Minnesota

Remembering Duluth Business Owner, Community Advocate Rick Boo

Co-owner of Carmody locations dies at 60.

DULUTH, Minn.- Longtime Duluth business owner, son of a former mayor, and longtime LGBTQ community supporter Rick Boo has died. No cause of death has been released at this time. Carmody Irish Pub and Brewery was packed Wednesday with people reminiscing about his life. “He’s touched a lot of lives in this town, and helped a lot of deadbeat musicians…

Kids Tap Dance Summer Away at Shooting Stars Dance

Tap Dancing Day of summer camp teaches kids the basics.

CLOQUET, Minn.- In Cloquet a few kids had happy feet as they learned to tap dance at camp. Shooting Stars Dance in Cloquet is hosting its last camp of the summer this week. Dance instructors said dancing is a great activity to get kids moving. “Bringing kids into dance at a young age is really good for them to meet…

AICHO Workshop Helps Grow Indigenous Economy

Series focuses on Indigenous Economy and Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Community Housing Organization or AICHO is hosting a forum that gives the indigenous community the tools to build the Indigenous economy. The first of the three part series Indigenous Economy, Indigenous Entrepreneurs was held Wednesday. A business owner shared his story and how native people in Duluth can start their own businesses that can help…

Gonvick Woman Charged With Criminal Vehicular Homicide

GONVICK, Minn. – A 47-year-old Gonvick woman has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide after authorities say she backed over and killed her boyfriend with her vehicle after a night of drinking. Authorities say Beth Rose Windus has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide in the death of her boyfriend Jonathon Sundquist, 51, of Proctor. According to…

Duluth YMCA to “Light Up With Pride” Starting Thursday

Officials with the City of Duluth and YMCA will help Kick off Duluth-Superior Pride Weekend Thursday Evening

DULUTH, Minn. – Tis’ the season to celebrate the history of the LGBTAQI community in the Northland. The Duluth Area Family YMCA, in collaboration with the Duluth Superior PRIDE committee is proud to host the inaugural Light Up With Pride event Thursday, August 29 at 9:00 p.m. at the Downtown branch of the YMCA. From 9:00 – 9:30 p.m., participants…

Great Minnesota Get-Together Teaches Sheep Shearing

This Week's Animal Answers Takes us to the Minnesota State Fair

DULUTH, Minn. – When you’re at the State Fair, you can’t forget about all the animal exhibits available. In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re taking you to the sheep barn to meet a couple who walks us through the process of shearing sheep. “My parents fit sheep for a living and I’ve been showing sheep my whole life,” said sheep…

3rd Annual Grand Slam Fundraiser Moves to Heritage Center, Still Draws Crowds

Fundraiser expected to raise $8,000-$10,000

DULUTH, Minn.- The Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center was packed for the Salvation Army’s Third Annual Grand Slam Festival Fundraiser. It was supposed to be held Wade Stadium like it has been before, but the rain changed those plans. The fundraiser raised money for the Salvation Army’s food program which organizers said served about 81,000 last year. It featured different…

Anderson Furniture To Close In Lincoln Park

The Store Has Been Open For More than 100 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- Another longtime furniture store in Lincoln Park has announced it’s closing. Anderson Furniture will close its doors in the next couple of months after more than 100 years in business, according to a store employee. There’s no word on how many employees will be affected. The Anderson Furniture store in Virginia will stay open. In terms of the…

Proctor Businesses React to Construction

Proctor, MN – Construction in Proctor is continuing to buzz along. Stop light repairs and accessibility to county road eleven are taking up the bulk of the work. The construction, which started August 7th, is on the main drag of town on highway two. One local business owner says, crossing the street and taking new delivers has been difficult. “The…

Major Grant Will Help Fix Area Bridges

DULUTH, MN – Congressman Pete Stauber announced today that Saint Louis County will receive $10,252,000 from the Department of Transportation towards bridge repairs. There are more than six-hundred bridges in Saint Louis County. The grant would allow the public works team to accelerate their plan for bridge maintenance. An additional fifteen or more bridges with weight restrictions could be replaced….

Summer Hockey Camp Shows Kids New Techniques

DULUTH, MN – Hockey players gathered at the Duluth Heritage Center for the three day Control the Ice Clinic. In the camp, kids learn new techniques to find their edge control, balance and coordination. The biggest thing instructors can teach, is that readiness makes all the difference. “The players who are great or the ones who are just good are…

Anderson Furniture Closing its Doors

DULUTH, Minn. – After 109 years in business Anderson Furniture says they are closing their doors. The business, located in Lincoln Park, does not yet have a date set for when they will close, but says they are in the process of a store closing sale. The Virginia location will remain open. There is no word on how many employees…

Suspect in Lakeside Home Invasion Charged With Felony Robbery

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say the suspect in a home invasion and robbery in Lakeside last week has now been formally charged. According to the criminal complaint, 32-year-old Brandon Edward Kall has been charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree aggravated robbery and felony theft. Authorities say police responded to the 5200 Block of Colorado Street on Thursday just before 10:00 p.m….

Agency Moves to Curb Chronic Wasting Among Minnesota’s Deer

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota wildlife officials are taking steps to curb a fatal brain disease among the state’s wild deer. The Department of Natural Resources on Tuesday announced 2019 deer season regulations aimed at limiting the spread of chronic wasting disease. The agency plans to expand hunting opportunities and bag limits in areas where the disease has been…

“Twin Ports Tonight” Seeking LIVE Studio Audience

Taping for Season Two of Twin Ports Tonight is Happening Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28

DULUTH, Minn. – Have you ever wanted to be a part of a live studio audience for a local television show? On Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28 you have the chance to do so in Duluth. Season Two of Twin Ports Tonight hosted by Andrew Kirov will air in October on WDSE-WRPT throughout the Northland region. Twin Ports…

Four Injured in Skyline Car Crash

Driver Impairment was not a Factor

DULUTH, Minn. – Four people were injured Monday night during a single vehicle crash in the Enger Park neighborhood. Authorities say the vehicle, driven by a 19-year-old male, left the road in the 1400 Block of West Skyline Boulevard around 9:38 p.m. The driver and three adult passengers suffered minor injuries. Police say the driver was not impaired, but was…

Minnesota Says it Must Repay Feds $48M for Improper Payments

That's on top of the $25 Million the Agency Overpaid to Two Tribes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Human Services says it must repay the federal government an estimated $48 million that it paid to ineligible chemical dependency treatment providers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ordered the state in May to cease the payments to as many as 100 inpatient providers classified as “institutions for mental diseases.”…

Knowing Your Neighbors: New London Road Store Sells a Little Bit of Everything

New store sells items from estate sales, cleanouts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sometimes you just need somewhere to put all the things you don’t need anymore. Well “S&J’s Everything” on London Road can help, giving new meaning to the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” “Our niche is if we don’t have it we can get it. If we can’t get it, you don’t need it,” said co-owner Scott…

Wells Fargo Presents Check, Volunteers to Habitat for Humanity

Over 60 volunteers donate over 300 hours of their time to Habitat.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Wells Fargo Stagecoach returned to the Twin Ports for the second year in a row to support Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity home-building in our region. A $20,000 check was presented by Wells Fargo to the Habitat for Humanity at their new center in Superior. The bank is also donating time to the cause, as about…

Poe Lock Closes for Emergency Repairs

Closure causes concerns, stops two thousand-footer ships.

Emergency repairs forced the closure of the largest of the Soo Locks on Monday, causing some concern for the Duluth-Superior Port. The Poe Lock was closed for repairs for 12 hours. This cased delays in port shipping, including two thousand-footers waiting to get through at Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. According to Jayson Hron of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, this…

Duluth Council Approves Shawn Krizaj As Fire Chief

Unanimous vote appoints Krizaj after Edwards stepped down.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday night the Duluth City Council voted 7-0 to appoint Mayor Emily Larson’s choice for the city’s next Fire Chief, Shawn Krizaj. Krizaj has been with the Duluth Fire Department for almost 22 years, starting as a firefighter and working his way up to Deputy Chief. Most recently he became Acting Chief in April, when Dennis Edwards…

DTA Adds Pilot Bus Route

Duluth , MN – A new DTA bus route was added Monday morning to one of Duluth’s busiest tourist areas. Route 24 will take passengers through the downtown waterfront area. Previously, the only public transportation system there was the free trolley. Since that was only seasonal, a pilot route has been introduced by the DTA, allowing commuters accessibility to different…

Local Art Teacher Honored

  Duluth, MN- A Local Teacher was inducted into the Duluth Edison Charter Schools Hall of Fame on Monday. Patty Milliken was honored at Saint Scholastica’s Mitchell Auditorium for her 18 years of service. The honoree was nominated by her former colleagues and students. She says, one of her main goals as an art teacher was providing a place for…

Department of Transportation Hosts Monthly Meeting

  Duluth, MN- The Minnesota DOT hosted another monthly meeting to share where they are at with the three-hundred million dollar can of worms interstate project. The project includes replacing aging ramps and bridges to accommodate better freight movement. It won’t get underway until next summer, but some of the early stages are taking effect. Milling and repaving railroad street…

Human Services Official Who Quit, Then Stayed, Resigns Again

Wilson's Last day Will be August 30

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A top leader at Minnesota’s largest state agency has resigned for a second time, just weeks after she rescinded her original resignation. Deputy Commissioner Claire Wilson’s last day at the Department of Human Services will be Friday. As first reported by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Acting Commissioner Pam Wheelock made the announcement in an email to…

Minnesota Governor Seeks to Ready State for Pot Legalization

Minnesota's Senate Rejected a Bill Last Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he’s ordered state agencies to be prepared to legalize recreational marijuana next year if the Legislature approves a bill. But Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says he’ll block the bill in the Republican-controlled chamber. Walz tells Minnesota Public Radio News that he’s relying on supporters to continue pushing for legalization….

Wisconsin’s Next for man Behind Minnesota’s Hands-Free law

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A man who pushed for Minnesota’s hands-free driving law says he wants to take his fight to Wisconsin. Thomas Goetz lost his pregnant daughter to an alleged distracted driver in February 2016 near Stillwater. Goetz spent the next three years lobbying Minnesota lawmakers to make it illegal for drivers to use a cellphone or other…

Vineyard Church Celebrates Eastside Neighborhood with Get Together

Church makes effort to meet members of their new community.

DULUTH, Minn.- The new Vineyard Church in the Congdon Park neighborhood threw a barbecue to get to know its East End neighbors better. The church has been in the community for a little over a year after merging with the Duluth Congregational Church. So on Sunday they hosted a barbecue with a bouncy house, facepainting and other activities to meet…

Tractors Steam Engines and More at Lakehead Harvest Show

58th Annual Show shows off farm machinery of yore.

ESKO, Minn.- If you think tractors are sexy, then you’ll fit right in at the Lakehead Harvest Reunion Steam and Tractor Show in Esko. “You’re not gonna be able to take your 25 ton steam engine and drive it down Superior Street for a car show, y’know,” said Ryan Hansen, President of Lakehead Harvest. For 58 years the show has…

Far West Days Brings Out Community

9th Annual Festival features vendors, fair food and llamas.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday was the second day of the Far West Days celebration in Gary New Duluth. The event has been bringing out the community around Commonwealth Avenue for nine years to bounce in bouncy houses, pet some alpaca llamas, and shop from about 25 local vendors. “I think it’s having a sense of community, everybody coming together,” said Mary…

First Class of CSS Physician Assistants Graduate, Take Jobs in Rural Areas

28 PAs graduate from St. Scholastica's program.

DULUTH, Minn.- As many college students across the country are celebrating the start of a new school year, these 28 College of St. Scholastica students are celebrating the end of their educational journey. After two years the 28 white-coated students are done being students as they transition to become the first physician assistants out of the College of St. Scholastica….

3rd Annual Bikers Against Bullies Rally Roars Through Northland

Bikers ride 128 miles to raise awareness of bullying.

DULUTH, Minn.- The roar of about 40 bike engines out of the Black Bear Casino parking lot as the 3rd Annual Syd’s Angels Bikers Against Bullies Rally took off on their 128 mile ride. The bikers ride to raise awareness of bullying in the Northland. “You look at bikers, wearing leather, get the long beards, look intimidating,” said Commander Jason…

Update: Son Charged in Deaths of Ex-NFL Lineman, Wife

Both Bennetts Were Shot According to Police

(courtesy: Fox 9) LONG PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Authorities in Minnesota have charged the son of former NFL lineman Barry Bennett in Bennett’s death. Barry Bennett and his wife, Carol, were found dead in their home in Long Prairie, a small town about two hours northwest of Minneapolis, on Wednesday. Their 22-year-old son Dylan has been sought since then. Both…

Appeals Court Reinstates Lawsuit Over Same-Sex Wedding Video

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit filed by two Minnesota filmmakers who want the right to refuse to film same-sex weddings. Carl and Angel Larsen, who run Telescope Media Group in St. Cloud, sued the state in 2016, saying Minnesota’s public accommodation law would result in steep fines and jail time if they offered services…

Deer River man Charged with Second Degree Murder

His next court appearance is scheduled for September 3

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A 28-year-old Deer River man, identified as Kevin Daniel Jackson, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend’s 4-year-old son in Inger earlier this week. Authorities say they responded to a call of a non-responsive four-year-old boy around 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. When officers arrived they found a child being held by…

Former Vikings Player Barry Bennett, Wife Found Dead in Minnesota

22-Year-Old Dylan Bennett is Being Sought by Police

(courtesy: Fox 9) LONG PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) – Authorities in Minnesota are investigating the deaths of a former NFL lineman and his wife under what they call suspicious circumstances. The bodies of Barry Bennett, 63, and his wife Carol were found Wednesday after a friend went to their home in Long Prairie for a welfare check. Todd County Sheriff Todd…

Some Call for Expanded Lifeguarding on Duluth’s Beaches

Duluth YMCA Says Exapanding Lifeguard Services is Difficult

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The ever-present danger of rip currents in Lake Superior has some people in Duluth calling for more to be done to improve public safety. Retired police officer Dennis Hoelscher tells Minnesota Public Radio News that lifeguard services need to be improved. Lifeguards don’t work on “red flag” days that have high risk of rip currents. Hoelscher…

Gichi-Ode’Akiing Park Receives Bright Upgrade

The stairway to Lake Superior got a makeover as part of a community collaboration Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.- The stairs over at Gichi-Ode-Akiing park in downtown Duluth are getting a makeover as part of a community collaboration. People of all ages, and races packed the stairway at Gichi-Ode’Akiing Park formally Lake Place Park Thursday afternoon to paint murals of fish and other animals to honor the Anishinaabe presence and their leader Chief Buffalo. Organizers say it’s…

Minnesota State Fair Kicks Off

State Fair runs through September 2nd

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair kicked off on Thursday. Last year, more than two million people came to the state fair. “Everything’s fresh and new and exciting so yeah, we’ll give it a shot,” said Amy Provost, who attended the fair on its opening day. More than 100,000 people are expected to fill the fairgrounds every day…

Duluth Man Charged In Drive-By Shooting in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man has been charged after a shooting incident in Lincoln Park that sent bullets into two separate homes early Tuesday morning. 20-year-old Jericho Alexander was formally charged with second-degree assault and drive-by shooting on Thursday. According to the criminal complaint, Alexander stole $100 from a man during a drug deal in the area of 23rd…

Two Tour Buses Crash Near Minnesota State Fair, 8 Injured

Authorities are Still Investigating the Crash

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Eight people were injured when two tour buses collided near the Minnesota State Fairgrounds just as the event was getting under way. Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Gordon Shank said one of the buses was heading to the State Fair with 43 passengers and a driver. The other bus was empty, aside from the driver. Both drivers were…

CHUM Holds Annual Backpack Drive in Duluth

The Drive is From Noon to 4:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM, along with the City of Duluth, is holding a backpack drive today from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. According to a city official, the backpack drive ended up with 1,800 backpacks this year which is 400 more than last year’s drive. There are three locations you can visit for a backpack filled with school supplies: Central…

Chief Buffalo Mural Project Kicks Off with Feast, Blessing

Murals start Thursday, will be worked on until the end of next summer.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gitchi’Ode Akiing park was packed for a feast and a blessing before works start Thursday on a series of murals honoring Anishinaabe leader, Chief Buffalo. The murals will pay homage to how Chief Buffalo paved the way for indigenous people to settle in this part of Minnesota. “This is really significant to show both the contemporary side…

Grassy Point, Kingsbury Bay Restoration to Complete December 2020

Minnesota DNR hosted tour of restoration site, where sediment and wood waste are being removed.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota DNR hosted a tour of the Grassy Point and Kingsbury Bay restoration project taking place between the Bong Bridge and Lake Superior Zoo. The project aims to remove sediment from Kingsbury Bay and 120 years of historic sawmill wood waste from Grassy Point. The restoration is expected to be done in December of 2020. “We’re gonna,…