Author: Site Staff

Fire Damages Garage, Injures One in Hibbing

Fire Being Investigated at This Time

Courtesy, Friends of Northland FireWire Facebook pageHIBBING, Minn.-The Northland FireWire is reporting that a garage was destroyed by a fire at 4 a.m. today at the 3800 block of Third Avenue East in Hibbing. One person was taken to the hospital in the incident with unknown injuries. The house, which was unattached to the garage, has moderate damage. The cause…

Transmission Line Repairs May Cause Outages for Some Lake Country Power Members

The Outage Could Affect Members From Floodwood to Jacobson

Logo Courtesy Lake Country PowerGRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-Lake Country Power is making emergency repairs to a transmission line going into its Cedar Valley substation, which could cause power outages for members from Floodwood to Jacobson. “Lake Country Power will re-route electric service in the area in an effort to prevent service interruption while crews from Minnesota Power, the transmission line owner,…

One-Year-Old Child and Woman Ejected From Vehicle at Munger Shaw Road

All Have Non-Life Threatening Injuries

SOLWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn.-A 24-year-old woman and one-year-old girl were ejected from their vehicle at 9 a.m. today, after their truck drove off the left side of Highway 2 at Munger Shaw Road, rolled, and then struck a tree. Neither have life-threatening injures. A four-year-old boy remained in the vehicle during the incident, but he was also left with non-life threatening…

Gov. Dayton Releases Bonding Bill Proposal

Multiple Northland Projects Are on The List, While Others Are Not in the Bill for Now

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A new public works bonding proposal has been issued by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. The bill calls for $1.5 billion to be spent on a variety of projects throughout the state, creating an estimated 23,000 jobs. Much of the funding would go toward higher education, along with repairing infrastructure, and other state buildings. More than $542 million would…

Shots Allegedly Fired During Domestic Disturbance in Sawyer County Saturday

One Person Arrested in Incident

LENROOT TOWNSHIP, Wis.-A 39-year-old man was arrested early Saturday morning after allegedly firing shots during a domestic disturbance in Lenroot, Wis. The incident happened at about 1 a.m. at a residence on Valley Road. A 40-year-old female victim was located at a residence away from the location where it allegedly occurred. The victim said she was physically assaulted by a…

Minnesota State Fair to See Improvements

$11 Million Being Invested into the Fair

MINNEAPOLIS-The Minnesota State Fairgrounds is getting $11.1 million in improvements for the 2018 fair. More than $7 million will be used for capital work while another $4 million will go to maintenance projects – all the money was approved by the fair’s state board of directors Sunday. All projects are funded through state fair operating revenue and grants from the Minnesota…

Duluth Takes on Big Tobacco

Council to Have First Reading of Tobacco Ordinance Jan. 22

DULUTH, Minn.-In the coming weeks, the city of Duluth is set to take on big tobacco as they are discussing banning flavored tobacco products from convenience stores. Today officials from the University of Minnesota Medical School and the American Lung Association breathed some fresh air into that proposal. They said one of the groups targeted the most by tobacco companies…

Atmore Ski Race All Weekend at Spirit Mountain

Event Has Been Going on Since 1979

DULUTH, Minn.-A major ski competition featuring racers from around the country is happening all weekend at Spirit Mountain. The Atmore Memorial race has been going on since 1979 attracting world class skiers including some Olympians and members of the U.S. ski team. Two skiers we spoke to today, said this event is one of their favorites. “I like it because…

Hill Bar and Restaurant Total Loss After Fire on Squaw Lake

Fire Still Being Investigated

SQUAW LAKE, Minn.-The Hill Bar and Restaurant at 51506 State Highway 46 on Squaw Lake burned to the ground earlier today. The building was fully engulfed when fire crews arrived. It has been deemed a total loss. The fire is still being investigated at this time by the Minnesota Fire Marshall’s Office and the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office. The Squaw…

STYX, REO Speedwagon, and Felder of Eagles Coming to Amsoil Arena

Concert Will be March 13

DULUTH, Minn.-Don Felder, formally of the Eagles will be taking the stage with STYX and REO Speedwagon March 13 at Amsoil Arena. Tickets are now on sale and range from $29.50 to $99.50. Additional fees may apply. To find out how to get tickets, visit Ticketmaster’s website here. Categories: Entertainment, News, News – Latest News Tags: news music entertainment

Teenager Missing in Duluth Found Safe

Last Seen 11 a.m. Wednesday

UPDATE: Missing teen has been found safe. DULUTH, Minn.-According to a Facebook post from the Duluth Police Department, a 14-year-old boy has gone missing in Duluth. Topher William Lee Atkins, a white male, was last seen at 11 a.m. Wednesday leaving his home. His is 5-feet, 4-inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. He is wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, grey…

Donations Needed at Damiano Center

Men's and Women's Coats and Boots Needed Most

DULUTH, Minn.-The Damiano Center in Duluth is in dire need of clothing donations, as the cold air continues to hover over the Northland. In particular they are looking larger sizes of men’s and women’s coats and boots. Organization leaders told us, without the generosity of the Northland, many of the needy in the area would be facing incredibly tough situations….

The Northland Needs Your Blood Donations

One of the Best Bloods to Donate is O Negative Because it Can be Used by Anyone

DULUTH, Minn.-The American Red Cross is in urgent need of blood donations. Right now is one of the slowest times of the year for them as people haven’t been donating as much due to the holiday season. One blood collector at the Duluth Red Cross said that another thing holding people back is they are intimated to give blood, because…

School Closings and Delays 1/11/18

Closings Bessemer, Mich. School District Birchwood School District Duluth School District Hermantown School District Lakeview Christian Academy Marshall School Mellen School District Northwoods School Solon Springs School South Shore Schools Watersmeet Township Schools Winter School District Two-Hour Delay Cherry School Deer River School Esko Schools Hill City School Lake Superior School District Northeast Range School South Ridge School Tower-Soudan Elementary…

Great Lakes Iron Ore Shipping Up 11 Percent in 2017

Highest Total Recorded Since 2012

 CLEVELAND-More than 60 million tons of iron ore were shipped on the Great Lakes in 2017, a 10.9 percent increase over 2016. It was the highest total recorded since 2012. The Lake Superior ports that go through the Soo Locks saw their loadings increase by 9.9 million tons, which is 23.6 percent. Shipments from Canadian ports in the St. Lawrence…

Mayor Larson Hosts Let’s Do Lunch Event

Mayor Working on State of City Address Which Will be Held in March

DULUTH, Minn.-We are less than 10 days into the new year, but Duluth’s mayor already has some big plans for 2018. Today she spoke with a variety of business leaders at the Greysolon Ballroom during the Chamber’s “Let’s Do Lunch” event. Larson said she’s already been working on her State of the City Address which is set for an unknown…

Future of Edna G Uncertain

Edna G Tugboat in Two Harbors Could be Removed From Water

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-The Edna G tugboat in Two Harbors has been a tourist attraction for years, but it could soon be coming out of the water. Recently the Two Harbors City Council passed a resolution to look into whether to do a feasibility study, that would determine how much it would cost to remove it from Lake Superior and place…

Sound Restaurant Opens in Duluth Today

Concert Featuring Multiple Acts Tonight at 8 p.m. at Sound

DULUTH, Minn.-The new Sound restaurant is open in Duluth. It’s grand opening is today and the place is being described as a spot sorely needed in downtown Duluth. The locale will feature different types of cuisine normally not found in the region like raw oysters and bison strip steaks. It’s all part of the chef’s goal of revitalizing the downtown…

MPCA Proposes Denial of Minntac’s Water Quality Permit

Meeting to be Held Jan. 23 in Mountain Iron to Discuss Denial

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.-The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has invited the public to make comments on a proposed denial of Minntac’s water quality permit at its Mountain Iron facility. A hearing is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Mountain Iron Community Center where reasons for the denial are presented. The denial directly impacts the site owned by…

Beargrease Begins at End of Month

10 Mushers Signed Up for Full Race

DULUTH, Minn.-We are only three weeks away from the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, as trails look to be in good condition. Right now there are 10 racers signed up for the full race while the field is packed with 35 competitors in the mid-distance event – about double the amount of last year’s participants. Event organizers said the event…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Phone Scam

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform citizens of a current phone scam. The Sheriff’s Office has received multiple, recent reports of callers posing as law enforcement telling parties that they “have missed federal jury duty and have arrest warrants.” The caller goes on to state that the person can clear up warrants by…

Whooping Cough Reported in Grand Rapids School

There is a Vaccine Available to Fight Whooping Cough

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-A case of whooping cough has been reported in Grand Rapids Schools. A representative from the Minnesota Department of Health said they are concerned about an outbreak in that region right now. They said the symptoms are whooping cough are similar to the flu, which makes it hard to tell what illness you have. One way to help…

Xcel Energy Plans Solar Garden in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. – Xcel Energy has announced plans to develop a third, one megawatt solar garden in Ashland. The garden will be part of Solar*Connect Community, Wisconsin largest community solar garden program. If enough customer interest is demonstrated, the garden will be built in 2019 by OneEnergy Renewables, and will be located on the property near Xcel’s Ashland service center….

Apostle Islands Ice Caves Not Open Yet

Ice Caves Could Open at End of January

APOSTLE ISLANDS, Wis.-The ice caves on the Apostle Islands are still not open yet, but they could be opening at the end of January. Staff have been checking the ice lately and say it’s too unstable right now to visit the beautiful caves. When the caves do open, visitors will be asked to pay a $5 recreation fee to enjoy…

Local Investing Expert Sees Future Dip in Market

Dow Closed at 25,300 Today

DULUTH, Minn.-The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed out at 25,000 yesterday, the first time that’s ever happened. That begs the question if Northlander’s should start investing more. One local financial advisor said you should always be investing in your future, but doesn’t want the public to think this surge will continue in the near future. He said that the market…

Mother of Murdered Girls Confronts Suspected Killer on His Death Bed

FOX 9 KMSP

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (KMSP) – A mother from St. Cloud whose two daughters were mysteriously murdered in 1974 now believes she knows who killed them. The two girls, 15-year-old Mary Reker and her 12-year-old sister Susie, disappeared while out shopping for school supplies on Labor Day in 1974, their bodies discovered riddled with stab wounds in a quarry outside St. Cloud. Despite the efforts of…

Multiple Events Happening on North Shore This Weekend

Dog Sledding and Bike Race Happening This Weekend

COOK COUNTY, Minn.-It may be a little chilly out, but that’s not going to stop bicyclists and dog sledders from hitting the trails this weekend on the North Shore. The Norpine Fat Bike Classic starts at 8 a.m. tomorrow at the Lutsen golf course and goes for either 16 or 24 miles, depending on what type of course the racers…

Two New Police Officers in Superior

One of the New Officers is From Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Two new police officers have been sworn in by the Superior Police Department. One of the new officers is from Superior, and before working for the police there, he was a Douglas County Jailer. He said today’s swearing in ceremony was a dream come true because he can serve the community he loves. “I’ve always had a love for…

New Art Show Opens Tomorrow

Event Goes from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Old Washington Gallery

DULUTH, Minn.-A new art show begins tomorrow at the old Washington Gallery on Lake Avenue. The event will feature a group of 10 local artists who have been working together for the last five years. Organizers said this type of event is unique, as it brings all sorts of styles together on one roof. “We have a lot of differences,”…

Empty Bowl Preps Begin

Event Bowl Event Held April 17

DULUTH, Minn.-The annual Empty Bowl fundraiser is four months away, but that hasn’t stopped some local sculptors from creating bowls for the event already. Today the Duluth Art Institute hosted an open studio where the public could come in and sculpt their own bowl for the charity, which helps raise money for the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. One…

Experts Offer Tips on How to Avoid Frostbite

Health Officials Say Avoiding Caffeine Can Help Hold Off Frostbite

DULUTH, Minn.-If you dared to battle the frigid temperatures the last few days, there’s a chance you were rolling the dice on getting frostbite. Local medical experts say that you can get it in less than an hour when being out in frigid temperatures. If you are not sure if you have it, here’s some telltale signs. “If you notice…

Semi Crashes into Iron River Home

Driver of Semi Taken to Hospital With Non-Life Threatening Injuries

IRON RIVER, Wis.-A semi crashed into a home on U.S. Highway 2 near District Avenue at 8:55 a.m. today leaving the driver of the vehicle with non-life threatening injuries. The person who lived in the home was there, but was not injured, as they were in a backroom of the home at the time of the incident. The driver, 46-year-old…

MNLARS MESS: Troubled Vehicle Registration System Goes Back Under Microscope

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota lawmakers are getting an update on efforts to fix the troubled MNLARS vehicle registration system, scarred by a failed rollout and a backlog of title transfers. Now, many are hoping a change in leadership could make a difference. The state spent 10 years and $90 million planning for the transition  to MNLARS, and lawmakers are…

Young Kids Getting Cabin Fever the Most

Experts Advise to Use More Indoor Activities that Burn Off Energy

DULUTH, Minn.-The frigid temperatures have a firm grip on the Northland as many of the residents in region have to put some extra layers on when going outside. Many others are choosing to avoid that hassle by staying in – in particular young children. We spoke to leaders from the daycare University Nursery at Coppertop Church who are advising that…

Level III Predatory Offender Relocating to Canyon

CANYON, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is notifying the public of a Level III Predatory Offender relocating to the Canyon, Minnesota area. James Harvey Jennings, 32, has relocated to the rural Canyon area. Jennings has a history of sexual contact with adult females, which included sexual touching and has used a weapon in an attempt to gain…

Fundraiser Being Held for Ashland Family That Lost Home in Fire

Fundraiser Being Run Through GoFundMe

ASHLAND, Wis.-A GoFundMe page has been set up for an Ashland family that lost their home on New Year’s Eve during a fire. Richard and Diane Ketring were away from home when the incident happened. Richard represents Ward 2 of the Ashland City Council. In a Facebook Post, Ashland Mayor Debra Lewis, reiterated just how important this fundraiser is saying:…

Sen. Franken Thanks Supporters in Minneapolis

  MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Senator Al Franken delivered a message of thanks to his supporters and friends after eight years in the Senate on Thursday night. It was his first public appearance in Minnesota since sexual misconduct allegations were made against him. He announced his plans to resign earlier this month. His fall came after Los Angeles radio personality Leann Tweeden released a photo of Franken apparently…

Adventure Zone busy during cold snap

Families look for inside fun thanks to these freezing temps

DULUTH, Minn. – With kids also out of school during this cold snap, cabin fever is also growing. Adventure Zone in Canal Park is a popular spot for kids and their families. It features all kinds of activities to keep those kid’s attention, and again, with the bitter cold outside, being inside is also a plus. “We have a two–level…

Island Lake Inn Announces Closure

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner of the Island Lake Inn have announced they will be closing, effective immediately. According to a Facebook post on the restaurant’s page, they will open for one last day, which will be Sunday, Dec. 31. Owners cited a growing family and a military deployment of a manager as a few reasons they will be closing…

Lynx Give Coach Cheryl Reeve Contract Extension

(Courtesy of MN Lynx)MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Following another championship season and several high-profile accolades, the Minnesota Lynx signed Head Coach Cheryl Reeve to a multi-year contract extension Thursday, also giving her the role of general manager in addition to her coaching duties. Reeve won her fourth WNBA title with the Lynx in 2017, notching her 195th total win as the coach of the franchise…

Twins’ Miguel Sano Facing Sexual Assault Allegations

(AP) MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – A professional photographer has come forward with an allegation that Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano assaulted her after an autograph signing. Betsy Bissen also alleges that sexual harassment she endured while covering the Twins “started off with the first base coach hitting on me almost every game I was at.” In a letter posted on Twitter,…

Local Homeless Shelters Packed Because of Cold Temperatures

Homeless Vigil in Duluth Tomorrow

DULUTH, Minn.-With frigid temperatures due to hit the Northland this weekend, that means local homeless shelters will be packed. One of the leaders of CHUM said they are always busy, but especially this time of the year. That group has also been trying to work with the city to form a community plan to house the homeless in public buildings…

Update in Ashland Officer-Involved Shooting

District Attorney Looking into Case

ASHLAND, Wis.-New details have emerged in an October officer-involved shooting in Ashland. According to authorities there, two officers confronted a 28-year-old man with what appeared to be a gun in his waistband. Police said they ordered him to raise his hands and not go for the gun. Instead, police say he reached for the gun, which caused the officers to shoot…

Reports of Shooting in Gilbert

Unknown Amount of Injuries

GILBERT, Minn.-There has been a report of a shooting in Gilbert near Michigan Avenue. A heavy police presence is there. As of now, we don’t know the extent of any injuries in the incident. A neighbor we spoke to said they were asked to stay in their home for about 40 minutes at 1:30 p.m. in that area. Seven to…

Head on Collision Kills One North of Two Harbors

Not Known What Caused Crash

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-One person was killed at 7 a.m. this morning in a head-on collision in Castle Danger, north of Two Harbors. The person is being described as a 39-year-old, according the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, but their name hasn’t been released. It’s not know if road conditions played a factor in the crash. The condition of the person in…