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New Laws Take Effect Today for 2018

The Associated Press,

(KMSP) – There are five new laws going into effect Jan. 1, including one that honors fallen officers. According to the Minnesota House of Representatives, the new law allows for special license plates that honor fallen officers. Drivers can purchase a memorial plate for $10 and donate $25 to the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association. The law is sponsored by…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Political

As Smith heads to DC, questions linger over her replacement

Natalie Froistad,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – After a crazy year in Minnesota politics, 2018 will start with Democrats and Republicans squabbling over the next lieutenant governor and what it means for control of the Senate. Republican Sen. Michelle Fischbach is poised to become lieutenant governor after Lt. Gov. Tina Smith is sworn into the U.S. Senate this week. But Fischbach plans…
Coffee Conversation, Community, Features, Health, Links, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Life Coach Presents Tips on Being the Best “You” in 2018

Coffee Conversation: New Year's Resolutions
Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – As 2018 begins, many Northlanders will be looking to improve themselves in different ways. For this week’s Coffee Conversation we talked with Executive Coach Pam Solberg-Tapper about ways to ensure you fulfill these resolutions. To learn more about Solberg-Tapper and her business, you can contact her at pam@coachforsuccess.com , 218-729-0772 or www.coachforsuccess.com. Here is her blog post…
Community, Features, News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Milwaukee hunter dies after falling out of tree stand

The Associated Press,

GREENFIELD, Wis. (AP) – A Milwaukee man is dead after falling out of a tree stand while hunting in Sauk County on Sunday. The sheriff’s office says 50-year-old Jacob Herr was wearing a safety harness, but it had not been attached to the tree. A hunting companion found Herr’s body at the base of the tree. Categories: Community, Features, News,…
Community, Crime, News, News - Latest News, Public Safety, Wisconsin

Man injured in New Year’s shooting at bar in Racine

The Associated Press,

RACINE, Wis. (AP) – Authorities are investigating a New Year’s shooting at a bar in Racine. Police responded to Curmudgeon’s bar shortly before 2 a.m. Monday. Bar employee Jeff Dandeneau told WITI-TV that bar patrons were celebrating the new year when “everything broke loose.” The man who was shot was taken to a hospital and reported in stable condition. No…
Community, Crime, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Self-inflicted shooting prompts lockdown of emergency room

The Associated Press,

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (AP) – A hospital emergency room in the Twin Cities area was put on a temporary lockdown over the weekend after a self-inflicted shooting in a restroom. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the incident happened Saturday night at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. Authorities did not immediately release details on the condition of the shooter, or…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Duluth Children’s Museum Celebrates New Year’s Eve

An estimated 400 people showed up throughout the day.
Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though they may take place earlier in the day, New Year’s celebrations are for kids too. The Duluth Children’s Museum hosted its fifth annual New Year’s Eve party! There were plenty of kid friendly activities like trail mix making and even a balloon drop. Organizers say this year the event was bigger and better. The Museum offered…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Beaner’s Central Coffeehouse Brings In 2018 With A Bash

Owner Jason Wussow also took the stage.
Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you usually spend New Year’s Eve at your favorite bar waiting for the clock to strike midnight, Beaner’s Central Coffeehouse in Duluth has another option for you. This New Year’s bash started as an all day jam session that has now turned into a tradition for the last seven years. The stage is set and 24…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Junior Naturalists Get A Lesson In Identifying Animals During Winter

Kids also made and took home a plaster animal track.
Haydee Clotter,

CARLTON, Minn. – The cold is not keeping some dedicated “junior naturalists” from learning about the outdoors this this weekend  from the warmth of a classroom. They showed up to Jay Cooke State Park to learn about identifying animals in the winter. These young snow trackers discovered what animals signs to look for like animal droppings, footprints or bones. The…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Northlanders Can Connect With Super Bowl LII

Super Bowl LII is expected to attract one million visitors and leave an economic impact of more than $400 million.
Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – The last time Minnesota hosted the Super Bowl the year was 1992 and 26 years later the Super Bowl is making its return. We may be hundreds of miles away, but organizers say people in Duluth can be part of the action. Super Bowl Experience started in Minnesota and it’s grown to a more than 400,000 square feet…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Clothing Drive To Help People Stay Warm This Winter

You'll receive a ticket for the raffle for each item you donate
Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – One way to make sure someone can withstand Minnesota’s brutal winter is with suitable winter clothes. The owner of Duluth’s Red Herring along with the man behind Lizsam Entertainment have found a way to give back to the community with a winter clothing drive. It’s cold out especially this time of the year and for the people…
Community, Education, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Duluth Public Library hosts escape room for teens

Northland teens worked together to solve the puzzle and escape the library
Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some teenagers simulated what might happen if they were locked inside the library.  The Mount Royal branch of the Duluth Public Library hosted a library-themed escape room puzzle on Friday. Teens worked together to find clues, and figure out how to escape the library in under 25 minutes. “There’s a whole ton of teamwork that happens here,”…
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Post-holiday exercise options

9Round Fitness 30 minute Kickboxing might help knock you back into shape
Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – After the holidays is when most people start feeling like it’s time to hit the gym.A new kind of gym has opened up in Duluth recently. 9Round Fitness is a 30 minute kickboxing studio, where folks can work with a trainer, and have a slightly different workout experience than your typical gym. “The whole thing with kickboxing…
Crime, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Public Safety

UPDATE: Officers Identified in Gilbert Shooting

Melissa Lentz,

GILBERT, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has identified the officers involved in a shooting that took place in Gilbert on Dec. 22.  According to the Minnesota DPS BCA preliminary investigation, Deputy Derrick Deutsch with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Officer Joseph Bradach of the Gilbert Police Department were looking for an…
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Wisconsin Woman Dead Following Snowmobile Accident

Melissa Lentz,

BESSEMER, Mich. – A 51-year-old Wisconsin woman is dead after a snowmobile accident Friday. According to the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office, the report came in just before 11:30 Friday morning. The accident happened on Powderhorn Road just north of US Highway 2. The initial investigation by police indicated that a group of snowmobiles were traveling southbound in the unplowed right…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Sen. Franken Thanks Supporters in Minneapolis

Site Staff,

  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…
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Officials: Deadly NYC Fire Lit by Child Playing with Stove

The Associated Press,

AP NEW YORK (AP) — A preschooler toying with the burners on his mother’s stove accidentally lit New York City’s deadliest fire in decades, turning an apartment building into an inferno that killed a dozen people as smoke and flames swept up the stairwell in minutes and blocked the main route to safety, the fire commissioner said Friday. The 3½-year-old…
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Fire Claims Superior Home

Melissa Lentz,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, the Superior Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1900 block of Tower Avenue. Crews arrived on scene to heavy smoke coming from the second floor of a two-story home. All residents were able to safely evacuate. Crews remained on scene for 2 1/2 hours. Damages have been estimated at $30,000….
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Video

Duluth rink rats brave the cold for the love of hockey

Well below-zero temps won't stop these little athletes
Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – Well, it may be cold outside but that’s not stopping hearty Northlanders from keeping busy out there. Being that it’s Minnesota, kids don’t seem to mind that it’s a few degrees below zero. FOX21 caught up with some young rink rats playing a game of pick-up hockey at the Glen Avon hockey rinks. “It’s cold, but, I…
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Adventure Zone busy during cold snap

Families look for inside fun thanks to these freezing temps
Site Staff,

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…
Business, Health, News, News - Latest News

Duluth YMCA sees uptick in members during colder months

The YMCA offers a variety of activity to keep people active during the Northland's freezing season
Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – So many cold days in a row means its getting harder to stay active. FOX 21 spoke with the Duluth YMCA about what they’re doing to keep people up and active, and just staying warm during these frigid temps. “We have so much going on indoors, everything from our  rock climbing wall, we have two pools, lot…

Business, Community, Entertainment, News, News - Latest News, Video, Wisconsin

Northland businesses prepare for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Liquor stores are sure to be busy this weekend
Graham Hakala,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –  Now that Christmas is out of the way, it’s time to start to think about those New Year’s Eve plans. Liquor stores are obviously a major stop for many people getting ready for the celebration. Stores are getting rid of the Christmas gifts sets to make room for the champagne. Employees say this time of year is…
Business, Community, News, News - Latest News

Island Lake Inn Announces Closure

Site Staff,

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…
Health, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Depression Happens In the Northland Around This Time Of the Year

The economic burden of depression, including workplace costs, direct costs and suicide- related costs, was estimated to be $210.5 billion in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – There can be dark days living in Duluth and being so far away from the equator means not enough sunlight, which can affect how you feel. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is where people typically get more depressed during certain seasons. “There is a variation of that where some people have a different kind of depression in the…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Political

Franken to Formally Thank Supporters Before Leaving Senate

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Sen. Al Franken is meeting with supporters and friends in Minnesota before he officially resigns. The Democrat planned to attend an event Thursday night in Minneapolis to thank supporters and friends after his eight years in the Senate. Media outlets were expected to be allowed to attend part of the event. Franken announced his plans to resign…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Professional Sports, Sports

Lynx Give Coach Cheryl Reeve Contract Extension

Site Staff,

(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…
News, News - Latest News, Public Safety

Ely Man Dead After Apartment Fire

330 South 3rd Avenue West
Melissa Lentz,

ELY, Minn. – A 70-year-old man is dead after an apartment at the Grahek Apartments in Ely. According to the Ely Fire Department, crews were dispatched to the Grahek Apartments at 5 p.m. on Wednesday evening. Initial reports indicated flames and smoke coming from a third story apartment. An occupant, who has been identified as David Curtis Cashman, 70, of…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Minnesota IT Chief to Step Down in February

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The state’s top information technology official will retire in February. Minnesota Information Technology Services Commissioner Tom Baden announced his plan to step down on Thursday, citing health reasons. But it also comes amid problems with the state’s overhaul of its computer system for license plates and tabs. He will officially depart Feb. 2. Baden was…
News, News - Latest News, Wisconsin

Walker Says Tax Change Will Be $2,508 Cut for Typical Family

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker’s administration says the typical family of four in Wisconsin will see a $2,508 tax cut under the recently passed Republican tax overhaul. Walker released details Wednesday of the analysis completed by the state Department of Revenue. Using Census data and expected growth, the median income for a Wisconsin family of four in 2018…
Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Professional Sports, Sports

Twins’ Miguel Sano Facing Sexual Assault Allegations

Site Staff,

(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,…
Health, News, News - Latest News, US & World News

Affordable Care Act Sign Up Tally Dips Slightly to 8.7M

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government says more than 8.7 million people have signed up for coverage next year under the Obama-era health care law, exceeding expectations for a program that President Donald Trump has unsuccessfully tried to repeal. The final tally released Thursday for the 39 HealthCare.gov states showed about 80,000 fewer sign-ups than an initial count provided last week….
Environment, Mining, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Judge Pushes Back Timeline for Enbridge Line 3

The Associated Press,

(Garret Ellison | MLive)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An administrative law judge delayed approval of a divisive oil pipeline in northern Minnesota so the environmental impact statement can be revised. The decision from Judge Ann O’Reilly last week is a response to a Public Utilities Commission’s finding that the project’s impact statement was “inadequate.” The PUC on Dec. 7 gave the Department…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Jay Cooke State Park Has Activities to Keep You Busy This Holiday Season

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Jay Cooke State Park will be offering several free naturalist programs during the upcoming holiday time period.  All programs are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is needed to enter the park.  They can be purchased upon arrival.  $7/day or $35/annual.  Attached is our program flier for the winter, but here are the highlights for…
Community, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Sea Smoke Appears Over Lake Superior

Haydee Clotter,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Mother Nature is putting on a show in Minnesota. Sea smoke was seen rising over Lake Superior on Christmas Day. Sea smoke, also called steam fog or frost smoke, appears when really cold air slides over a warmer expanse of water. Lake Superior’s temperature was about 35 degrees and the air temperature was 9 below zero…
Community, Features, Health, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Northland Man Share His Story Of His Very Own Christmas Miracle

Michael Sylvester was adopted and plans to have genetic testing to see if he carries the gene.
Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – After nearly 14 years on the job with the U.S. Postal Service Michael Sylvester is what some may call a walking Christmas miracle. It’s a far cry from where he was back on Dec. 16, 2016. “I noticed I was having some chest pain,” said Sylvester. “I thought it was indigestion.” Michael then did something that isn’t…