Sports

Esko Native Koi Perich Named to Big Ten Football Preseason Honors List

The Minnesota safety is one of 15 players selected for the Big Ten Football preseason honors. 

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- In college football, Esko native Koi Perich has been named to another preseason honor list. Perich was named to the 2025 Big Ten Football preseason honors list on Tuesday. The Gopher safety played in 13 games last season, where he recorded 46 tackles and 5 interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. Perich also returned 20 punts…

Two Former Duluth Huskies Sign with the Athletics

Outfielder Bobby Blandford and infielder Michael Brooks signed with the A's earlier this week.

DULUTH, Minn.- In Major League Baseball, two former Duluth Huskies put pen to paper on major league contracts. Outfielder Bobby Blandford and infielder Michael Brooks signed with the A’s earlier this week. Brooks played for the Huskies in 2021, where he recorded a batting average of .256. Blandford just wrapped up his college career with Fresno State this season. Blandford…

Emerald Ash Borer discovered for first time in Itasca County; Emergency quarantine in place

Itasca County EAB Emergency Quarantine 07/23/2025 ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) in Itasca County for the first time. A suspected EAB infestation was reported by a homeowner on Pokegama Lake, south of Grand Rapids. Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Itasca County, the Minnesota Department of…

Air Quality Alert issued for entire northern half of Minnesota

Air Quality Alert 07/23/2025 DULUTH, Minn. –  The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has expanded the current air quality alert. Nearly all of Minnesota north of St. Cloud is now in the new Red or “Unhealthy” Air Alert. The affected area includes the International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely and Duluth. It is in effect until Friday July 25, 2025 at 11…

Northland Players Showcase Their Skills at Minnesota Wilderness Main Camp

Local kids from all around the Northland showed their skills at the 2025 main camp.

DULUTH, Minn.- It has been a busy couple of days at Northwoods Credit Union Arena, as the Minnesota Wilderness began their main camp on Monday. At the camp, 20 goalies and 175 skaters reported for the 2025 tryouts. Players were broken up into 10 teams to compete in a series of scrimmages. Shooting for a spot in the Futures or…

Former UMD Bulldog Ethan Cole Set to Continue Baseball Career with Minnesota

The Duluth native announced his commitment to the University of Minnesota on Tuesday, after entering the transfer portal earlier this month.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD Bulldog and current Duluth Husky Ethan Cole will continue his baseball career in the Twin Cities. The Duluth native announced his commitment to the University of Minnesota on Tuesday, after entering the transfer portal earlier this month. Cole has one more year of eligibility left. The future Golden Gopher currently has a batting average of .350…

Duluth Denfeld Offensive Lineman Chris Bridges Commits to Bemidji State

Bridges has one more season left with the Hunters as he begins his senior year in August. 

DULUTH, Minn.- In prep football, Duluth Denfeld offensive lineman Chris Bridges will continue his football career at the college level. Bridges is set to play for Bemidji State after his time with the Hunters. The future Beaver has started for the Hunters for the past two seasons. In his junior year, Bridges earned section 7 AAAA Honorable Mention team honors….

The Isabella Section House Reimagined Project Seeks Public Input

ISABELLA, Minn. — The Isabella Section House Reimagined project is seeking public feedback on what the future of the historic building should be. Isabella Section House, Image courtesy of the United States Forest Service The project has people take a virtual tour and give their thoughts on what the building should be used for. Project leaders are looking for a…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Harbor Monsters

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Harbor Monsters Arena Football Team is preparing for one last showdown at home this weekend on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Head Coach Tony O’Neil,  Quarterback Ja’Vonte Johnson and Defensive Back “Sosa” Maxwell joined Maria Vollom to talk about their upcoming home finale. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Features, Professional Sports, Sports

Huskies Fall Short in Series Closer against Waterloo

Duluth is back in action on Tuesday, July 22nd, against the La Crosse Loggers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies wrapped up their series with the Waterloo Bucks on Monday night. Sadly, the Bucks snapped the Huskies’ winning streak with a 5- 2 win to earn the series split. Duluth is back in action on Tuesday, July 22nd, against the La Crosse Loggers. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. Categories: Northwoods League, Sports

Two Former UMD Football Players Gear up for Their First NFL Training Camp

Tight end Sam Pitz and offensive lineman Aiden Williams will report to their first NFL training camp this week.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former UMD Bulldogs are set to begin their NFL journey this week. Tight end Sam Pitz and Offensive lineman Aiden Williams will report to their first NFL training camp this week. The UMD duo signed undrafted free agent contracts back in April. Pitz signed with the Baltimore Ravens, and Williams signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens…

Minnesota Wilderness Begins Main Camp Tryouts in Cloquet

The main camp runs Monday-Thursday and is open to the public free of charge. 

CLOQUET, Minn.- The search for the next Minnesota Wilderness squad kicked off on Monday. The Wilderness began their 2025 main camp at Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet. At the camp, 20 goalies and 175 skaters hit the ice for the main tryout camp. The participants were split into ten teams and will be evaluated during a series of scrimmages…

Lumberjack World Championships Sees New World Record!

HAYWARD, Wisc. — Hayward was buzzing this past weekend with the 65th annual Lumberjack World Championships. Over 100 competitors from 7 countries and 16 states came to compete. Timber sports athletes displayed their mastery of sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom running, and axe throwing. Kate Witkowski, set record for Women’s Standing Log Competition. Courtesy of Lumberjack World Championships….

Three-Run Home Run by Vargas Sparks Comeback Win for Huskies Against Waterloo

Duluth is back in action on Monday, July 21st, against the Bucks. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies were back at Wade Stadium on Sunday afternoon as they opened up their series with the Waterloo Bucks. The Bucks held a 2-o lead over the Huskies going into the sixth inning. In the bottom of the seventh, Nate Vargas sends one out of Wade Stadium for Duluth. The Huskies regain the lead 3 to…

Schultz Totals 5 Touchdowns in North’s Win at WFCA All-Star Game

Schultz is set to join UW-River Falls this upcoming fall.

OSHKOSH, Wis.- Northwood/Solon Springs quarterback Jared Schultz suited up in his final high school game on Friday night. Playing in the WFCA 8-Man All-Star Game, Schultz had five touchdowns to lead the North over the South, 53 to 32. Schultz is set to join UW-River Falls this upcoming fall. Categories: High School, Sports

Rock Ridge Boys Hockey to Compete at Hockey Day Minnesota 2026

It will be the team's first-time ever playing in the outdoor hockey celebration.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- An exciting opportunity awaits the Rock Ridge boys hockey team. The Wolverines will compete against St. Thomas Academy on January 24th in Hastings for Hockey Day Minnesota 2026. It will be the team’s first-time ever playing in the outdoor hockey celebration. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Hockey Day MN. All outdoor games will take place…

Grand Rapids & Deer River Mascots Approved to Stay

Schools originally needed unanimous approval from all 11 of Minnesota's federally recognized tribes.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Back in 2023, a state law was passed that banned high schools from using american indian mascots. That put schools such as Grand Rapids and Deer River in limbo for a possible mascot name and logo change. Two years later and the schools finally have an answer. In a Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Council on…

Duluth East Swimmer Joey Zelen Earns All-American Status

He's the 2nd Greyhound ever to be named All-American, joining Grant Wodny.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth East junior swimmer has earned All-American status after a stellar year. Earlier this week, the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association recognized Joey Zelen as an All-American in the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle. Zelen is currently 68th in the nation for the 50 and 97th in the nation for the 100. He’s the 2nd Greyhound…

Weekend Air Quality Alerts across Northern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued varied air quality alerts across Northern Minnesota for the upcoming weekend. The alerts range from Very Unhealthy to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The alerts takes effect 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 and run until 9 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires will…

Former Duluth Marshall Goaltender Kaenan Smith Named to Hlinka Gretzky Camp Roster

Smith last manned the pipes for the Hilltoppers during the 2023-2024 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Duluth Marshall goaltender Kaenan Smith has been named to the Hlinka Gretzky Camp Roster. He’s one of the four goaltenders set to compete for a spot on the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team. Smith last manned the pipes for the Hilltoppers during the 2023-2024 season. In 19 games played, he posted a .934 saves percentage with a…

Ashland’s Marcus Kruzan to Continue Baseball Career at Minnesota

Just this past season, Kruzan went 8-1 with 81 strikeouts, which earned him 1st team Summit League honors.

ASHLAND, Wis.- A former Ashland baseball standout is heading to the Minnesota Golden Gophers. After spending the last two seasons at St. Thomas, right handed pitcher Marcus Kruzan has transferred to Minnesota. Just this past season, he went 8-1 with 81 strikeouts, which earned him 1st team Summit League honors. Kruzan is currently pitching for the St. Cloud Rox of…

Vikings’ Jordan Addison Resolves DUI Case by Pleading No Contest to a Lesser Charge

Addison who has 133 catches for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns in two seasons, agreed to what is known as a “wet reckless” in California.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison resolved a 2024 DUI citation by pleading no contest to a lesser charge, his attorney said Thursday. Last July, the California Highway Patrol responded to a report of a disabled vehicle blocking a lane, and Addison was found asleep in the driver’s seat of his white Rolls-Royce and was arrested. Addison who has 133…

Damian Lillard Returns to the Trail Blazers on a 3-Year Deal Worth $42 Million, AP Source Says

This past season with the Bucks, Lillard ranked 10th in the league in scoring (24.9) and assists (7.1) while earning his ninth All-Star Game selection.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Damian Lillard is back where he started. Lillard signed a three-year deal worth $42 million to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been officially announced. ESPN first…

Megan Gustafson Heading to Turkey Following WNBA Season

This will mark the 7th straight year that the Las Vegas Ace has played in a foreign country.

PORT WING, Wis.- Port Wing native Megan Gustafson will once again make her way overseas this off-season. Gustafson announced on her own personal Twitter page that she has signed with Fenerbahçe S.K., a team based out of Turkey. This will mark the 7th straight year that the Las Vegas Ace has played in a foreign country. She’s had stints in…

UW-Superior Men’s & Women’s Soccer Release Schedules for Upcoming Season

Both teams are coming off national tournament appearances in 2024, including the men going to the sweet sixteen.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- We’re almost a month away from the start of the soccer season for both the UWS men’s and women’s squads. The Yellowjackets recently released their schedules for the 2025 campaign. It all starts on August 29th with a home doubleheader. The men first will take on Luther College at 3 pm. And the women will follow with a…

John Landsteiner Steps Away from Team Shuster

During his time on Team Shuster, Landsteiner played a part in six national titles, seven world appearances, and three Olympic games.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Team Shuster gears up for a run towards the 2026 Winter Olympics, they’ll be doing so without one of their mainstays. John Landsteiner, who serves as the lead of the team, announced on Wednesday that he is stepping away from the team. The reason being is he wants to spend more time with his family. During his…

Air Quality Alert issued for International Falls-area

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for north central and northeast Minnesota. The alert takes effect at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, and runs until 1 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025. The affected area includes International Falls and the Tribal Nation of Red Lake. A pocket of moderate to heavy…

Part of Munger State Trail washed out; Closed until winter

DULUTH, Minn. – A section of the Munger State Trail close to the Buffalo House restaurant is expected to be closed  until later this winter. It’s closed to replace a failing culvert. There is no designated detour available, so trail users should plan accordingly. Munger Trail Closed 07/17/25 Recent heavy rainfall has caused severe soil erosion around the culvert located at…

Three Huskies Contribute to Great Plains Win at Northwoods League All-Star Game

Michael Smith Jr. and Ethan Surowiec both hit home runs for the Great Plains team.

MADISON, Wis.- As the rest of the team rests this week, three Duluth Huskies still had a game to play in. That game being the Northwoods League All-Star Game. Ethan Surowiec, Michael Smith Jr., and Parker Thomas all taking part. After missing a home run by a few feet earlier in the contest, Surowiec sent the ball a little further…

Lynx Beat the Mercury 79-66 to Improve to 12-0 at Home Heading Into the All-Star break

Minnesota, which led 37-33 at the break, made a 3-pointer on three straight possessions in the third quarter to extend its lead to 57-44.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kayla McBride scored 18 points, Courtney Williams had 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Phoenix Mercury 79-66 on Wednesday to improve to 12-0 at home this season heading into the All-Star break. Minnesota, which led 37-33 at the break, made a 3-pointer on three straight possessions in the third quarter…

NHL Releases the 2025-26 Schedule, the Last 82-Game Season Before New CBA Increases it to 84

The NHL released the full 2025-26 schedule on Wednesday, the final 82-game season before the new collective bargaining agreement kicks in and increases it to 84.

NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL released the full 2025-26 schedule on Wednesday, the final 82-game season before the new collective bargaining agreement kicks in and increases it to 84. The league’s 32 teams will combine to play 1,312 games between Oct. 7 and April 16 with the playoffs to run from the following weekend through much of June. Beginning in 2026-27, there will…

Perich Talks New Offensive Role, Dream of Playing for Vikings at Gopher Media Day

Perich will next head to Las Vegas next week to take part in Big Ten Media Day. He's one of five Gophers set to speak.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- In less than two weeks, the Minnesota Golden Gopher football program will open up fall camp in preparation for the upcoming season. On Wednesday, a number of players were on hand for the team’s annual media day. That of course included Esko native and safety Koi Perich. Perich had a spectacular first season in the maroon and gold,…

Spongy Moth Spraying begins in Northern Minnesota

DULUTHJ, Minn. — Spongy Moth spraying in Minnesota was planned to start July 16th. If the weather cooperates, spraying will occur over through the 22nd. Low flying planes will be spreading a non-toxic substance at 24 sites in Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Pine and St. Louis counties. The substance does not harm humans, animals, or other insects. It works by confusing…

Kyle Schwarber’s 3 Homers in All-Star Game’s First Tiebreaking Swing-Off Lift NL Over AL

In baseball’s equivalent of soccer’s penalty-kicks shootout, the game was decided by having three batters from each league take three swings each off coaches.

ATLANTA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber went 3 for 3 in the first All-Star Game home run swing-off to put the National League ahead 4-3 following a 6-6 tie in which the American League rallied from a six-run deficit on Tuesday night. In baseball’s equivalent of soccer’s penalty-kicks shootout, the game was decided by having three batters from each league take…

Duluth FC Captain Liam Pritchard Earns NPSL North MVP Honors

Pritchard has three goals so far this season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The next time Duluth FC captain Liam Pritchard takes the field, he’ll be hearing the MVP chants. On Tuesday, the forward was named the NPSL North MVP for his efforts this season. Pritchard has appeared in every game so far this year, including the NSPL North regular season clincher against Siouxland United FC back on July 2nd. In…

Surowiec Clubs Five Home Runs in Northwoods League All-Star Challenge

The All-Star Game takes place on Wednesday at 6:35 PM.

MADISON, Wis.- It’s been the official start to the Northwoods League All-Star Break for many years, the home run challenge. This year, one of the 18 participants was Huskies slugger Ethan Surowiec. He joined the rest of the Great Plains division to tee off against the Great Lakes Division. In the 7th inning, it was Surowiec’s turn as he and…

Six Former Huskies Selected in 2025 MLB Draft

First off the board was former Huskies outfielder Brandon Compton.

DULUTH, Minn.- In recent years, the Duluth Huskies have helped a number of players make the jump to the big leagues. Take Kristian Campbell for example, he spent the 2022 summer in the Twin Ports and then was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 4th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Earlier this week, that trend continued with…

Over $15,000 Raised at 6th Annual CJ Ham Youth Football Camp for Local Scholarships

The proceeds from the camp go towards the Ham Family Scholarship fund presented by Essentia Health, which was established in 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- This past weekend, Minnesota Vikings Fullback CJ Ham returned home for his annual youth football camp. At the camp, 350 kid’s grades 1st-9th participated in the 6th annual football camp. The proceeds from the camp go towards the Ham Family Scholarship fund presented by Essentia Health, which was established in 2022. The Scholarship fund provides financial support for…

Marsolek Adjust to College Pitching with Huskies Before College Career at St. Thomas

Marsolek joined the pitching crew of the Duluth Huskies for the second half of the season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Marshall Hilltopper and 2025 Mr. Baseball award winner Owen Marsolek will continue his baseball career at the college level. He is set to play for St. Thomas next season. But before he heads to Minneapolis, he is getting a few more games under his belt at Wade Stadium. Marsolek joined the pitching crew of the Duluth Huskies…

Air Quality Alert extended – again

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended its air quality alert through Tuesday, July 15 for northern Minnesota. Areas around the Northshore and Carlton County will still be in the level considered unhealthy for everyone. That area includes Two Harbors, Duluth, and the Tribal Nations of Grand Portage and Fond du Lac. The rest of Northern…

Air Quality Alert extended

Red air quality: Unhealthy DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended the air quality alert for northern Minnesota. The alert now runs until 6 p.m. on Monday, July 14,m 2025. The affected area includes Duluth, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Grand Portage, Brainerd, Hinckley, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs,…

Vikings Fullback CJ Ham Returns to Duluth for 6th Annual Youth Football Camp

Hundreds of kids participated in the 6th annual CJ Ham youth football camp at Duluth Denfeld high school.

DULUTH, Minn.- Before beginning his tenth season with the Minnesota Vikings, fullback CJ Ham returned to Duluth for his annual football camp on Saturday. “It’s always a blessing to be back, to be able to bring this back to the community that has served me for so long. We just love being here. This is obviously home. This field is…

Harbor Monsters Axe Eau Claire 54-26, Improving to 5-2

The Harbor Monsters next game in on Saturday, July 26th against the Ozarks Lunkers. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters were back at the DECC Arena on Saturday night as they took on Eau Claire. The Harbor Monster dominated in all four quarters, defeating the Axemen 54 to 26. Duluth enters its bye week with a 5-2 record. The Harbor Monsters next game is on Saturday, July 26th, against the Ozarks Lunkers. Game time…

Duluth FC Secures Spot in Minnesota Super Cup Finals

The Minnesota Super Cup finals is on July 26th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Duluth FC welcomed in the St Paul Blackhawks for the Minnesota Super Cup semifinal round on Sunday afternoon. The BlueGreens and the Blackhawks traded goals to end the first half tied 1-1. In the second half, the Bluegreens added two more goals to defeat St. Paul 3 to 2, earning a spot in the Minnesota Super Cup finals….

Huskies Settle for Series Split with Larks in Final Home Game Before the All-Star Break

The Huskies are back in action on Saturday, July 12th, against the Waterloo Bucks. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies wrapped up their seven-game home stand on Friday night against the Bismarck Larks. The Huskies and the Larks went back and forth all game. Sadly, the Huskies fell to the Larks 4 to 3 in their last home game before the All-Star break. The Huskies are back in action on Saturday, July 12th, against the…

Former Bulldog Ethan Cole Returns for Third Season with Huskies

The Duluth native first suited up for the Huskies back in the 2023 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies add a familiar face to the roster for the second half of the season. Former UMD Bulldog Ethan Cole returns for his third season with the Huskies. The Duluth native first suited up for the Huskies back in the 2023 season. In year three with Duluth, Cole has 7 hits and one home run in…

CSS Softball Hires Kiana Gibson as Assistant Coach & Baseball Adds Blake Peterson to Coaching Staff

Gibson is a former NCAA Division I softball player, where she played for Tarleton State University.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Friday, the CSS softball team hired Kiana Gibson as an assistant coach for the 2025 season. Gibson is a former NCAA Division I softball player, where she played for Tarleton State University. For the Texans, Gibson appeared in 87 games in three years. In her final season, she led the Texans to a 36-22 record. The CSS…

Superior City FC II Earns Top-Seed in WPASL Playoffs

Superior City FC II will host a WPASL playoff match on Sunday, July 27th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On the pitch, The Superior City FC II men’s team has punched their ticket to the 2025 WPASL playoffs. The Wolfpack are currently 6-0-2 and have earned a total of 20 points. Earning them the number one seed in the East Division. The Wolfpack still has two more regular season games left. Superior City FC II will host…

Huskies Bounce Back with Series-Opening Win Against Larks

Duluth is back at home on Friday, July 11th against the Larks. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies were back at Wade Stadium on Thursday night as they took on the Bismarck Larks. The Huskies get back in the win column with the 6 to 1 win over the Larks, improving to 32-15. Duluth is back at home on Friday, July 11th, against the Larks. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. Categories: Northwoods…

2025 Northwoods League All-Star Ethan Surowiec Selected for Home Run Challenge

In 31 games with the Huskies Surowiec tallied 7 home runs on the season, with a batting average of .398.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies Northwoods League All-Star Ethan Surowiec has been selected to participate in the Northwoods League All-Star Home Run Challenge. In 31 games with the Huskies Surowiec tallied 7 home runs on the season, with a batting average of .398. Surowiec is one of nine Great Plains All-Stars to be selected for the home run challenge. The…