News – Latest News

Vista Queen Arrives In Duluth Port For 2018 Season

Vista Owner Says City Will Be Building Temporary Docking For Safe Harbor During Seawall Construction

DULUTH, Minn. – There is a sigh of relief and excitement for the Vista Fleet’s 2018 tourism season with the arrival of the Vista Queen boat in the port of Duluth. Boat tours begin on Wednesday and the bigger Vista Star will arrive on Thursday. Owner Justin Steinbach said after he did a story last week with FOX 21’s Dan Hanger about…

Kids Carnival Held at Damiano Center

Event kicks off new renovated space

DULUTH, Minn. – A kids carnival was celebrated at the Damiano Center in Duluth. The event kicks off their kids space being renovated and a custom-made library opening there. The center’s children’s program offers after school help, cooking, and games. “This is huge to be able to just celebrate and to just have inflatable Twister or the UMD mascot come…

All Students Released and Returned Home Following School Bus Rollover

Bus carrying 22 Grand Rapids students and a staff member overturned in Northwestern Minnesota Monday morning

LENGBY, Minn. – A bus carrying Grand Rapids High School students overturned Monday morning on U.S. Highway 2 in Northwestern Minnesota about five miles outside of Bagley. Twenty-two Grand Rapids High School students and a staff member were traveling to the Great Plains Institute in Crookston when, at about 8:20 a.m., their bus overturned. According to the Minnesota State Patrol,…

Fire Danger Rated ‘Extreme’ in Northland

DNR is Asking Public to Remain Vigilant

DULUTH, Minn.-The wildfire danger in the Northland has been rated as “extreme” causing burning restrictions to be put in throughout much of the region. The current dry conditions are ideal for what could be an “explosive” fire situation that could lead to extensive property damage. The DNR wants to remind the public to remain vigilant to avoid a catastrophe in…

LSC Firefighting Students Complete Hands-on Training

After the '14 Hour Shift' second year students graduate from the program

DULUTH, Minn. – There is a big demand for firefighters across the nation. Lake Superior College firefighting students took their training to another level today before trying to find jobs in the competitive field. Firefighting students at LSC completed their ’14 Hour Shift’ Monday. The training puts together everything they’ve learned throughout the year and asks them to use it…

Beloved 50’s Drive-In Restaurant Open for the Season

A and Dubs Drive-In is open for the summer season.

DULUTH, Minn.-It’s been around since the 1950’s and is still keeping the drive-in style eatery alive and well in Duluth. A and Dubs Drive-In is open for the summer season, Monday customers enjoyed the sunshine and car-side service at the diner. A and Dubs has been serving Duluth since the 1950s and is the city’s first drive-in. The owner says…

Hospital Offers Free Skin Cancer Detection

Screenings are the most effective way to detect skin cancer.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly one in five Americans develop skin cancer, today dermatologists in Duluth are helping community members detect warning signs. The Spot Me event offers free skin cancer detection all day long. The American Academy of Dermatology deemed today Melanoma Monday, local dermatologists checked moles and concern spots for free. The Skin Renewal Center at Essentia Health opened its…

City Leaders Discuss the Proposed Affordable Housing Work Act

Duluth city leaders speaking out Wednesday believe the proposed bill would affect over 900 households in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth city leaders gathered discussing how the Affordable Housing Work Act 2018 proposed bill could potentially affect the area if passed. The Trump administration’s making Affordable Housing Work Act 2018 proposal aims to increase the minimum rent paid by low–income households. It’s estimated over than two million people would be affected by the increase nationwide. The proposal still…

Mayor Paine Details Husky Refinery on Week Summary

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Officials have provided a detailed summary a little over a week since the Husky Superior Refinery fire: Husky Energy continues to work with the community, government agencies and its employees to recover.  Working in partnership with community leadership, municipal, state agencies and federal agencies, we have made progress over the last week towards the goal…

Senate Approves Changes Meant to Ease Child Care Shortage

Similar Measures Introduced in the House

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Senate has passed a handful of measures aimed at loosening restrictions on child care providers. The push comes following lawmaker’s concerns that certain regulations are leading to a shortage of child care facilities, especially in rural areas. A handful of measures relaxing restrictions on training and licensing requirements overwhelmingly cleared the Senate Monday….

8th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest Begins Next Week

Duluth Dylan Fest

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual week-long Duluth Dylan Fest is set to kick off this year on May 19th and run through May 27th. The festival is always held in conjunction with Bob Dylan’s birthday, May 24th, and this year marks his 77th birthday. Dylan Fest is slated to include a Dylan-themed art exhibition, a poetry showcase, a Dylan trivia…

Minnesota Says old IDs Should Suffice at Airports Until 2020

The Current Extension Will Lapse in October

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota officials say standard driver’s licenses should be accepted for domestic flights until October 2020 as stronger Real ID requirements roll out. That’s been an open question for years as the state has struggled to satisfy the federal Real ID Act. The 2005 law requires upgraded security standards for licenses and took effect in January….

Sex Offender Relocates to Duluth

The Duluth Police Department is Notifying the Public

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is notifying the public of a level three sex offender that has moved to Duluth. David Charles Workman moved to the 200 block of North 22nd Avenue West on May 4th. According to the Notification of Release, Workman has a history of “possessing child pornography and has engaged in sexual contact with minor…

Fourth Street Final Phase of Construction Starts Today

The Project is Scheduled to Complete in June

DULUTH, Minn. – The final phase of the 4th Street construction project to rebuild approximately two miles of 4th Street resumed this morning. Starting today 4th Street will be closed between 22nd Avenue East and Wallace Avenue. Crews will be working on multiple projects including: Paving the road Constructing curbs, gutters and sidewalks Installing street lighting Landscaping There is no…

Irving Park to Undergo Renovations

The Project Will Last Until July 30

photo: duluthmn.govDULUTH, Minn. – The Irving Park Renovation project kicked off this morning in Duluth. The park sustained irreparable damage following the June 2012 flood and will undergo renovations which include: New accessible walkways throughout the park Porta-potty slab and screen New stairs to the parking lot Removal of old playground and installation of new in June Relocation of the…

Letter Carriers Ask for Public’s Help with Annual Food Drive

Stamp Out Hunger Takes Place Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the public can help the hungry in the Northland just by taking a stroll to the mailbox. The National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is taking place on Saturday, May 12. This is the largest one-day food drive in the nation. On this day, letter carriers collect non-perishable food donations left by mailboxes and in…

Aerial Lift Bridge Gets Fresh Paint

DULUTH, Minn. – Final painting and touch ups started this morning for the Aerial Lift Bridge in Canal Park. Contractors working with the city finalized the decking project for the bridge and the final touch ups required the bridge to be reduced to one lane of traffic. The project is expected to finish today but may be extended into Tuesday…

Bent Paddle to Celebrate Five Years with Annual Festival

Festiversary Takes Over West Michigan Street on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle is celebrating their fifth anniversary and they want the public to join. Their annual Festiversary is taking place on Saturday, May 12 from 2 – 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and $10 for those under 21 or the designated driver. Kids 14 and under are free. This is a…

Late ice-out Worries Minnesota Anglers as Opener Approaches

Around 5,000 Anglers Traditionally Fish on Opening Weekend

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Many of Minnesota’s most popular lakes still have ice as the state’s fishing season opener approaches on Saturday. But one of the coldest and snowiest Aprils on record has given way to a warm, sunny May that’s causing rapid melting. That’s giving hope to anglers, resorts and bait shops. While most big walleye lakes across the northern…

No Serious Injuries in Grand Rapids School bus Crash

Eleven Students and Driver Sent to Hospital

LENGBY, Minn. (AP) – A school bus crash in northwestern Minnesota resulted in no serious injuries. Grand Rapids Public Schools says 22 students and one staff member were traveling to the Great Plains Youth Institute in Crookston on Monday when their bus was involved in a crash. The driver and 3 students were transported to the Fosston Hospital. 9 students…

Twin Cities vie for Army Command Headquarters

The Army is Deciding Between 15 Finalist Areas

photo: LinkedInMINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Politicians, communities and companies in the Twin Cities are making a united pitch for a new military headquarters. The Star Tribune reports that the Department of Defense’s Army Futures Command will be a research and development headquarters that intends to partner with local talent on the next generation of technology innovations. Michael Langley is CEO of…

Bridge Inspection, Closures Scheduled for Tomorrow

Ramps Will be Open for Morning and Evening Commute

DULUTH, Minn. – Bridge inspections that had been scheduled to begin today have been pushed back to start tomorrow morning. The inspections are expected to last from May 8 through May 10. MNDOT has provided a schedule of closures for the week: Tuesday, May 8 the ramp from southbound I-35 to eastbound Highway 2 at the Bong Bridge will close…

Walker to Take Part in Foxconn Site Development Announcement

The Plant Could Employ 13,000 People

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is scheduled to take part in an announcement Monday about site development for the Foxconn Technology Group campus in the southeast corner of the state. The governor’s press office says Walker will join business owners and workers from across Wisconsin for announcements planned in Black River Falls, Brownsville and Racine. Foxconn…

Ice-out Finally Declared on West Twin Cities Lake Minnetonka

Officials say all Bays and Channels are Navigable

MINNETONKA, Minn. (AP) – Authorities have declared ice-out on Lake Minnetonka in the western Twin Cities, tying the record for the latest ice-out on the big lake. The Freshwater Society and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol declared the ice-out just after noon Saturday. This year’s ice-out ties 1857 for the latest on record. The Freshwater Society reports this…

Two Dead in Fiery Crash in Coon Rapids

The Crash is Under Investigation

COON RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) – A man and a woman have died in a fiery crash in Coon Rapids. Anoka County sheriff’s authorities say 911 callers reported the crash just after 9 p.m. Saturday. Officers found a vehicle had struck a concrete power pole and caught fire. After the fire was extinguished, the bodies of two adults were found in…

Wolf Ridge ELC Unveils Renovated Margaret A. Cargill Lodge

The Margaret A. Cargill Lodge is Renovated to Meet the Highest International Standard for Sustainability

FINLAND, Minn. – A vision of outdoor education and sustainability back in 1971 has become a huge success over the years in Lake County. Staff, students and visitors to this popular attraction continue to stay one step ahead of the game when it comes to going green. “Wolf Ridge started on the idea of let’s get kids outside and get…

Pete Stauber Gets Republican Endorsement In 8th Dist.

DULUTH, Minn. – 8th Congressional District candidate Pete Stauber has won the Republican endorsement. The announcement comes after the GOP district convention in Park Rapids, Minn., over the weekend. Stauber is a retired Duluth police officer and current St. Louis County Commissioner. The following statement was released to the media: “It is an honor to receive the endorsement of my…

Paint Your Pet Class Has People Creating Art of Their Furry Friends

No, they're not painting on their pets, they're painting pictures OF their pets.

DULUTH, Minn. –  Some people in Duluth spent a relaxing Sunday getting in touch with their creative side. Folks gathered at Blacklist Artisan Ales for a “Paint Your Pet” class. People submitted photos of their pet to the artist at MP Design Art, who then creates a paint–by–numbers image, so that even the most inexperienced painter can complete a masterpiece…

6 Displaced After House Fire In Chisholm

CHISHOLM, Minn. – The Red Cross is helping six family members after their home went up in flames in Chisholm. The fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. Sunday on the 300 block of 10th Street NW, according to the Northland Fire Wire. Six people, including three children, were taken to the hospital and later released for smoke inhalation. Two family…

Race Car Parks at West Duluth Dairy Queen

Dan Kingsley Racing Team is gearing up for 2018 race season

DULUTH, Minn. – People driving along Grand Avenue in West Duluth may have seen this Number 68 race car sitting in the Dairy Queen parking lot. The team from Dan Kingsley Racing is showing off their car before the race season starts and highlighting Dairy Queen as one of their newest sponsors. “It helps bring people in to see who…

World Accordion Day Celebrated in Superior

World of Accordions Museum hosts music festival to celebrate

SUPERIOR, Wis. – May 6th is World Accordion Day. It celebrates the date in 1829 when the first accordion was patented. The World of Accordions Museum in Superior is the largest in the world with more than 1,300 unique instruments. They paired Sunday’s celebration with a music festival showcasing accordion music throughout the world. “It plays all kinds of music,”…

‘Horses in Your Neighborhood’ Offered Throughout the Northland

Families learned how to groom and ride horses

DULUTH, Minn. – Families spent Sunday learning all about horses in their neighborhood. The event was offered at five barns across the Northland. Kids and adults learned how to groom horses and took pony rides. “It’s different than what kids get to do every day,” said Lauren Brickley, a working student at West Amity Stables. “You get to interact with…

Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Opener 2018 Kicked Off Saturday

Chetek Chain Of Lakes Is Free Of Ice For Wisconsin Fishing Opener, With Perfect Weather

Chetek, Wis. — The 53rd Annual Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Opener had anglers across the state casting their lines for a first bite on lakes free of ice! Just two weeks ago the Chetek Chain Of Lakes was covered in 20″ of ice, leaving many people wondering how this weekend’s state fishing opener would go. Well, a stretch of above average…

Walking For A Cure

Walk MS took place in Duluth Saturday Morning to raise money for finding a cure for the disease

DULUTH– Ending MS for good requires efforts from everyone, whether you have a connection to the disease, or not. Saturday morning over three hundred people showed up to ‘Walk MS’- fundraising walk for the disease- starting at the canal park Hampton Inn and continuing along the lakewalk in Duluth. The walk has both a one and a three mile route. “It’s…

Seventh Annual Twin Ports Motorcycle Expo and Car Show Held

Motorcycles and cars were on display at Wessman Arena

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cars and motorcycles were on display in the Northland on Saturday It was the 7th annual Twin Ports Motorcycle Expo and Car Show on Saturday, held at Wessman Arena in Superior. Trophies were given out for the best bikes. Funds raised from the event go towards St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. “It feels good. It makes it really…

UMD Students walk across the stage for graduation

More than 2,000 students graduated on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday was a big day for University of Minnesota – Duluth students at Amsoil Arena It was UMD’s commencement day for those students who have passed all their tests, and are ready to take the next steps in their lives. “It’s super exciting, seeing all these people, it kind of brings back the memories of all the…

Dennis Godfrey Memorial Car Show

Lake Superior College's Automotive Service Club hosted annual car show commemorating late automotive instructor

DULUTH — And there were even more cool vehicles at Lake Superior College’s car show today in Duluth. The Dennis Godfrey Memorial Car Show is an event dedicated to an automotive instructor who passed away. They celebrate his life by showcasing various cars, from 1940’s classics to supped up trucks. “This is almost a lifestyle to some people and it…

Cinco De Mayo Craft and Gift Show

a combination of local businesses and businesses from the cities set up shop

DULUTH — Small businesses, both local and from the twin cities, were in Duluth Saturday afternoon at the Cinco de Mayo Craft and Gift Show. Thirty five vendors set up shop at the Inn on Lake Superior, selling items from baked goods to wooden wall hangings, all to help the local economy. “You have some major businesses up here but the…

Farmers Market Open For Business

Duluth Farmers Market had its seasonal opening

DULUTH — The farmers market on East Third Street in Duluth is officially open for the season. The market hosts select food vendors producing unique local goods, selling mostly farm products created in the lake superior Bioregion to provide fresh produce while boosting the local economy. “You get way more nutrient for your buck and you’re supporting local growers. So…

Fire Leaves Local Business a Total Loss

Around 3:30 Thursday afternoon firefighters were called to Cloquet Interiors, more than 24 hours later crews are still working at the scene.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The investigation continues tonight into a major fire that broke out Thursday afternoon at a Cloquet business. Cloquet Interiors along Highway 33 is a total loss and Friday’s winds kept firefighters on site to make sure the fire didn’t cause more problems. Around 3:30 Thursday afternoon firefighters were called to Cloquet Interiors, more than 24 hours later crews…

Superior Thanks First Responders After Husky Fire

City leaders wanted to personally thank the people who put their lives on the line to help others after the events at Husky that caused a mass evacuation in the Superior area.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior stands united to thank the brave men and women who worked together to protect the community after the Husky Energy Explosion and fire last week. City leaders wanted to personally thank the people who put their lives on the line to help others after the events at Husky that caused a mass evacuation in the…

Cars & Businesses Vandalized in Superior

Level Up in Superior was another business that was vandalized.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Employees from Serenity Spa in Superior arrived to work a little before 8 a.m. and noticed the place was vandalized. Their windows had been shot out. The staff believes someone used a BB gun to cause the damage and it’s the fourth time this has happened within the year. The windows can cost thousands to replace. Superior…

Reeling in for the Wisconsin Fishing Opener

A current fishing license is required for the 2018-2019 season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The day many Wisconsinites have been waiting for is almost here the Wisconsin Fishing Opener is May 5. Local fisherman came into Northwest Outlet in Superior to get some last minute things. There are restrictions where you can catch fish and it also depends on the type of fish you’re looking to reel in, but this season will be off…

Model Train Show This Weekend at Depot

Show Will Feature About 30 Model Trains

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Depot has always been the home to trains, but this weekend a smaller version of railroads will also make its way there. A massive model train layout will fill the Great Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and until about 1 p.m. Sunday. It’s all sponsored by the group Minnesota Free-Mo Modelers, who say that…

UMD Student Shares Love for Video Games by Creating Them

Student Creates Video Games as Art Form

  DULUTH, Minn.-A UMD student has taken his love of video games to a whole new level. Charles McGregor graduates tomorrow, but before he leaves, he offered the campus a culmination of his work in creating video games. The event , dubbed Digital Cove, showcased his work at the Tweed Museum of Art. He told us today, that video games…

Helium Shortage Hits the Northland

Local Business Says They've Seen Small Impact

SUPERIOR, Wis.-It’s that time of the year again where various parties are being held throughout the Northland whether it be for graduations, family reunions, or weddings. And you can’t have those parties without balloons, but getting the helium to fill them up is an ongoing issue. According to publication Chemical and Engineering News, there’s a helium shortage hitting the planet….

Animal Control Changes in Carlton County

The President of Friends of Animals tells us shelters don’t typically provide animal control officers.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The animal shelter, Friends of Animals in Cloquet has been providing the community with an animal control officer for years. Last month the shelter notified the City it will no longer. The President of Friends of Animals tells us shelters don’t typically provide animal control officers. The motive behind the change is to put more resources into the shelter….

Cooper Fire and Reconstruction Update

Further Information is Expected on May 18th

Superior, Wis. – According to recent updates from the Superior School District, Paul Davis has been selected as the cleaning company to proceed with the cleaning process which started on April 25. The District will be focusing on cleanup efforts with Paul Davis to ensure no further damage or corrosion takes place inside the building. Paul Davis is also working…