Latest news with #Duluth
CBS News
2 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Transportation Secretary Duffy tours Duluth International Airport; talks air traffic control
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy arrived at the Duluth International Airport on Saturday to tour one of the oldest air traffic control towers in the nation. "We'd play Atari back in the 80s right, old school. That is like rockstar technology compared to what they are using here," Secretary Duffy said at a press conference following the tour. Built in the 1950s the tower is running on equipment the Secretary calls old and antiquated. The FAA says this outdated tower has seen a 10 percent uptick in traffic over the last year. "Congress gave us 12.5 billion dollars as the down payment for upgrading this system," Secretary Duffy said referring to the "One Big Beautiful Bill." "Now, it's not all that we need. We need 31.5 billion but the 12.5 billion that we do have is going to go to new radar, new voice switches, new radios, new telecom." While touting congressional funding for towers across the nation, Secretary Duffy says the State of Minnesota will need to step in to round out the cash needed for the job in Duluth. "We're going to continue to work with all of you to ask you to get some more money from the state and local government," he said. The Minnesota State legislature allocated ten million dollars to the cause earlier this year in the state's transportation budget bringing the funding to about 34 million. Though an airport spokesperson says the project totals 72 million. "We know that the air traffic control tower is going to be 100 and some feet higher," said U.S. Representative Pete Stauber. "The sight lines are going to be better." Even if the nation's aging infrustructure isbrought up to speed, towers across the U.S. still need more employees. "We're about 3,000 air traffic controllers short right now and I've said many times, we can't flip a switch and turn on more controllers," the Secretary said. A CBS News investigation earlier this year found about 90 percent of US airport terminal towers don't have enough air traffic controllers, including Duluth and MSP. This is a problem that is decades in the making," Duffy said. "It's going to take months if not years to get us to full capacity but we're doing it." Secretary Duffy says they're offering cash bonuses to controllers who are at retirement age and fast-tracking the highest scoring applicants through the academy.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Minnesota State Fair building recovered after it was accidentally sold
The Minnesota State Fair is less than two weeks away, and while many vendors are busy prepping, a woodworking vendor was on a frantic search. "It's been the craziest 24 hours," said Anna Bailey with a laugh. Bailey and her husband own Bailey Builds and create wood mosaics in Duluth, Minnesota. She took to Facebook on Thursday to share that the building they use for the Minnesota State Fair had been sold. "For years, we've stored our custom-built building in a shipping container and paid a monthly fee to a storage company in the Twin Cities to keep it safe on their lot," Bailey wrote online. "Tonight, they called us. They told us they accidentally sold our container because they thought it was one of theirs." The Baileys have used that building to display their work at the Minnesota State Fair for the past four years. Hundreds of people commented, and the social media post garnered nearly 4,000 reactions. Thankfully, Bailey says the storage company tracked down the container in Iowa. "We still are really hoping that everything inside is okay because we don't actually know how long it has been in Iowa," Bailey said. "We don't know its journey. We don't know where it even was." Bailey says she is grateful the community rallied to help them in a time of need. "Just the amount of people willing to help, and texts and construction companies reaching out willing to help build a booth," she said. Bailey Builds plans to be in its normal spot at the fair this year, and the Baileys are hopeful their building will arrive in the Twin Cities just in time. "Honestly, best-case scenario for us," she said. "Every moment and every day getting up to the State Fair is like gold, and so we have no time to be delayed at all," Bailey said.
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Man shot in leg while driving on I-35 says it could've been "very bad"
A Minnesota man is recovering after being shot while driving down from Duluth on Interstate 35 on Thursday. He told WCCO he's lucky it wasn't worse. "It could've been very — I'm trying to find the words — very bad," Chris Durovec said. Durovec said Thursday morning, he, his wife, daughter and daughter's boyfriend heard a big boom from the driver's door. It prompted Durovec's daughter to call for help. "My leg started to hurt, and we pulled over and noticed blood coming through it. So my wife jumped out and put a tourniquet on it," Durovec said. They were heading from their hometown of Duluth to Taylors Falls when the shooting happened. Chisago County deputies and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officers say they found three men on private property near I-35 shooting target practice. Investigators think the bullet that hit Durovec traveled 1,500 feet. "Still in a little bit of shock, and we'll go from there," Durovec said. "The whole talk was how much worse it could have been." After an unexpected trip to Regions Hospital, Durovec said their trip to the waterpark will happen. "I'm supposed to stay out of the water for a couple of weeks, so they might be going by themselves," he said. The Chisago County Attorney's Office is reviewing the case for criminal charges. The investigation is ongoing.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ALLETE, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Earnings
DULUTH, Minn., August 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE: ALE) today reported second quarter 2025 earnings of 55 cents per share on net income of $31.9 million. Last year's second quarter results were 57 cents per share on net income of $33.0 million. Net income in the second quarter of 2025 includes transaction expenses of $3.4 million after-tax, or 6 cents per share, related to the announced merger. Net income in the second quarter of 2024 included transaction expenses of $14.5 million after-tax, or 25 cents per share. "Our entire ALLETE team continues to work diligently to execute our Sustainability-in-Action strategy. On July 11, 2025, we were pleased to announce a settlement agreement reached between the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Power and its transaction partners Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPP Investments") and Global Infrastructure Partners ("GIP") that will deliver enhanced benefits for our customers, our employees and the communities we serve," said ALLETE Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer Bethany Owen. "The settlement agreement is a strong, positive step forward in ALLETE's planned partnership with experienced infrastructure investors, CPP Investments and GIP and demonstrates our commitment to listening and working collaboratively with our stakeholders." ALLETE continues to expect the proposed transaction to close in 2025, subject to approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and other customary closing conditions. Required approvals have been received from all other parties. ALLETE also announced Superior Water, Light and Power's ("SWLP") leadership advanced legislation to help their customers replace lead service lines by working with state and local leaders to support a change in Wisconsin law that will allow SWLP to access federal grants to help offset costs for SWLP customers. The change has been passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Evers. ALLETE's Regulated Operations segment, which includes Minnesota Power, SWLP and the Company's investment in the American Transmission Company, recorded second quarter 2025 net income of $23.0 million, compared to $33.7 million in the second quarter a year ago. Net income at Minnesota Power was lower than 2024 reflecting lower margins from industrial customers, higher operating and maintenance expense, higher depreciation expense due to the impact of estimated compliance costs related to an EPA Rule finalized in May 2024 and lower transmission margins. Net income at SWLP was higher than 2024 reflecting new rates implemented in 2025. After-tax equity earnings in the American Transmission Company were higher than 2024 primarily due to additional equity investments. ALLETE Clean Energy recorded second quarter 2025 net income of $900 thousand compared to $2.4 million in 2024. Net income in 2025 reflects lower production and unfavorable pricing at most wind sites, partially offset by higher production at ALLETE Clean Energy's Caddo wind energy facility. Earnings in 2024 reflected negative impacts from a forced network outage near its Caddo wind energy facility. New Energy Equity recorded 2025 second quarter net income of $4.7 million, compared to net income of $7.7 million for the same period in 2024. Net income in 2025 includes lower sales of renewable energy projects due to timing of project closings. These decreases were partially offset by higher earnings from tax equity financed solar energy facilities. Corporate and Other businesses, which include BNI Energy, ALLETE Properties and our investments in renewable energy facilities, recorded net income of $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2025, compared to a net loss of $10.8 million in 2024. Net income in 2025 reflects lower merger-related expenses compared to 2024, and lower income tax expense. Merger-related expenses were $3.4 million after-tax in 2025 compared to $14.5 million in 2024. "Results for the second quarter of 2025 were impacted primarily by lower industrial margins as a result of lower sales to taconite customers at Minnesota Power which are expected to continue through 2025," said ALLETE Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Treasurer Jeff Scissons. "Absent the closing of the transaction and the rate case stay-out provision in the settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Power would be filing a rate case to account for reduced revenue, increased depreciation from capital investments and inflationary pressures. The rate case stay-out provision in the settlement agreement provides immediate customer savings on top of numerous other commitments that benefit ALLETE stakeholders, customers and communities." ALLETE is an energy company headquartered in Duluth, Minn. In addition to its electric utilities, Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power of Wisconsin, ALLETE owns ALLETE Clean Energy, based in Duluth, BNI Energy in Bismarck, N.D., New Energy Equity in Annapolis, MD, and has an eight percent equity interest in the American Transmission Co. More information about ALLETE is available at ALE-CORP The statements contained in this release and statements that ALLETE may make orally in connection with this release that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and investors are directed to the risks discussed in documents filed by ALLETE with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ALLETE's press releases and other communications may include certain non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial measures. A "non-GAAP financial measure" is defined as a numerical measure of a company's financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes (or includes) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the company's financial statements. Non-GAAP financial measures utilized by the Company include presentations of earnings (loss) per share. ALLETE's management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors by removing the effect of variances in GAAP reported results of operations that are not indicative of changes in the fundamental earnings power of the Company's operations. Management believes that the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures is appropriate and enables investors and analysts to more accurately compare the company's ongoing financial performance over the periods presented. ALLETE, Inc. Consolidated Statement of Income Millions Except Per Share Amounts - Unaudited Quarter Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Operating Revenue Contracts with Customers – Utility $305.1 $279.8 $637.9 $618.1 Contracts with Customers – Non-utility 53.8 73.5 119.7 137.2 Other – Non-utility 1.4 1.2 2.9 2.5 Total Operating Revenue 360.3 354.5 760.5 757.8 Operating Expenses Fuel, Purchased Power and Gas – Utility 113.3 107.3 236.3 240.8 Transmission Services – Utility 19.3 1.6 38.3 24.3 Cost of Sales – Non-utility 24.3 31.8 49.2 56.2 Operating and Maintenance 96.6 102.1 189.6 193.8 Depreciation and Amortization 73.2 66.0 142.9 131.0 Taxes Other than Income Taxes 15.6 16.3 33.2 35.0 Total Operating Expenses 342.3 325.1 689.5 681.1 Operating Income 18.0 29.4 71.0 76.7 Other Income (Expense) Interest Expense (23.1) (20.1) (44.5) (40.5) Equity Earnings 5.9 5.9 11.9 11.4 Other 5.2 5.9 9.8 14.5 Total Other Expense (12.0) (8.3) (22.8) (14.6) Income Before Income Taxes 6.0 21.1 48.2 62.1 Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (0.6) 1.4 6.9 5.4 Net Income 6.6 19.7 41.3 56.7 Net Loss Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest (25.3) (13.3) (46.7) (27.0) Net Income Attributable to ALLETE $31.9 $33.0 $88.0 $83.7 Average Shares of Common Stock Basic 58.0 57.7 58.0 57.7 Diluted 58.1 57.8 58.0 57.7 Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock $0.55 $0.57 $1.52 $1.45 Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock $0.55 $0.57 $1.52 $1.45 Dividends Per Share of Common Stock $0.73 $0.705 $1.46 $1.41 Consolidated Balance Sheet Millions - Unaudited Jun. 30, Dec. 31, Jun. 30, Dec. 31, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Assets Liabilities and Equity Cash and Cash Equivalents $55.4 $32.8 Current Liabilities $337.9 $404.2 Other Current Assets 397.5 402.4 Long-Term Debt 1,931.8 1,704.7 Property, Plant and Equipment – Net 5,324.0 5,181.5 Deferred Income Taxes 278.9 253.4 Regulatory Assets 363.0 371.7 Regulatory Liabilities 586.7 570.5 Equity Investments 350.5 340.1 Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans 99.4 118.2 Goodwill and Intangibles – Net 155.3 155.3 Other Non-Current Liabilities 311.4 312.8 Other Non-Current Assets 267.5 270.5 Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest 0.8 0.4 Equity 3,366.3 3,390.1 Total Assets $6,913.2 $6,754.3 Total Liabilities, Redeemable Non-Controlling Interest and Equity $6,913.2 $6,754.3 Quarter Ended Six Months Ended ALLETE, Inc. June 30, June 30, Income (Loss) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Millions Regulated Operations $23.0 $33.7 $61.4 $77.9 ALLETE Clean Energy 0.9 2.4 8.3 6.2 New Energy 4.7 7.7 13.9 11.7 Corporate and Other 3.3 (10.8) 4.4 (12.1) Net Income Attributable to ALLETE $31.9 $33.0 $88.0 $83.7 Diluted Earnings Per Share $0.55 $0.57 $1.52 $1.45 Statistical Data Corporate Common Stock High $66.40 $65.86 $66.40 $65.86 Low $63.27 $56.66 $63.27 $55.86 Close $64.07 $62.35 $64.07 $62.35 Book Value $49.31 $48.86 $49.31 $48.86 Kilowatt-hours Sold Millions Regulated Utility Retail and Municipal Residential 231 225 563 531 Commercial 304 307 658 645 Industrial 1,530 1,729 3,104 3,527 Municipal 108 105 240 230 Total Retail and Municipal 2,173 2,366 4,565 4,933 Other Power Suppliers 981 579 1,907 1,336 Total Regulated Utility Kilowatt-hours Sold 3,154 2,945 6,472 6,269 Regulated Utility Revenue Millions Regulated Utility Revenue Retail and Municipal Electric Revenue Residential $36.9 $34.4 $86.2 $81.1 Commercial 44.1 42.9 92.4 90.3 Industrial 136.5 146.3 274.9 304.8 Municipal 8.2 7.4 17.8 16.4 Total Retail and Municipal Electric Revenue 225.7 231.0 471.3 492.6 Other Power Suppliers 47.3 30.4 94.4 70.4 Other (Includes Water and Gas Revenue) 32.1 18.4 72.2 55.1 Total Regulated Utility Revenue $305.1 $279.8 $637.9 $618.1 View source version on Contacts Investor Contact:218-723-3952shareholder@
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SIS, LLC Announces Successful Go-Live of CRB on Microsoft Dynamics 365 and SIS Construct 365 Project Cost Management
DULUTH, Ga., Aug. 6, 2025 /CNW/ -- SIS, LLC, a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Business Applications and leading implementer of ERP and CRM solutions for the construction industry, is thrilled to announce the successful go-live of CRB Group on Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) and SIS Construct 365 Project Cost Management (PCM) solution. This milestone marks a significant step in CRB's digital transformation journey, empowering their teams with cutting-edge tools to drive efficiency, profitability, and growth. CRB, a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions for the life sciences and food and beverage industries, selected SIS for its deep industry expertise and the robust capabilities of D365 integrated with SIS Construct 365 PCM. This cloud-based solution enables CRB to manage project budgets, revisions, change orders, and subcontracts with unparalleled ease and precision, supporting their long-term growth strategy. "As a growing company with complex projects across international geographies, data integrity and the seamless integration of project management, financials, and supply chain operations is crucial to our future," said Sue Dreckman, Senior Vice President of Business Operations at CRB. "With Microsoft Dynamics 365 and SIS Construct 365, we now have a system that can deliver consistent, real-time data, improves our decision-making and enables our teams to deliver world-class solutions for clients." SIS Construct 365 PCM, purpose-built D365, provides CRB with a comprehensive platform to monitor project financials, manage Estimate at Completion (EAC), and optimize cost control. The solution's seamless integration with D365 Finance and Supply Chain ensures real-time insights and streamlined operations. About CRB Group CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction and consulting solutions to the global life sciences and food & beverage industries. From 21 offices across the United States, Canada and Europe, our professionals provide world-class solutions that drive success and positive change for our clients, our people and our communities. CRB is a privately held company with a rich history of serving clients throughout the world, consistently striving for the highest standard of technical knowledge, creativity and execution. See us at and follow us on LinkedIn. About SIS, LLCSIS is a Microsoft Solutions Partner specializing in ERP and CRM solutions for construction and project-based industries. With a focus on D365, SIS delivers transformative solutions to enhance project management, accounting, and profitability. For more information, visit or contact info@ SOURCE SIS, LLC View original content to download multimedia:
