News

People Pack Bentleyville As Christmas Nears

DULUTH, Minn. — With Christmas one week away, Bentleyville Tour of Lights was busier than ever Sunday at Bayfront Park. Thousands of families enjoyed all of the lights, displays and joy Bentleyville has to offer. It’s the attraction’s 20th season at Bayfront. And while it’s the largest free walk-through display in America, some decided to run through it Sunday evening,…

WI Man Gets 3 Years In Prison For Bomb Threat Against Governor In 2018

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin man who made a bomb threat in 2018 that prompted a search of then-Gov. Scott Walker’s office in the state Capitol has been sentenced to three years in prison and two years of extended supervision, the state Department of Justice announced on Friday. Terrance Grissom, 53, was already serving time for making other threats…

Shoppers Get Last Minute Gifts at Great Hall Marketplace

DULUTH, Minn. — With Christmas just over a week away, people were getting in some last minute gift shopping at the Great Hall Marketplace at the Duluth Depot Saturday. Over 60 local vendors filled the great hall, from bakers to painters, and even Christmas ornaments to finish your decorating. The annual marketplace sees large crowds each year, with shoppers looking to…

Minnesota State Cemetery in Saginaw Honors Veterans Through Wreaths Across America

Saturday the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw Minnesota, took place in the annual tradition of Wreaths Across the Nation. Dozens of family members and volunteers placed wreaths to honor and remember our veterans.

SAGINAW, Minn. — Every year millions of people across the nation gather to place a wreath at the final resting place of American veterans. For its fifth time, the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw Minnesota participated in the event. Wreaths across America started at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992, and has grown rapidly ever since. “Over time it expanded…

Boys and Girls Clubs Now Sporting Holiday Looks

DULUTH, Minn. — We might not have snow yet, but that doesn’t mean people are not getting into the Christmas spirit. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Duluth were turned into places of holiday joy this afternoon. At least two great things came about  Friday afternoon. One is that the kids did not find out about the redecorating until they…

Forest Service Denies Lutsen’s Plan to Expand

LUTSEN TOWNSHIP, Minn- The Forest Service has issued its final decision on Lutsen’s request to expand its ski area by an additional 495 acres. The Forest Service selected the “No Action Alternative” and will not be approving Lutsen’s permit application. The Forest Service said that its decision was based on several factors. Among them are impacts on tribal resources, potential…

One Roof Community Housing To Receive $50 Million in Funding

DULUTH, Minn. — One Roof Community Housing has been recommended to receive over 50 million dollars in funding for building and renovation– which should help the current housing shortage in the northland. The funding from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency will be the largest amount One Roof has ever received. The funds will go towards providing affordable single family homes…

Gary-New Duluth Christmas Displays Bring Holiday Joy

Christmas decorations are plentiful as generations carry on the tradition

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – The lack of snow certainly isn’t hindering the Christmas spirit in Gary-New Duluth. While some are happy with just a Christmas tree in their window or a simple string of white lights, others take decorating to the extreme. Shelly Wick-Zeman said her husband has been putting decorations up outside their home since before Halloween. “People…

Silent Vigil Held in Honor of Gun Violence Victims

Community members gathered at Peace Church on the anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting

DULUTH, Minn. — Today marks the 11th anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting, which took the lives of 26 first graders and educators. Here in Duluth, a silent vigil was held in honor of all gun violence victims. The Northland Brady Chapter, an advocate group against gun violence, and Peace Church invited community members to take time out of their…

Teen Toys Needed For Salvation Army Families

DULUTH, Minn. – It is the time of the year when people and groups gather toys to provide some joy to those who may not have a lot of happiness in their lives. At the Salvation Army, an entire truckload of toys was brought in and the donation was much appreciated. However, there’s one group of kids that seems to…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Makes Interim State Court Director Permanent Despite Complaints

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court announced Thursday that the director of state courts job will be filled by the person who has been doing it since August, despite complaints that the hiring was illegal because she had been elected to serve as a Milwaukee County judge. Audrey Skwierawski took a leave from her job as a Milwaukee County circuit…

There’s Still Time To Donate To Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive

The distribution event is happening December 17.

DULUTH, Minn. — A community event is making sure every kid gets a Christmas present this year. The Make Every Child Smile toy drive is an opportunity to be the ultimate Secret Santa by getting gifts so infants through teens have something to unwrap over the holidays. This year a woman donated hundreds of beanie babies to give to the…

Mail Delays Causing Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is calling for the US Postal System to do a better job of delivering the mail without delays. Smith said she is hearing that mail delivery is inconsistent and that sometimes people are waiting for critical packages, such as those containing prescription medications. Smith and Senator Amy Klobuchar have introduced legislation that would…

‘Hairball’ Coming to Black Bear; Vocalist Drew Hart Wowed By Age Range Of Fans

Hairball, one of the most popular tribute bands in America, is hitting the big, big stage this New Year’s Eve, performing at half-time at U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers game. But before that, Hairball is headed back to Black Bear Casino this Friday to perform. Drew Hart, one of the lead vocalist for Hairball,…

Mayor-Elect Reinert Makes First Shakeup At Duluth City Hall

DULUTH, Minn. — A shakeup has begun at Duluth City Hall.  Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert announced new nominations Wednesday for Chief Administrative Officer and City Attorney. Reinert has tapped Dave Montgomery to return to the role of CAO.  Montgomery retired from that position in 2018 after serving nine years under Mayors Emily Larson and Don Ness. Reinert said Montgomery will only…

State Narrows Flag Finalists to Three

DULUTH, Minn.  -The State Emblem Redesign Commission cut the field of possible new state flags to three at its meeting Tuesday. One of  the three finalists for the new flag will be chosen by the end of this year and displayed for the first time on May 11, Statehood Day in Minnesota Not included in the final three is the…

Iron Range Hells Angels “President” Charged in Eveleth Alleged Kidnapping and Assault

Criminal complaint includes two felony charges; says accused is "President" of Hells Angels Iron Range Charter.

A man described as the head of the Hells Angels on the Iron Range was charged Wednesday in an alleged kidnapping and assault case. He is charged with two felonies, including kidnapping and false imprisonment. He’s also charged with assault. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court says the man is Jerand Paul French. The complaint says French, 38,…

Superior Firefighters Rescue Deer Stranded On Ice

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A deer stranded on the ice of the St. Louis River was safely rescued Wednesday morning by fire crew members in Superior. Reports of the little guy stranded on the ice came in Wednesday morning. The Superior Fire Department says Platoon 3 crews then arrived on scene, put on their ice rescue suits, took out their inflatable…

Supreme Court Will Hear A Case That Could Undo Capitol Riot Charge Against Hundreds, Including Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will hear an appeal that could upend hundreds of charges stemming from the Capitol riot, including against former President Donald Trump. The justices will review a charge of obstruction of an official proceeding that has been brought against more than 300 people. The charge refers to the disruption of Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential…

DSGW Architecture Creates Annual Gingerbread Village

DULUTH, Minn. — An architectural firm in Duluth is bringing the holiday spirit to the Northland. DSGW Architecture has built their annual Gingerbread Village. The company started this tradition during the pandemic as a way to get together and celebrate when they couldn’t have their Christmas parties. It has expanded over the years with themes such as a ski village…

Northwood Children’s Service Receives Support From RSM

DULUTH, Minn. — Northwood Children’s Services received a big check Tuesday, thanks to a generous donation from RSM Duluth. It’s all part of the financial service’s Power of Love, nationwide fundraising initiative supporting youth in the areas of education, hunger, housing, and health. They chose Northwood Children’s Services because the non-profit aligns perfectly with those areas. And along with the…

1 Of 3 Suspects Charged In Eveleth Kidnapping, Sexual Assault

EVELETH, Minn. — An Eveleth man with alleged connections to the Hells Angels has been charged with beating up and kidnapping another man, and sexually assaulting a woman. A criminal complaint says he is one of three men in custody who have connections with the motorcycle group. Charges against Paul Anthony Debelak include kidnapping to commit bodily harm, criminal sexual…

DOJ Arrests 10 Wanted Fugitives In Twin Ports

TWIN PORTS, Minn. – Ten wanted fugitives are off the streets of the Twin Ports after an operation lead by the U.S. Department of Justice. During the arrests between Dec. 8 and the 12th, three handguns were recovered, along with 69 fentanyl pills, meth and cocaine. Five of the suspects were wanted for firearms-related crimes, according to authorities. A half-dozen…

Lincoln Park Boys & Girls Club Remodels Cafeteria

The Club Partnered with Bell Bank to Upgrade the Multi-Purpose Space

DULUTH, Minn. — The Boys and Girls Club in Lincoln Park just got a much-needed refresh to its Game Room and Cafeteria. New flooring, cabinets, and a colorful paint were added to the space to create a more functional serving area. Tim McShane, president of Bell Bank Twin Ports, said the remodel was possible thanks to their $25,000 donation. “The…

First Witness Opens New Center in Duluth

The Child Advocacy Group Held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. — The sound of drums opened the opening ceremony at the new First Witness Child Advocacy Center this afternoon. Community leaders and child advocates joined the Cedar Creek Drummers in the full room at the center to celebrate the new location’s opening. First Witness helps investigate child abuse and coordinate services said Executive Director Tracie Clanaugh. “We stand…

Biden Takes A Tougher Stance On Israel’s ‘Indiscriminate Bombing’ Of Gaza

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday warned that Israel was losing international support because of its “indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza, speaking out in unusually strong language as the United Nations neared a vote on demanding a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. “Israel’s security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It…

Yes Cheese Offering Christmas Boxes This Holiday Season

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A local business is keeping it cheesy this holiday season. Yes, Cheese located in Superior, is offering Christmas boxes filled with festive treats for any family gatherings or holiday work parties. They are even selling “12 Days of Cheese-mas” advent calendar style boxes. A majority of the cheeses are from Wisconsin, and they have also partnered with…

UMD Computer Science Students Coming Up With Cutting Edge Ideas And Technology

DULUTH, Minn. — Computer Science students at UMD are coming up with the latest and greatest cutting-edge ideas and technology. Undergraduate and graduate students worked together to present their capstone projects Monday. It is all about applying computer science to health care. Projects include a penguin designed to help reduce stress and a robotic dog that can go for a…

BCA: Third Suspect Turns Himself In After Eveleth Kidnapping, Sexual Assault

DULUTH, Minn. — A third suspect is under arrest in connection to a kidnapping and assault in Eveleth that took place over multiple days. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on Monday said the 38-year-old man is from Eveleth. He turned himself into the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia Monday morning. The other men under arrest are a…

Council OKs Mayor Larson Appointments Against Mayor-Elect Reinert’s Plea To Deny

DULUTH, Minn. – Without discussion and against the wishes of Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert, the Duluth City Council approved three appointments by outgoing Mayor Emily Larson at Monday night’s city council meeting, and it included appointing former city councilor Zack Filipovich to the DECC’s board. Reinert had called on the council to deny Larson’s appointments, He said the 60-40 win on…

Man Imprisoned As Teen For Flower Shop Killing Is Released After Judge Throws Out His Conviction

BAYPORT, Minn. (AP) — A 35-year-old man who was sent to prison for the 2004 killing of a man in a Minneapolis flower shop was released Monday after a judge ruled the eyewitness evidence on which his conviction rested was unreliable. Marvin Haynes, who was 16 at the time of the killing, was released from prison shortly afterward the judge’s ruling. The…

Zelenskyy Will Address The US Military In Washington As Funding For Ukraine’s War Runs Out

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address U.S. military officers at the National Defense University on Monday as part of a last-minute push to convince Congress to provide more money for weapons before funding runs out. President Joe Biden has asked Congress for $61.4 billion for wartime funding for Ukraine as part of a $110 billion package that also includes…

Hibbing Man, 20, Killed In Head-On Crash; ‘You Are Loved By So Many’

HIBBING, Minn. –  Family and friends on the Iron Range are in mourning after a young man was killed over the weekend in a head-on crash. Levi Greenwood, 20, of Hibbing graduated last year from East Range Academy of Technology and Science. Levi and family The Minnesota State Patrol said the accident happened around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. They said Greenwood…

Mayor Larson Appoints Filipovich To DECC Board, Mayor-Elect Reinert Asks Council To Deny

This comes after Reinert asked Larson to let him appoint board, commission seats opening in December

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is in power until Jan. 2, and she is using that power to appoint former city councilor Zack Filipovich to a seat on the DECC board that’s opening up at the end of the year. It’s a move by Larson that goes against the request of Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert. Last week, Reinert told…

DECC Exec. Dir.: $1M Line Of Credit Untouched, Year-Round Business Model Sought

DULUTH, Minn. — DECC Executive Director Dan Hartman gave an update Sunday on the venue’s struggling financing, saying he is proud to report the DECC has not used a dime of the $1 million emergency line of credit, which the city council reluctantly approved in September. Hartman said business has picked up, and it has been strong. The William A….

USW Local 9460 Rally Over Essentia Tech Workers’ Contract

DULUTH, Minn. — Tech workers at Essentia Health rallied in Downtown Duluth Sunday afternoon, wanting what they call a new, fair contract agreement. The United Steelworker Local 9460 has been trying to reach an agreement with Essentia for the past six months.  Click the video above for more. Meanwhile, Essentia Health released a statement Sunday: “Essentia Health and the United…

‘Northern Lights Drone Show’ Wows Crowds Over Lake Superior, Winds Cancel Day 2

Saturday's shows were canceled because of strong winds

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday night’s strong winds canceled the Northern Lights Drone Show outside Fitger’s. But Friday’s show amazed crowds of people. The holiday show performed multiple times during the evening was put on by the North Shore Scenic Railroad and Fitger’s. 100 lighted drones took to the sky over Lake Superior forming animated scenes to music. Firefly, which created…

Santas Cross the Finish Line in Wild Santa Run

DULUTH, Minn. — Well, Santa Claus came to town Saturday, actually hundreds of Santas—for the annual Wild Santa Run at Wild State Cider. The Santas took over the Lincoln Park Craft District for the annual 5k that sees hundreds of runners every year, each one dressed as good ole’ Saint nick. Despite it raining during the last leg of the…

Northern Lights Express Gets Additional Money

DULUTH, Minn. — There is news that the Northern Lights Express passenger rail project between Duluth Superior and Minneapolis is getting federal funding for more planning. The Northern Light Express route is one of 47 projects that will each receive up to $500,000. The Minnesota DOT will use the money to update the work it completed in 2017. The money…

Newest Caribou Coffee Open In Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — There’s a new place for you to get your Bou’ in Hermantown. After many requests for a location in Hermantown, the new spot for Caribou Coffee is officially open. The shop serves more than just coffee with plenty of options including baked goods, smoothies, teas, and more. It is drive-thru and walk up only with a mission…