Note: This is the second column in six-part series on the state of arena football — from the sport’s bruised past to its uncertain future — with a sharp focus on AF1, the upstart league the Duluth-based Minnesota Monsters will join when they relaunch in Spring 2026.
Hermantown spotted Rock Ridge a lead in boys hockey Tuesday night in Virginia and then did what the Hawks usually do — finished the game on their terms. Down 1-0 entering the third, the Hermantown ripped off three straight and walked out with a 3-1 win. Bode Madill got them even,
Arena Football One saw steady roster movement this week, as Minnesota continued reshaping its defense, Oregon added an SEC-tested defensive back and Beaumont released an offensive lineman. Minnesota signed linebacker/defensive lineman Robert Fuentes, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound product of Central Oklahoma, along with defensive back Jalen Hicks, a 5-9, 175-pound
Teresa C. Niven, 62, of Duluth, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 21, 2025. Our mom was the most kindhearted, gentle, loving soul you would ever meet. She was rarely ever seen without a smile and always people watching wherever she was. She was always down for an adventure!
She most recently served as chief administrative officer for the City of San Antonio’s Council District 6, overseeing constituent services, zoning, public works and community outreach. She supported the district’s review of the city’s $4 billion annual budget and worked across multiple departments.
AF1 is trying to prove that there’s still room for stable, professional arena football in mid-sized American markets — if the game is built more deliberately, more honestly and more humbly than the leagues that came before it.
Three new law enforcement K-9 teams have graduated from training and are ready to begin working patrol shifts. The teams were introduced to the community on Monday during a special event at Hermantown City Hall. They include: . K-9 Bruno is partnered with Hermantown Police Officer Olivia Gottschald . K-9 Kylo is
“The most encouraging thing, in my eyes, was the fact that no matter which five guys we had on the floor, no matter the score, they were playing their hearts out.” -- Hermantown boys basketball coach Andy Fenske
The AF1 remained active through the Thanksgiving weekend, with several teams adding depth on both sides of the ball. Albany and Michigan bolstered their defenses, Kentucky added help in the secondary, and expansion club Oceanside made a significant roster push with five signings, including additions at quarterback, wide receiver, the
"I knew this was going to be my last season playing in the National Football League. Given that, the Vikings allowed me the opportunity to go compete elsewhere for the last few weeks of my career." -- Adam Thielen
Steve will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle nature, and the warmth he extended to all. His caring spirit lives on in the deep relationships he built and the countless lives he touched. He will be missed now and always.
The Vikings wrote the book on heartbreak, but today’s stomach-turner didn’t even come with heartbreak. There was no drama. No tension. No what-if. Just a full-scale tap-out from a team that decided the fight wasn’t worth the bruises.
Howie's column is powered by Lyric Kitchen · Bar | eMail Howie Hermantown boys hockey coach Pat Andrews called it “a good first weekend,” as the Class 1A No. 2-ranked Hawks opened their season with a 6-3 win at Cretin-Derham Hall and a 2-2 overtime tie at 2A No. 2
Awal was among the councilors who supported restoring annual funding for Duluth’s mental-health crisis response team after Mayor Roger Reinert proposed eliminating the city’s share of the program’s budget.
Hermantown’s hockey team pushed one of the state’s top Class AA programs to the wire Saturday, holding a lead for more than two periods before settling for a 2-2 tie at No. 2 Hill-Murray. The Hawks answered an early Pioneers goal with two quick strikes — first from Kole
Marlene J. Mellesmoen, age 92, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Doyle A. Tyson, Sr., and Lillian G.P. (Nystrom) Tyson, and had one sibling, a brother, Doyle A. Tyson, Jr. (Buzz). Marlene was a proud alum of Duluth Central
