News

ADVISORY: Increased Military Aircraft Activity in Duluth Area

DULUTH, Minn. – Noticed more activity in the sky? The 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth is hosting and participating in a military training exercise May 22-24. During these few days, there will be an increased number of jets flying over Duluth and Northern Minnesota regions from approximately 9:30-11:30 a.m., as well as from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Increased noise and overhead aircraft…

UPDATE: Wrenshall Assault Victim Released, Authorities Still Seeking Other Suspects

WRENSHALL, Minn. – The 17-year-old male victim, from Duluth, who was found brutally beaten and had been held against his will in Wrenshall, has been released from the hospital, according to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. His condition and prognosis are not yet known at this time. Authorities believe there was at least one other person involved in the assault….

Faster, Higher, Rustier: Medals from Rio Olympics Damaged

(Photo: Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)(AP) – More than 100 athletes from around the world say the medals they won at the Rio Olympics are damaged. The IOC and Rio organizers plan to replace them with new medals. Among those with defective medals are beach volleyball star Kerri Walsh Jennings and U.S. wrestlers Kyle Snyder and Helen Maroulis. Walsh Jennings…

Trump Budget: More for the Military, Less for the Poor

The government hasn't seen a surplus since 2001

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump on Tuesday sent Congress a $4.1 trillion federal spending plan that promises faster economic growth and steep cuts to programs for the poor in a bid to balance the government’s books over the next decade. The proposed 2018 budget immediately came under attack by Democrats, and even some GOP allies deemed it…

Memorial Day Celebrations at Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In honor of Memorial Day, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center has planned several activities, as well as free admission for Veterans all weekend. 9:00 a.m.: The American Legion Post #435 will perform a memorial service at Calvary Cemetery 10:30 a.m.: Another memorial service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery 1:00 p.m. : The Superior Signers…

Free Summer Camps and Academies Offered at Lake Superior College

Educational Camps Feature Aviation, Nursing, Robotics and More

DULUTH, Minn. – This summer Lake Superior College is continuing their tradition of educating youth for free through summer academies. Registration is now open for the academies that are offered in several subjects. All exploration academies and camps are held in June and July. Summer Academy/Camp Subjects: Aviation Camp -A summer camp for young people ages 15-19 who are interested…

Class Offers Glimpse into Carlton County Past

Northland Uncovered: Carlton County Historical Society

CLOQUET, Minn. – Many people like to know how the area they live in came to be. Some folks in Cloquet are helping make that happen. The Carlton County Historical Society is hosting a five-week course on the history of the county. Museum Director Rachael Martin will conduct the classes based on archival materials from the historical society’s collection. This…

Manchester Terror Attack Suspect Identified as Salman Abedi

(FOX NEWS) – British authorities on Tuesday identified the suicide bomber who launched a deadly attack at a Manchester Ariana Grande concert, hours after the Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the blast. Salman Abedi, 23, was identified as the man who detonated an improvised explosive device at about 10:30 p.m. local time Monday, killing more than 20 people,…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Gabriel’s Bookstore

Cultivating a Love of Reading by Making Books as Affordable as Possible

DULUTH, Minn. — Gabriel’s Bookstore is a second hand store, but the folks that keep it running have firsthand knowledge of why books are so important. “I think it builds family because you read to your kids, you talk to your kids about what you’ve read, and they’ve read together,” said store manager Mary Orman. Orman’s been working here for…

The Affordable Housing Coalition Releases Priorities for 2017

Some of the Priorities Include Programs to Help Get Former Felons Housing

DULUTH, Minn.- The Affordable Housing Coalition released its priorities for this year.  The coalition hopes to create a 3 million dollar affordable housing fund to mitigate cuts in federal housing dollars, and to get funding for tenant and landlord services, including money for an incentive program for landlords to rent to people convicted with felonies. “A majority of Duluthians  particularly renters…

Vandals Strike Nearly 30 Vehicles In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of drivers became victims of vandalism overnight Sunday into Monday. That’s because the windows of at least 30 vehicles were blown out by what authorities believe were BBs from a BB gun. The damage was felt in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and West Duluth. No arrests were made as of Monday. If you know anything, call…

Art Show Pays Tribute to Bob Dylan

The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café

DULUTH, Minn. – The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café. Local artists paid tribute to the music icon with photos, paintings and other creative pieces of art centered around Dylan. Ed Newman helped curate the art show. He says it’s a great tribute to Duluth’s native son, who was has…

Minnesota Lawmakers Push to Finalize Budget Deal

Lawmakers Doubtful Deal will Pass; Look Toward Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. – One-hundred twenty days have passed since the Minnesota Legislature first started work on the state’s budget bill. Monday evening the clock is ticking before the state constitution calls for a deal to be reached or the session will end without an agreement in place, resulting in a special session. “It’s compromise and it’s democracy and it’s…

Celebration for National Maritime Day Held in Duluth

It's a Day to Celebrate One of the Most Important Industries in Our Area

DULUTH, Minn.- Community members honored National Maritime Day in Duluth, Monday. Maritime Day honors one of the most important industries in our area, and the people who work in it. Matt Doss, Policy director for the Great Lakes Commission says the great lakes are a great economic asset to communities around them. Maritime commerce on the great lakes generates more…

Proposed Rule Would Require Landlords to Pave Backyard Parking Spaces

The Ordinance Won't Be Ready For a Vote Until June

DULUTH, Minn.- A proposal for changes in Duluth’s parking requirements for home owners and landlords will be considered by the city council. The proposed rules would require property owners with gravel parking lots in their backyards to pave the parking space instead. The proposal was made after city staff noticed and received complaints that some of the gravel is running…

Duluth East Daredevils Win State Championship

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East Daredevils traveled to Minneapolis to represent Duluth in the Minnesota State High School League State Championship for FIRST Robotics on Saturday. The Daredevils teamed up with ERRORS robotics team from Woodbury and FRED robotics from Warroad. The championship match up came between Greenbush/Middle River and their alliance with Green Machine from Edina. In…

Ashland Bus Crash Victim Identified

The incident happened on STH 112

ASHLAND, Wis. – Around 7:45 a.m. Friday, May 19, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a car that had rear-ended a school bus on State Highway 112 approximately two miles south of Ashland. Ashland County Deputies and other agencies arrived on scene to find the driver of the car not breathing. David Hamann After preliminary investigations,…

Damage Estimates at $10 Million for Chetek Tornado

One Man Was Killed in the Tornado

CHETEK, Wis.–The Barron County Sheriff’s Department has released initial damage estimates from a tornado that tore through the Chetek area of northwestern Wisconsin last week. The department said Sunday that the storm damaged 231 homes and four commercial properties across the county, though those numbers are likely to change. The storm caused about $10 million in damages, not including damage…

Baggies of Pot Found in Donation to Once Upon a Child

Photo: Maplewood Police Dept. MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (KMSP) – Before you donate clothes, it might be a good idea to check the pockets. During a virtual ride-along, Maplewood Police tweeted a photo of a rather unusual donation to Once Upon a Child. Apparently instead of just clothing, someone also donated several dozen baggies of marijuana to the resale store. Police say…

Taxes Could Increase to Pay for Wisconsin Road Projects

Tolls Roads Could Also Be Happening

MADISON, Wis.–Often lost in the debate over how to pay for roads in Wisconsin is what the proposed solutions would do to taxpayers’ pocketbooks. Under a sweeping plan from Assembly Republicans, trips to the gas station would be pricier as income taxes drop. If Gov. Scott Walker gets his way, taxpayers would pay indirectly through paying off $500 million more…

13 Students Suspended after Hazing Allegations at Carleton College

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (KMSP) – 13 students have been suspended from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., after school officials say they engaged in hazing activities. In a letter to students and staff, the school’s president Steven Poskanzer said the students engaged in “extreme alcohol consumption” as part of initiation into a “secret co-ed social club.” Poskanzer said the school launched an…

Record-Breaking Amount of Unwanted Medications Collected for Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back

Record-breaking amount collected

MADISON, Wis. – Official numbers are in for Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back Event that was held in April. Attorney Brad Schimel announced a record-breaking 66,830 pounds of unused medications were turned in. Schimel reports that 267 police and sheriff’s departments from 69 Wisconsin counties hosted events on April 29, and have provided 328 permanent drug disposal drop boxes, giving citizens…

Extra Seat Belt Enforcement Hits Minnesota Roads

Click it or Ticket campaign will run through June 4

MINNESOTA – Extra enforcement for more than 300 agencies will hit Minnesota roads today for the Click It or Ticket campaign run by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. Agencies will conduct extra seat belt violation enforcement, which will run for two weeks throughout the entire state. Minnesota law states that drivers and all passengers must…

Explosion Destroys Cabin near Solon Springs, Leaves 1 Man Hospitalized

Incident happened on Lake of the Woods near Solon Springs

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – A man is hospitalized after an explosion at a cabin on Lake of the Woods, just east of Solon Springs, Wisconsin. The man suffered burns and smoke inhalation, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was reported just after noon on Friday, May 19 at 10654S Lake of the Woods…

Fire Burns Home in Wrenshall that’s Connected to Alleged Kidnapping Last Week

Home Believed to be Unoccupied at the Time

WRENSHALL, Minn.-An early morning fire in Wrenshall has left a two-story house in shambles for the second time in a week. Scott Lindgren, Carlton Co. Jail Last week 21-year-old Scott Lindgren was charged with seven felonies in connection to a May 15 incident at 804 County Road 18 in Wrenshall – the same place where the fire was at about…

Minnesota lawmakers enter final day to wrap up budget

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are down to their last day to wrap up several major budget bills to avoid needing extra time to finish the work of the legislative session. The House and Senate reached deals late Sunday on water buffers to pass an environment bill and agreed on funding for colleges and universities over objections from…

Safety and Preparedness Tips for Outdoor Activities

The Duluth Experience Starts New Tours for Summer Season

DULUTH, Minn. – When venturing onto the water or onto a hiking trail, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Dave Grandmaison, Co-Founder and CEO for The Duluth Experience, says you need to have the right tools when going in the woods or on the water in case something goes wrong. Grandmaison says the best thing you can do is…

Two Dead in Crash near Hibbing

Mountain Iron Resident Dies in Crash

HIBBING, Minn.-One person was killed at 6:45 p.m. Sunday in a two-vehicle crash on the Iron Range. A car was traveling northbound on Spirit Lake Road when it pulled in front of an SUV going westbound on Highway 169 east of Hibbing. The car then struck the passenger side of the SUV. One of the passengers in the car, 73-year-old Carol Mattila,…

Summer Camps Educate Children as School Closes for Season

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Children's Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – The end of the school year is nearing and many children will soon be home for the summer. The Duluth Children’s Museum is hosting several summer camps to keep children busy throughout the season. These camps aim to educate children without them realizing as they have fun with friends and activities. Topics will cover STEM, art, and history…

Woman With Duluth Ties Wins Eating Competition

Eats Seven Burgers in One Minute, Thirty Seven Seconds

How long would it take you to eat seven burgers with a hefty side of fries? Likely much longer than one woman with Duluth ties, who now holds a world record. Molly Schuyler, a mom of four who weighs 100 pounds participated in a HWY 55 world hamburger eating competition Saturday in Raleigh, North Carolina. She downed seven stacked burgers,…

Local Businesses Hold “Duluth Made” Event

Pop-Up Market Hosted By Evolve Duluth Featured Local Vendors

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses were brightening up this gloomy day with what’s known as a “Duluth Made” event. Artists, creators, small business owners and more all showcased their talents at this unique pop-up market. The event was hosted by Evolve Duluth and spread out throughout the studio space in the old City Hall Building on East Superior Street. “Being…

Ground Broken for New Habitat for Humanity Home in Superior

Home Expected to Be Completed by the End of the Year

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Ground was broken on a new house being built through the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. The project is located at 710 Weeks Avenue in Superior. A grant from Thrivient Financial will cover much of the cost of building the three bedroom home, with volunteer labor and other community donations paying for the rest. “It feels…

Thousands Dance the Weekend Away at the International Polka Festival

The Festival Has Been Going On for 39 Years

HINCKLEY, Minn.- Florian Chmielewski picked up an accordion more than 70 years ago, and discovered his love for Polka Music. “I only knew 4 songs and my neighbor come over and asked if I could play for his wedding and I said, ‘no I only know 4 songs’ and he said ‘just play them over, that’s fine,’” remembers Florian. In fact,…

S.S. Meteor Whaleback Museum Open for the Season

Superior Museum Offered Free Ship Tours on Opening Day

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It may feel like fall weather outside, but that didn’t stop a popular attraction in Superior from opening up for the summer season. And to celebrate, the S.S. Meteor Museum gave free tours. These innovative ships were called Whalebacks for their cigar-shaped steel hulls that rode low to the water when loaded with cargo. “It’s older than…

Old Firehouse and Police Museum Open for the Season

Superior Museum Houses Wisconsin Police and Fire Hall of Fame

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Old Firehouse Museum has opened its 1898 doors for the first time this season. The fire house is located on 23rd Avenue East. You can see historic firefighting equipment including the chief’s nineteenth century horse-drawn buggy, and Ahrens steam pumper. “Seeing the old machines, the trucks, they’re from different eras, it just has a magic feel…

Pat Cadigan Remembered at International Polka Festival

Cadigan Was a Close Friend of the Chmielewski Family

HINCKLEY, Minn.- Legendary Duluth radio host Pat Cadigan, who passed away about a week ago, was remembered at the International Polka Festival in Hinckley over the weekend. Cadigan is a member of the Polka Hall of Fame, was heavily involved in the International Polka Festival and was close friends with the Chmielewski family, who puts on the Polka festival. “Pat…

First Responders Get Hands on Training at a Staged Bus Crash

The Training Comes Just After 2 Bus Crashes in Wisconsin

DULUTH, Minn.- Fire fighters and emergency responders are the first ones on the scene when a crisis happens. Today, many agencies like midway first responders, St. Louis County Rescue, and the Proctor fire department were in Proctor getting hands on training on what to do in the case of an automobile accident. First responders arrived at the staged scene of…

Athletes Compete in the Special Olympics in Cloquet

It's a Chance for Competitors to Make Friends While Exercising

CLOQUET, Minn.- The cold weather didn’t stop athletes from competing in the Special Olympics held at Cloquet high school, Saturday. Organizers say the goal of the event is to help people get out and exercise, while socializing with friends. Events held included field events and 10 meter, 200 meter and even up to 1500 meter races. “Pretty much everybody needs…

Duluth Public Library Celebrates Arbor Day

May is Arbor Month in Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn.- Children and tree lovers celebrated Arbor Day at the Duluth Public Library. The celebration included a reading of the Lorax, live music, and talks on why trees are important to people and the community. Louise Levy from Levy tree care was recognized as thee local Lorax at the event, for her efforts in educating people about trees. “I…

$5 Book Sale At Gabriel’s Book Store

Shoppers Fill Their Bag With As Many Books As They Can

DULUTH, Minn. – A unique sale had books flying off shelves at Duluth’s Gabriel’s Book Store. For just 5 dollars shoppers could cram as many books as possible into a large paper bag. All the money raised goes to St. Michael’s Church. Gabriel’s specializes in old and used books. Plus there are plenty of kids’ books and records at affordable…

Barker’s Island Farmers Market Opens

Farmers Sell Their Fresh Goods

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County farmers have a new spot to sell their wares. Barker’s Island’s Farmers Market opened today. Shoppers can find all variety of locally grown produce and other products. One farmer we talked to says today’s weather didn’t help sales but a little rain won’t keep the farmers away. “No matter what the weather is like the…

SLRA Volunteers Team Up To Clean Portion In Superior

St. Louis River Cleanup

Duluth, Minn. – Volunteers from the St. Louis River alliance spent the day cleaning up the river. Decade’s worth of trash that had been dumped alongside the St. Louis River continues to be a problem for the St. Louis River alliance. “We find TV’s and other electronics down in there and those certainly are hazardous,” says Bill Majewski, Chair of…