors, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin

Northlanders Skate Before Temps Drop

Subzero Temps Mean Outdoor Rinks Close
Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Lately the weather’s been great to get out on the ice. No, not the frozen parking lots and sidewalks. Ice skating rinks. But many outdoor rinks in the Northland close once the windchill drops to about –20 degrees. Even though outdoor rinks may close, in Duluth, Essentia Health provides open skating at their Heritage Sports Center every Wednesday….
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Chief Tusken Speaks to Park Point Community After Jan. 2 Homicide

Tusken says statistically speaking, Park Point is the safest neighborhood in Duluth
Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken spoke with park point residents in the aftermath of the January 2nd burglary and homicide there, which was the first homicide of the year in Duluth. Chief Tusken’s appearance at the Park Point Community Club was to answer questions about the recent crime that killed 70-year-old Larry Watczak and ease community fears….
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Suspect Identified in Fatal Shooting On Skyline Parkway

The Minnesota BCA is Investigating
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Officer has identified the suspect who died in an officer involved shooting over the weekend as 27-year-old Taylor Joseph Turek of Duluth. The medical examiner determined Turek died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The officer who fired his weapon during the incident has also been identified as Officer Dale Marcus….
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New Snow Sculpture Goes Up at 21st Avenue East

Previously the sculpture featured President Trump in the caricature of a baby, but now features a brown and a white hand being shook.
Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-A new a snow sculpture has popped on Harry Welty’s property on 21st Avenue East and Fourth Street. Previously the sculpture featured President Trump in the caricature of a baby, but now features a brown and a white hand being shook. Welty says the head of the Trump sculpture was either forcefully removed by vandals earlier this month, or…
Community, Education, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Public Safety

Salt is Potentially Damaging to the Environment

MPCA rallying for reduced use of chloride salt on ice.
Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn.- Weather conditions this winter have caused a lot of ice buildup around the Northland. Covering roads and sidewalks with salt during the winter is routine, but this process can harm to the environment. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, many of the salt and de–icers that make it on the ground will eventually end up polluting bodies…
Community, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Renovations are in Progress at Super One in Superior

Super One has a total of 30 stores within Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.
Nachai Taylor,

  SUPERIOR, Wisc.- Super One is remodeling its Oakes Avenue location in Superior and will now carry everything from food to hardware. The grocery chain is making room for a new Ace hardware to replace about… eight thousand square feet of the location. Other new additions include new flooring, relocation of departments, and a new salad bar. The store manager…
Crime, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Patterson Moved to Polk County Jail; Defendant’s Father Brings Note for Closs Family

Faked and hacked Facebook accounts responsible for GoFundMe accounts benefiting the defendant, Patterson
Andrew Kirov,

BARRON COUNTY, Wis. – The defendant in the Jayme Closs kidnapping case has been moved out of Barron County to another jail. The defendant, 21-year-old Jake Patterson of Gordon, has been moved from the Barron County Jail to the Polk County Jail in Balsam Lake. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald confirmed one of Jayme Closs’s relatives works at the Barron…
Community, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Enbridge Grant Awarded to Superior Fire Department for New Medical Equipment

New equipment will replace the current manual devices used by the fire department.
Nachai Taylor,

  SUPERIOR, Wisc.- In 2018 over 75% of calls to the Superior Fire Department were medical. Now the department is upgrading some of their medical equipment through a $2,500 grant from Enbridge. Six powered suction units were purchased with the funds. The new equipment is used to relieve airway blockages during a medical emergencies for patients. They are very easy…
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Netflix Raising Prices for 58M US Subscribers as Costs Rise

Annual Programming Costs Reached $8 Billion Last Year
The Associated Press,

SAN FRANCISCO – Netflix is raising its U.S. prices by 13 percent to 18 percent, its biggest increase since the company launched its streaming service 12 years ago. Its most popular plan will see the largest price hike, to $13 per month from $11. That option offers high-definition streaming on up to two different internet-connected devices simultaneously. Even at the…
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Walz: Minnesota Won’t Leave Anyone Behind During Shutdown

Walz Says all Benefits are Being Paid
The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz pledges that state government won’t leave any Minnesotan behind as it works to fill gaps left by the partial federal government shutdown. Surrounded by faith, community and governmental leaders on Tuesday, the Democratic governor said the shutdown represents “uncharted territory” and that his administration is still assessing all the implications. But he says…
News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Hundreds of Federal Workers in Wisconsin Seek Unemployment

426 Unemployment Claimed Were Filed Last Week
The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – Hundreds of federal workers in Wisconsin are seeking unemployment benefits from the state as the partial federal government shutdown continues. The state Department of Workforce Development reported Tuesday that 426 unemployment claims were filed between Jan. 7 and Jan. 11. There are more than 29,000 federal workers in the state. Furloughed federal workers are being encouraged by…
Crime, News, News - Latest News

Closs Kidnapping Suspect Moved to new Jail

Jayme Escaped on Thursday
The Associated Press,

BARRON, Wis. – The man accused of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents has been transferred to a different jail. Twenty-one-year-old Jake Thomas Patterson had been held in the Barron County Jail since his arrest Thursday. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says he moved Patterson to adjoining Polk County Monday night. Fitzgerald confirmed that one of Jayme’s relatives…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Toddler OK After Tumbling From Moving Vehicle

The car Seat Wasn't Fastened in the Vehicle
The Associated Press,

MANKATO, Minn. – Authorities in Minnesota say a 2-year-old child is OK after tumbling from the back seat of a moving vehicle while still strapped in a car seat. Dashcam video captured the moment the car seat and toddler rolled out of the vehicle on Monday as the vehicle turned a corner on a street in Mankato. Witness Chad Mock…
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Northern Lights Foundation Wants More Cowbell this Thursday

The Northern Lights Foundation is Proud to Present the 10th Annual More Cowbell Fundraiser Thursday, January 17, 2019
Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – For folks dealing with a strange fever in the Northland, the Northern Lights Foundation has a prescription — More Cowbell! The 10th annual Northern Lights Foundation Fundraiser supports local children facing life-threatening illnesses. The comical event is happening Thursday, January 17 at The Sports Garden. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. with the show starting at 7:00 p.m….
News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

UPDATE: Ashland bus Driver Arrested for ‘Child-Related Crime’

Law Enforcement Continues to Investigate
Site Staff,

UPDATE: ASHLAND, Wis. – According to a recent press release from the Ashland Police Department, the police department received a report from an adult female in November 2018 alleging she was sexually assaulted multiple times as a minor from 2009 to 2010 by an adult male in Ashland. After extensive investigations and interviews the police department arrested 1 52-year-old Ashland…
Community, Entertainment, Health, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

SunSpot Sisters Striving to Help Keep Northlanders Healthy this Winter

A List of Locations for The SunSpot Bus is Located Weekly on Their Facebook Page
Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Katherine and Sue York are out to help community members fight the winter blues. The SOL Sisters are often seen driving their big red bus around the Northland to help Northlanders dealing with depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder and much more. Studies say that 71 percent of people in the Northland suffer from vitamin D deficiency during the grey winter months,…
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100 Year’s Since Minnesota and Wisconsin Agreed to Prohibition

Northland Uncovered: January 17 marks the 100 year anniversary of Wisconsin and Minnesota agreeing to a ban on alcohol
Viktoria Capek,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- January 17 marks the 100 year anniversary of Wisconsin and Minnesota agreeing to a ban on alcohol. “The overturning of prohibition, of course, was with the 21st amendment. And we just celebrated; actually it was 85 years in December,” business manager Jon Winter, from the Douglas County Historical Society said. But before the 18th amendment was overturned, prohibition withstood a…
Crime, News, News - Latest News

Park Point Attack Suspect Now Facing Murder Charges

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — More serious charges are now filed against the man accused of attacking and ultimately killing a Park Point resident during a burglary and robbery of that man’s 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 the…
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Park Point Homicide Victim Remembered For His Love For Classic Cars

Suspect Faces 2nd-Degree Murder Charges
Dan Hanger,

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…
Business, Community, Features, Health, Knowing Your Neighbor, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Lightspeed Lift Helps People Walk Better Again

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

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…
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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.
Site Staff,

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…
Community, Crime, News, News - Latest News, US & World News, Wisconsin

Alleged Closs Murderer and Kidnapper Appears in Court

Criminal Complaint Released by Barron County
Arman Rahman,

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….
Crime, News, News - Latest News

Duluth Police Hold Procession For Fallen K-9 Haas

Dan Hanger,

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…
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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.
Site Staff,

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,…
Crime, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Complaint: Suspect Chose Jayme When saw her on bus

Patterson Went to Closs Home Twice
KQDS Staff, The Associated Press,

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…
Community, Crime, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

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

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

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…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Political, US & World News

TSA Employees at Duluth International Airport are Still Working Without Pay

Operations are not affected by shutdown.
Nachai Taylor,

  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,”…
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Procession to be Held for Fallen K-9 Haas

Haller has Been Released From the Hospital
Site Staff,

(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…
Crime, News, News - Latest News

$5M Cash Bail set for Wisconsin Kidnapping Suspect

Patterson Will Appear in Court Again on February 6
Site Staff, The Associated Press,

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…
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Mayor of Minnesota Town Arrested for DUI on School bus

Bonde was Elected on November 6
The Associated Press,

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…
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Officer Shot and Wounded in Duluth Released

The Minnesota BCA is Investigating
The Associated Press,

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…
Community, Entertainment, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Artists Encouraged to Apply for 2019 Park Point Art Fair

The Deadline to Register is March 1, 2019
Brett Scott,

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…
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Judge Blocks Trump Birth Control Coverage Rules in 13 States

The Associated Press,

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…
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Police Respond to Reported Active Shooter at New Jersey UPS facility

No Further Details at This Time
The Associated Press,

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…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, US & World News

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Search Training

Native Lives Matter Holds Event at Building for Women
Arman Rahman,

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,…