Community

Tips on How to Fix Your Frozen Pipes

Frozen Pipes Stop Working, and Can Even Crack if Left Frozen

When temperatures drop low, frozen pipes can cause big problems, because pipes especially water lines, stop working altogether when they’re frozen. Experts say it’s crucial to keep pipes warm so they don’t freeze. You can do this by circulating air around the pipes with a fan, or keeping cabinet doors under the sink open so the pipes can get warm…

Warm Areas Popular Travel Destinations for Duluthians

January and February are Some of the Busiest Times for Travel Agents

DULUTH, Minn. – With people looking to get out of the cold for a few days, January and February are some of the busiest times of the year for travel agents. Popular destinations for Duluthians include cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Jamaica, and Punta Cana. These destinations are favored by Northlanders because of their (to no one’s surprise) warm temperatures,…

Becoming City Council President Unusually Competitive

Political Expert Says City Council Presidents are Usually Almost Predetermined

As a tradition, the Duluth City council votes on a new president each year. Political expert Cindy Rugeley says in Duluth, the city council president is usually almost pre-determined, with the person with the most experience taking on the leadership role. “In this instance, a new council member is saying, I want to change this.  I want to be the…

Playing With a Purpose

Superior Senior Inspiring Skaters

When Emma Peterson takes the ice she’s all business. Superior Senior Defender Emma Peterson comments, “I listen to music and stuff, just focus. I kind of go through my head what I have to do during the game, picture different situations on the ice.” Her Head Coach Kayla Chilstrom adds, “She’s one of those players where, wherever she’s needed she’ll…

Community Discusses Sex Trafficking Problem

Gathering focused on raising awareness and finding solutions to trafficking in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – January is human trafficking awareness month, when organizations across the country shine a light on causes and effects of the sex trafficking epidemic. It is estimated that more than 20 million adults and about 2 million children are trafficked worldwide. Sex trafficking is happening in the Twin Ports region, not just in far away places. Because of…

Duluth Offering Free Winter Recreation Fun at Bayfront Park

Free fires, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, and outdoor music

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation division invites the public to experience the best of nature and winter recreation. The Bayfront skating rink is open and reportedly in excellent shape for user 7 days a week, weather permitting. The Bayfront Family Center also provides a place to warm up after skating or to try out any of the…

UW Faculty Challenge DNR Climate Change Revisions

Scientists saying it's a violation of trust with the public

MADISON (AP) – A group of University of Wisconsin-Madison professors are ripping the state Department of Natural Resources for scrubbing language from its website that declared human activity is causing climate change. The Republican-controlled agency quietly changed the language last month to say the cause of climate change is debatable. Seven UW-Madison climate, zoology and ecology professors released a column…

UMD Theatre Gives Encore Performance in Fundraising Effort

"One River" Heads to Regionals

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota-Duluth theater students are being recognized for their work. The production “One River,” written and directed by UMD Professor Tom Isbell, has been selected as one of six in the region to be performed at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival at the Region V Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. The regional competition runs…

29th Annual Duluth Wedding Show to Feature Nearly 150 Exhibitors

Coffee Conversation: Planning Your Special Day

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will be filled with brides and grooms as they plan their special day. The 29th Annual Duluth Wedding Show is Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be nearly 150 exhibitors to give advice and assist on the wedding day of many couples. A fashion show…

State Auditor Rebecca Otto Announces Run for Governor

Otto Joins the Race for Minnesota Governor, Along with Coleman and Murphy

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota state auditor Rebecca Otto announced Monday, she is planning to run for governor next year. Otto is the third Democrat to announce a campaign to replace Democratic Governor Mark Dayton who will leave office when his term expires. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said in December he will launch a campaign. State Representative Erin…

Two Duluth Councilors Seek Council Presidency Seat

Noah Hobbs, Joel Sipress Got Head To Head

DULUTH, Minn. – An annually rotating council presidency is tradition in the city of Duluth, and Joel Sipress –the vice president of the city council running for council president says, usually, an experienced council member takes on that leadership role. “Every year we elect a new city council president for the coming year,” said Sipress. “It’s a challenging complex job that…

Banff Mountain Film Festival Comes To Duluth

Festival Features Over 30 Outdoor-Themed films

DULUTH, Minn. – The Banff Mountain Film Festival world tour came to the DECC this weekend. The touring film festival features over 30 outdoors-themed films about a wide variety of outdoor subjects like climbing, biking, skiing and the environment. This is the 12th year the Duluth Cross Country Ski Club has brought the festival to Duluth. “We enjoy bring this…

Bad River Band Calls for Removal of Pipeline

The Pipeline Has Been in Operation for More than 60 Years

For the Bad river band, the land they live on has provided their livelihood for hundreds of years. “Things we do, collect medicine, collect maple syrup, hunting, fishing…” Robert Blanchard, the Tribal Chairman of the Bad River Tribal Council listed. But tribal members believe that could all be under threat, because of Enbridge’s Line 5.  It’s a pipeline that has…

Duluth International Airport Paying Close Attention to Fort Lauderdale Incident

Officials don't expect any delays for flights coming in or departing from the airport

DULUTH, Minn – The Duluth International Airport says they are constantly monitoring the situation in Fort Lauderdale to ensure the safety of all people flying in and out of the airport. The Duluth airport, along with all other commercial service airports in the United States, all have their very own security program in place for any potential threats. The airport’s…

Ashland Prepares for Book Across the Bay

The Unique Event Brings Thousands to Ashland

Northlanders are preparing to get out and book across the bay. It’s an Annual event where skiers and snowshoers of all ages travel on the frozen surface of Lake Superior at night, through a course that’s lit only by stars and candle light. “We have great snow and ice in the winter, and you might as well, if you’re going…

Staying Safe in Extreme, Cold Temperatures

Active Adventures: Gearing Up for Winter Weather

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures we focused on the extreme cold the Northland is experiencing. FOX 21’s William Seay went to Trail Fitters to talk with Assistant Manager Biagio Nigrelli. Nigrelli says it’s important to layer in these conditions and always be prepared to go outside. Nigrelli suggested wearing long underwear, proper boots for the occasion, buff…

Banff Film Festival Visits Duluth This Weekend

Exteme Adventures Featured in Film Festival World Tour

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the outdoors is coming to the big screen in Duluth. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will be at the DECC Symphony Hall January 7-8. The festival features films with extreme outdoor activities, environmental messages, or humor. Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner and films begins at 7 p.m. both nights. Tickets are…

Free Radon Test Kits to Raise Awareness

Test Kits Will be Given Out at Six Locations in Duluth Throughout the Month of January

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Lung Association kicked off Radon Awareness Month Thursday, in effort to stop a silent killer. Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas, and also ranks as the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon kills more than 21,000 people every year. To combat the issue, the Duluth Healthy Homes Partnership, working…

WITC offers New Broadband Academy

The Programs Help People Find a Lasting Career

  From Internet to Television, the broadband industry has become a necessity for many people’s lives, and offers different types of jobs within it. “Wisconsin Governor Just is initiating a 35 million dollar increase in broadband programs, new and existing programs throughout the state,” said Paul Kostner, the Broadband Academy Program Director. “With this initiative, they’re going to need qualified individuals…

Birkie Has a New and Permanent Start

It was a Move to Save the Future of the Race

The American Birkebeiner is just over a month away, but this year, the iconic ski race is starting from their new and permanent area. The Birkie’s starting line had been at the Cable Union Airport for a number of years. But in a move to secure the future of the race, The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation launched a capital campaign…

Fatal Accident on East North Cloquet Road

The incident happened near Ikola Road

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – On January 5, 2017 around 1:47 p.m., Carlton County 9-1-1 dispatch received a call of a two vehicle accident with injuries on the East North Cloquet Road near Ikola Road. A westbound car, driven by 54-year-old, Michael Eugene Sisto from Hermantown, crossed the centerline colliding with an eastbound pickup truck, driven by 32-year-old, Joshua Lee Wingness…

Delivering Food in the Cold

Drivers wear multiple layers as they make deliveries

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the cold weather, delivery drivers are outside delivering food across the Northland. Tanner Carlson wears four layers of clothes as he makes his Pizza Luce deliveries in sub–zero temperatures. He says the worst part of the cold is waiting at doors hoping the customers answer, but he stays positive about doing his job in the freezing…

Local Expert Discusses Sex Offender Program Ruling

Christos Petsoulis of the Duluth Institute talks about offender rehabilitation

DULUTH, Minn. – Yesterday a federal appeals court tossed out an earlier ruling that the Minnesota sex offender program is unconstitutional. The program keeps sex offenders confined indefinitely after their release from prison. Over 700 people are currently in sex offender program. Only a handful of offenders have been released from the program over its 20 year history. Governor Mark…

Tater Tot Hot Dish Burrito Now Available

Will be at Burrito Union through January 31st

DULUTH, Minn – The burrito is full of Minnesota comfort foods like beef, corn, green beans, cheese and of course, tater tots. Anyone who grew up on hot dish will soon recognize the burrito’s unmistakable flavors. “The college kids come in and have a taste of going back to their mom and dad’s house, and just something that’s comforting and…

O’Neill’s Pub and Liquor Closed

Bar has been open in Superior for 23 years

SUPERIOR, Wis. – O’Neill’s Pub and Liquor in Superior has closed its doors for good. The bar had been open for 23 years and was the only drive–through liquor store in Superior since moving to its new location on Tower Avenue about 10 years ago. Owners Tom and Nancy O’Neill thanked patrons in a Facebook post and closed the bar…

Northlanders Do Activities Indoors to Keep Out of the Cold Temperatures

Ways to warm up in the frigid temperatures

DULUTH, Minn. -With the frigid temperatures this week, places like coffee shops have been really busy. Over at Amity Coffee in Duluth, employees have noticed a couple common trends among their customers. Jordan Pykkonen, the Manager at Amity Coffee, said “The first customers don’t come until later and they are staying in longer, I don’t think they want to go…

Bayfront Family Center and Rink Closed Due to Weather

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation division is closing the Bayfront Family Center and ice rink located in Bayfront park today, January 4, through Saturday, January 7, due to extreme freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills. The Parks division anticipates reopening the Family Center and rink on Sunday, Jan. 8, from 1-5 p.m. pending warmer temperatures…

Giants Ridge Adjusts Hours for Cold Weather

Hibbing Alpine Invitation scheduled for Thursday has been postponed

BIWABIK, Minn. – Due to the extremely cold temperatures that have been predicted for Thursday, January 5, Giants Ridge Ski Area will be closed. The Hibbing Alpine Invitation scheduled for Thursday has been postponed until further notice. Hours will be reduced on Friday and Saturday, January 6 and 7, with the ski area closing at 4:30 p.m. Regular hours are…

Animal Answers: Healing with Animal Kingdom Chiropractic

Dr. Claudia Cottrell Uses the Power of Her Hands to Give Motion Back to Animals in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – For humans, it can be extremely never wracking to commit to seeing a chiropractor. But what if noise or anticipation didn’t exist; only the thought of getting better came to mind. Dr. Claudia Cottrell cracks her patients up. “It was a slow start but every month I got busier and busier,” said Dr. Claudia Cottrell, Owner of…

Hockey Night In Superior Is Wednesday

Kids Are Encouraged To Get Outside And Play At The Outdoor Rinks

Superior, Wis. — It’s time to lace up your skates, get them sharpened and head out to one of the 8 outdoor rinks in Superior. Wednesday, Jan 4th the rinks will be fully staffed with Spartan varsity hockey players, UWS hockey players and staff members of the Superior Amateur Hockey Association.  They’ll be ready to interact with all current players…

New Year Keeps Local Gyms Busy

Some Northlanders have been thinking about New Year's resolutions for at least a month. Several workout classes are already sold out.

While many may be hitting the gym in these first few days of the New Year, some Northlanders have already been thinking about their 2017 goals for at least a month. Impact Sports Training kicked off their first bootcamp of the year. The camp has actually been sold out since early December. They say consistency and creating a sense of…

School Board Elects New Officers

Duluth Public Schools ISD 709 voted in their new officers for 2017

ISD 709 voted David Kirby as their new chairperson. Rosie Loeffler-Kemp will serve as vice chairperson. Annie Harala will be the clerk and Nora Sandstad will serve as treasurer. “I hope we have a good year and remember our objective is to improve the learning opportunities and outcomes for the students and working conditions for the staff, that’s our main…

Volunteers Needed to Tear Down Bentleyville for the Season

Anybody is welcome to come help at Bayfron Park both Saturday and Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville saw a record breaking 292,000 people walk through the gates this year. This weekend, they’re asking for help from the community to help pack up the lights for the season. The official teardown takes place this Saturday and Sunday at Bayfront Park. Anybody is invited to show up between 8 and 4:30 p.m.  to help cut…

Duluth Hockey Company Keeping Skaters Sharp on the Ice

The business has been sharpening hundreds of skates over the last few weeks

DULUTH, Minn. – With hockey season in full swing, that means skates are starting to get a little worn down. The Duluth Hockey Company has been busy sharpening and profiling hundreds of skates the last few weeks. The store is one of the few places in the Duluth area that specializes in hockey equipment and sees business from customers all…

Conservation Corps Employs Hundreds this New Year

Conservation Corps Employs Hundreds

DULUTH, Minn.  – The Conservation Corps of Minnesota is offering 700 service opportunities this new year through a job training program. The only criteria is you must be between 15-25 years old. Jobs offered include conservation work as well as trail building and restoration. Chris Severson, the District Manager, said “It is a service to our state and in return…

Many Enroll for Classes at Lake Superior College

Enrollment Up at Local Colleges after New Years

  DULUTH, Minn. – Today in Duluth, 30 students were busy at Lake Superior College getting signed up for Spring classes. School leaders expect to see 340 new students walking through the halls next week when the new semester gets started. LSC has a number of short term programs that students can start in the Spring and finish as a…

St. Louis County Board Selects Chair

Board also introduces new members, sets meeting schedule

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board held its annual organizational meeting this morning in Duluth. Commissioner Frank Jewell was elected Board Chair for 2017 and commissioner Keith Nelson was elected Vice Chair. The board introduced newly–elected commissioners Beth Olson and Mike Jugovich. They also appointed committee members and approved their 2017 meeting schedule. Categories: Business, Community, News, News…

UWS Hopes for More State Funding

UW System asks State for $42.5 Million Budget Increase

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Over the last five years, the University of Wisconsin System has faced $362 million in funding cuts from the state government. Because of that decrease, the University of Wisconsin-Superior has had to make significant cuts of its own. But this year, UWS is hoping to see an increase in state funding. Earlier this year, the University of…

Wisconsin DNR Revenue Options Include Raising Hunting, Fishing Fees

Linking fees to inflation to generate more revenue for wildlife managment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is proposing raising hunting and fishing fees or linking the fees to inflation as options for generating more revenue for wildlife management. The current state budget mandated the DNR report on dwindling revenue in the agency’s Fish and Wildlife Account. The account funds wildlife management efforts and DNR warden, and…

Dayton’s Budget Proposal Would Reduce Health Insurance Premiums for 125,000 Minnesotans

Could reduce premiums by up to 25 percent for some by March 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton released his first budget proposal, Tuesday, of the 2017 legislative session. He called for a 25-percent reduction in health insurance premiums for the more than 125,000 Minnesotans facing significant increases in the individual market. “For more than two months, I have proposed this relief, so that 125,000 Minnesotans can better afford the health…

Train Timekeepers Featured at Lake Superior Railroad Museum

Northland Uncovered: Railroad Watch History

DULUTH, Minn – Railroad tracks cover thousands of miles throughout Minnesota including routes for freight rail, passenger rail and rail transit. Back in the day, railroad companies helped many industries throughout the area to grow and prosper. The trains are on time at the Duluth Depot thanks to a new exhibit featuring the watches responsible for railroad success. “It allows…

Four Seasons Supper Club

A Finland Staple Filling Up Hungry Snowmobilers For Nearly 50 Years

It’s no secret, Northlander’s love their four seasons. However, for residents of Finland Minnesota the feeling means something a little different. Owner Bonnie Tikkanen says, “I love winter just as much as summer, except for when it gets way too cold. Nobody likes that too much.” Instead of a winter freeze or summer heat, think sizzling burgers and cold drinks….

Business Owner Reacts to Superior Shooting

New Year''s Day shooting hits close to home for area businesses.

  SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Police continue to investigate a New Year’s day shooting. One victim was found dead in the alley behind the Third Base Bar in Superior on New Year’s morning. The other was found inside the bar with a gunshot wound to the chest. Police believe an altercation happened inside the bar which led to the shooting…

Bars Busy with Badger Fans

Winning Teams Means More Beer Sales

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Badger Fans cheered their team on in the Cotton Bowl, at Gronk’s Grill and Bar in Superior Gronk’s employees say game days are always exciting, and even more so when the favored team wins. It leads to customers buying more food, more beer, being louder, staying longer, and being friendlier. “When teams have a good season, we…

Great Lakes Aquarium Sees Record Attendance

144,000 People Visited the Aquarium in 2016

  DULUTH, Minn. – 2016 Brought a record number of visitors to A Popular Attraction in the Northland. Around 144,000 people visited the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth in 2016, a 5 percent increase since last year. It’s the highest number of visitors the Aquarium has seen since 2002.  Aquarium representatives believe the new exhibit, Unsalted seas, featuring the sturgeon…