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Articles by Ron Houk
Ruby Slippers Returned To Judy Garland Museum
The Judy Garland museum once offered a million dollars to return the Wizard Of Oz Ruby Slippers, they are finally coming home. The FBI and Grand Rapids Police held a news conference to say they have found the pair that went missing in August of 2005. They were insured for $1 million dollars but the museum would rather have the shoes than collect the money. There are 4 total pairs of shoes still around but these were the real deal.
Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance Will Light Duluth Teal
It starts with Duluth's icons being lit teal and leads up to the Elizabeth Busche Golf Scramble on Sunday. If you are wondering why the Aerial Lift Bridge and Enger Tower are colored teal this month, September 8th and 9th, it's for the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, a Foundation for Ovarian Cancer. As usual it will make the Bridge and Tower take on a different feel.
Steve Perry Rules Out Return to Journey
Steve Perry ruled out returning to Journey because he’s aiming to record more solo songs, and discussed the possibility of touring in support of his comeback album Traces , which will be released on Oct. 5. In a new interview (embedded below) with New York's 106.7 Lite FM (via Blabbermouth ), Perry was asked if he’d ever return to the band that made his name. “No. I think that we've gone on our separate ways and we’re doing great," he replied.
‘Die Hard 6’ Won’t Have the Words ‘Die Hard’ In the Title
First there was Die Hard. And lo, did Bruce Willis’ John McClane die hard. Then there was a sequel, Die Hard 2 (sometimes also Die Harder , because movies are magic). Next came, Die Hard With a Vengeance. Then Live Free or Die Hard , the most New Hampshirish of the Die Hard films. And finally there was A Good Day to Die Hard , because there’s really not that many famous expressions with the word “die” at the end that you can add a “hard” to. It’s been five years since that fifth Die Hard .
‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Had the Biggest Labor Day Box Office in Years
The summer movie season ended on a high note thanks to Crazy Rich Asians. The movie not only broke past $100 million domestically, but had the third-biggest Labor Day weekend of all time at the box office . Jason Statham shark stabbing and Tom Cruise helicopter dangling also helped close out the summer box office on a high. Here’s the full chart for the four-day holiday weekend: After just three weeks, Crazy Rich Asians has topped the box office once again and made a total of $117 million.
All the way through Labor Day, KOOL is going to play all 80s music All Weekend long starting at 2 pm Friday. The 80s were so many things and the music reflects it. There was excess and DURAN DURAN. There was a recession that helped make Bruce Springsteen a star writing about the average man.
This Weeks Must-See Instagram Posts From Duluth-Superior
Familiar roads. Rain. Ports O'call. Read On.
How Elvis Presley Inspired Tom Petty to ‘Follow That Dream’
Tom Petty recalled how he turned to music after meeting Elvis Presley on a movie set on the Ultimate Classic Rock Nights radio show, in an interview recorded before his death last year. Petty was 10 years old when he traveled from his hometown of Gainesville, Fla., to nearby Ocala in 1961 for an experience that was to change his life. “My uncle worked on films from time to time, and he got a job on an Elvis Presley set, on a movie called Follow That Dream ,” he told host Uncle Joe Benson.
Paul McCartney Announces First U.S. Shows of 2019
Paul McCartney' s Freshen Up tour will be making its way to the U.S. next year. The legend announced a few shows that will take place in the late spring to promote his upcoming album, Egypt Station . The tour will start at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C., on May 27 and conclude at the TaxSlayer Center in Moline, Ill., on June 11. Tickets for all dates will be available on Sept. 7, at 10AM local time, with a pre-sale for American Express card holders taking place beginning Sept. 4 at 10AM local time.
Disney’s Star Wars Land Cantina Looks and Sounds Insane
Every new announcement about Disneyland and Walt Disney World ’s new land dedicated to Star Wars (officially known as “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge”) is crazier than the last. There’s going to be a Millennium Falcon ride, and you pilot the Falcon. How you perform on this ride will supposedly affect the interactions you have with the other characters in the Land. And Florida’s version will also include an immersive hotel that convinces you you’re actually in outer space. It goes on and on.
Get An Up-Close Look At The New Midway + Maple Grove Roundabout
The work is done (for the most part) and it's almost time for drivers to start to use the new roundabout built at the intersection of Midway and Maple Grove Roads. The first drivers will officially start to use it at 3:00 PM on Friday, August 31. The opening is the icing on the cake to the work that started back in June. That's when Maple Grove Road was closed to traffic, with Midway Road closing in July.
Heath And Natalie Are Chihuahua Buddies Looking For A Home
This is another pair of animals that became fast friends and thrive when they are together. They were in a place together and have become a team. So Animal Allies is asking to keep them together. If you are looking to add to a pack of dogs or looking to get a couple that you know will get along, you may want to look at these two. They have lived together, they used to be in a home together. They are just looking for love. Here's Daryl from Animal Allies and what he had to say.
Watch How Kirk Cousins Became A Viking Vol 1
Kirk Cousins was the most sought-after quarterback this past offseason. A camera crew followed him on his journey to find a team. The video starts with him looking up teams that his agent told him were looking for a quarterback. They show footage of his family and the moves he made to see if the team was a fit for him. I found this to be very interesting. It's not often you can see how things happen.
Superior Announces Changes To 21st 28th Street Boat Launch Docks
No matter what the season is, the City of Superior offers residents all sorts of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors; from trails to rinks, woods to lakes - city leaders make the resources available so that they can be enjoyed. One of the items that the city offers is boat launch docks. Two of those docks will see some changes in the next few weeks.
Rubber Chicken Theatre To Play MN State Fair This Weekend
A rare opportunity came up for the Duluth based company to take their talents south to show the whole state. The MN State Fair Sent out a mailer to fill out and chose the comedy troupe to come down and perform in the North End, next to The Hanger. A part of the MN State Fair that has been revamped.
KOOL Football Schwamee Says Aaron Happy, Packers Winning
The KOOL football Schwamee is thinking two of the NFC North teams will be good and make the playoffs, and this week gives them both a win. At the beginning of the season, he was shaky on the Packers because Aaron Rodgers was not happy. Seems they have shored up the defense and offense, kept their coach and just paid Aaron Rodgers a huge contract. So, is he happy? The KOOL Schwamee seems to think so and when Aaron is happy the Packers are good.
Play Our 2018 Pro Football Pick ‘Em for a Chance at $10,000
Think you’re the top football expert in the Twin Ports area? Make your picks here for every regular season pro football game this year. You'll compete against others around the Duluth/Superior area (including us here at the station) to rack up points for every correct pick. Then, at the end of the season, when we tally all of the correct picks, if you have the best record, you'll win our awesome local prize package from Superior Beverages and Qdoba.
34th Annual Fall Fest, Saturday, September 15th
The event takes place from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm with vendors, music, food, crafts, and locally grown fresh produce. There will also be informational booths about local programs. The annual event has grown over the years and will host over 130 vendors, a great line up of music, 8 food vendors, face painting, and activities for children and families. In addition, Chester Bowl t-shirts, hats, and other items will be sold by the Chester Bowl Improvement Club. There are new items so you may want to shop.
Duluth 7th Best For Nurses To Pay Back Student Loans
Eau Claire also in the survey for the best job to have that student loan paid off and make a living wage. About 7 in 10 nurses take out student loans to pay for their graduate program, according to a 2017 report from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing . Also in the same report, 50% stated their biggest concern after graduation was repaying and trying to have a plan to do that. Some relocate to find work, some have to do something else until a job opens.
Children's Advil Recall Due To Overdose Concerns
The makers of Children's Advil are recalling one lot of their product over overdose concerns; the provided dosage cup measurements don't match the containers dosage instructions. Phizer, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for their product: Children's Advil Suspension Bubble Gum Flavor, sold in the 4 fluid ounce bottle.
Red Flag Warning Posted For August 28th No Swimming
The weather today is making it unsafe to be in the lake, the Duluth Fire Department has issued a RED FLAG WARNING. Due to the High Risk of Rip Currents today, the Duluth Fire Department is issuing a warning for dangerous swimming conditions for Park Point beaches effective immediately and continuing until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. This warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents. Rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the water.
Harold's Golf Fiasco Brings In Record Numbers
This year was another year to say Thank You To Harold's Golf Fiasco for raising $22,804 dollars for St. Jude. It was tense for a while because Friday was a wet day but the weather held out at Pile Hill Golf Club in Carlton as people showed up to golf and have fun, and participate in the live auction of all sorts of great items. There was food from B & B Market, drinks, and other games going on.
23rd Veteran Helps People Transition Into Thier Lives Again
Many people in the military come back from duty and don't know how to live as a civilian. Many say it's like being in a free fall out of a plane. In the military, you are taught to be part of a team, always a team. When a person comes back from active duty you don't work so well by yourself and have to come up with a plan and re-train your brain. Most people in the military have trained their brains to survive and not to trust anyone. They are trained a different way to react to noise.
The Last Blockbuster Video Now Has Its Own Beer
Blockbuster Video stores are sort of like Highlanders: There can be only one. At least in 2018. Where once stood a mighty empire with hundreds upon hundreds of video rental outlets all over the United States, there is now just one store left, located in Bend, Oregon .
Disney’s Streaming Service Will Cost Less Than Netflix
The streaming landscape will shift significantly in 2019 with the introduction of Disney ’s very own service. Although the full details about the site and its offerings are still unclear, a new report in Variety does lay out a few specifics, including the name of the service (at least for the moment) and a rough estimate of what it will cost and stream.
Louis C.K. Returns to Stand-Up, Tries To Make His #MeToo Comeback
It’s nearly been a year since #MeToo exposed many of Hollywood’s ugliest secrets last fall, with troves of women, and men, coming forward to reveal the names of their well-known sexual harassers and abusers. One of those names was Louis C.K. , whose sexual misconduct had long been rumored in the comedy world. But 10 months since his downfall, the actor and comedian has begun to peek his head out of #MeToo jail, deciding enough time has passed for him to make his return.
'Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over' Campaign Rolls Through Labor Day
Many people look to Labor Day as the "final hurrah" for the summer season - planning celebrations and get-togethers to maximize the long weekend. For many, those celebrations include alcoholic beverages. The high-profile weekend provided law enforcement officials the chance to spotlight vehicle safety when it comes to drinking and driving.
Downtown Duluth Farmers Market Happens August 28
For many, the best part of the summer season is the abundance of fresh produce that's readily available. That's exactly what you'll find at the next Downtown Duluth Farmers Market, Tuesday, August 28 - from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, in Lake Superior Plaza - which is located at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. You'll find plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables - along with other vendor items to shop for. Look for food and beverage vendors - perfect for making it your plan for the lunch hour.
Arlington Avenue Dig Turns Up Empty Coffins And Bones
An exploratory dig project being done by the St. Louis County Public Works Department on Arlington Avenue has turned up empty coffins and possible human bones . The dig site was on the east side of Arlington Avenue, just south of Arrowhead Road. According to officials, the discovery happened lat Wednesday, as work crews were doing exploratory work for a future project. The exploration was initiated due to the potential for such a discovery, as the site is located near the Greeenwood Cemetary.
Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hanks and More Celebrities React to John McCain's Passing
Senator John McCain passed away on Saturday, August 25. He was 81. Born in 1936, McCain graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958 and went into the U.S. Navy, where he became a naval aviator and flew aircraft carriers. In 1967, while he was flying a mission over Hanoi during the Vietnam War, his plane was shot down and he was captured by the North Vietnamese. He was held as a prisoner of war until his release 1973.
Is James Bond Going to Die in ‘Bond 25’?
James Bond is used to operating in the midst of chaos, but the story behind the scenes of Bond 25 is intense even by his standards. Just a few short months after officially signing on to direct the 25th James Bond film, Danny Boyle abruptly left the production citing “creative differences.” Different rumors have since emerged over the exact reason behind Boyle’s departure. There are some reports that he disagreed with Bond star Daniel Craig over the casting of his main antagonist in the film.
Steven Tyler Joins Street Musician on Aerosmith Classic
When one street performer in Moscow set up shop armed with an acoustic guitar, a microphone and Aerosmith 's 1998 hit "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing," a handful of change in his hat would've probably meant a pretty satisfactory night.
Superior Street Reconstruction Near Lester River Planned For 2019
While the project to reconstruct Superior Street plugs along in downtown Duluth, plans are underway to rebuild a portion of the street out east. The St. Louis County Public Works Department is scheduling a project for that portion of Superior Street that crosses over the Lester River for the summer of 2019.
What Local Attractions Have You Never Seen?
You live in a tourist city with so many things to see and do, What haven't you bothered to go to or haven't been to see? You can tour a ship, walk along the beach, rent a bike, take a carriage ride, enjoy craft beer from the place that makes it, or take a tour through a mansion. How many things have you visited in the Twin Ports area? I guess we are taking a little poll here. In the comments below, tell us what you haven't done or completed or visited.
Man Interviews Daughter Every First Day Of School
Every year on the first day of school, Kevin Scruggs interviews his daughter McKenzie from 1st grade to 12th grade. Kevin Scruggs had the state of mind to start on the first day of school in 1st grade and remember to keep doing it every year till she graduated. The part that I think is genius is the fact that she has something to hold on to remember, he has a video scrapbook, and she can show her children too.
Parents Sing Praises of School Teachers And School [Video]
School is back soon, watch these youtube parents sing their appreciation. It's not an easy or well paying job to be a teacher. Most teachers don't get the lip service they deserve, or the respect they deserve. These parents gave it to them, with a little humor. I watch this family and they are funny, and original. They have handled all sorts of subjects and don't just sing, they have funny vids about the husband wearing a bra and having to deal with every day life like his wife does.
KOOL Football Schwamee Says Vikings, Packers Win
The KOOL football Schwamee is thinking he should start picking the Green Bay Packers, they look surprisingly good, The Vikings are still looking rough. The Vikings are still sorting through the Quarterbacks with a new one and signing guys that weren't with the team last year. The Packers have a lot of guys coming back from injuries and they are still looking but many of the guys are very knowledgeable of the system. Friday, Aug.
BREAKING: Senator John McCain Dead at 81
Arizona Senator John McCain has passed away. He was 81. McCain announced via a family statement on Aug. 24 that he would no longer seek treatment for his brain cancer. He had been diagnosed in 2017. His daughter, Meghan McCain, released this statement on Twitter: McCain, a graduate of the US Naval Academy and a five-year Vietnam POW, was the recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
John Lennon's Killer, Mark David Chapman, Denied Parole Again
For the 10th time, Mark David Chapman has been denied parole. He will continue serving his 20-years-to-life sentence at Wende Correctional Facility in Alden, N.Y., for the 1980 killing of John Lennon .
Neither One Of England's Princes Have Custody of Their Children
Prince William and Prince Harry have to live by a 300-year-old law and it's never been changed. This also goes into effect when they travel and pick schools. Even though they are the parents, they still have to get the ok from the Queen before any travel plans are made or schools are agreed on.
This Weeks Must-See Instagram Posts From Duluth-Superior
Fish stories. Record finds. Bridges. The fading glimpses of summer. Read On.
Fundraiser Established For Cloquet Baby Born Prematurely
No one should have to confront the realities of a baby born prematurely alone. That's the reason that many Northlanders are coming together to help a family in need. Beau Worgren - son to Cloquet residents Roxanne Wood and her finance Ryan Worgren - was born prematurely in June. Beau was born at 26 weeks , weighing only 1 pound, 2 ounces and only 10 1/4 inches long. The doctors diagnosed him with IUGR, interuterine growth restriction.
The Worst Movie of the Summer
I’m not quite sure how to prepare you for how awful The Happytime Murders is. Should I tell you about the scene in the R-rated Muppets movie where a puppet octopus rigorously strokes the udders of a moaning puppet cow as milk squirts all over the back of a porn studio?
What’s New on Netflix: September 2018
Fall is almost here (kind of), and if you’re in need of some cozy inspiration, Netflix has announced its September releases. In addition to Disney films like Black Panther and A Wrinkle in Time , and new seasons of American Vandal and BoJack Horseman , September’s additions include plenty of classic faves, like Groundhog Day and The Breakfast Club . We hope your couch is comfy, because you’ll be spending a lot of time there next month.
Ben Affleck Enters Rehab After Jennifer Garner Leads Intervention
Ben Affleck has reportedly entered rehab after an intervention led by ex-wife Jennifer Garner that got so intense, Garner was apparently trembling. According to Us Weekly : " Affleck, 46, knew he needed help and asked for it, a source close to the pair noted. An eyewitness tells Us that it was clear something 'major' was going on inside of his home and Garner, 46, came outside shaking at one point.
John Lennon's 'Imagine' Gets Six-Disc Deluxe Box Set
On what would have been John Lennon ’s 78th birthday on Oct. 9, his album Imagine will receive an extensive box set treatment as John Lennon: Imagine: The Ultimate Collection hits stores. Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono , authorized the upcoming six-disc, 140-track collection and oversaw its production and creative direction. John Lennon: Imagine: The Ultimate Collection contains four CDs and two Blu-ray discs; its biggest feature appears to be an extensive collection of mixes of the iconic album .
Elton John’s First U.S. Show ‘Frightened Band to Death’
Longtime Elton John drummer Nigel Olsson recalled the band’s first-ever U.S. performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, describing it as an experience that “frightened us to death.” The first of six concerts took place on Aug. 25, 1970, after label boss Dick James decided on an all-or-nothing strategy because John’s self-titled debut album wasn’t selling well. “It was just insane,” Olsson told Rolling Stone in a new interview.
Story Behind The Viral Palisade Head Slacklining Photo On Lake Superior's North Shore [VIDEO]
St. Cloud-based photographer Brandon Olmscheid captured an incredible photo of a slackliner crossing hundreds of feet above Lake Superior at the cliffs of Palisade Head on Minnesota's North Shore recently, and the photo has drawn lots of attention on his Instagram for obvious reasons. Olmscheid and a couple of his photography partners were in the Duluth area for a proposal shoot in Canal Park on August 18th, and decided to take in some of the North Shore after completing their work.
Check Out This INSANE Slacklining Attempt Hundreds Of Feet Over Lake Superior At Palisade Head
Palisade Head, just north of Silver Bay on Minnesota's Lake Superior North Shore is a breathtaking location to take in gorgeous views high above the lake. The photo above shows the view of Shovelhead Point from Palisade Head. Breathtaking, right? One brave person took that breathtaking view to an extreme new level. Central Minnesota-based photographer Brandon Olmscheid captured a daring individual on his Instagram slacklining between the cliffs near Palisade Head.
Duluth Can Of Worms Intersection Public Meeting Happens August 27
The steps towards an eventual replacement for the so-called Can of Worms Intersection - the interchange that sits at I-35, Highway 53, and the Blatnik Bridge - continue to move along. Along the way, officials with the Minnesota Department of Transportation have been doing good job of keeping the general public in the loop and up-to-date with information regarding the plans. One of the ways that MNDOT has been keeping people informed is through public meetings.
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