Evening Update: 5-18-2018
A look at the latest local news and weather forecast
Categories: News, News – Latest News Tags: duluth, News
News
Patrol IDs man Killed by Semi on I-94 After Crashing car
Schneeman Died at the Scene
CASSELTON, N.D. (AP) – Authorities have released the name of a 35-year-old North Dakota man who was struck and killed by a semi-truck as he walked on Interstate 94. The Highway Patrol identifies the victim as William Schneeman of Bismarck. Authorities say Schneeman had crashed his car on the interstate west of Casselton early Thursday. He got out of his…
Man Killed by Train When Scooter got Stuck on Tracks
Authorities are Investigating the Incident
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – Authorities a man was killed by a train when his mobility scooter got stuck on some railroad tracks in downtown Rochester. KTTC-TV reports witnesses told police the scooter’s wheels got stuck as the crossing gates came down and the lights activated shortly before 8 a.m. Friday. The Canadian Pacific train operator blew the whistle and hit…
Texas High School Shooting Suspect Held on Capital Murder Charge
Suspect had Intended on Killing Himself
(Galveston County Sheriff’s Office via AP)SANTA FE, Texas (AP) – A sheriff says the 17-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of at least 10 people at his Houston-area high school is being held on a capital murder charge. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset says in a statement that the student, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, is being held without bond in the Galveston…
Passenger jet Crashes Near Havana With at Least 110 Aboard
HAVANA (AP) — A Cuban-operated airliner with at least 110 people on board crashed into a cassava field just after takeoff from Havana’s international airport on Friday. There appeared to be mass casualties as Cuban officials said three people had survived, but had yet to give an official toll. Authorities said there were 104 passengers and nine foreign crew members…
Texas Shooting may Spur School Security Bill
The Money Allows Schools to Fund Security Upgrades Like Bulletproof Glass
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican party leaders say they may move quickly to pass a $28 million bill for security upgrades at Minnesota schools after the latest school shooting in Texas. That additional funding has been part of the plan since the session began in February. But Republicans had planned to include it as part of a broader budget…
Trump’s Pick to Head Veterans Affairs: Robert Wilkie
Wilkie is a Former Pentagon Undersecretary
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON (AP) – Acting Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie is President Donald Trump’s pick to permanently lead the beleaguered department. Wilkie is a former Pentagon undersecretary for personnel and readiness. He’s led the agency for two months, ever since Trump fired David Shulkin amid an internal revolt and questions about his compliance with ethics rules. Wilkie appeared…
St. Paul Police Investigate Three Stun gun Attacks
Police are Warning People to be Careful
ST.PAUL, Minn. (AP) – St. Paul police are investigating three recent stun gun attacks. Investigators say the first attack happened Saturday night just north of Como Park Golf Course. A man out walking was assaulted by several males with a stun gun who took his keys. Two other attacks happened Monday night. A man riding his bike was hit from…
Legislative Auditor to Probe Allegations of Child Care Fraud
James Nobles' Office Will Investigate the Alleged Fraud
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s legislative auditor will investigate allegations that child care providers are stealing money from the state’s publicly funded child-subsidy program. Legislative Auditor James Nobles tells the Star Tribune his office will explore the scope of the alleged fraud and whether the Human Services Department had adequate controls to prevent it. Nobles said several lawmakers asked his office…
Possible Explosives Found at Texas School
As Many as 10 People Dead
SANTA FE, Texas (AP) — Authorities say possible explosive devices have been found at and adjacent to the Texas high school where a shooting left as many as 10 people dead. The Santa Fe Independent School District said in a statement Friday that authorities are in the process of rendering the devices safe. There’s no indication how many devices have…
No Injuries in Early Morning Semi Truck Fire
No Reported Injuries
CANYON, Minn. – Minnesota State Patrol Officers responded to a semi-truck on fire this morning on Northbound Highway 53 between Birch Road and Harris Road just South of Canyon. Reports show that the semi-truck blew a tire and became fully engulfed in flames shortly after pulling over to the shoulder of the Highway. Responding fire crews were able to extinguish…
Boat Safety Week Kicks Off with Life Jacket Reminder
DULUTH, Minn. -As the weather warms and more folks hit the water, several officials are reminding Northlanders to be cautious on the lake. This coming week is all about safety on the water as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marks National Safe Boating Week. National Safe Boating Week is being held from May 20-26. The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor…
Local Media Report Fatalities at Texas School
No Exact Numbers on Fatalities
(KTRK-TV ABC13 via AP)SANTA FE, Texas (AP) – Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a high school. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting early Friday at Santa Fe High School, about 30 miles southeast of Houston. The…
Missing Child Found in Iowa
Authorities Have Located Missing Child
CAMDEN, S.C. – Authorities confirm that Dakota Ray, the missing 2-year-old from South Carolina, was located in Iowa late yesterday. Dakota had been missing since April and was last seen at a hospital in Iowa on Monday with her parents. Officials say the child is safe and in protective custody. The child’s parents, William and Jessica Ray, were arrested on…
Active Shooter Reported at Texas High School
Authorities Have not Confirmed any Additional Information at This Time
SANTA FE, Texas (AP) – Law enforcement officers are responding to a high school near Houston after an active shooter was reported on campus. The Santa Fe school district issued an alert Friday morning saying Santa Fe High School has been placed on lockdown. Galveston County sheriff’s Maj. Douglas Hudson says units are responding to reports of shots fired. He…
Body Found in Forest Lake Woods
Officers are not Looking for any Suspects
FOREST LAKE, Minn. (AP) – Police are working to learn the identity of a body found in some woods in Forest Lake. Authorities say a man searching for morel mushrooms found the body Thursday behind the CenturyLink building. Police Capt. Greg Weiss says officers are not looking for any suspects in the death. Weiss says he can’t comment on whether…
Gunman Arrested After Police Shootout at Trump Resort
Trump was not at the Club at the Time
(AP Photo/Frieda Frisaro)DORAL, Fla. (AP) — Gunfire erupted early Friday at President Donald Trump’s golf resort, as a man shouting anti-Trump rhetoric draped a flag over a lobby counter and exchanged fire with officers in what one official called an “ambush” before being arrested, police said. One officer received a broken arm and the suspect was wounded by gunfire in…
Quick-Changing Weather Crushes Sailboat Into Aerial Lift Bridge
Nobody was injured but the possibility was very real for that to happen as the force of Mother Nature was too powerful to control.
DULUTH, Minn.- It started out as a beautiful 80-degree day on Lake Superior, but that quickly changed. Nobody was injured but the possibility was very real for that to happen as the force of Mother Nature was too powerful to control. “We just proved it yesterday the weather on Lake Superior can change in two seconds,” Campbell said. The first…
SPECIAL REPORT: Autism In the Northland
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that can cause significant challenges in social interaction, communication and behavior.
DULUTH, Minn. – Autism is something many children and their families have to live with every day and it’s more common than you might think. Life with autism is a reality Amanda Keppers knows too well. She has a 16-year-old son named Chris. “Very artistic, he loves arts and crafts,” said Keppers. “He loves the mechanical pieces of anything.” You can…
Stinson Avenue Reopens Near Husky Explosion Site
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Stinson Avenue between Bardon and Hill avenues has reopened following its closure after the Husky Energy fire and explosion. Speed is reduced through the area, and stopping in the roadway is not allowed. Husky representatives said Thursday the closure was necessary so investigators could complete their work and clean up debris along the road. There may also…
Valentini’s Expanding in Duluth’s Holiday Center
The new Valentini's is scheduled to open next month.
DULUTH, Minn. – After operating for more than 100 years and several locations across Minnesota, Valentini’s in Duluth is expanding. Valentini’s To Go is located in downtown Duluth’s holiday center. The owner says an expansion was staring her in the face. So she’s taking over space right across from her. The former home to How Sweet It Is. “We’ve created…
Life House Recognizes Youth Making A Difference at Celebration of Success Night
In 2017, Life House served 800 people, that's 150 more than the previous year.
DULUTH, Minn. – Life House hosted its fourth annual Celebration of Success to recognize outstanding youth. Life House supports homeless youth and has been around since 1991. The night highlights 30 young people nominated by staff who have made progress toward their personal goals. The celebration focuses on the successes of the youth that Life House staff say sometimes goes…
Ruby’s Pantry Helping Families Stretch Their Dollar With Food and Groceries
On average there are about 235 shares of food donated every month.
DULUTH, Minn. – Every third Thursday of the month Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop helps families stretch their dollar with food and groceries. This is how it works for just a $20 donation, people can come in and get a big collection of food. It takes place at Duluth’s First United Methodist Church. There are no income requirements and organizers say it’s a…
UMD Installs Solar Panels At Resident Hall
The project was more than three years in the making and was student funded and driven by the student group called the Solar University Network.
DULUTH, Minn. – UMD is making history after installing solar panels on one of its residence halls. UMD students, faculty and staff and others were at the Oakland Apartment Complex. The project was more than three years in the making and was student funded and driven by the student group called the Solar University Network. “It’s a 38 kilowatt array that…
Colalillo Monument Fixed in Western Duluth
Two Locals Stepped Up to Get it Fixed
DULUTH, Minn.-A monument dedicated to a Northland World War II hero has received a makeover. Two Northlander’s heard the monument for Mike Colalillo, who won the Medal of Honor for all he did serving in the Army, was being worn down by the elements. So they stepped to get it fixed up so future generations will understand all the sacrifices that…
Wisconsin Senate Candidate’s Top Priority Expanding Husky Refinery
Candidate James Bolen discussed his priorities in the Northland.
SUPERIOR, Wis.- 25th District Senate candidate James Bolen running for the Wisconsin Senate spoke–out Thursday highlighting his goals if elected, Husky Refinery is top on the list. Bolen is asking the Husky Refinery to rebuild the facility and consider expanding. This would come after the post-explosion inspection. Bolen says the expansion would also add more high tech safety measures.”I think…
Seat Belt Safety Brought Forward in Northland
90 Percent of Minnesotans Wear Seat Belts
DULUTH, Minn.-Over the last five years more than 400 Minnesotans lost their lives because they weren’t wearing a seat belt. Today, the Northeast Minnesota chapter of the Toward Zero Deaths Campaign, brought together law enforcement and the medical community to talk with the public about how wearing one can save your life. They said more than 90 percent of Minnesotans…
Honoring Duluth’s First Responders
Heads bowed on Thursday in honor of the 128 officers that died while serving the community
DULUTH, Minn.- Police week celebrations continue in the Northland, as first responders in Duluth were recognized. The 29th annual Law Enforcement Memorial Prayer Luncheon is dedicated to honoring officers serving, retired, and fallen. Heads bowed on Thursday in honor of the 128 officers that died while serving the community, one right here in Minnesota. “So we remember those that actually…
Evening Update: 5-17-2018
A look at the latest local news and weather
Categories: News, News – Latest News
Bill to Bypass Regulators on Enbridge Line Three Heads to Dayton
The PUC is Scheduled to Vote Late Next Month
(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A bill that would let Enbridge Energy bypass the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and proceed with replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota is on its way to Gov. Mark Dayton, who has promised a veto. The Minnesota House voted 74-53 on Thursday to accept the…
Superior Cooper Elementary School Opening Postponed Until 2019
The School's East and West Wings Will Need to be Gutted to the Metal Studs
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior School District officials have announced that the new Copper Elementary School opening will be postponed until September 2019. Officials said in their release this afternoon, “Postponing the opening of the new Cooper for one school year will ensure that the restoration process can be done thoroughly and methodically.” After weeks of reviewing the building’s damages the…
Toppers Pizza Grand Opening in June
DULUTH, Minn. – Toppers is pizza has announced they will be holding their Grand Opening on June 16th. As part of their grand opening celebration Toppers will be giving out free pizza for a year to the first 50 people in line opening day. The new Toppers Pizza location will be at 1231 East 9th Street across from the Cenex…
Authorities say Missing Child may be in Minnesota
Call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children With any Information
DULUTH, Minn. – The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children along with the Camden Police Department in South Carolina are asking for the public’s help to locate a missing 2-year-old child. Authorities believe Dakota Ray may now be in Minnesota after she was taken by her parents William and Jessica Ray on April 15. Authorities say they have reason…
Lowest US Birth Rate in Three Decades Could Pose Risk to Economy
U.S. Babies Born Dropped two Percent From 2016
(AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — Women in the United States gave birth last year at the lowest rate in 30 years, a trend that could weigh on economic growth in the coming decades. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics said Thursday that the number of U.S. babies born last year fell 2 percent…
Senate Confirms Gina Haspel as new CIA Director
Haspel is the First Female Director of the CIA
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed Gina Haspel as the first female director of the CIA following a rocky nomination process that reopened debate about one of the darkest chapters in the spy agency’s history. Thursday’s vote was 54-45. Republican John McCain was absent. Haspel’s nomination was contentious because of her role in a former…
Electronics Recycling Event to Take Over Bayfront Park
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend you have the chance to get rid of old electronics in a way that’s healthy for the environment. Global Ewaste Solutions is hosting the 2nd Annual Electronic Collection Event in the Bayfront Festival Parking Lot. The event will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Community members can bring cords, laptops, tv’s, and more. The…
Duluth to Celebrate Music and Passions of Bob Dylan
Duluth Dylan Fest to Kick-Off Saturday
DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Saturday and lasting through the following week, Bob Dylan and his music will be the talk of the town. It’s all part of the Annual Duluth Dylan Fest. The week-long celebration honors Bob Dylan’s music, passions and influence on the Northland. Events will be taking place throughout the Northland May 19 – 27 in conjunction with…
Adding Heat to Your Salad with JJ Astor
Cooking Connection: JJ Astor
DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm there are more and more vegetables available to take advantage of in the kitchen. For this week’s cooking connection Robert Boyd, the Director of Food and Beverage for JJ Astor, showed William Seay how to make a warm salad using those vegetable options. JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge is located in…
St. Cloud man Struck, Killed by Semitrailer on I-94 After Crashing car
The Semi Driver has not Been Charged
CASSELTON, N.D. (AP) – A Minnesota man is dead after he crashed his car in southeastern North Dakota and then was struck by a semitrailer while walking on the highway. The Highway Patrol says the 36-year-old man from St. Cloud, Minnesota, crashed his car on Interstate 94 west of Casselton early Thursday. A semitrailer came upon him shortly after 3…
Tree Worker Killed in on-the-job Incident in Richfield
The Worker was Killed by a Flying Piece of Metal
RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) – A landscaping company employee is dead after an on-the-job incident in Richfield. Authorities say the 51-year-old worker was killed Wednesday by a flying piece of metal from a wood chipper. It happened while another employee with Victory Tree Service was working on the clogged machine. The worker who died was identified by family as 51-year-old Bill…
Multiple People Hurt After School bus, Dump Truck Crash in New Jersey
Mount Olive Mayor Says 'It's a Horrific Scene'
(Jay Faltings via AP) MOUNT OLIVE, N.J. (AP) — A school bus and dump truck collided on a New Jersey highway Thursday, ripping apart the bus, knocking it on its side and injuring multiple people, according to police. The school bus was on the median of Interstate 80 in Mount Olive and the front end of the bus appeared to…
Man Accused of Pulling Down Pants of Sleeping Woman on Train
Authorities are Investigating the Incident
Photo: Ramsey County Correctional CenterST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A criminal sexual conduct charge has been filed against a man accused of pulling down the pants of a woman sleeping on a light rail train heading into downtown St. Paul. Authorities allege a 39-year-old woman on the train awoke on March 10 to find 70-year-old Kenneth Logans pulling down her…
Dayton Vetoes tax Bill
Dayton Said the Bill Favored the Wealthy and Corporations
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a bill that would have aligned Minnesota’s state tax code with federal changes passed last year. The Democratic governor rejected the bill passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature with about 20 grade-school students standing behind him at a St. Paul school. Dayton said the bill tilted toward the wealthy and corporations….
7-year-old boy Dies of Gunshot Wound to the Head
The boy was Pronounced Dead at the Scene
PLYMOUTH, Minn. (AP) — Police say a 7-year-old boy has died after being shot in the head in suburban Minneapolis. Plymouth police say officers were called around 3 p.m. Wednesday on a report that a child was bleeding from a wound in the head. When officers arrived at the Plymouth home, they discovered he had suffered a gunshot wound. Efforts…
Minnesota Officials Denounce EPA’s Planned Limits on Science
The Change Will Increase Transparency in Decision-Making
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s top environmental and health officials have denounced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to restrict the types of scientific studies that regulators can use to determine human health impacts. In a blistering letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner John Linc Stine and Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm say the limits…
Fit-N-Fun Run Held in Northland
DULUTH,Minn. – Nearly 2,000 Duluth elementary students hit the track at public school stadium for the annual Fit-N-Fun Run. Students ran a quarter of a mile during the event which is aimed at teaching younger kids about healthy lifestyles. Directors of the race said this event could stop some bad habits that young people develop at an early age. “It’s…
Fire Rips Through Home on Chester Parkway in Duluth
One Resident was Transported to a Nearby Hospital for Minor Injuries; Official Cause Unknown
DULUTH, Minn. – Shortly before 2:30 a.m. Thursday, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 114 Chester Parkway. Officials say crews found a heavily engulfed front porch on a two-story single family home. One of the occupants was reportedly still inside the structure, while the other had safely made his way out. Responders were able…
Daughter Remembers Father Who Died Working At Sappi Paper Mill
Cause Of Death Under Investigation
CLOQUET, Minn. – FOX 21 learned more about a worker at Cloquet’s Sappi paper and pulp mill who died on the job Tuesday. He’s 53-year old Ryan Martin of Duluth. Circumstances surrounding his death were not made available Wednesday. Authorities are investigating. A Sappi spokesperson said the company is “shocked and saddened.” Martin’s daughter, Melissa Martin, said her father was…
First Responders Return to Chetek for Anniversary Ceremony
About 20 Team Rubicon volunteers spent five days taking down trees and removing them resident's homes.
Chetek, Wis. – The Barron County Sheriff’s Office says within one hour of the tornado hitting the ground 100 first responders came to the scene. Another 100 arrived within the second hour. Those who helped in the disaster relief efforts were invited back like volunteers from Team Rubicon who helped out. About 20 volunteers spent five days taking down trees…
Chetek Community Reflects On Historic Tornado One Year Later
The tornado hit Barron, Polk, Rusk and Rice counties, winds were estimated at 130 mph and caused more than $10 million in damage.
Chetek, Wis. – One year ago a violent EF-3 tornado struck and ripped apart Chetek, Wisconsin and surrounding communities changing lives forever. and now the rebuilding process continues. Most of the damage from the tornado happened here at the Prairie Lakes Estates Trailer Park. You can still see much of them destruction and the piles of trees that still remain. When tragedy strikes it’s something you can’t forget. On…
