News

Midday Update 5-28-18

Local News and Weather Headlines for Monday, May 28, 2018

Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, forecast, Garden House, Headlines, Lakewalk, midday update, News, solon springs, Storm, Update, weather, William Seay, wisconsin

Highway 38 Improvement Project Begins Tuesday

The Highway 38 Improvement Project in Grand Rapids Begins Tuesday, May 29

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – On Tuesday, May 29, drivers in the Grand Rapids area will experience a new construction project. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is beginning improvements on Highway 38. Drivers will encounter daytime flagging operations, lane shifts and center left turn lane closures on Highway 38 from the intersections of 5th Street Northwest through 14th Street Northwest. Pedestrians will…

Duluth Superior Film Festival Starts Wednesday

Richard Hansen, Founder of the Duluth Superior Film Festival Projects a Successful Year for the Event

DULUTH, Minn. – The 9th annual Duluth Superior Film Festival (DSFF) will kick off Wednesday, May 30 and run through Sunday, June 3. DSFF will take place at multiple venues across the city including Zinema, Teatro Zuccone, Clyde Iron Works, Blacklist Artisan Ales and The Commet Theater in Cook, Minnesota. Founder Richard Hansen says this year’s line-up will focus on…

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

Captain of Duluth Honor Guard, John Marshall, Shares the Importance of Memorial Day, West Duluth Memorial Day Parade

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a holiday many use to grill, connect with family and friends or travel to kick off the summer season. But for Captain of the Duluth Honor Guard John Marshall, Memorial Day is a time to educate and share knowledge of why we honor the day annually. Marshall says it’s important to honor Memorial Day every day, not…

Spring Pop-Up Shop Pops Up at Evolve Duluth

The pop-up shop helps small businesses get their name out in the community

DULUTH, Minn. – Evolve Duluth had its spring pop-up shop, which helps small businesses get their name out in the community. There were several vendors there with jewelry, clothing and other goods. This was Aaron Boothe’s first time at the pop-up shop. He owns Scratch Studios, a recording studio in Duluth and this event helps him connect with people as…

That’s A Wrap On Dylan Fest

This year's Dylan Fest included a poetry event and songwriting contest.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a week long celebrating all things Bob Dylan the Eighth Annual Dylan Fest has come to an end. Dylan Fest closed out with a farewell brunch at the Zeitgest Arts Café. An art show featuring work from local artists around town and some as far as Australia was also up. “It’s almost like a pilgrimage and…

New Exhibit Encourages You To Be “Amazingly Immature”

You have until Sept. to get silly with the "Amazingly Immature" Exhibit.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Children’s Museum has an exhibit that wants you to be a little immature, have fun and learn along the way. Duluth is one of 15 cities selected to host the “Klutz Amazingly Immature” Exhibit. In honor of the exhibit Duluth Mayor Emily Larson proclaimed the summer of 2018 as Duluth’s “Summer of Immaturity.” Things like…

New Sculptures Unveiled at Wade Stadium

It took about six months to create the sculptures

DULUTH, Minn. – Two new sculptures have a new home at Wade Stadium in Duluth and an official dedication took place earlier today. The sculptures were created and designed by an artist duo known as “Actual Size Artworks.” They were selected by the Minnesota Percent for Art in Public Places Program. The inspiration came from phrases announcers make during a…

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Hosts Community BBQ

Almost a thousand people showed up throughout the day for food, some fun and it was all free

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center has combined Memorial Day and the kick off to summer with a community barbecue. Almost a thousand people showed up throughout the day for food, some fun and it was all free. “For the center, our job is to preserve and honor veterans stories and their history,” said Executive Director…

St. Louis County Historical Society Hosts “Minnesota Remembers Vietnam” Event

Veterans watched the Ken Burns Vietnam documentary and discussed the film

DULUTH, Minn. – As Memorial Day weekend is getting started, the St. Louis County Historical Society held a “Minnesota Remembers Vietnam” event on Saturday at the American Legion in West Duluth. Veterans watched a screening of the Ken Burns Vietnam War documentary. They were served a meal and had a discussion about their service and their reactions to the documentary….

Motorcylcle Group Helps Fulfill Dying Man’s Wish

The Pigs LGGD are a group of motorcyclists that like to help others.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you had one last wish, what would you ask for? For one man his request was simple. Get out and go for a ride. The Pigs LGGD (Let’s Go Give or Get Donations)  are a group of motorcyclists that like to help others. And on Saturday they helped a terminally ill man check one thing off his…

Northland Hits Record HEAT

The Twin Ports Broke Daily High Temperature Records for May 25

Duluth, Minn.– Broke RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES Friday May 25th, as we reached 89°! Superior, Silver Bay and Hayward also shattered record high temperatures on Friday! The record heat surged across the Northland into the mid and upper 80’s, with a few 90° temperatures recorded. Humidity was high, with dew points in the 60’s. The Northland felt more like a mid…

The Bookstore at Fitger’s Earns Top Award

The Bookstore at Fitger's Earns Top Award

DULUTH, Minn. -It may have come as a surprise but the Bookstore at Fitger’s received the We Love Bookstores Award. Sisters in Crime – The Twin Cities Chapter presented staff with a $500 check for the honor. The money will be used to remind the public and not just tourists that the Bookstore at Fitger’s is in the community. It…

Wildlife Released Back Into the Water After Rehab Following Husky Events

For up to 72 hours, the birds went through a conditioning process, which allows them to be released back into the wild

GORDON, Wis. – The impact of the Husky incident in April reached many lives including wildlife. Some of these animals are finally free and back in the water after a serious recovery process. What started off as a typical day for Sean Haasnoot took a different turn and sent him on a goose chase. “We noticed one at first, it…

Memorial Day Weekend Brings Summer Fun to Spirit Mountain

Memorial Day Weekend Serves as the Official Start to the Summer Activity Season at Spirit Mountain in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The summer season is officially underway in the Northland, at least according to the staff at Spirit Mountain in Duluth. “It’s hard to believe, we just closed the ski season down at the middle of April,” said Brandy Ream, Executive Director at Spirit Mountain. In the blink of an eye, Mother Nature is transforming Spirit Mountain into…

Northlander’s React to Rising Gas Prices During Busy Memorial Day Weekend

Gas Prices Sit Nationally at $2.93 a Gallon

DULUTH, Minn.-Northland Roads are expected to be packed this weekend as its one of the busiest weekends of travel for the year. Nearly 40 million Americans are hitting the roads this weekend, according to AAA. They are expected to pay more at the pump when they are fueling up for their trip. AAA says gas prices have jumped about 12…

Students Learn Science Behind Lake Superior

200 Students Participate in Program Today

DULUTH, Minn.-Elementary and high school students got to learn all about Lake Superior today on the UMD’S Blue Heron Research Vessel. Scientists and researchers gave demonstrations and guided tours of the boat. Students even got to operate a remotely operated vehicle that explores the lake. Organizers said they hope the event gives kids more of an appreciation for Lake Superior….

Wisconsin Woman Charged With Swindling Minnesota Relative

The 68-Year-old was Charged in Ramsey County District Court

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Wisconsin woman is being charged with swindling her 97-year-old mother-in-law in Minnesota and using the money at casinos. The Pioneer Press reports that 68-year-old Deborah Ann Steele was charged in Ramsey County District Court with 10 counts relating to taking $345,000 from a vulnerable adult. Court records say Steele married the St. Paul woman’s…

Twin Metals Wants to Build ore Processor Closer to BWCA

Twin Metals Spokesman Says Change Won't Threaten Environment

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski, File)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Twin Metals says its updated plan for an underground copper-nickel mine near Ely includes a 100-acre ore processing facility on the banks of Birch Lake, which puts it closer to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness than earlier planned. Environmental groups blasted Thursday’s announcement, saying it increases the threat to the wilderness…

Emails Show Collaboration Among EPA, Climate-Change Deniers

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)WASHINGTON (AP) – Newly released emails show senior Environmental Protection Agency officials collaborating with a conservative group that dismisses climate change to rally like-minded people for public hearings on science and global warming, counter negative news coverage and tout Administrator Scott Pruitt’s stewardship of the agency. The emails were obtained by the Environmental Defense Fund and the…

Disaster Funds Approved for St. Louis County

Funds Have Been Approved for Storm Damage

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton announced today that St. Louis County will be receiving emergency relief funds from the State Disaster Assistance Contingency Account for public infrastructure repairs. St. Louis County will be receiving $506,250 in funds to help repair damage to the bay walk, the Lakewalk Trail, the sea wall, and damage to storm water outfalls along the…

Menomonie man Dies of Apparent Drowning

The Incident Remains Under Investigation

SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – According to the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office they received a report of a missing 88-year-old man from a cabin on Schmidt Road in the Township of Winter on Thursday evening. Deputies responded to the scene located on the Flambeau River where the missing man was found at approximately 11:59 p.m. deceased in the river. Authorities state…

Newly Adopted 1-Year-old Dies After Being Left in hot Truck

The Parents had Recently Adopted the Girl

photo: twitterNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Authorities say a recently adopted 1-year-old girl has died after her father left her in a hot truck. News outlets cite a release from Metro Nashville police saying the adoptive father “reportedly forgot” about the child after dropping off her sibling at day care between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. Wednesday. The girl’s adoptive mother…

Two Minnesota Colleges to Offer Foreign Students Scholarships

Each School Will Make two new Awards Each Year

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Two Minnesota colleges plan to offer scholarships that let international students know they are welcome on U.S. campuses. The University of Minnesota and Concordia College in Moorhead will start offering the scholarships in fall of 2019. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the two Minnesota schools are among nine U.S. colleges offering #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarships to…

Teen Accused of Attacking School Employee Released From Jail

He has Been Released From Jail Without Posting Bail

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A teenager charged with critically injuring a Minneapolis school staff member has been released from jail without posting bail. Eighteen-year-old Corey David Burfield is charged with two counts of assault following attack on Mohammed Dukuly, a paraprofessional who was beaten unconscious at Harrison Education Center earlier this week. Dukuly’s condition has improved from critical to serious at…

Local Businesses to be Featured at Duluth Made Pop-up Market

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, you’ll have the chance to find a locally-made treasure at an annual pop-up market in Duluth. The Duluth Made Pop-up Market will be Sunday, May 27th at Evolve Duluth from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. List of vendors: Pretty Gritty DU Stuff Wilderness Wellness Chiropractic Atelier and Stone Clover + Cotton Harmonic Goods Crave by…

Fast-Paced Fitness with Destination Fitness

Active Adventures: Destination Fitness

DULUTH, Minn. –  Destination Fitness is a one-stop shop for fitness. The workouts can be done at home, in the office, outdoors or the studio. Destination Fitness offers programs for all ages and fitness levels. If you would like more information call (218) 260-6562. For more information head to www.destinationfitnessmn.com. Destination Fitness is located at 4966 Rice Lake Road, Duluth,…

Fiat Chrysler Warns 4.8M Owners: Don’t use the Cruise

No Crashed or Injuries Have Been Reported

(AP Photo/Seth Perlman, File)DETROIT (AP) – Fiat Chrysler is recalling 4.8 million vehicles in the U.S. because in rare circumstances, drivers may not be able to turn off the cruise control. The company is warning owners not to use cruise control until the cars, SUVs and trucks can be fixed with a software update. The recall includes 15 Jeep, Dodge,…

Gunman Shoots Three Inside Oklahoma Restaurant

The Gunman Entered Louie’s On The Lake Around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday

(Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman via AP)OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A gunman opened fire inside an Oklahoma City restaurant during the dinner rush, wounding a woman and two girls before two armed citizens shot him dead outside, police said Friday. The suspected gunman, 28-year-old Alexander Tilghman, was armed with a pistol when he entered Louie’s On The Lake around 6:30 p.m. on…

Explosion in Canadian Restaurant Wounds 15 People

Three People had to be Rushed to a Nearby Trauma Center

(Doug Ives/The Canadian Press via AP)TORONTO (AP) – Canadian police say an explosion set off deliberately in a restaurant has wounded at least 15 people, some of them critically. Peel region police said the explosion was caused by an “improvised explosive device” that was set off by two people who then fled the scene in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga….

Dakota County Judge is Confirmed as Minnesota US Attorney

Erica MacDonald Confirmed as the State's top Federal Prosecutor

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The U.S. Senate has confirmed a Minnesota judge as the state’s next U.S. Attorney. Erica MacDonald was confirmed as the state’s top federal prosecutor on Thursday. MacDonald has been a judge in Dakota County since 2010, and was a federal prosecutor before that – focusing on cases dealing with violent crimes, drugs, human trafficking and child pornography….

In Turnabout, Fischbach to Take Oath as Lieutenant Governor

Dayton Will Call a Special Electin to Fill Seat

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Sen. Michelle Fischbach is set to take an oath of office as lieutenant governor after months of resisting the role. Gov. Mark Dayton’s office says Fischbach will be sworn in Friday morning to serve as the Democratic governor’s No. 2. It’s an apparent change of heart for Fischbach, a Republican who was automatically elevated to…

Weinstein Faces sex Charges in Prosecution Amid #MeToo

The Fim Producer Vehemently Denies the Allegations

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)NEW YORK (AP) – A lawyer representing one of Harvey Weinstein’s alleged victims called his arraignment on criminal charges “an emotional moment.” Attorney Carrie Goldberg represents former actress Lucia Evans, who says Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex in his office in 2004. Weinstein was charged Friday with attacking Evans and raping another, unidentified woman at a…

“Active shooter” Taken Into Custody at Indiana Middle School

Two Victims in Indiana Middle School Shooting Headed to Hospital

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (AP) – Authorities have detained someone in what they described as an “active shooter” situation at a suburban Indianapolis middle school. The Noblesville Fire Department tweeted Friday morning that it was on an “active shooter” scene at Noblesville West Middle School and that a suspect was in custody. It didn’t say whether anyone had been shot or provide…

Fire in Rural Duluth Causes Total Loss of Garage, Contents Inside

Multiple Fire Departments Responded to the Fire at 302 Thurber Road in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Just before 4:00 a.m. Friday crews were called to battle a fully engulfed garage fire in rural Duluth. Duluth, Rice Lake, Lakewood, Hermantown and 148th Air Guard fire departments along with the Gold Cross were on scene when FOX 21 arrived. The blaze happened at 302 Thurber Road just off Norton Road in Duluth. Crews dealt with…

Minnesota Author Leads Workshop for Northland Writers

The group Lake Superior Writers organized the workshop

Writers in the Twin Ports had the chance to learn from a professional author on Thursday. Minnesota author William Kent Krueger hosted a workshop at the Northland Country Club, where he was able to share his skills and passion for writing to others who share the love of the craft. “I enjoying leading workshops because my father was a teacher,…

Great Lakes Aquarium unveils new exhibits

The newest experience at the Great Lakes Aquarium features three new touch pools

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids and families can now get up close and personal with some new critters at the Great Lakes Aquarium. Thursday, the aquarium unveiled the “Feel Connected” exhibits, which offers three new touch pools featuring exotic ocean critters like sea stars and jellyfish. “When people can use their sense of touch, they become more connected to what they’re…

Starbase Celebrates First School Year

The classroom is a whole new experience for children who learn to program rovers and create real-world architectural design.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some Northland students are experiencing what its like to be a scientist through a program called Starbase, which is celebrating the end of its first school year program. The classroom is a whole new experience for children who learn to program rovers and create real-world architectural design. The Starbase program operates on the base of the 148th Fighter…

Unique boat gets a special launch on Lake Superior

The Norwegian boat was built with help from the community

A unique boat got its first official launch on Lake Superior on Thursday. A big crowd turned out to see this traditional Norwegian boat out on the waters. The boat was built by Spirit of The Lakes Community School woodworking teacher John Finkle, with a lot of help from students and members of the community. “We’re very excited,” Finkle said….

New Mixed Gender Bathrooms Open at Park Point

These two single-use bathrooms are equipped with locks.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new mixed gender bathroom facility is open out on Park Point. The facilities are at Lafayette Community Center. These two single-use bathrooms are equipped with locks. Organizers say the universal bathrooms are a great message for the city of Duluth to be sharing with its visitors. “So people with disabilities, people with families with special needs, and…

Sister, Brother Sentenced in UMD Student’s Death

On Thursday, May 24, Noah Baker, 20, and Tara Baker, 23, Were Sentenced for their Connection to the 2017 Murder of UMD Student William Grahek, 22

DULUTH, Minn. – A difficult situation for two mothers, family members and friends entering the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth Thursday. More than 15 months after the murder of UMD student William Grahek, 22, two suspects — a brother and sister — involved in the case were sentenced for their role in the crime. Police responded to the scene…

Wisconsin Frack Sand Sludge Spill Reaches Mississippi River

Minnesota's Pollution Agency is Monitoring

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Officials in Wisconsin are testing the environmental and health impacts following a frack sand sludge spill that has now reached the Mississippi River. A contactor’s bulldozer slid into a pond earlier this week, leading to an hours-long rescue at the Hi-Crush mine in the western Wisconsin town of Whitehall. Rescuers emptied the pond to free the man,…

Groups Urge Vetoes Over Environmental Trust Fund ‘Raid’

They Were Added in the Closing Hours of Session

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Environmental and conservation groups urge Gov. Mark Dayton to use his line-item veto power to cancel $98 million in projects funded by what they consider an improper raid on a trust fund that depends on state lottery proceeds. The wastewater infrastructure and other projects are part of a $1.5 billion public works borrowing bill, but the money…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson Announces Support for Metsa

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson has announced her support for Jason Metsa’s congressional campaign this afternoon. Larson has joined a growing list of elected officials throughout the state that have shown their support for Metsa’s campaign. In a statement released today, Larson says: “Northeast Minnesota needs a champion in Washington D.C. who will fight every day for our…

Board of Directors Approves Essentia Construction

The new Building Will Cost an Estimated $675 Million

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is planning on spending big money on a new project that is slated to be the largest private investment in Duluth’s history. The Board of Directors at Essentia has approved the construction and financing of a brand new multimillion dollar facility set to be built in Duluth’s downtown. It’s a longtime coming for a project…

University of Minnesota Law School Requests Funding Increase

Applications Fell More Than 50 Percent Between 2010-2017

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota Law School is seeking more funding to help it recover from a large dip in enrollment. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the university’s law school applications fell by more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2017. Law School Dean Garry Jenkins says the school decided not to lower admissions standards. He says tuition…

Morgan Freeman Apologizes in Wake of Harassment Accusations

In Total 16 Women Have Spoken out About Freeman

(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman apologized on Thursday to anyone who may have felt “uncomfortable or disrespected” by his behavior, after CNN reported that multiple women have accused the A-list actor of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior on movie sets and in other professional settings. “Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am…