By Brian Larsen We are pleased to welcome Rob Perez to the Cook County News-Herald staff. A half-time reporter, Rob will have one or two, up to three pieces in each edition of the paper. For our regular readers, you have already seen several well-written stories by Rob. In addition to a lot of talent...
April 19, 2026
Category: People
Pearson to fill Sixth Judicial District vacancy
Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of Shawn Pearson as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. Pearson will be replacing the Honorable Shaun R. Floerke and will be chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County. “I am proud to appoint Shawn Pearson to the Sixth Judicial District...
Prettner Solon reappointed to Port Authority Board of Commissioners
By Jayson Hron Minnesota Governor Tim Walz this week reappointed Yvonne Prettner Solon (pictured) to a third term on the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board of Commissioners. Prettner Solon served previously on the board as a Duluth City Council appointee from 1990-1994, including a term as board president in 1993. She later became Minnesota’s 47th...
Denfeld names new boys basketball coach
Phil Homere (pronounced Homer) has been hired as the new boys basketball coach at Denfeld High School. He replaces Mike Devney, who retired after the 2021 season. Homere played college basketball at Rainy River CC, Midwestern State (Wichita Falls, TX) and UMD. After completing his playing career, he has been an assistant coach at Fond...
Roberts to retire
Bill Roberts, a longtime leader in Duluth hospitality and management, will retire April 30 after a 45-year career. Roberts was General Manager of the Chinese Lantern restaurant from 1976-1994 and General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of Northland Country Club from 1994-2002. For the past 18 years, Roberts has been Facilities Manager for A&L Properties,...
DeLuca honored by Center for Transportation Studies
The University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies presented Duluth Seaway Port Authority Executive Director Deb DeLuca with its 2021 Distinguished Service Award today at a virtual ceremony led by CTS Interim Director Dawn Hood. The William K. Smith Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a private sector professional in the freight transportation and...