News

Redistricting Attorneys Could be Paid More than $275,000

MADISON (AP) – Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature have signed contracts to pay attorneys representing them in a redistricting lawsuit a flat fee that could reach $275,000. Documents released Wednesday show that one contract calls for paying attorneys with the law firm Kirkland and Ellis up to that amount for the filing of five briefs in the case that…

Mediation Program Helps Struggling Minnesota Farmers

ST. PAUL (AP) – Low commodity prices are causing financial pain on Minnesota farms, but bankruptcies are rare thanks in part to a state mediation program. Minnesota Public Radio reports the farmer-lender program requires lenders to offer struggling farmers the chance to renegotiate debt terms with the help of a mediator before repossessing any property. The program began during the…

Student Killed in Shooting was Son of St. Paul Police Sergeant

Will Grahek FacebookDULUTH, Minn. – The 22-year-old victim in Tuesday’s shooting, has been identified as William Andrew Grahek, a Duluth resident. Authorities have stated that no suspect is in custody at this time, and the investigation continues to be very active at this time as they follow up with numerous leads. Grahek is the son of St. Paul Police Sergeant Jon…

Officials Identify Lakeside Fire Victim

No Working Fire Alarms Were Found Inside the Home at 4516 Cooke Street in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth fire officials announced Wednesday morning the name and preliminary cause of death for the man who died in a house fire on Cooke Street in Duluth Tuesday. Ray Allen Nordin, 64, died in his home located at 4516 Cooke Street in the Lakeside neighborhood. Officials are ruling the fire accidental, but aren’t sure whether smoking materials…

Man Arrested after 6-Hour Stand-Off with Police in Babbitt

Formal Charges are expected later this week

BABBITT, Minn. – Late Tuesday night, around 11:30 p.m., the Babbitt Police Department responded to a Stephen Nagel, 60 disturbance at the Alder Inn Motel. Upon arrival, officers encountered an adult male who had barricaded himself in a room. After determining an immediate threat to the safety of civilians and officers, the St. Louis County Emergency Response Team was called…

Walker Supports Eliminating Treasurer if Voters Approve

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker says he supports eliminating Wisconsin’s all-but powerless state treasurer’s office if voters approve. Republicans who control the Legislature have slowly eliminated the treasurer’s duties over the years, shifting them to other agencies. The position’s only remaining responsibility is serving on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. Eliminating the office would take an amendment…

Animal Answers: Providing Dental Care at Lake Superior Zoo

A Recent Grant of $9,500 is Making it Easier for Zoo Staff to Once Again Provide Dependable Dental Care

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to dental diligence, we often forget to think about our pets. Whether it be dogs, cats, lions, or tigers, veterinarians say all teeth need to be touched up. “Animals have absolutely no way to tell us when they have dental pain,” said Dr. Michael Overend, Owner of Lake County Veterinary Clinics. When it comes…

Hearing in Case Against Office Charged in Philando Castile’s Death

ST. PAUL (AP) – A judge is set to hear arguments on whether to dismiss the case against a Minnesota police officer who shot and killed a black man during a July traffic stop. St. Anthony police officer, Jeronimo Yanez is charged with manslaughter and other counts int he July 6 shooting of Philando Castile. Prosecutors have said Castile was…

Mountain Faith Band Performs on FOX 21

Musical Group to Headline Duluth Boat, Sport, Travel & RV Show

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show starts up tonight. The headlining musical group, Mountain Faith, is in town. Mountain Faith is based in Western North Carolina and work together at a local tire shop. They are described as fresh, pure and upbeat with Modern Americana-Roots. The group appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2015 ….

Victim Identified in East 11th Street Shooting

The incident happened around 2 p.m. in the 500 block of East 11th Street

UPDATE 2/15: The 22-year-old victim has been identified as William Andrew Grahek, a Duluth resident. Authorities have stated that no suspect is in custody at this time, and the investigation continues to be very active at this time as they follow up with numerous leads.   ORIGINAL REPORT: Will GrahekFacebook DULUTH, Minn. – Another shooting has been reported Tuesday around…

Chisholm to Rename Court for McDonald

Legendary Coach Guided Bluestreaks for 53 Years

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Bob McDonald is in a class of his own when it comes to Minnesota Basketball Coaches. “He was here for 53 years, 59 total years of coaching in Minnesota,” said Chisholm Athletic Director Mark Morrison.  “He’s definitely an icon in this state, the only 1,000 win coach we have.” McDonald’s 1,012 wins are a state record, regardless…

Dating Dangers: Online Dating in the Northland

Special Report: Avoiding Internet Scams

DULUTH, Minn. – Finding the love of your life and being part of a happy, lasting relationship is a reason many head online to connect with someone special. “I was attracted to online dating because it kind of narrows the playing field a little bit,” said a Minnesota man looking for love, “the idea of like going out to a…

Duluth Polar Bear Plunge Is Saturday!

Excitement is building for the 2017 Duluth Polar Bear Plunge that’s just days away. Nearly 1,000 people will take the plunge into Lake Superior in Canal Park this Saturday starting around 2 p.m. Money raised helps Minnesota Special Olympics. The Duluth Police Department is the big backer of the event every year giving opportunities to Special Olympians who can’t compete…

Duluth City Council Tackles Housing, Rentals, and Police Overtime

The city approved rezoning of an area to create more housing and overtime for police officers to work with the Drug Enforcement Agency.

DULUTH, Minn. – From housing to overtime for police officers, the Duluth City CouFrom housing to overtime for police officers…the duluth city council addressed some of the community’s most pressing needs. The council approved rezoning an area near Spirit Mountain. The move allows for a mixed use development of land on the lower side of Grand Avenue. The current plan…

Indigenous Women’s Walk Remembers Victims of Domestic Violence

The Duluth walk brings awareness of domestic violence in the Native American community.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly one in three Native American women report that they have been raped. They’re also two and a half times more likely to experience sexual assault crimes compared to all races. Those staggering numbers have led some to action. On Valentine’s Day, men and women marched the streets of Duluth to share their love for those lost…

Busy Day for The Rose Man

Bouquets are Blowing out the Door at Duluth's Iconic Pink Place on Central Entrance

DULUTH, Minn. – We all know roses are red, violets can be blue, and on Tuesday, Duluth’s iconic Rose Man was a popular destination too! Those working at the popular Duluth flower shop this Valentine’s Day, say they didn’t get much sleep last night. “I just like to make sure that everyone gets what they want to come for, and…

New Basketball Award Named for Bob McDonald

Legendary Chisholm Coach Honored by MBCA Following Mr. Basketball Controversy

HIBBING, Minn. – The Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association announced it was naming a new award for legendary Chisholm High School coach Bob McDonald. The Bob McDonald Award will be given to the top senior boys basketball player in Minnesota, replacing the Mr. Basketball Award.  Many coaches sought to distance themselves from Mr. Basketball after award chairman Ken Lien posted racist…

Valentine’s Day Glass Blowing

Couples Could Take Two Person Class to Make Pendants or Wine Goblets

DULUTH, Minn. – Another way Northlanders could celebrate Valentine’s Day was with a glass blowing class for two. Lake Superior Art Glass offered 60-90 minute classes where people could make pendants or wine goblets with their valentine. “I think it’s a pretty unusual date but I think it’s a good unusual, so it’s different, it’s fun, it’s been getting a…

Fourth Street Market Closed After 40 Years

Grocery Store's Closing May Cause Food Desert in Central Hillside

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fourth Street Market in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood has closed its doors, possibly for good. Fourth Street Market is now closed after more than 40 years in its current location on the corner of Fourth Street and First Avenue East. There is concern that the grocery store’s closing could cause a food desert in the Central Hillside…

Local Business Receives $20,000 Grant

Canal Bark Will Use Grant Money for Marketing Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. – A local business got a $20,000 grant today. Canal Bark–a one-stop pet facility that boards dogs and cats, offers dog day care, pet grooming, and training classes–was selected to receive the grant from Giant Voices. Canal Bark will use the money to improve their marketing efforts. “We have expertise with dogs and maybe some of the business…

Group Sues Feds for Delaying Bumblebee’s Endangered Listing

This 2012 photo provided by The Xerces Society shows a rusty patched bumblebee in Minnesota. Federal officials said Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, that the rusty patched bumblebee has become the first bee species in the continental U.S. to be declared endangered after suffering a dramatic population decline over the past 20 years. (Sarina Jepsen/The Xerces Society via AP)TRAVERSE CITY, Mich….

No Restitution for Danny Heinrich

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The man who admitted last year that he abducted and killed Jacob Wetterling in 1989, will not have to pay restitution to his victims. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Danny Heinrich won’t pay restitution, after the government told the court that no restitution was owed. Heinrich is serving 20 years in federal prison for child pornography….

Walker Says He has No Problem with ‘Safe’ Refugees

MADISON (AP) – Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says he has no problem with refugees coming into the state as long as they are “safe.” Walker was asked Tuesday by reporters about the ongoing legal fight over President Donald Trump’s travel ban affecting seven predominately Muslim counties, which has been put on hold by a federal appeals court in California. Numerous…

Divided Wisconsin Supreme Court OKs Toxicology Report

MADISON (AP) – A divided Wisconsin Supreme Court has resolved a question over whether results of certain toxicology reports can be admitted at trial without having the author of the report testify in court. The court ruled 5-2 on Tuesday, that toxicology reports that are part of a routine autopsy to determine the cause of death can be admitted as…

Cast Iron Bar & Grill

This Weeks Knowing Your Neighbor

PIKE LAKE, Minn. – Fresh never frozen burgers and steaks, daily specials behind the bar and in the kitchen and a crazy fun atmosphere that will make you want to come back. If you’ve ever been there you’ll know I’m talking about the Cast Iron Bar and Grill. If you haven’t, that’s where we’re headed for this week’s knowing you…

National Security Adviser Resigns, Dems Now Asking What Did Trump Know and When

FILE- In this Feb. 13, 2017, file photo, National Security Adviser Michael Flynn in the east Room of the White House in Washington for a joint news conference with President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Flynn resigned as Trump’s national security adviser Monday. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — The resignation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn…

Appellate Court Takes Up Brendan Dassey’s Case

CHICAGO (AP) – A federal appeals court will consider the fate of a Wisconsin inmate featured in the Netflix series “Making a Murderer.” Brendan Dassey was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 in the death of photographer Teresa Halbach two years earlier. Dassey told detectives he helped his uncle Steven Avery, rape and kill Halbach in the Avery family’s…

Historical Exhibit Honors Minnesota Ballet

Costumes Displayed at St. Louis County Historical Society

DULUTH, Minn. – The stories of the Minnesota Ballet are on display at the St. Louis County Historical Society, along with the corresponding costume. The exhibit called, “Once upon a Ballet,” features costumes and props from Minnesota Ballet official productions of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and 1997-2008 The Nutcracker. The exhibit is located in the Small Fesler Gallery on the main…

County Board Shows Support for National Forest Mining and Fighting Invasive Species

DULUTH, Minn.-The St. Louis County Board today approved a resolution in support of copper mining in Superior National Forest and funding to fight aquatic invasive species. The copper mining resolution calls on Trump’s administration to reverse President Obama’s decision to block mining in 234,000 acres of the forest. Last week, commissioners heard arguments on both sides of the issues, and…

Man Dies in Lakeside House Fire

Firefighters Remained on Scene for Four Hours

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday morning a deadly fire broke out in the Lakeside neighborhood of Duluth. At midnight, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a report of a fully involved structure fire at 4516 Cooke Street. When crews arrived on scene they reported a person was possibly still inside. Crews immediately started to attack the fire and search for anyone…

‘Crooked Pint’ Construction Underway

Pub And Restaurant Expected To Open In May

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction is now fully on for Duluth’s newest pub and restaurant, which is scheduled to open in just month’s in a neighborhood that’s starving for this type of flavor. The Crooked Pint Ale House is set to open in early May on the corner of Kenwood Avenue and Arrowhead Road. The business will be on the lower…

New Fire Trucks Equipped to Prevent Cancer

The Duluth Fire Department received two new fire trucks that have mechanisms that can help prevent the firefighters from carcinogens.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department unveiled two new trucks equipped with the latest in firefighting technology, but they also help protect firefighters from another deadly aspect of the job, cancer. Every inch of these new trucks have been designed for form and function. They make fighting fires easier and help keep firefighters safer from coming into contact with…

Minnesota Slip Clean-Up Plans

The contaminated sediment of the Minnesota Slip will be capped.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has announced that the contaminated Minnesota Slip will be dredged and capped. Nearly 37,000 cubic yards of sediment are contaminated where the William A Irvin is docked. The toxins located in the sediment are at high enough levels that they could affect the bugs and fish that live there. However, the contaminated…

Props Landing Opens in Hayward

New Restaurant Sits on Site of Original Famous Dave's

HAYWARD, Wis. – Props Landing isn’t a Bar–B–Que joint, but the new restaurant at the site of the original Famous Dave’s on Round Lake is open for business. Hayward lost a landmark when Famous Dave’s burned down in late 2014, but the owners of Props Landing hope to start a new tradition. Brian Weidendorf, and his wife Shari bought the…

Caring for Cancer with Valentine Cards

Children in the Community Handcrafted Valentine's Day Cards for the Cancer Resource Center of Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. – Handmade cards full of color and love are now decorating the Caring Ways Cancer Resource Center of Essentia Health in Duluth. The Duluth KidsClub started two years ago, when Founder Brandi Worthing wanted to create a social hub for parents to connect with events happening in the community. Over the weekend, the Pottery Burn Studio and Duluth KidsClub…

Duluth ESST Task Force Ready for Next Step

Task Force to Hold Informational Meetings Over the Next Two Months

DULUTH, Minn. – The city’s Earned Safe and Sick Time Task Force is ready for the next step towards its goal of a city ordinance requiring business to provide paid time off for employees. Eight public engagement meetings are scheduled between Feb. 17 and Apr. 19, so members can get feedback from the community. A little less than half of…

Organizers Gear Up for Birkebeiner Weekend

Weather is Becoming a Concern for the 44th Annual Nordic Ski Race

HAYWARD, Wis. – The countdown is on!  The 44th annual American Birkebeiner is only 12 days away. Organizers are hard at work gearing up for North America’s largest nordic ski race.  But weather is a concern. The trails are in great shape, for now but with temperatures above freezing and rain in the forecast, officials are worried this year’s Birkie…

Warm Weather Brings Out the Shovels

But the Thaw-Freeze Cycle is Bad for the Roads

DULUTH, Minn.- The warm weather helps the ice break up, making it easier to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, roads, and driveways. The warm weather even helps city workers remove ice using less chemicals. Many people are enjoying the warm weather, and utilizing it to finish up some chores. With temperatures well over freezing, ice and snow is easy…

Candy Shops Busy for Valentines Day

People Flock to Buy Candy For Their Sweet Hearts

DULUTH, Minn.- Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, and businesses across the Northland are helping people celebrate the day of love. Candy shops in the Northland are busy as people come through to buy chocolates and other sweets for their loved ones. Tina Anderson, the owner of Hepzibah’s Sweet shoppe says some of her top sellers include truffles, sea salt caramels, and…

UMD Kicks Off Out Cold Week

It's a Week Full of Winter Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Duluth Minnesota is kicking off a week of winter fun. Events for Out Cold Week started today with a photo-booth and free Watermelon Sugar Cookies provided by Love Your Melon. The rest of the week will include game night, free hot cocoa, and comedy night. The goal of the week is to help students shake…

4th Street Market Closes

The Only Grocery Store in the Neighborhood Closes

DULUTH, Minn.-  The 4th Street Market in Duluth closed its doors possibly for good, Monday. The market is the only grocery store in the neighborhood, and according to Tom Potter, the owner of the market, many people in the neighborhood who don’t have transportation depend on the store for groceries.  Potter says the closure is because Zeppa Foundation, the owner…

Jerry Sandusky’s Son Jeffrey Arrested on Child Sex Charges

Charged with 14 counts of various sexual offenses

BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP) – One of Jerry Sandusky’s sons faces multiple charges of sexual offenses involving children, more than five years after the former Penn State assistant coach was himself first arrested. Court records filed Monday says 41-year-old Jeffrey S. Sandusky was charged with 14 counts, including criminal solicitation and corruption of minors. The online court docket says Jeffrey Sandusky…

Wisconsin, Minnesota Team Up to Take on Painkiller Abuse

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota and Wisconsin are teaming up to tackle prescription painkiller abuse. The attorneys general from both states met at the Minnesota Capitol Monday to discuss their “Dose of Reality” campaign. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says prescription opioid deaths now outpace heroin overdoses nationwide. Their campaign includes a startling public service announcement featuring a mother who…

35-Year-Old Arrested and Charged for Sale of Fentanyl

Byron Robinson, 35DULUTH, Minn. – Thirty-five-year-old Byron Terrell Robinson, of Duluth, was arrested on Thursday, February 9, after the Duluth and Superior Police Departments along with the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force conducted a search warrant at an apartment in the 500 block of North 40th Avenue West. The search warrant was the result of an investigation…

3 Duluth Men Charged In I-35 Drive-by Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police have arrested and charged three men believed to be involved in the drive-by shooting that took place on Sunday, Feb. 5 on I-35. Duluth police initially responded to a call at a local hospital after receiving information of a 19-year-old male being admitted with an apparent gunshot wound. It was determined that the shootings took place…

Insurance Signup Slip Sparks Worries of More Price Hikes

190,000 Signed Up this Year

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Record-breaking signups in the state’s health insurance exchange belies a startling trend: Fewer Minnesota residents are buying coverage on their own. Nearly 270,000 residents bought insurance last year on the individual market, where shoppers who aren’t covered by employers or public programs get insurance. As Minnesota’s open enrollment closed this week, it fell to 190,000….

The Latest on Problems with an Emergency Spillway at Nation’s Tallest Dam

A damaged spillway with eroded hillside is seen in an aerial photo taken over the Oroville Dam (Croyle/Handout via REUTERS )OROVILLE, Calif. (AP) _ The Latest on problems with an emergency spillway at the nation’s tallest dam (all times local): 12:40 p.m. The acting head of California’s water agency says he’s “not sure anything went wrong” on a damaged spillway…