Minnesota

St. Luke’s Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony

A 15-month construction project in Downtown will cost 37.5 million.

DULUTH, Minn.-  St. Luke’s hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to kick off a 15-month construction project in downtown Duluth. St. Luke’s broke ground on this project that includes a new emergency department, cardiac cath labs, imagining suites, ambulance garage and helistop. This 37.5 million dollar project is being designed to decrease wait times, ensure privacy and provide a premier patient…

Minnesota OSHA to Investigate Officer’s Death

43-Year-old Wynn had Been a Conservation Officer Since 2001

(courtesy: odmp.org)PINE CITY, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the death of a conservation officer on a Pine County lake last weekend. Officer Eugene Wynn and a Pine County sheriff’s deputy were responding to a call on Cross Lake near Pine City last Friday. Both were thrown from their boat minutes after leaving shore….

Duluth Police Investigating Possible Shooting in Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Police Continue to Investigate the Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department says they are investigating a possible shooting that took place in the Lincoln Park neighborhood Tuesday evening. According to police, officers were dispatched to a local hospital just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday where a female patient said she had been shot leaving a residence in Lincoln Park. Officers were unable to determine if…

Donations Wanted for In-Progress Wetterling Documentary

Project Leaders Have Launched A Tour Throughout Minnesota and Neighboring States, Raising Funds for the Film

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a case millions across the country will never forget. 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling was kidnapped on October 22, 1989 near his home in St. Joseph, Minnesota. Now there’s a new documentary in the works examining the story of Wetterling’s case, but the publics help is wanted in order to finish the project. Project leaders are launching a…

Family of Mall of America Victim: ‘Prayers are working’

A 24-Year-old man is Charged With Attempted Murder

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The family of a 5-year-old boy thrown off a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America earlier this month says he remains in intensive care but that the public’s “prayers are working.” A short statement Tuesday said the boy remains under sedation. The family, which has asked for privacy, says the child “has an important week ahead…

St. Louis Historical Society Celebrates 97th Birthday

Society held an annual meeting with exhibits and election of governors.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Saint Louis County Society celebrated a big birthday: 97 years. They’re a society that loves studying the past, but their Annual Meeting was also about looking ahead to what’s next. Society officials said in late Summer and early Fall, they’ll be introducing new exhibits. They also plan to donate 2,800 books to Minnesota libraries and schools, on…

Skywarn Severe Storm Spotter Training Begins

Help the National Weather Service Identify Severe Storms

DULUTH, Minn. — We’ve had our fair share of rainy days so far this Spring but the severe storm season hasn’t quite hit the Northland yet. In this weeks Great Outdoors we are taking you to a severe storm spotter class offered here in the Northland. Learning about the sky above, can help keep you and others safe when the…

Women Hike Duluth Hikes the Lakewalk

Hiking program gains momentum and members.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday’s sun and warmer temps brought many women to the lakewalk in Duluth, as part of the Women Hike Duluth program. Dozens of women lined the lakewalk, walking two miles from Beacon Pointe to Leif Erickson Park and back. Organizers said this all started when Duluth Mayor Emily Larson pushed for more park programs. Now, it’s a fun,…

Volunteers Honored by Duluth Mayor

Twelve different groups were honored Tuesday afternoon by Mayor Larson for their volunteer work

DULUTH, Minn.- Many Northlanders always seem ready to volunteer in times of need, and today twelve different volunteer groups in the region were honored by Duluth Mayor Emily Larson for all the work they do. Whether it’s taking the time out for tutoring and mentoring local kids, to supporting food banks and homeless shelters, or restoring parks and public lands,…

Final day for Volunteers to Help “Raise the Roses”

The Spring Tradition Goes From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth’s Parks Maintenance staff are preparing for another afternoon of the annual “raising of the roses” in the popular Duluth Rose Garden located at 13th Avenue East and London Road. Volunteers are invited to join in on this annual spring tradition today from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. City staff and representatives from the…

Duluth Police Investigate After Home Hit by Bullets Tuesday Morning

The Bullets Were Fired in Duluth's Lincoln Park Neighborhood Early Tuesday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police responded to the 2700 block of West 6th Street shortly after 12:30 Tuesday morning on the report of shots fired from a vehicle toward a home. Officers discovered a residence with bullet holes in the 500 Block of Winnipeg Avenue in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Residents were inside the home at the time of the shooting,…

Ordinance To Restrict Duluth Massage Businesses Gets First Read

Some are in favor of some new city regulations, but say current proposal hurts their legitimate businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council had its first read of an ordinance that would tighten up restrictions for massage businesses. Amendments to the ordinance include broadening hours of operations from 6 am to 11 pm, allowing clients to enter or exit through more than one entrance, and allowing doors to be locked during business hours. Previously, the ordinance stated…

Irvin May Not Return To Slip Until August; Ship’s Maintenance Work In Question

DULUTH, Minn.- The William A. Irvin may not get its paint job and rehab work after all. According to DECC’s Executive Director Chelly Townsend, the bids for the Irvin’s maintenance work at Fraser Shipyards are coming in higher than expected. Townsend said they can’t pay much more than $500,000 worth of grant money available from the Minnesota Historical Society. The…

Making the Earth A Better Place

Earth Day brought out some celebrations to help make the Earth cleaner

DULUTH, Minn.- Over a billion people celebrate Earth Day, and two local establishments were doing their best to raise awareness on ways to save our planet. A recent study conducted by the University of Wisconsin came to conclusion that for every dollar spent at Whole Foods Co-Op, $1.60 goes back into the community. Whole Foods Co-Op is a community owned…

Duluth Fire Offers Tips To Avoid Fire

After a Duluth fire last night, Duluth Fire put out a reminder to avoid electrical fires in your home

DULUTH, Minn.- Scary moments, for a Duluth family that needed to be rescued from a house fire. The call for help came in around 11:30 Sunday night on the 600 block of Central Avenue. When firefighters arrived, three people were waiting by a second floor window. A dog and cat were also rescued. The cause of the fire is believed…

Red Cross Offers Free Smoke Detectors

A reminder for those in the Northland that the Red Cross will install detectors in your home

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland Chapter of the Red Cross is reminding homeowners to check those smoke detectors to make sure the batteries are full and the alarm works properly. Tony Guerra, Red Cross Disaster Program Manager says that “to have working alarms will give you that needed time to wake up and get the heck out of the house. Don’t…

Two Injured After Shots Fired Into Crowded Minnesota Garage

Police say There is no Danger to the Public

AUSTIN, Minn. (AP) – Police in Minnesota are investigating who fired at least a dozen shots into a crowded garage where a family was playing dominoes and having a barbecue in Austin. Austin police say a 32-year-old woman and a 37-year-old woman suffered injuries on their legs, but their relatives say they are recovering. The Post-Bulletin reported that no one…

Coffee Conversation: Local Author Proud to Release “Milo the Legend”

"Milo the Legend" is Sold Only in Local Bookstores and by Savage Press out of Brule, Wisconsin

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland native and author David Waldbillig is proud to see his first-ever book “Milo the Legend” popping up in local bookstores. Eager readers are able to purchase a copy of the mystical tale at Fitger’s, Zenith Bookstore, Savage Press and online from Barnes & Noble. Waldbillig says Milo is a very special horse. He travels the dimensions…

Living Walls Blossom Throughout Local Duluth Businesses

Bill and Kate Isles are the Creators Behind Duluth Living Walls

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park craft district is now home to a massive 37 foot long living wall. The concept is sprouting up in popularity across much of the nation, but the owners are proud to be the first official business right here in the Northland. “A lot of people, first their thought is, wow, and second it’s like, is…

Celebrating Bengali New Year at UMD

Students and community members of all backgrounds gathered to ring in new year 1426.

DULUTH, Minn.- “Subho Noboborsho!” That’s how you say “Happy New Year” in Bangla, the language of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a country northeast of India and on Sunday, students from there joined students here at UMD in celebrating the beginning of a different calendar. “Essentially it was kind of a combination of the Islamic calendar and also the Gregorian calendar, and…

Barker’s Island Easter Fest

Over 1200 people packed Barker's Island Sunday

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- More than 1,200 people packed Barker’s Island in Superior today. It’s all for a tradition that goes back twenty years, the Easter Grand Buffet. Barker’s Island served up over two hundred pounds of ham, two hundred forty pounds of fish, and about four hundred forty pounds of potatoes Easter Sunday. Reservations started coming in three weeks ago, and…

Gloomy Weather on Easter Sunday

Cold and wet doesn't stop Northlanders from enjoying the lake.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wind, rain, clouds and cool air took over the Northland on Easter Sunday. In Canal Park, sheets of ice replaced the waves around the lighthouse. But, that didn’t stop visitors from checking out Lake Superior. “We were hoping with this strong Northeast wind we’d see some waves, but we see iceberg, which is good,” said Phil White, visiting…

All Aboard for First Train Ride of the Season

North Shore Scenic Railroad opens their 30th Anniversary Season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The trains at the Depot have officially made their first down the North Shore Scenic Railroad, travelling to Lakeside. Organizers said it’s a nice way to start the season. “We spent a lot of time making sure we have train excursions that appeal to everyone,” Josh Miller, Station Manager said. “We have our daytime and short ride for…

Hopping Hemp Fest at Brewer’s Garage

Fitger's hosted event to release their new ale.

DULUTH, Minn.- Music, beer, food, and more was in store at Hemp Fest at the Brewer’s Garage on Michigan Street. The party featured music from three different bands: NorShore Summit, Mallards, and the Minneapolis-based Har Mar Superstar. It celebrated the release of Fitger’s new Homegrown Hemp Ale. Vendors included Hemp items from Harmonic Goods, and t-shirts from Duluth Screen Printing. “So…

Hunting for Eggs at Lake Superior Zoo

Estimated 2,000 people attended the Zoo's egg-hunt.

DULUTH, Minn.- Families took full advantage of the beautiful weather, and headed out to the Lake Superior Zoo for the Easter Eggstravaganza. Kids of all ages put their eyes to the test in this year’s annual Eggstravaganza. At 10 am an estimated 2,000 people started their trek inside the zoo. Guests loved being outside enjoying the warm weather, and hunting for…

Taking a Spring Swing at Lorenzi’s Boxing Gym

Gym hosts first boxing event of 2019.

PROCTOR, Minn.- It’s time to wrap up your fists and lace up your gloves for some boxing. Lorenzi’s Boxing Gym in Proctor hosted their annual Spring Swing on Saturday. Boxers as young as eight and as old as 26 squared up in the ring, fists flying, for the gym’s first boxing event of 2019. The event featured as many as 26…

Golfers Still Waiting to Hit the Links this Spring

Local golf courses are getting ready for the 2019 season

DULUTH, Minn.- With those summer like conditions on the way, Northland golf courses are getting prepared. While some areas of the Northland golf courses are still clear, there is still snow on the ground which is causing delays in opening this season. Golfers are excited to hit the links again. Before the latest snow storm, Duluth’s Enger Park golf course was…

DNR Investigating Possible Animal Poisoning

Lab Tests are Underway

(Courtesy: WLUK via Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) (WLUK) — Authorities are investigating after several dogs and wildlife were found dead after ingesting possible poison in northern Wisconsin. The state Department of Natural Resources says since December, dead animals, including domestic dogs, coyotes, weasels, raccoons and a wolf, were reported in Bayfield, Marinette and Florence Counties. There is the possibility,…

Cappuccino Bon Bons

L'apothicaire Chocolat Creates Chocolate Art For Easter & Mother's Day

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we are combining art and chocolate with L’apothicaire Chocolat! Tonya is a chocolatier  near the shores of Lake Superior in Superior, WI.  She has trained at Ecole Chocolat in Vancouver with Graduate Studies at  Ecole Du Grand Chocolat Valrhona in Tain L’Hermitage. Currently she has seasonal sales at Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day…

Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL Glides into Amsoil Arena

Multiple Performances of the Show are Happening April 19 - 21

DULUTH, Minn. – Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to return to Duluth, Minnesota with its coolest arena show yet, CRYSTAL. The unique production  glides into Amsoil Arena in Duluth for six performances happening April 19 – 21. This is Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever experience on ice, showcasing synchronized, freestyle, and extreme skating alongside circus acts such as swinging trapeze, aerial…

Researchers: Virus Linked to Polio-Like Illness

Minnesota had 10 of the 228 AFM Cases in 2018

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Researchers at the University of Minnesota and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say a virus appears to be the cause of a polio-like illness that caused paralyzing symptoms in some Minnesota children last fall, including one girl who remains hospitalized after losing all motor function. The researchers say they found Enterovirus-D68 in the spinal…

Annual Battle of the TV Meteorologists

Meteorologists from the four stations in Duluth went head-to-head with one another for a great cause

DULUTH, Minn.- Tonight, the meteorologists of the Northland put their minds to the test, paired up with students from the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland for a quiz battle. Teams were asked math, history, and meteorology questions. There were four teams competing tonight, each representing a meteorologist from a local T.V. station. “Our kids inside its important to…

Suspect in Itasca County Bank Robbery Charged With Four Felonies

Bail has Been set at $400,000 Without Conditions

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A 23-year-old homeless man accused of robbing the First National Bank of Coleraine Bank in La Prairie on Tuesday made his first appearance in District Court this morning. Court records show Connor David Johnson has been charged with two counts of First Degree Aggravated Robbery and two counts of Second Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon….

Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior to Host Sauna Days Festival

Sauna Days Festival is Happening April 19 - 21

DULUTH, Minn. – Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior is thrilled to announce their first ever Sauna Days Festival happening during the weekend of April 19th through April 21st. Weekend ticket holders will get full access to everything along with comfortable lakeside lodging. For locals that don’t need a place to stay we are offering a day pass to Saturday’s main events….

Becoming Better Leaders

WITC was the host of a Leadership Conference Wednesday afternoon

SUPERIOR, Wisc.- A sought after trainer, who works with the four major U.S. sports, like the NHL was in Superior today. Robert Kappelman of “Pacific Blue Institute” spoke at a leadership conference at WITC to help aspiring and current leaders in our community better become in their chosen fields of work. Kappelman, Director of Pacific Blue Institute of Ethics &…

Governor Tim Walz Visits Duluth on Community Prosperity Tour

Entrepreneurs Show Off Their Innovative Business Ideas To Governor Walz, All In Hopes To Boost Local Economy

DULUTH, Minn.-Governor Tim Walz made a stop in Duluth today continuing his Community Prosperity Tour, where entrepreneurs gathered to learn about ways their innovations can help the Minnesota economy soar. It was more or less a “Minnesota Nice” version of the TV show, “Shark Tank”. Where Gov. Walz heard presentations at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute about…

Grand Rapids Police Investigate Fatal Stabbing on Elementary School Playground

Woman died as a result, 15-year-old male charged in juvenile court.

Disclaimer: Police identify the victim as 20-years-old, but a relative tells us she was 19. GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids Police are investigating the death of a Grand Rapids woman, after she was found stabbed on a local school playground. When authorities arrived they found a 15-year-old boy holding a knife. Now the Itasca County Attorney’s office is asking he…

Volunteers Wanted to Help Lincoln Park Neighborhood Sparkle

The Lincoln Park Business Group Invites the Community to Help Cleanup the Neighborhood Monday, April 22

DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to help make the Lincoln Park Neighborhood sparkle this Earth Day. The Lincoln Park Business Group is hosting a neighborhood cleanup event on Monday, April 22. The two-part day will include a break for lunch and some visual entertainment to keep volunteers motivated. From 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. the group is looking for volunteers…

Duluth Police: One in Custody After Duluth Stabbing

Police are not Looking for any Other Suspects

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Police Department, a juvenile male was brought to a local hospital Tuesday night after being stabbed by another juvenile male. Police say the incident happened in the area of 54th Avenue West and Ramsey Street around 5:56 p.m. According to authorities, the juvenile male victim sustained non-life threatening injuries and the suspect was…

Tickets on Sale for Wildwoods Spring Soiree Fundraiser

The Wildwoods Spring Soiree Fundraiser is Happening Sunday, April 28 at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth invites the community to purchase tickets now for their upcoming Spring Soiree Fundraiser. The event is happening Sunday, April 28 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. Attendees will enjoy a live and silent auction as well as food and beverages from local vendors in the region….

UMD Fans Can Now Shop for Championship Gear

New merchandise rolls in.

DULUTH, Minn.- As students are celebrating the Bulldogs’ win, UMD Stores are preparing for the crowds to come get their gear. Official Frozen Four Championship merchandise has already been shipped in to the University bookstore. “We have orders from all 50 states, we have orders from foreign countries,” said Sales and Marketing Manager Julie Feiring. “We find that there are a…

UMD Welcomes Home National Champs

UMD Men's Hockey Team Greeted with Celebration Event.

DULUTH, Minn.- Everyone was a Bulldog at UMD’s Championship Celebration Tuesday. Students, staff, and longtime hockey fans welcomed the team home. To great fanfare, the 2019 NCAA Champions run through a big inflatable bulldog, greeted by a sea of maroon and gold. Three of the Bulldogs on the team are seniors this year so they get to end their college…

Minnesota Cop’s Trial Raises Questions About Code of Silence

Prosecutors Say Many Officers Refused to Provide Statements

(Renee Jones Schneider/Star Tribune via AP)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Testimony in the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot an unarmed woman has raised questions about whether officers were trying to protect one of their own. The incident commander turned her body camera off when talking to Mohamed Noor after the July 2017 shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond….

Four Injured, Including Children, in School bus Crash

The Crash Remains Under Investigation

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) – Police say two children were among those injured when a SUV driver ran a red light and crashed into a school bus in Brooklyn Park. Deputy Chief Mark Bruley says the children and drivers of both vehicles were taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The bus was headed to Athlos Leadership…

Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop Happening Saturday in Duluth

The 29th Annual Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop is Taking Place Saturday, April 20

DULUTH, Minn. – In celebration of the 49th Anniversary of Earth Day, multiple downtown Duluth and Lincoln Park art galleries, UMD Tweed Museum of Art and the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) will be hosting free events on Saturday, April 20. The events are happening from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Art enthusiasts are encouraged to tour local galleries,…