News – Latest News

Snow Drifts Pile High In Ashland

Strong Winds Monday Created Snow Dunes Along The Chequamagon Bayfront.

ASHLAND, Wis. — U.S. Highway 2 between State Highway 13 north in the town of Eileen and State Highway 112 in Ashland is re-opened, cleared and traffic is moving along just fine today. It was declared impassable on Monday afternoon as winds rushed across the frozen bay at 30-40mph and created blizzard-like white out conditions, deteriorating visibility quickly. Roads also…

Lake Superior College Students Receive Tool Box Scholarships

Four students have been chosen to receive tool boxes filled with $1,500 worth of new tools.

DULUTH, Minn. – The spring semester is in swing at Lake Superior College, and some students in the machine tool technology department are already being honored with a special scholarship. Four students have been chosen to receive tool boxes filled with $1,500 worth of new tools. Many have been donated by future employers or by their own faculty members. Machine…

Experience the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Through Pictures

Each photographer brings between two to three of their pieces for the exhibit.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even if you don’t make it out to the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon you can still enjoy some of the race scenery. Now through March 11 the Great Lakes Aquarium will showcase race images. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the dogs through pictures. The exhibit is in its…

Snowmobile Trail Conditions ‘Good’ in Douglas Co.

The Brule River Riders Snowmobile Club is Responsible for Grooming Nearly 130 Miles of Trails Every Winter

BRULE, Wisc. – Snowmobile riders from near and far often travel hundreds of miles to experience the best trail conditions. Right now, the Brule River Riders Snowmobile Club in Douglas County says their trails are some of the best in the area. The club is responsible for grooming nearly 130 miles of trails every winter, and also maintaining them in…

Magnitude 7.9 Undersea Quake Sends Alaskans Fleeing From Feared Tsunami

What experts feared could happen - did not.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A powerful undersea earthquake sent Alaskans fumbling for suitcases and racing to evacuation centers in the middle of the night after a cellphone alert warned a tsunami could hit communities along the state’s southern coast and parts of British Columbia. The monster waves never materialized, but people who fled endured hours of tense waiting at shelters…

Bob Dylan’s High School Poetry Added to MNHS Collections

These poetry pages date back to Dylan's days at Hibbing High School.

ST. PAUL, Minn – At first glance, your friend’s scribbled high school poetry might not seem worth saving. But when that friend was Robert Zimmerman — now known as iconic musician and Nobel Prize in Literature winner Bob Dylan — those pages take on a whole new meaning. The Minnesota Historical Society recently acquired two handwritten pages of Dylan’s poetry,…

Two killed in shooting at high school

BENTON, Ky. (AP)  – Gov. Matt Bevin says two people have been killed and 19 injured in a shooting at a high school in southwest Kentucky. Of the 19 injured, Bevin says 14 of those were gunshot wounds. Bevin also said the suspect in the Tuesday morning shooting at Marshall County High School is a 15-year-old male student who will…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Festivities Begin Friday

Winter Weather Causes Good Trail and Race Conditions

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend athletes who have been training all year will finally have their time in the snow. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is Sunday, January 28. However, festivities are already underway. The Cutest Puppy Contest has already taken place and more fun is yet to come. On Friday, January 26, a new event, The Beergrease is…

Former Miners Create Book to Preserve Mining History

Northland Uncovered: Erie Mining Company

HOYT LAKES, Minn. – A three-year-long project is highlighting the hard work and legacy of a taconite plant that helped build a town. Former employees from Erie Mining Company are working together on a new project. They’ve been researching a writing a book detailing the beginning and end of the taconite plant. “We’re dying off. If we don’t do it…

Hotel For Millennials Planned Along Central Entrance in Duluth

Planning Commission To Vote On Project Feb. 13

DULUTH, Minn. – Plans are in the works to bring a new hotel to Duluth that’s nothing like any hotel in the area. The hotel chain is called Tru by Hilton. Parent company Hilton Worldwide describes Tru as the company’s newest brand designed with millennials in mind and affordable prices at around $100 a night. The rooms are smaller to…

City of Duluth gets ready for Cold Front February

Cold Front February celebrates Duluth's dedication to the cold

DULUTH, Minn. –  The City of Duluth is getting ready for the first ever Cold Front February celebration. It’s a festival taking place in Canal Park that features all kinds of fun outdoor activities, including an ice trail along the Lakewalk, for people to skate. All to celebrate Duluth’s hearty resistance to the cold. “Duluth is this great winter destination…

Graphic Novel Author Speaks with Students About Diversity in Literature

Gene Luen Yang is an award winning graphic novelist

DULUTH, Minn. –  Award winning graphic novel author Gene Luen Yang is made a stop through Duluth on Monday to talk with students here about the need for more diversity in young people’s literature. He’s encouraging young people to read about characters outside of their own culture. “I think our world is becoming more diverse, and we’re becoming more connected….

American Indian Learning Resource Center awarded grant to publish book

The book is a biography of medicine man Paul Buffalo, and the Ojibwa history

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Indian Learning Resource Center at UMD has received an $85,600 grant from the Minnesota Historical Society. Members of the resource center are hoping to use those funds to publish a three volume book on Ojibwa history, and the biography of traditional Ojibwa medicine man, Paul Buffalo. “We’re hoping that by publishing this book people will be…

Northlanders Mark 45th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade

For some this is a day to celebrate, and for others the day is about seeking change.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Roe V. Wade Supreme Court decision was a landmark case that made abortions legal. Ever since then people from both sides have made it clear where they stand on this issue. For some the 45th anniversary of this historic case is a day to celebrate and for others the day is about seeking change. With signs in…

Hotel Pikku to Open in Lincoln Park Craft District

Three Suite Hotel Expected to Open This Spring

DULUTH, Minn. – A new hotel is coming this spring to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The Hotel Pikku is being created to give visitors to Duluth a place to stay that highlights what the hotel’s owners love about the city. Located on the 1900 block of West Superior Street right above Hemlocks Leatherworks, the little hotel will soon be…

Duluth City Council To Have First Read For Possible Tobacco Flavored Products Ban

If this ordinance does pass businesses would be given a 120 day notice to comply.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will have the first reading of an ordinance that could ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in convenience stores. Staff at the Piedmont Milk House in Duluth say they don’t want to sell flavored tobacco products to minors, but don’t agree with the city picking and choosing who can and can not sell those products. The store…

Bill Passes House to Reopen Government

Government operations funded through February 8th

AP Photo/J. Scott ApplewhiteWASHINGTON (AP) – Congress has approved a bipartisan agreement to re-open the federal government after a three-day partial shutdown. The House approved the bill, 266-150, hours after the Senate backed it, 81-18. President Donald Trump is expected to quickly sign the measure to fund government operations through Feb. 8. The votes set the stage for hundreds of…

Wisconsin Arts Board Seeking Input for Strategic Plan

Arts Board Officials Met With Artists and Community Members in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wisconsin Arts Board is creating its strategic plan for the next three years. The plan will outline where the board will invest in the state’s arts and creative sector. Monday, Arts Board officials met with artists and community members in Superior. The board is asking them for input about where to direct their resources in Northern…

City Seeking Developers For Land In Gary New Duluth

The lots are located at the 1100 block of U.S. Highway 23 at McGonagle Street.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is planning to redevelop some tax forfeited land to increase housing around the city. The 13 lots are located in Gary New Duluth and equal almost one acre of undeveloped land. The city is looking for developers to get creative and see what they can come up with for these lots. The goal is to get the…

National Guard Called in to Help With Those Caught in Storm

Storm Causing Delays at Multiple Airports

MINNEAPOLIS.-Gov. Mark Dayton has called out the Minnesota National Guard to help stranded motorists as a winter storm sweeps across the southern half of the state. Interstate 35 is closed between Owatonna and Faribault. Authorities are advising motorists to stay off the roads in southern Minnesota because of blizzard conditions. The storm is interrupting flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport….

Philly Fans Behaving Badly

Eagles fans throw beer cans - Vikings fans donate money to fight cancer

(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)PHILADELPHIA (AP) —The Minnesota Vikings fans who walked through hostile enemy territory at the NFC championship game had to expect the boos, the obscene gestures, and the shouts to go home; But some behavior surpasses the limit of “unsportsmanlike.” Eagles fans opened coolers and chucked unopened beer cans at Vikings fans. Social media users captured snapshots of fans…

US Highway 2 Closed in Ashland

Weather Deteriorating at a Rapid Pace

UPDATE: US Highway 2 has been declared impassable and is closed on the Chequamegon Bayfront between State Highway 13 North in the town of Eileen and State Highway 112 in Ashland due to extreme weather conditions. Motorists must use the designated State Highway 137 alternate route. The closure will remain in effect until further notice. BAYFIELD, Wis.-Deteriorating driving conditions have authorities…

Superior Celebrates Winter with Annual Festival

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. -The City of Superior is celebrating the winter season. The Lake Superior Ice Festival is being held Friday, January 26 through Sunday, January 28. There will be The Great Lakes Pond Hockey Classic, ice sculptures, a snow slide, an ice bar, bonfires, a kid’s zone, ice racing, and more. The entire festival is taking place on Barker’s Island…

Historical Center Highlights Northland Connection to World War I

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A history center in the Twin Ports is taking on the subject of The Great War and how the area is connected to that war. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is hosting “World War I in the Twin Ports” on Thursday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m. Local historian and Glensheen Mansion Director, Dan Hartman, will…

Government Shutdown to End Soon

Senate Has Advanced Bill to Reopen Federal Agencies Through Feb. 8

WASHINGTON, D.C.-It looks like the government shutdown will end soon. The Senate has advanced a bill reopening federal agencies through Feb. 8 after Democrats relented and lifted their blockade against the legislation. The shutdown began Saturday after Democrats derailed a Republican measure that would have kept government open until Feb. 16. Democrats wanted to pressure the GOP to cut a…

Blush Offers a New Space for Artists in Duluth

Bar and Event Venue Is All About Making People Feel Welcome

DULUTH, Minn. – Since last summer, there’s been another artist run venue in Downtown Duluth. Blush was founded by members of the Duluth music scene to create an inclusive space for artists on First Avenue West in Downtown Duluth. Since last August, Blush has offered performances and gallery showings by artists for artists. “It’s not really like heavily invested in…

Vikings Fans React to NFC Championship Game

Though Their Team Lost, Vikings Fans Will Always Remain Loyal

DULUTH, Minn. – “This was supposed to be the season but if it’s not, it’s not, but I still support my Vikings. Absolutely. All the time. Every day.” Faces of disappointment Sunday night for Minnesota Vikings fans after the Philadelphia Eagles take a win to head to the Super Bowl. Like many bars and restaurants across Duluth, all eyes were glued…

Minnesota Liquor Stores Busy on Championship Sunday

Sunday Is Usually a Slow Day at Bottle Shops, But Not When the Vikings Play

DULUTH, Minn. – Liquor stores in Minnesota are finding a boost in sales now that liquor sales are allowed on Sundays throughout the state. Employees at Shanty Bottle Shop in Duluth say football fans have been in a lot the past two weeks buying their favorite beer and spirits to cheer on the Vikings. “Sundays, I mean, compared to the…

Lil’ Icebreakers teaches young girls the hockey basics

Girls ages four to eight learned how to skate from local hockey experts

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of young girls got the chance to learn some hockey basics on Sunday. The Duluth Girls Hockey Association (DGHA) hosted the Lil’ Icebreakers Free Skate at the Heritage Sports Center in Duluth. Girls ages four to eight got to the chance to learn some techniques from local women hockey experts. “This open skate is a perfect…

Bowlers compete in the Underthun Challenge

Bowlers from the Midwest and Canada come to Duluth to play in the tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – Country lanes north bowling alley hosted the Underthun Auto Body Bowling Challenge tournament. To make things interesting, bowlers were only allowed to use certain parts of the lanes, making scoring a bit more difficult. “It gives it a pretty level playing field for everybody,” tournament sponsor Ryan Underthun said. “Anybody can win, and anybody can lose, and that’s…

Duluth Firefighters Respond To Structure Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 503 North 27th Ave West Sunday afternoon around 1:50 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke inside with the kitchen area fully involved with fire. The one resident home at the time was able to get out safely. The fire was quickly extinguished, but caused around $50,000…

Woman Killed in Traffic Accident

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. (Press Release) – One person is dead as the result of a traffic crash in Solon Springs on Saturday January 20, 2018. The crash was reported to Douglas County 911 at 11:42am at the USH 53 and North Boundary Rd intersection. Leita Antonson, 66, of Solon Springs was pronounced dead at the scene. Antonson had been driving southbound…

Local Volunteers Working Super Bowl Events

Several Northlanders Are Part of "Crew 52" Providing Event Hospitality in Minneapolis

DULUTH, Minn. – Local volunteers will be working around the Super Bowl in Minneapolis providing guest services for tourists coming to town. Friday, the local volunteers met near the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth. They are some of the 10,000 “Crew 52” members who will help with hospitality at the Super Bowl and the events leading up to the game….

Cute Puppies Take Over Fitger’s

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon holds the puppy Cutest Puppy Contest a week before the big race

DULUTH, Minn. – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is happening next Sunday, but this weekend is all about the puppies.  Dozens of puppies were at the Fitgers complex in Duluth for the John Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest. People got to meet the little pups, and then vote on which one is their favorite. “Everybody that enters their puppies seems to…

Birkebeiner Organizers Say 2018 Conditions Are Near Perfect

Last Year's Cross Country Ski Race Was Cancelled Because of Lack of Snow

HAYWARD, Wis. – Cross country skiers are excited to hear about snow in the forecast. Organizers of the American Birkebeiner tell us the trails are in really good shape and that the conditions are nearly perfect for the February ski race. “Snow on the ground is really an economic driver in the north woods and it helps with restaurants, it…

Customer Dies Inside Duluth Aldi

DULUTH, Minn. – A man is dead after collapsing inside the Duluth Aldi store on Saturday morning. According to the Duluth Police Department, a 71-year-old man collapsed in the store at about 11:30 a.m. Life saving efforts were performed, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the death is not considered suspicious in any way. The…

Marshall Students Compete in Cyber Security Competition

High School and Middle Schoolers Learn the Basics of Keeping Digital Information Safe

DULUTH, Minn. – These days, it seems like almost everything is connected to the internet. And with that comes security concerns. Young people at Marshall High School and Marshall Middle School are learning about ways to prevent cyber vulnerabilities. The students are learning the basics of computer security and could potentially use those skills in their future careers. “They can…

Duluth Police Department Welcomes 15 New Officers

Each New Officer Had their Badge Pinned on by a Loved One in Attendance

DULUTH, Minn. – Fifteen new officers were sworn in to the Duluth Police Department today. Each officer had their badge pinned on by a loved one. For the new officers, this marked the end of years of training and preparation and five weeks in the Police Academy. “Now we’re going to be going with our senior officers on some training…

Candidates for Minnesota Governor Discuss Issues at UMD

Seven Gubernatorial Candidates Answered Questions from Students and the Community in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Seven candidates for Minnesota Governor stopped by the University of Minnesota-Duluth today to meet with students and other voters in the northern part of the state. Several organizations at UMD brought in the candidates to get students more involved in the election process and give them more knowledge about the campaigns and important statewide issues. The panel…

Emergency Responder Training in the Cold

Duluth Hosts the State's Largest EMS Expo

DULUTH, Minn.-  EMS workers in Minnesota face many tough situations and harsh weather conditions on the job. To provide the best care workers are taking part in the state’s largest EMS Expo in Duluth.  Around 1,000 EMS workers from Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota come take part in Arrowhead’s EMS Expo. The training courses offered help workers learn more about advancing…

Sea Wall Repairs Moving Forward

If a Sea Wall Isn't Fixed They will Corrode Over Time

DULUTH, Minn. –  Constant waves coming in across the harbor and rolling underneath the bottom of the seawall have led to its corrosion. Now the city is trying to repair the damages. The repairs on the sea wall is made up of two sections the Minnesota Slip and another area near the DECC (Duluth Entertainment Convention Center). The Minnesota slip is where…

Duluth City Hall May Undergo Million Dollar Renovation

Years ago the Police Department had offices on the ground level at City Hall.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s City Hall may be getting a nearly $2 million makeover. The Duluth City Council will take up a resolution for City Hall interior renovations on Monday, Jan. 22. Most of the renovations are focused on keeping the building functional. It consists of working on the electrical system, infrastructure of the building and reworking some of the office spaces. “Part of the…

Former Miners Create Project to Preserve History of Erie Mining Company

Traveling Exhibit to Open at St. Louis County Historical Society

DULUTH, Minn. – Former miners on the Iron Range are working together to ensure the legacy and history of the Erie Mining Company is never forgotten. A group of Erie Mining alum is writing a book with oral history recounts and information about the company throughout the years. The book will be distributed to libraries and stores around the Northland,…

Discount Duluth Offers More at Larger Location

Discount Duluth aims to supply affordable big brand products.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two brothers are creating jobs and bringing affordable shopping to their hometown. Discount Duluth opened one year ago, now the retail shop is moving to a new location. The store is now five times larger than before. Discount Duluth sells overstock big brand products at a discounted price. “It means a lot to us because we always use…

Officer Ruled Justified in Jason Pero’s Shooting Death

Medical Examiner's Office Says Pero Had Fentanyl in System at Time of Shooting

BAD RIVER RESERVATION, Wis.-The St. Croix District Attorney has ruled that the Ashland sheriff’s deputy Brock Mrdjenovich was justified when he shot and killed Bad River Reservation resident Jason Pero, 14, in November. According to the attorney’s report, the juvenile allegedly contacted the police department from his home phone and said their was an individual armed walking with a knife on…

Hibbing Courthouse Employees Win $250,000 in Powerball

Group of 22 Employees Won the Prize

HIBBING, Minn.-A group of Hibbing courthouse workers have won $250,000 in the Powerball Jan. 10. The group of 22 workers will be splitting up the prize between them. Today they arrived at Minnesota Lottery headquarters in Roseville to claim their prize. The group was only one number away from winning the grand prize jackpot from the Powerball. The group did…