News

Minnesota to Spend $1.3 Million Amid Licensing System Complaints

The State has Already Spent at Least $93 Million on the System

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota will spend $1.3 million to temporarily add staff to handle the fallout from the launch of the state Licensing and Registration System. The Star Tribune reports that the state Driver and Vehicle Services office will draw funds from the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund. Cassandra O’Hern is the deputy commissioner of the Department of…

Farley’s Family Restaurant is Home to Award-Winning Quiche

Cooking Connection: Quiche Lorraine

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A local restaurant is touting a new title after a successful run at an international competition. Farley’s Family Restaurant got Second Place at the World Food Championships with their Quiche Lorraine recipe. Kelly Trumpold, the Owner and Executive Chef of Farley’s Family Restaurant, says the dish is easy to make at home but packed with flavor. Farley’s…

Minneapolis man on Trial in UW-Stout Student Death

Alhahdi was a Junior Majoring in Business Administration at UW-Stout

MENOMONIE, Wis. (AP) – A Minneapolis man is on trial in the beating death of a University of Wisconsin-Stout student from Saudi Arabia. The Leader-Telegram reports a jury was selected Tuesday for the trial of 28-year-old Cullen Osburn. He’s charged with felony murder and aggravated battery in the death of Hussain Saeed Alnahdi. The 24-year-old student died from a brain…

Dayton Seeks Nearly $1M to Keep Suicide Hotline Afloat

Gov. Mark Dayton is Asking Lawmakers to set Aside $969,000 to Keep the Line Open

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is calling on lawmakers to set aside $969,000 to keep the state’s only suicide prevention hotline from closing. The Minnesota Suicide Prevention Lifeline recently announced it would be forced to shut down next month without new funding. The 24-hour phone line links callers with local mental health professionals as well as…

Bring Your Unloaded gun: Gun Rights Supporters Plan Rallies

The Rallies are Being Planned by the National Constitutional Coalition of Patriotic Americans Group

(AP Photo/Jonathan J. Cooper, File)(AP) – Organizers are encouraging gun rights supporters to bring unloaded rifles to rallies at state capitols across the U.S. this weekend to counter a recent wave of student-led protests against gun violence. A group called the National Constitutional Coalition of Patriotic Americans is spreading word of the gatherings on social media. Coalition co-founder David Clayton…

Another top Official Leaves National Security Council

Waddell's Departure Date has not yet Been Determined

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) – Another top National Security Council staffer is leaving the White House as new National Security Adviser John Bolton makes his mark. Deputy national security adviser Ricky Waddell will be exiting the administration, said two administration officials with knowledge of the decision who were not authorized to speak publicly. Waddell’s departure date has not yet…

Trump Pick for Number Two job at EPA Clears Hurdle

Andrew Wheeler is a Former Coal Industry Lobbyist

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republicans have cleared a procedural hurdle to confirm a former coal industry lobbyist as the No. 2 official at the Environmental Protection Agency. If confirmed as deputy administrator, Andrew Wheeler would be next in line to lead if embattled administrator Scott Pruitt is forced out or resigns. The Senate voted 53-45 Thursday to limit debate on Wheeler’s…

State Won’t Collect $30 Million in MinnesotaCare Premiums

The State has Been Wrestling With the Computer Issue Since 2014.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – State officials say they will give up on efforts to collect a backlog of $30 million in MinnesotaCare premiums that weren’t paid because of problems with a computer system. The Minnesota Department of Human Services says the problem has been fixed, but identifying the people who had not been billed would likely cost more than…

Duluth Man to Run 13.1 Miles In Kevlar Vest For Fallen Officers

Austin Lauridsen Has Big Plans For the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in June

A respect for law enforcement has inspired one Northland man to go above and beyond to help the families of fallen officers. Austin Lauridsen is raising awareness for them by taking on a physical challenge, sacrificing his own comfort for 13.1 miles. He’ll be wearing a Kevlar vest that weighs an extra 30 pounds during the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon…

City Of Duluth To Launch Sales Tax Agreement With Airbnb

DULUTH, Minn. (Press Release) – The Duluth City Council passed a resolution Monday evening authorizing the Mayor and Chief Financial Officer to enter into what would be a historic tax collection agreement with Airbnb, the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company. Once signed, the tax agreement allows the company to collect tourist taxes on behalf of its Duluth hosts and remit…

Mock Rape Trial Held at UMD

Fictional trial aimed to educate the community about what real trials are like

DULUTH, Minn. – A mock rape trial was held at the University of Minnesota Duluth. It featured a fictional crime being presented by real attorneys in front of a real judge. Students served as a jury and decided whether to convict the fake defendant. Organizers hope the event will teach the community what a real rape trial is like. “I’m…

‘Mouthful of Maple’ Serves Maple Syrup Recipes at Glensheen

Wednesdays in April, Duluthians can check out maple-syrup inspired meals and programming

DULUTH, Minn. – You can get your maple syrup fix every Wednesday this month at the historic Glensheen estate. ‘Mouthful of Maple’ has cooking demonstrations and samples from the Duluth Grill. This week, they made maple fudge for the crowd. Plus, a speaker from Sapsucker Farms taught how to harvest maple syrup. “The Congdons did historically tap trees in Duluth…

Duluth Parks and Recreation Commission Holds Annual Meeting

Officials discussed past accomplishments and looked forward to new challenges in 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park renovation project has now been fully funded. Construction will begin in that park later this year. Meanwhile, the Duluth Parks and Recreation Commission is looking forward to their multi-million dollar St. Louis River Corridor Initiative. They discussed those and many more projects at their annual meeting tonight. “It’s an opportunity for the public to…

City Council Approves New Public Housing Police Officer

Officer will be one of two serving in Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority sites

DULUTH, Minn. – A new public housing community officer will be added to the Duluth police force. The city council approved paying $270,000 to fund the officer over the next three years. They will serve along with one other officer to improve conditions at Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority sites. “Anytime you have a police presence in a building, it…

Security Jewelers Auctioning Marathon Entries For Charity

This year the proceeds will benefit Hills Youth and Family Services formerly known as Woodland Hills.

DULUTH, Minn. – Going once, going twice, sold! The deadline to register for the Garry Bjorkland Half Marathon may have passed but if you’re still interested you have a chance to bid for a spot. Security Jewelers in Duluth is auctioning off a few of its marathon entries to the highest bidder. This year the proceeds will benefit Hills Youth and Family Services formerly…

NASA Program Brings Lunar Samples to Duluth Classrooms

Training sessions, such as this are made possible through the Duluth Childrens Museum and NASA partnership.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland classrooms have an opportunity to learn with lunar rocks through a NASA program. Lunar samples have been collected from the Apollo missions, but thanks to this training the rare pieces are easily accessible. Nearly a dozen educators participated in the hands-on training course. A researcher with NASA tells us, teachers are required to take the course because…

Animal Allies Awarded Thousands From “Share the Love” Campaign

DULUTH, Minn.- Not only is it National Pet Day, but Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth has even more reasons to celebrate. Animal Allies was presented with a check from Subaru of America and Miller Hill Subaru for its “Share the Love” campaign. When a customer purchased a vehicle between last November through January, $250 was donated to Animal Allies,…

Local Reaction On Speaker Paul Ryan’s Announcement

Since 2015 Paul Ryan has been the Speaker of the House.

DULUTH, Minn. – We caught up with Bill Miller a professor from the College of St. Scholastica for his reaction to Speaker Paul Ryan’s decision to not run. Miller believes the amount of stress Ryan has been under may have led to his decision to leave Congress. “I suspect that the pressures and the contention in the Republican caucus in the House and…

New Online Tool Bridging Health Community In the Northland

With this new tool the goal is to improve overall health in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Department has joined forces with other organizations to make health information available at your fingertips. Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospital are also on board to help create what’s called the Healthy Communities Institute Tool (HCI). With this new tool the goal is to improve overall health in the Northland….

Flag Ceremony Honors Organ Recipients and Donors

The flag is raised for 24 hours every time an organ is donated.

DULUTH, Minn.- Organ donors and recipients were honored today in downtown Duluth. Studies show over 3,00 people in the Midwest are waiting to receive an organ. Essentia Health raised a flag showing support for donors and recipients. We spoke with a donor recipient, who received a heart from a young man in a motorcycle accident. “I would go out of…

Zuckerberg Testimony Reveals Lawmaker Confusion on Facebook

Facebook is Confronting its Biggest Privacy Scandal in 14 Years

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)NEW YORK (AP) – Mark Zuckerberg has faced two days of grilling before House and Senate committees to address Facebook’s privacy issues and the need for more regulation for the social media site. Yet the hearings in Washington managed to showcase the normally press-shy Zuckerberg’s ability to perform as an able and well-rehearsed, if a bit stiff, CEO…

Trump Administration Weighing Drug Testing for Food Stamps

The Administration Wants to Allow States to Tighten Work Requirements for Food Stamp Recipients.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is considering a plan that would allow states to require mandatory drug testing for some food stamp recipients. If adopted, the plan would give a win to conservatives seeking to cut the safety net program. An administration official briefed on the plan says it would be narrowly targeted, applying mostly to people who are…

Fergus Falls man, Woman Charged With Murder in boy’s Death

The boy was Unresponisve When he was Brought to the Hospital Monday

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) – Prosecutors have charged a man and a woman from Fergus Falls with murder in the death of a 6-year-old boy they were caring for. Forty-year-old Bobbie Christine Bishop and 44-year-old Walter Henry Wynhoff are charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and malicious punishment of a child. The boy was unresponsive when he was brought to a…

One Dead After High Speed Chase in Beltrami County

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Patrol Continue to Investigate the Incident

ECKLES TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office was called to the 5600 block of Alps Court NW in Eckles Township regarding a knife assault just after 10 p.m. on Tuesday. The victim had fled the scene to a neighbor’s house that helped aid the victim and call 911. Authorities identified the victim as 25-year-old Raymond E. Oliver of…

Grand Rapids Region School Referendum Update

ISD 318 Unofficial Results Regarding School Referendum

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Yesterday residents living in the ISD 318 area cast their votes regarding referendums to the school district. Below are the ballot questions that were asked and the unofficial results at this time:   BALLOT QUESTION 1 (cost $68.9 million): Build two new neighborhood elementary schools in Grand Rapids to replace the three existing schools, some of…

United States Mint Launches Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Quarter

The Event is Being Held at Legendary Waters Resort in Red Cliff

RED CLIFF, Wis. – Legendary Waters Resort in Red Cliff is hosting The United States Mint and the National Park Service today for the launch of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program honoring Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore quarter is the 42nd release in the Beautiful Quarters Program. The program was launched in 2009 with the…

Minnesota Issues Plan for Spending $47M VW Diesel Settlement

The Money Will Help Replace old Diesel Equipment With Cleaner Vehicles

(Photo: Markus Schreiber / AP file)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota plans to spend the first phase of its $47 million from the national Volkswagen settlement on replacing large, old diesel equipment with cleaner vehicles. Volkswagen agreed to pay the money after it was exposed for programming diesel cars to cheat on emissions tests. Minnesota gets $11.75 million in Phase…

Retirement Planning Week Prompts Simple Saving Tips

National Retirement Planning Week is April 9 - 13, Prompting Tips to Start Saving Now

DULUTH, Minn. – This week is National Retirement Planning Week, a week dedicated to helping American’s get their financial plans on track so that they can retire on their terms. Whether you’re a millennial just entering the workforce or a baby boomer transitioning into retirement, you may be surprised to learn some of the basic tips you should be implementing…

Humane Society of Douglas County to “Paws for Love”

The Fundraising Gala is Happening Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Yellowjacket Union in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Residents in the Twin Ports are invited to purchase tickets now through Friday, April 13 for the 12th Annual Paws for Love Fundraising Gala supporting the Humane Society of Douglas County in Superior. Tickets are on sale right now for $50 per person. This includes a fabulous dinner, musical entertainment and live and silent auctions as well…

Bank Robbery Suspect Trying to Impress Taylor Swift

Authorities say the Suspect Wanted to Propose to the pop Star

ANSONIA, Conn. (AP) – Police say a Connecticut man with a crush on singer Taylor Swift robbed a bank and then went to the pop star’s Rhode Island mansion where he threw cash over a fence in an attempt to impress her. Bruce Rowley, of Derby, is charged with robbing an Ansonia bank on April 4. Police say “it seemed…

Trump Says ‘Missiles Coming’ Against Syria, ‘new and smart’

Trump did not Detail What a Strike Would Look Like, or Whether These Would be U.S. Missiles

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – After Russia warned the United States against military strikes in Syria, President Donald Trump says missiles “will be coming.” Trump says on Twitter Wednesday: “Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart!’” Russian lawmakers have warned that Moscow…

House Speaker Ryan Won’t run for Re-Election

Ryan Will Serve out his Term and Retire in January

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan will not run for re-election, his office announced Wednesday, injecting another layer of uncertainty as Republicans face worries over losing their majority in the fall. Ryan’s plans have been the source of much speculation and will set off a scramble among his lieutenants to take the helm. A self-styled budget guru, Ryan…

Spirit Mountain Accident Victim Remembered As ‘Vibrant’

Medical Examiner: Derek Harms Suffered "Multiple Blunt Force Injuries"

DULUTH, Minn.- Derek Harms, a 20-year-old Winona State University student, has been identified as the victim in a fatal snowboarding accident at Spirit Mountain on Sunday, according to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. The incident happened at about 1:15 p.m. At that time, emergency crews were called to the bottom of the Big Air Terrain Park where the snowboarder was…

Great Outdoors: 52nd Annual Arrowhead Home & Builders Show

It's one of the largest shows dedicated to gardening and remodeling for your homes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of people rolled into the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) for the Arrowhead Home and Builders Show. It’s one of the largest shows dedicated to gardening and remodeling for your homes. For this week’s Great Outdoors we give you to a front row ticket to the Arrowhead Home and Builders Show. The Arrowhead Home and Builders…

UMD Receives Heroes Welcome

National Championship Celebration took place at AMSOIL Arena Tuesday evening

DULUTH, Minn.- Bulldogs fans started pouring into AMSOIL arena sporting their maroon and gold proudly. Fans of all ages came to the event showing just how important this win is to everyone the community. “Its not just a regional thing, it’s a national thing and two times in ten years, it speaks a lot” said superfan, Bret Haugen. “I was jumping…

Superior Public Library Expanding to Offer More Programs

This is the first time in nearly 25 years the library will undergo renovations.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Public Library is undergoing renovations to create more space for community members. This is the first update the library has received in nearly 25 years. Overall the project is halfway completed, work is underway for a new teen area, the children’s room is being expanded, and new carpeting. “We just hope to be able to offer…

“The Harbinger” to Begin Shooting Next Week

Feature Film Is Being Produced at Ironbound Studios in Chisholm

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Last month, we told you about a movie set being built in Chisholm. “The Harbinger” is expected to begin shooting on April 17th. As the Veterans Films crew continues to prepare, they’re becoming more and more impressed with local Iron Range workers. Stepping through the doorway that connects the Chisholm City Hall to Ironbound Studios is like…

Chicago Cubs Opening Day Celebrated at Northland Pub

Carmody Irish Pub celebrates the Cubs opening day every year.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Chicago Cub’s fans are in good spirits Tuesday as they celebrate opening day, even here in Duluth. The owners of Carmody Irish Pub, wear the Cubs gear proudly and invite the public to join them. The Pub even offers up hot dogs and special beer prices. “My father was a Cub’s fan, he was an immigrant, an Irish…

UMD National Championship Gear Hits the Shelves

The official championship gear can be found on UMD campus.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  Fans are stocking up on new apparel honoring the Bulldogs win. The UMD Stores on campus started stocking the shelves with hundreds of championship gear early Tuesday morning. This is the busiest day for the campus store and it’s no surprise to staff. “We’re sure to be stocked for today, tomorrow, and the upcoming weeks so it’s just…

Superior Receives First State of the City Address in Years

Mayor Jim Paine informed the community of his achievements and future plans.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  For the first time since 2010 Superior receives State of the City Address. On Tuesday, Mayor Paine presented to the community his achievements over the past year and his future plans. Paine says it’s an honor to serve as Mayor and feels the public should be informed. Afterward, the packed crowd responded with applause. Mayor Paine says next…

Karson Kuhlman Signs 2-Year NHL Entry Deal

UMD's Senior Captain Signs with the Boston Bruins

ESKO, Minn.-  It seems that just as quickly as one journey ends, a new one begins as UMD Senior Captain Karson  Kuhlman has signed a 2 year entry level deal with the Boston Bruins. During his time with UMD, Kuhlman played in an astonishing 166 consecutive games, the 7th longest streak in NCAA history. The Esko native will join the Providence…

Wilderness React to Humboldt Tragedy

Humboldt Crash Hits Home in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn.-  After a tragedy in Humbolt that left a team and its families torn apart, the entire international hockey community has rallied in support with fundraisers now eclipsing 4 million dollars, there’s also been showings of support across North America, with #PutYourSticksOut prompting people to leave hockey sticks on their porch in remembrance of the 15 players and coaches…

Twin Ports Employers Visit WITC for Job Fair

In a 2016 survey, 72 percent of those employed were able to start their career in an occupation related to their training.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – It’s been a big day for Northland job seekers. More than 60 Twin Ports employers gathered in Superior for a job fair on the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) campus. For many students the job fair is their first step into the door for a new job with an opportunity to give employers their resumes. Some of…

Bong Veterans Historical Center Celebrates Northland Heroes With Updated Exhibit

It's the first update of this magnitude since the museum opened 15 years ago.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior is updating one of its exhibits that celebrates the life of Maj. Richard “Dick” Bong. The Northland Heroes Exhibit is undergoing a multi-phase renovation. It’s the first update of this magnitude since the museum opened 15 years ago. The exhibit expands on Bong’s family history, shows exclusive artifacts and his…

Local Eateries Will Be Featured On the Travel Channel

Staff tell us after being featured on a national program like Diners, Drive–ins and Dives their mail orders have been exploding.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northern Waters Smokehaus in Duluth is use to the spotlight. Back in 2008 they were featured on the TV show Diners, Drive–ins and Dives. Today Northern Waters got a visit from the Travel Channel. Staff won’t say exactly what the segment being shot in the restaurant will be about but they are happy for the recognition. “We’re…

Superior School District Speaks Out After Cooper Elementary School Fire

The district is waiting on investigation reports.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- We’re learning new information about a fire at Cooper Elementary School in Superior that caused $1.5 million dollars in damage. Many questions remain unanswered like if the new Cooper building will still open in time for the next school year as planned. We know arson is not suspected and it’s believed the original fire started in a gym…

Residents in Grand Rapids Region Voting on School Referendum Today

Voters Have Until 8 p.m. to Cast Ballot

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-Today residents who live in the Independent School District 318 region (which includes Grand Rapids, Cohasset, and Bigfork) will have their voices heard about referendums to the school district there. Voters have until 8 p.m. to cast their ballot. Below are the two ballot questions that will be asked. BALLOT QUESTION 1 (cost $68.9 million): Build two new…

Facebook “Working With” Mueller on Russia Probe

Zuckerberg Testifying Before Congress Today

WASHINGTON (AP) – Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg says his company is “working with” special counsel Robert Mueller in his probe into Russian interference. Earlier this year Mueller charged 13 Russian individuals and three Russian companies in a plot to interfere in the 2016 presidential election through a social media propaganda effort that included online ad purchases using U.S. aliases and…

Tickets on Sale for AAD Shrine Circus

The AAD Shrine Circus is Happening Friday, April 13 - Sunday, April 15, 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – The 72nd Annual AAD Shrine Circus is happening in Duluth Friday, April 13 – Sunday, April 15. The Circus is a fundraiser for the local AAD Shrine, with all funds raised from the Circus going back to the AAD Shrine to help with funding the organizations day-to-day expenses. This is the primary fundraiser for the AAD Shrine….

Sammy’s Pizza, Still Saucy After 64 Years

Sammy's Pizza Will be Donating Event Proceeds to Disabled Veterans Chapters

DULUTH, Minn. – Sammy’s Pizza is celebrating 64 years in business by giving back. The pizza shop will be hosting a three-day anniversary event from April 16-18 to give back to those who have served in the armed forces. During the event customers who purchase any 14” or larger pizza can buy a 12” one-topping pizza for only 64 cents….