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Fire in Superior Damages Home in Superior

$70,000 Dollars Worth of Damages, But No One Was Injured

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A fire in Superior left behind $70,000 worth of damages to a home. The Superior Fire Department responded to a fire on Cumming Avenue in Superior late Sunday night. Upon Arrival Crews saw fire coming from the 2nd floor windows of the building.  Crews were able to extinguish the fire that started in the upstairs apartments kitchen. All…

Petition: Reinstate Former Proctor Police Chief

Walter Wobig Served As Chief Since 2002

PROCTOR, Minn.- An online petition was growing Monday for the reinstatement of former longtime Proctor Police Chief Walter Wobig. The petition had more than 180 signatures Monday evening, along with personal messages of support. This comes one week after Mayor Phil Larson and councilors Troy DeWall and Gary Nowak got the majority vote to not renew Wobig’s contract as chief….

St. Luke’s Unveils C.A.R.E. Channel in All Patient Rooms

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Patient Experience Team unveils the C.A.R.E. Channel®, which offers continuous relaxation imagery and music. This channel is available on televisions in all patient rooms. The C.A.R.E. Channel® is produced by Healing Healthcare Systems, which uses evidence-based research to assure the channel’s benefit for patients in the hospital. The 24-hour format at St. Luke’s aims to…

Pence Asks Indiana Court to Keep Some Government Emails Secret

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence is asking the Indiana Supreme Court to let him keep secret some documents emailed to him while he was the state’s governor. The request comes after an Indianapolis lawyer earlier this month sought the overturning of state appeals court decision access to emails sent to Pence in 2014 in which a staffer for…

Republican Proposes Raising UW Tuition by Inflation, Income

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A key Republican legislature says Governor Scott Walker’s plan to cut University of Wisconsin System tuition could hurt taxpayers and lawmakers should consider letting the system raising tuition according to inflation or income increases. Representative Dale Kooyenga, a member of the Legislature’s powerful budget committee, wrote on the Right Wisconsin website last week that cutting tuition…

Woman Dies in Snowmobile Accident in Iron County

IRON COUNTY, Wis. – On the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, around 5:30 p.m., the Iron County Sheriff’s Department received a call of a snowmobile crash on Trail 17 approximately a half mile north of the DuPont Road Intersection in the town of Oma. According to Iron County Tony Furyk, Pamela A. Knaack, 51, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin was unresponsive…

Trump Budget will Hike Defense Spending by $54 Billion

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says President Donald Trump’s upcoming budget will propose a whopping $54 billion increase in defense spending and impose corresponding cuts to domestic programs and foreign aid. The result is that Trump’s initial budget wouldn’t dent budget deficits projected to run about $500 billion. White House budget officials outlined the information during a…

Candidates for Wisconsin Superintendent Face Off at Forum

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Candidates to be Wisconsin’s to education official will meet for their first head-to-head forum since advancing form last week’s primary election. The race to lead Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction is proving to be feisty, with bribery allegations and accusations of improperly using work email to campaign. Incumbent Superintendent Tony Evers and challenger Lowell Holtz will meet…

Sunday Liquor Sales Passes Minnesota Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ The Minnesota Legislature has voted to repeal the state’s long-standing ban on Sunday liquor sales. The state Senate passed a bill undoing the Prohibition-era ban on a 38-28 vote Monday. It follows the House’s overwhelming approval of similar legislation last week. Lawmakers have struggled for years to lift the ban but those efforts have regularly…

Structure Fire in Superior Causes $70,000 in Damages

Crews Battled a Blaze that Broke out at 5917 Cumming Avenue, Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior fire officials responded to a structure fire shortly after 10:30 Sunday evening. The blaze broke out at a two-story duplex located at 5917 Cumming Avenue. When crews arrived they found flames coming from two second floor windows. They were able to extinguish the blaze, which crews believe started in the upstairs kitchen. Authorities say all residents…

NAACP Fundraiser Honors Black Leaders, Activists

DULUTH, Minn.- Throughout the years, many Iconic Figures have progressed the Civil Rights movement, and Sunday, images honoring some of those people lined the walls of the Zeitgeist arts building in Duluth, as part of a fundraiser for the local NAACP chapter. UMD graphic design students created all of the art on the wall, and each one features a black activist…

Despite Cancelled Race, Businesses In Hayward Still Saw Revenue

Birkebeiner May Have Been Cancelled But People Still Supported Local Businesses

This year’s Birkebeiner was different, due to the race being cancelled. With the race being cancelled for only the 2nd time in 44 years, many were celebrating. ‘Birkie Fever’ is what they call and some businesses say this weekend was one of the best. The Birkebeiner brings thousands of people to the small town of Hayward every year. Birkie or…

Drug Addiction Forum Monday In Superior

SUPERIOR (Press Release) – On Monday, February 27th, the AODA Community Coalition of Douglas County (ACC) will be hosting a community event directed towards providing information and resources on combating drug abuse in the community. The goals of this event are to inform the community about current drug trends in our community, share information regarding ongoing prevention efforts, and provide…

Lake County Gunman Taken into Custody

The Lake County Sheriff's Office says the Armed Man was Taken into Custody Shortly After 1:00a.m.

LAKE COUNTY – The search for an armed man near Finland is now over. Authorities tell FOX 21, the man was taken into custody for assault shortly after 1:00a.m. after an hours long search. Authorities from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol were all involved in a search Sunday for a…

Birkebeiner Shortened To 5K Of Trail

Birkebeiner May Have Been Cancelled But The Party Wasn't

CABLE, Wis. – This year’s 44th annual Birkebeiner will be known to those who attended as “Birkiefest 2017”. The race being cancelled didn’t take away from the spirit of having fun. The normal distance for the North American Birkebeiner is 51 kilometers, this year Mother Nature decided otherwise, shortening the race to a 5 kilometer fun run. Some embraced the…

Congressman Nolan Visits Hermantown

Local Leaders Attend Forum to Talk About Transporation

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- U.S Congressman Rick Nolan held a transportation forum in Hermantown Saturday. Local leaders and stakeholders were invited to discuss transportation and infrastructure needs in the Northland.  Attendees included wastewater treatment managers, city planners, and economic developers. “We’ve been neglecting America. And trying to rebuild the rest of the world. But we have to refocus and get America back…

Snowmobiler Crashes Through Thin Ice

Victim Was Pulled from Lake Vermillion by Neighbor

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sherrif’s Office helped a snowmobiler who went through the ice. It happened around 3:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon in the Oak Narrows of Lake Vermillion in Greenwood Township. 70 year old Ronald Hautala of Eveleth was pulled from the water by a neighbor. He was taken to Cook Hospital and treated for minor…

President Trump to Skip Correspondents’ Dinner

President Announced Decision in Tweet

WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump says he won’t be attending the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner this spring. In a tweet on Saturday, the president doesn’t give a reason but says he wishes “everyone well and have a great evening!” The annual fundraiser for college scholarships mixes politicians, journalists and celebrities. Trump has long had an adversarial relationship with…

University of Minnesota Encourages Medical School Path

New Program Guarantees Medical School Admission

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Ten incoming college freshmen will be chosen to participate in a seven-year program that guarantees acceptance into the University of Minnesota medical school. The Minnesota Daily reports that school leaders started the new program to ensure that students work as physicians in the state after graduation. A panel from the university’s liberal arts college and medical school conducted…

State Candidate Sent Campaign Email from Schools Account

Email Appears to be Violation of State Law

MADISON, Wis. (AP) State superintendent candidate Lowell Holtz sent a campaign-focused email detailing his support among Republicans using his Whitnall Public School email address during a school day. The email sent in May appears to be in violation of the state law prohibiting the use of government resources for campaign work. The email was provided to The Associated Press by…

2017 American Birkebeiner Cancelled

Birkie Fever Continues Despite the Cancellation

For only the second time in 44 years all ski races set for this weekend’s Annual American Birkebeiner have been cancelled. The only other time this happened was in 2000. Organizers for North America’s largest cross country ski race held out hope for this weekend as a potential snow storm was on the horizon. Last minute efforts started early as…

Chris Jensen Art Show

Residents showcased their talents with an art show.

DULUTH, Minn. – Residents of the Chris Jensen Rehabilitation Center showed off their creativity on Friday night. Residents displayed their talents in a community art show. Artists took on a wide range of projects from photography to water colors and sculpture. For most of the artists, the creative process is relaxing and everyone enjoyed sharing their work. Residents used art…

Cliffs Natural Resources Receives Business of the Year Award

The company received the Business of the Year award from the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce.

DULUTH, Minn. – Cliffs Natural Resources celebrated its 170th anniversary, as well as a pretty important award. Cliffs has been named business of the year by the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce. The company said their moving forward and making decisions to be around for another one hundred years. The award was given by the chamber that represents several iron range…

Minnesota Secretary of State Visits Duluth

Secretary of State Simon came to Duluth to speak about Minnesota having the number one ranking in voter turnout.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon was in Duluth brag bragging about Minnesota’s claim to the highest voter turnout. In the 2016 election, 74% of eligible Minnesotans voted last year. Secretary of State Simon said the state should be proud of its voting record. “We’ve got a good thing going in minnesota. We got back to number…

Kozy Development Projects Rejected

Dilapidated Building Has Been Vacant Since 2010

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s back to the drawing board for officials hoping to redevelop the Kozy Apartments. The City of Duluth and its review committee determined three proposed plans for the site weren’t good enough for the future of East 1st Street downtown. City officials want to find the right development to revitalize the area. “The ones that we received,…

Downtown Businesses Prepare for Birkie Crowds

With Over 40,000 visitors in One Weekend, Local Eateries are Prepared for Big Business

HAYWARD, Wisc. – Thousands of skiers, fans, and followers are heading to the Hayward area this weekend, taking part in the annual American Birkebeiner tradition despite this year’s lack of snow. However, trail conditions aren’t keeping folks from enjoying cold brews, Birkie fever, and friendship. The owner of the Gridiron Pub and Grub in Downtown Hayward tells FOX 21, his…

American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Prince Haakon Races Cancelled

  HAYWARD, Wis. – After unseasonably warm weather and rain, and the predicted snow missing the Hayward and Cable area, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation announces the cancellation of the 2017 American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon cross-country ski races. Instead, BirkieStock 2017 will take place as an inaugural celebration of the American Birkebeiner Trialhead and start area. Skiers, spectators,…

Weather Shaping Sales Goals of Local Retailers

Businesses Still Have Hope for More Snow

DULUTH, Minn.-With the recent warm weather, local retailers are taking advantage of it. Duluth Lawn and Sport has quite a mix of snowmobiles and ATV’s on its showroom floor, as they are currently sitting in the crux between winter and spring. Management at the business told us that it was a good season for them, but just a little short….

Narcan Cheaper for First Responders in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's Deal With Adapt Pharma Makes Narcan More Easily Accessible

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Naloxone, known as Narcan, is used in emergencies to treat people who have overdosed on Heroin or Prescription Opioids. The state of Wisconsin has made a 1 year deal with Adapt Pharma that makes it possible for First Responders, state and local governments and community organizations to purchase Narcan at a 40 percent discount, when buying more than…

Wisconsin Attorney General Appeals Redistricting Ruling

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel has filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court challenging a ruling striking down GOP-drawn legislative boundaries as unconstitutional. Schimel filed the appeal with the nation’s highest court on Friday. Schimel had said he would appeal since a panel of judges last month struck down the maps and ordered the Republican-controlled…

Agency Publishes Timetable for Mexico Border Wall

SAN DIEGO (AP) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it plans to start awarding contracts by mid-April for President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall. The agency said Friday on a website for federal contractors that a request for bids would be published on or around March 6. Companies would have to submit “concept papers” to design and build prototypes…

Minnesota House Passes Real ID Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has passed a Real ID bill by a vote of 72-58 after years of concern about government overreach and data privacy surrounding the federal law. Lawmakers are staring down a January 2018 deadline to distribute federally-approved IDs before Minnesota residents are barred from boarding domestic flights and entering military bases with their…

Wisconsin Vote I.D. Law Being Fought in Appeals Court

Rulings Could Take Months

MADISON, Wis.-A federal appeals court is hearing arguments in a pair of cases involving Wisconsin’s voting laws. The U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals was hearing arguments Friday in the cases that involve Wisconsin’s voter ID and early voting laws. Rulings in the cases were expected in the coming months. One case before the court is an appeal by Republican…

Renee Van Nett Announces Campaign for Duluth City Council

  DULUTH, Minn. – Renee Van Nett announces campaign for Duluth’s 4th district City Council seat. Van Nett founded the Cross Cultural Alliance of Duluth, which works to use cross-cultural collaboration to build a foundation of justice, education, and wellness for the community. She has also worked on various boards including the Duluth Citizen Review Board, Civil Service Board, The…

Trump Signs Executive Order to Reduce Regulation

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump  has signed a new executive order taking aim at government regulations. The president says the order will direct each federal agency to establish a regulator reform task force. The task forces will then recommend which regulations they can simplify or eliminate. The president has long argued that excessive regulations are “killing jobs, driving companies…

Suspects in Grand Rapids Beheading Appear in Court

Greniger pleads guilty to Second Degree Murder

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Today, February 24, 2017, Kayleene Danielle Greniger, 23, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota and Joseph Christen Thoresen, 36, of  appeared in Itasca County District Court, reports Itasca County Attorney John J. Muhar. Greniger and Thoresen were previously indicted by an Itasca County Grand Jury on two counts of Murder int he First Degree and two counts of…

Rep. Walz Mulling Democratic Bid for Minnesota Governor

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Democratic U.S. Representative Tim Walz says he’s weighing a bid for Minnesota governor. The six-term congressman told Minnesota Public Radio News, Thursday that he plans to make a decision by April. Walz says representing southwestern Minnesota gives him critical experience to boost Democrats’ standing outside in rural Minnesota. Walz narrowly survived his own re-election in…

Mont du Lac Still Open Despite Warm Weather

Could go to Weekend-Only Schedule Soon

MONT DU LAC, Wis.-Despite the recent string of rain and warm temperatures, Mont du Lac is still buzzing along with many winter sports enthusiasts enjoying the hills. Preparation are key this year for outlasting an unusually warm trend. Management of the resort told us that current conditions are “variable,” as the weather is acting more like spring then winter. “Winter…

UMD LGBTQ Community “Not Surprised” by Trump’s Decision on Transgender Rights

The campus does offer gender inclusive bathrooms and is looking to add more in the future

DULUTH, Minn. – Last year the Obama administration issued a joint guidance, along with the Department of Education, allowing transgender students at public schools to use a restroom that aligns with their gender identity. At UMD, the LGBTQ services office is reacting to the Trump administration’s latest withdrawal of this federal protection. Roze Brooks leads the GLBT services on campus…

Barkie Birkie Skijor Race Took Place As A Running Race

American Birkibeiner Events Kicked Off Today

HAYWARD, Wisc. – Today was an opportunity for dogs to show off their “barkie fever” this morning, as the American Birkibeiner events kicked off today in Hayward Wisconsin. Despite the lack of snow cover on the ground this year, it didn’t stop the Barkie Birkie Canicross that is usually a skijor race from competing. Today it was turned into a running…