News – Latest News

Lake Superior Zoo Celebrates Crow and Raven Day

The Event Was Held to Raise Awareness of an Endangered Crow

DULUTH, Min.- The Lake Superior Zoo Celebrated Crow and Raven Day today The Hawaiian crow is one species in the crow and raven family that is critically endangered. The Lake Superior zoo held their event to help educate zoo goers about the birds, and what people and conservationists are doing to try and save them. “What I’m mainly doing is…

New AmeriCorps Program Needs Volunteers

Big Water Resilience Corps Seeks Eight People to Fill Positions

DULUTH, Minn. – True North AmeriCorps and Ecolibrium3 are launching a brand new program in Duluth this summer, and they’re looking for volunteers. Eight volunteers will make up the Big Water Reslience Corps.  These eight volunteers will work with five organizations on anti-poverty programs while also helping those most vulnerable become more reslient in case of disasters, energy poverty or…

“Mugs and Hugs” to Keep Kids Safe

Local Radio Station, Masons Team Up to Aid Missing Children Investigations

DULUTH, Minn. – When a child goes missing every second counts which is why a local radio station and the Minnesota Masons team up to bring the Masons’ Minnesota KidsID program to the Northland. These “Mugs and Hugs” events offer parents a chance to protect their children by collecting pictures, fingerprints, and DNA.  That information is put on a DVD…

Cliffs Revenue Report is a Mixed Bag

Revenue is Down $30 million this year

DULUTH, Minn.-Cliffs Natural Resources released its first quarter results today which had a few surprises. Despite the increase from last year, the company operated with a net loss of $30 million over the last three months. Cliffs said in a statement today, that even though they have lost money, they have already reduced their debt to $1.6 billion compared to…

Essar-Magnetation Deal in Works

Could be Finalized May 22

DULUTH, Minn. – Essar Steel of Minnesota’s project in Nashwauk got some new life yesterday as Chippewa Capital Partners won the bid to run it, which was worth about $300 million. Chippewa is owned by Tom Clarke, of the state of Virginia, who also bought out the bankrupt Magentation ore plant in Grand Rapids. The plans now are to merge…

Wisconsin Man Removed from Delta Flight for Using Bathroom Before Takeoff

MILWAUKEE (AP) – A Wisconsin man was removed from a Delta Air Lines flight after using the bathroom against crew instructions shortly before takeoff. Kima Hamilton says he urgently needed to use the bathroom April 18 while on a Milwaukee-bound plane in Atlanta. He says takeoff was delayed and the flight wasn’t moving, so he decided to go. Cellphone video…

Drug Take Back Day in Wisconsin

April 29

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency, and local law enforcement agencies will be holding Drug Take Back events across the state on Saturday, April 29. The event is held to prevent misuse and abuse of prescription drugs and other pharmaceuticals by taking unwanted medications. Drug Take Back Day offers a safe, convenient and responsible means…

15-Year Sentence for Shooter at Black Lives Matter Protest

Allen Scarsella MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota man convicted in the shootings of five black men who were demonstrating against the police killing of a black man in Minneapolis has been sentenced to move than 15 years in prison. Allen Scarsella’s sentence on Wednesday was only a few months short of the prosecution’s request. The 25-year-old Bloomington man was convicted…

29 Measles Cases Confirmed in Minnesota

The best protection is to get vaccinated

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KMSP) – The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed there is one case of measles outside of Hennepin County. As of Thursday, there are a total of 29 confirmed cases of measles in the state. Twenty-eight of the cases are in Hennepin County, one case is in Stearns County. Of the 29 cases, one child had the measles,…

WisDOT Receives $20,000 National Award to Help Combat Drugged Driving

Funds will provide training to 384 law enforcement officers

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety has been awarded a $20,000 national grant to help combat the growing problem of drugged driving. The funds will provide Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement training to 384 law enforcement officers across the state. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), in 2015, drugs were present in…

CSS Football Team Raising Funds for Childhood Cancer Research

Saints Helping Saints will be Happening Saturday, April 29 at CSS Tower Hall in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, April 29 at The College of St. Scholastica, students on the football team will be raising money to help fight childhood cancer. Put on by the CSS football team in coordination with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Saints will be shaving their heads with the hope of finding a cure for children diagnosed with cancer. They…

Surrender Unwanted Fish, Plants in the Northland

Minnesota Sea Grant is Partnering with Local Businesses to Find New Homes for Unwanted Aquatic Species, Plants

DULUTH, Minn. – Invasive species have become a big issue in Northland waters over the past few years. Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota Sea Grant Organization helped provide a safe solution to the problem. Northlanders had two hours to take their unwanted fish and aquatic plants to the UMD Kirby Center. The event is designed to give people the chance to…

Duluth Organizations to Extend Outdoor Opportunities to Kids

Community Leaders Focused on Getting More Children Outside

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth has gotten plenty of recognition in recent years for being one of America’s best outdoor cities. Many in the community want to make sure children get the most out of Duluth’s outdoor opportunities. Duluth is making big investments into parks and outdoor spaces. Many organizations want to make sure those outdoor benefits extend to everyone in…

Duluth Air Show Adding a 4-K Race

Race will take place Saturday, June 3rd at Sky Harbor Airport

DULUTH, Minn. – A new event is being added to the Duluth Air Show this summer. For the first time ever, a 4K race will be held at Sky Harbor Airport on Park Point along both the bay and lake shore. Air Show organizers hope the race brings in a new group of fans to the event and helps kick…

Duluth Workforce Center Looking to Display Local Art

The employment resource center plans to feature about 10 different pieces from artists in the community

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Workforce Center is looking for local artists to help spruce up its blank, white walls. The employment resource center downtown plans to feature about 10 different pieces from artists in the community. Right now, they’re looking for submissions of different types, including canvas, photography, and drawings that will fill the walls of its resource room….

Knutson Custom Construction Has New Home

Team Built The Facility Themselves To Show Their Style

Knutson  Custom Construction will now operate out of a state of the art facility they constructed themselves. To show off their new building the construction company held an open house for the public to come check out their distinct style. The building was designed and built by the Knutson team which reflects the craftsmanship and style that the company has…

Rideshare Services Expected to Hit Duluth Streets By This Weekend

So far Lyft is the only company to file the needed paperwork to operate in the city

DULUTH, Minn. – Rideshare services will officially be allowed to operate within the city of Duluth beginning Thursday. Uber and Lyft have already started hiring drivers and putting vehicles through required inspections. Neither company has announced an official launch date, but Duluth city councilor Noah Hobbs tells us Lyft has filed all the needed paperwork to operate in the city,…

Florists Suggest Waiting for Warmer Weather to Plant Annuals

The Engwall Garden Center will open back up for the season next Monday

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Weather like what most in the Northland saw on Wednesday probably doesn’t have many people thinking about gardening. However, over at Engwalls in Hermantown, they are gearing up for planting season. Florists say trees, shrubs and perennials are safe to get in the ground right now, but encourage people to hold off on planting any of those…

Residents; Mother Nature Needs To Make Up Her Mind

Late April Storm Has Some Wanted Warmer Weather Back

Superior, Wis. As we all know with weather this time of the year can be tricky. Needless to say the tease that we had this past Saturday with those beautiful temps all across the area. People want Mother Nature to pick one season and stick with it. “Ready for spring, it’s time to get the cabin open and go fishing…

Duluth’s Best Bread Hires Arm Wrestler as Spokesman

Company Using Endorsement to Sell "Big Fat German Pretzels"

DULUTH, Minn. – A local bakery has a new, and very unusual sponsor. Duluth’s Best Bread has hired a world class arm wrestler to promote its product. Mattias “Hellboy” Schlitte, Germany’s #1 ranked arm wrestler, promotes the bakery in an ad where he says “This is everyone else’s bread and this is Duluth’s Best Bread.” Signing Germany’s top arm wrestler is…

Hoops Brewing Construction Progressing

New Brewery Should be Open by Early June

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction continues on the city’s newest brewery. Workers are busy getting Hoops Brewing ready for business. According to owner/manager Dave Hoops, the brewery should open in June and will turn out about 80 different beers each year. Hoops says he’s most impressed by support from the community. “My partners in this project have been incredible,” said Hoops. …

Local Lumber Yards Confused Over Tax Controversy

New Tariff on Canadian Soft Timber is Lower than Pre-2015 Levels

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Earlier this week, the Trump Administration sparked controversy when the President announced a new import tax on Canadian soft timber. President Trump unveiled a new tax of up to 24 percent on imported Canadian soft timber, claiming Canada’s lumber industry is government subsidized. Canadian leaders deny those claims, and say they’re prepared to fight what they call…

Joel Labovitz Success Awards Honor Local Entrepreneurs

More than 75 Businesses Honored

DULUTH, Minn.-Business owners and entrepreneurs from the Northland were honored today at an awards ceremony at the DECC. The Joel Labovitz Success Awards recognized people from big organizations to smaller ones that are just getting their start. No matter what the case, these ceremonies make business owners feel appreciated. “Several years ago, one of the individuals recognized came on the stage…

Sleet, Ice, Freezing Rain and Snow Hits the Northland

One Half of an Inch of Sleet Accumulates in Duluth, While A Quarter of an Inch of Ice Blankets the North Shore in April.

DULUTH, Minn. – Mother Nature sure has a grip on the Northland and it looks and feels like it is taking revenge on us in late April! A Wintry mix of ice pellets, sleet, freezing rain and snow fell across Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin today. It fell in a light to moderate intensity, as small ice pellets and sleet in…

Registration Opens for 2018 American Birkebeiner on May 1

HAYWARD, Wis. – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation board of directors announced today that registration will open for the 2018 American Birkebeiner on Monday, May 1, 2017. The 2018 race is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, with the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon slated for Friday, Feb. 23. The Fat Bike Birkie, the world’s largest fat bike race is scheduled for…

Fraud Case in Minnesota Stirs New Legal Ripples Years Later

Sherburne County Jail – File, Star Tribune ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are considering changing the rules on money that may be recovered for victims of businessman Tom Petters’ $3.7 billion Ponzi scheme. Minnesota Public Radio reports the change would limit the recovery of investment income earned by charitable or religious organizations that took gifts from Petters or…

Chipotle Investigating Data Breach After Unauthorized Activity in Payment System

NEW YORK (AP) — Chipotle saw a key sales figure rise more than expected as it works to regain customers’ trust after a series of food scares, but may have lost at least a little ground again in disclosing a possible data security issue. The company said it recently detected unauthorized activity on the network that supports its payment system…

Aldi to Open in the Fall in Duluth

Job Seekers Encouraged to Keep Checking Website

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Aldi’s location is set to open in the fall. A spokesperson for the discount grocer told us today, they don’t have a specific date yet for a grand opening, but will be releasing more details in the coming months. There are also no hiring dates yet, but Aldi representatives are encouraging job seekers to keep checking…

UW-Superior Presents “Crimes of the Heart”

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior is now presenting a story of three sisters reuniting and dealing with past decisions. The play is called “Crimes of the Heart.” Ellen Badger, who plays Babe Botrelle, visited FOX 21 to chat about the play. She says the show brings comedy to serious circumstances. Performances are April 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and April 30…

Thinking Turtle Safety this Spring

Experts say Turtles will Start Moving, Crossing Roadways Early May, Beginning of June

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s getting to be the time of year when certain animals in the Northland wake up and make their way into the world once again. However, it isn’t always without risk. Wildlife experts are reminding drivers to be on the lookout for turtles. “If the shell is broken and blood is coming out, you can see flesh…

Great Outdoors: Smelt Fry

Smelt Are Running and Northlanders are Getting Their Seasonal Fix

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s that time of year. Smelt are running through the waters of the Northland. In this week’s Great Outdoors, we explore the smelting tradition and how much people love to eat these small, silver fish. “I love smelt and haven’t had any for a long time.” The smelt are running and Northlanders are casting their nets to…

Psychology Conference a Chance for Students to Present Research

15th Annual Twin Ports Undergraduate Psychology Conference Held at CSS

DULUTH, Minn. – A psychology conference at the College of St. Scholastica gave students a chance to share their research from the past year. UMD, UWS, and CSS students attended the 15th annual conference that included keynote presentations by psychology professionals and a poster session where students could discuss their work with each other. “I think it’s just great to…

Concerned Residents Focus on Ending Poverty in Two Harbors

A group in the community started the program Beacons of Hope with a goal of tackling some key issues they believe haveled to increased poverty

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – There’s a growing poverty concern in the small tourist city of Two Harbors and the community is not sitting back on the issue. Residents are taking a proactive approach at putting an end to poverty within the city. A group in the community started the program Beacons of Hope with a goal of tackling some key…

Mayor Larson Recognizes Local Volunteers

Event was Part of Day for Recognition for National Service

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson honored local volunteers Tuesday as part of the Day for Recognition for National Service. All of the represented groups were associated with the Corporation for National Service.  In Duluth, that means organizations like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. The Mayor also visited a couple service sites to see volunteers in action and came away with…

Duluth Women’s Health Center Offers Free STD Testing

DULUTH, Minn. — Certain sexually transmitted infections are on the rise; so the Women’s Health Center in Duluth offered free testing all day today. “Free STI Testing Day” is an effort from the Minnesota Department of Health to curb the rates of certain diseases. A urine sample will test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a blood sample will test for…

Seniors Learn Healthy Tips at Fair

Fair Provided Residents with Easy Access to Health Information

DULUTH, Minn. – Local health providers and students from the College of St. Scholastica teamed up to help seniors stay healthy. The Benedictine Living Community held its 2nd annual Senior Health Fair Tuesday.  In addition to exhibits from local businesses, CSS Exercise Physiology students were on hand for health checks creating a one–stop shop for residents’ health needs. “It’s hard…

Researchers Learn About Cross Laminated Timber

New Technique Allows Buildings to be Constructed Using Wood

DULUTH, Minn – Officials at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resource Research Institute got a look at new construction techniques using wood. The seminar, put on by WoodWorks, examined how using Cross Laminated Timber helps both forest management and reducing carbon footprints. With CLT, buildings as many as eight stories high can be built using only wood.  Even wood once…

Minnesota Company, MyPillow ‘Forced to Lay Off’ 140 Workers

FOX 9 - KMSP

(KMSP) – MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell says his company was “forced to lay off” 140 workers in Chaska, Minnesota. The MyPillow inventor and company founder didn’t say why the layoffs were needed, but said he doesn’t take decisions like this lightly, and the layoffs were “very unexpected.” Lindell added the company is working on new commercials and hopes to begin…

Ashland School District Awarded Fab Lab Grant

WEDC grants awarded during "Fab Lab Day" in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) announced Tuesday, 21 school districts that have been awarded nearly $500,000 in grants to establish and expand local fabrication laboratory (fab lab) facilities. A fab lab is a high-technology workshop equipped with computer controlled manufacturing components such as 3D printers, laser engravers, computer numerical control routers, and…

Superior Water, Light and Power Begins Installation of Advanced Meters

Project will enhance customer service and experience

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Water, Light, and Power’s (SWL&P) plan to replace analog meters with advanced digital meters moves forward this month. Installation of these meters began around mid-April in the Billings Park area of Superior. The work is part of a five-year plan to deploy Advanced Metering Infrastructure, which is a reliable and proven technology that is being used…

Trump Slaps Tariff on Canadian Softwood Lumber

Escalates Trade Dispute Between the Two Countries

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Trump administration has moved to impose a 20 percent tariff on softwood lumber entering the United States from Canada, escalating an intensifying trade dispute between the two countries. The president announced the decision during a gathering with conservative media outlets at the White House Monday evening. Trump’s initial comments were relayed by four people who were…

Frito Lay Issues Recall Due to Salmonella Risks

Frito Lay announced a voluntary recall of select Jalapeno Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips and Jalapeno Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips due to the potential presence of Salmonella in the seasoning. This action is a direct result of a seasoning blend which includes jalapeno power that could contain Salmonella. There have been no confirmed illnesses related to this…