UMD men's hockey is surrounding its future core with the kind of balance you rarely see in a single signing haul: scoring up front, size and skating on the back end, and a top-flight goaltender to anchor the whole operation.
Bonnie Louise Melander, age 81, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025. She was born in Duluth, Minnesota on September 9, 1944 to parents, Louis & Irene (Kauppi) Sternal. She was raised in West Duluth, was a 1962 graduate of Denfeld High School, and raised her own family here. Bonnie
Larry Joe Olson, 77, of Superior, passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2025, at his home from natural causes. He was born on June 26, 1948, in Two Harbors to Harry and Virginia (Riley) Olson. Larry grew up in Two Harbors and graduated from Two Harbors High School with the
For the broader community, Northstar Ford Arena is a gathering place — the kind that small towns understand better than anyone. Rinks aren’t just buildings here. They’re living rooms. Story banks. Time machines. They hold memories whether they’re supposed to or not.
Marie Garofalo, 100, passed peacefully in her home. She was born February 17, 1925 in Duluth to Anthony(Tony) and Helen Garofalo. Marie grew up in Gary-New Duluth and was a life-long member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church. Marie attended Stowe School and was a 1943 graduate of Morgan
Public records aren’t optional. They’re not favors. And they’re not something a police department gets to release once the inconvenience wears off. The law is clear — even if compliance apparently isn’t.
Steven John Kuehn, age 72, of Knife River died on December 19, 2025 surrounded by an army of loved ones. He was born in Duluth, MN on January 22, 1953 to loving parents, Howard and Marjorie (Kymala) Kuehn. Growing up, Steve enjoyed running cross country, biking, basketball, and of course,
AF1’s real challenge is not production quality or rule tweaks or even competitive balance. It is relevance. And relevance, in 2026, is earned by showing up — consistently, freely, and without friction — in the lives of people who didn’t know they were fans yet.
“The city of Duluth embraced this team when they were the Duluth Harbor Monsters. Going to all these games — for me to take that away from them would have been selfish.” -- New Minnesota Monsters owner Jacob Lambert
Hermantown delivered a three-sport statement Friday night, with the Hawks’ boys hockey, boys basketball and girls basketball teams all turning in convincing wins. The Class A top-ranked Hawks hockey team knocked off host Maple Grove 7-4. Defenseman Gabe Swenson had five assists. Bryce Francisco stopped 25 shots in goal for
Several teams across AF1 continued to reshape their rosters Thursday, adding depth through signings at multiple positions. Michigan led the activity, adding four players across offense and defense. The Wolverines signed Joel Blankenship, a 6-foot-1, 250-pound fullback and linebacker from Southern Illinois, and wide receiver Arron Foulkes, a 5-foot-8, 160-pound
Tim MacDonald, 68, of Duluth – lifelong resident of Lakewood, died peacefully in his home on December 15, 2015. Tim married Sharon (Jones), who he loved endlessly, on July 7th, 1979. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Jessica (Bob) and Mandi. Tim and Sharon just moved to their dream home on
Michigan continued to add depth across its roster Wednesday, announcing the signings of four players who bolster the defensive line, linebacker corps and wide receiver room. Doug Malcolm, a 6-foot-6, 330-pound defensive lineman from Albion College, joins the Arsenal as one of the largest additions up front. Michigan also added
Duluth has always supported teams that show up honestly and invest consistently. The formula hasn’t changed. Don’t overpromise. Don’t disappear when things get hard. Build something people can recognize as theirs. When that happens, this city responds — not with blind loyalty, but with earned trust.
In an era when public trust in institutions is fragile, Hermantown Schools has earned its credibility the old-fashioned way: by respecting taxpayers, confronting reality, and governing with integrity.
Leadership has mattered during the uneven stretches. Senior captains Bailey Hermanson and Aurora Decker have been the stabilizers — not just when the Hawks are rolling, but when they’re searching.
