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The Coldest Place: How A Small Minnesota Town Earned the State’s Frigid Title

On February 2, 1996, two Minnesota towns battled to set a new record cold temperature

TOWER, Minn. – 21 years ago, the air temperature in Tower, Minnesota hit a chilly 60 degrees below zero. The town, with a population of 500, nestled in the Northland, is the coldest location based on average winter temperatures east of the Great Plains. “So here I am, in the coldest place there is in America,” said Randy Semo, owner…

New Math Lab at UMD Inspires Students

The Securian Learning Commons and Math Lab lets students work at their own pace and with instructors.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new math lab is changing the way students learn at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Securian Learning Commons and Math Lab at the Martin Library gives students a bigger and more welcoming space to study. The lab allows for smaller groups and also lets students go at their own pace. “It’s just another place for…

Sports Shop Sees Merchandise Sales Increase for Super Bowl Teams

Patriots gear sells well in the Northland, but Atlanta Falcons merchandise has also been popular in the last week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though there might not be a lot of Atlanta Falcons or New England Patriots fans in the Northland, jerseys for both teams have been flying off the shelves. Pro Image in the Miller Hill Mall said that Patriots gear is their number three seller behind the Vikings and the Packers. The Falcons aren’t as popular in…

18th Annual ALS Blizzard Tour Kicks Off From Proctor

Hundreds of Riders will Travel Many Miles, Raising Awareness for Lou Gehrig’s Disease

PROCTOR, Minn. – Two-hundred and twenty-five snowmobile riders took to the trails Thursday morning in Proctor. The below zero cold didn’t stop hardy folks from fighting for a special cause. “I started with it because one of my friends died of it, that’s why a lot of us here in Duluth got involved. Of course we’ve got our celebrities, Kent…

Human Trafficking Numbers Up Across Nation

24% Increase in Reported Trafficking Cases

  DULUTH, Minn.- Cases of reported human trafficking increase each year. While Human Trafficking is a critical problem Nationally and Globally, some experts say the rise in numbers could partly be because of an increase in awareness surrounding the issue. More survivors than ever reached out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline and other resources in 2016. There was a…

Bugs in Your Hair? No Fear, Lice Lounge is Here!

It's a Business That Specializes in Treating Lice

  DULUTH, Minn.- If your kids bring home some insects that get you ripping your hair out, a new business in town might be able to help you out. The Lice Lounge specializes in Head Lice Treatment and Prevention.  The lounge has a location in White Bear Lake, but after having so many clients travel from the Northland to get…

Protesters Oppose Mining in National Forest

Crowd Gathered Outside Congressman Nolan's Office Following Recent Announcement

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of protesters gathered in front of U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan’s downtown Duluth office Thursday. Earlier in the week, Rep. Nolan coming out in favor of reversing the Obama Administration decision which blocked mining in more than 234,000 acres of the Superior National Forest.  These acres are close to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which has…

Remains Found in Hermantown House Fire

An 87-year-old woman was the homeowner

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Early this morning, Hermantown Fire and Police responded to a structure fire in the 5300 block of Arrowhead Road. When first responders arrived, they found a single family dwelling fully engulfed in flames. Officers noted two vehicles in a detached garage and upon making contact with a relative of the homeowner, it was suspected that the residence…

Minnesota Attorney General Joins Immigration Lawsuit

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota’s attorney general has joined a lawsuit over President Donald Trump’s recent immigration order. The lawsuit alleges the order is unconstitutional and should not be enforced. Lori Swanson’s office announced Wednesday night, that the state will join the complaint filed by tthe attorney general in teh state of Washington. The lawsuit seeks an expedited hearing within…

Itasca County Jury Awards $28.6 Million to Woman Paralyzed in 2009 Coleraine Crash

The incident happened on October 9, 2009

An Itasca County jury has awarded $28.6 million to a Marble, Minnesota woman who was paralyzed when an Ely Public School District bus crashed into the car that she was a passenger in. Paige Anderson was 16 years old when the accident happened at the intersection of Curley Avenue and Highway 169 in Coleraine, Minnesota, on October 9, 2009. Anderson,…

Governor Dayton Visits Mayo Clinic Regarding Cancer Diagnosis

Dayton announced his diagnosis after collapsing during his State of the State address

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, Governor Mark Dayton visited the Mayo Clinic for his scheduled appointments regarding his recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. “Governor Mark Dayton’s prostate cancer was caught early and is localized, treatable, and curable,” Mayo Clinic spokesperson, Karl Oestreich stated. “His Mayo Clinic physicians have discussed several treatment options with the Governor…

Latest on Hostage Situation at Delaware Prison, 1 Officer Dead

Group of inmates took guards hostage at a maximum-security prison in Smyrna, Delaware (FOX News)SMYRNA, Del. (AP) – 11:10 a.m. Authorities say inmates used “sharp instruments” to take over a Delaware prison and hold three prison guards and a counselor hostage. One of the guards died during the nearly 24-hour ordeal. Two guards were released during negotiations and the counselor…

Suspect Sought in Taco John’s Robbery

Robbery Occurred Sunday Morning

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth Police are looking for a suspect for the armed robbery of Taco John’s Sunday morning on Grand Avenue in West Duluth. The suspect displayed a firearm at the scene. According to the the police department, the suspect is a light skin African American or Native American man, with a medium build, weighing about 180 pounds. He also has…

18th Annual Blackwoods Blizzard Tour Wants to Raise $1 Million

The tour raises money to help find a cure to ALS.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The 18th annual Blackwoods Blizzard Tour wants to raise $1 million for the Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter of the ALS Association. Like their motto, they will never surrender until they reach their goal. For former Twin Terry Steinbach, the annual Blackwoods Blizzard Tour can bring a lot of memories.”It’s just seeing old friends,” said Steinbach. He has…

Woodland Hills Academy Looks to Move to Former Rockridge Elementary

Officials say their current space is in need of repairs and a move would be more cost effective.

DULUTH, Minn. – Rockridge Elementary in Duluth closed back in 2011, but young minds could start learning in its classrooms once again. Woodland Hills Academy would like to move into the former Rock Ridge space. The Academy is currently located in the former Cobb Elementary school. According to Woodland officials, their current site needs nearly $3 million in repairs. Duluth…

United Healthcare to Hire 100 Workers

New Positions Available in Customer Service, Medicaid Enrollment

DULUTH, Minn. – There are new details on those 100 new jobs at United Healthcare in Duluth. Most of the available jobs are customer service positions, working with subscribers over the phone.  The rest are in Medicaid enrollment, working with people from across the country. If you’re a veteran looking for work, good news; United Healthcare wants you! “We’ve got…

Fans Flock to 2017 Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Anderson Wins First Place in 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

DULUTH, Minn – Shortly after 10:00 a.m., the winning team of the 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon mushed through the finish line. Ryan Anderson from Ray, Minnesota, used the annual race to help qualify and train his team to run the upcoming 1,000 mile Iditarod race. “Racing is an art; it’s not just taking a dog team and going fast,”…

American Birkebeiner Around the Corner

Thousands of Skiers From Around the World to Come to Wisconsin

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of skiers from around the world will be in Cable and Hayward the end of this month, to race in North America’s longest cross country ski race, the Birkie. The festivities start on February 23rd, and the actual race takes place February 25th. “It is really one of the shining moment for the communities. And it…

Gov. Walker: White House Interested in Wisconsin Union Law

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says he spoke with Vice President Mike Pence about how the White House can implement pieces of the Republican governor’s contentious policy that effectively ended collective bargaining for most public workers. Union membership in Wisconsin has declined nearly 40-percent since the law’s passage in 2011. Just 8-percent of the state’s workforce is…

Students Stage Protest at UMD

Demonstrations Against Immigration Policies Bring Students, Staff Together

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth students stood united Wednesday against President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policy. “America was founded on the dream of a better future,” said said Azrin Awal, a United States citizen who immigrated from Bengladesh when she was three years old. “The fact that a wall is going up, the fact that there’s a ban now,…

Minnesota Health Officials Investigating Student’s Death

Adam EllingsonMANKATO, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating what caused the unexpected death of a college student. State officials are concerned Monday’s death of Minnesota State University, Mankato student Adam Ellingson may have been linked to bacterial meningitis. The Associated Press reports that State Health Department Doug Schultz said their investigation isn’t done yet, and they…

Minnesota Sex Offenders Renew Legal Challenge to Confinement

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Lawyers for over 700 people committed indefinitely to the Minnesota Sex Offender Program are asking the full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a three-judge panel’s ruling that the program is constitutional. The appeals panel last month, reversed a lower court’s ruling that the program violates offenders’ rights because hardly anyone is ever released. Attorneys…

National Security Adviser Puts Iran “On Notice”

National security adviser General Michael Flynn delivers a statement daily briefing at the White House in Washington U.S., February 1, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos BarriaWASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump’s national security adviser says the administration is putting Iran “on notice” after it tested a ballistic missile. Michael Flynn told reporters Wednesday, that the Trump administration “condemns such actions by Iran that…

Senators Spar at Hearing as Democrats Fume Over Trump Picks

WASHINGTON (AP) – Partisan tensions flared in the decorous Senate Judiciary Committee. It’s a sign of simmering anger as Democrats have tried unsuccessfully to block President Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks. Democratic Senator Al Franken of Minnesota and Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas had words with each other just before the panel approved attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions on Wednesday….

Official: Guards Taken Hostage by Inmates at Delaware Prison

DOVER, Del. (AP) – Delaware prisons have been put on lockdown following a reported hostage taking at the state’s maximum security facility. Geoffrey Klopp, president of the Correctional Officers Association of Delaware, said he had been told by the Department of Correction commissioner that prison guards had been taken hostage at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna. A…

Wis. Attorney General Renews Rebate Agreement for Opiate Antidote

$6 rebate given for each syringe purchased by public entities in Wisconsin

Gretchen Ertl/Reuters/LandovMADISON – Attorney General Brad Schimel announced today, that he has renewed the State’s agreement with Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, which established a rebate program for the heroin and prescription painkiller antidote naloxone. Naloxone is often branded as Narcan, and can be administered as a nasal spray or injection. It works within minutes to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose….

Walker to Unveil Rural Schools Funding Plan

The proposal is part of his 2017 budget plan

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker is set to announce a  plan that he says will “dramatically” help rural Wisconsin schools. Walker has three planned stops on Wednesday, in Wauzeka, Hilbert, and Crandon, to unveil a proposal that will be part of his state budget. The budget is set to be released next week. Walker is expected to target sparsity…

Animal Answers: Friends of Animals Saves Texas Dogs

Friends of Animals Humane Society Recently Became Home to Nine New Dogs; Eight from Texas Shelters

CLOQUET, Minn. – Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet recently received a big delivery after rescuing dogs from shelters across the country. Eight of these pups traveled all the way from Texas. “I meet with all of them, we get to know them. I sit and take pictures and get to know their personalities,” said Katy Goodman with Friends of…

Ice Orbs Are Gathering for Art Collaborative at Lake Superior Ice Fest

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s getting colder and colder this week, which is wonderful news for those organizing the Lake Superior Ice Festival, taking place this weekend. Preschool children from Superior delivered dozens of frozen ice orbs to the festival grounds on Barkers Island earlier this morning. It’s the first of a group of community members that have frozen water balloons to…

Marshall Opens Wellness Center

The new center gives students a larger space to achieve their wellness goals.

A new wellness center has opened up at Marshall School. The center takes over a spot on the mezzanine that wasn’t used a whole lot, but now students have a space to run, lift weights, and achieve fitness goals. Renovations also included a fitness and movement studio for yoga classes and the school’s dance teams. “When it first started to…

Soudan Underground Mine Hoping Bonding Bill Passes

The mine is set to receive $3 million to repair sections of the mine's shaft and remove other debris.

According to the Minnesota DNR, a popular Northland tourist attaction is need of an upgrade so it can last for future generations. Minnesota’s oldest mine, the Soudan Underground mine, is hoping to get money from Governor Dayton’s bonding proposal. Visitors can tour the mine and see firsthand how mining formed the backbone for the region’s economy. The hoist tells a…

President Trump Nominates Judge Neil Gorsuch for Associate Justice

Neil Gorsuch speaks at his nomination hearing to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 on Capitol Hill in Washignton. (Lauren Victoria Burke for The Denver Post)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has nominated 10th Circuit Court Judge Neil Gorsuch for associate justice of the Supreme Court. Gorsuch, 49, has served on…

Duluth Man Charged In Lincoln Park Shooting

Quentin LakeDULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man is facing an assault charge after his alleged involvement in a shooting that happened early Sunday morning in Lincoln Park. On Tuesday, January 31, Quentin Lake, 27, appeared in court after authorities say he shot a man three times. The criminal complaint states the victim, a 25-year-old male, was with friends at an…

United Healthcare Adding 100 Jobs

Applications Can be Submitted by May 1

DULUTH, Minn. – Good news in the local job market. United Healthcare is hiring 100 people for its Duluth office. Positions include customer service and enrollment representatives. United Healthcare told Fox 21 that they are seeing a growth in customers across the country for their health insurance plans. Applications can be submitted on their website between now and May 1….

UMD Responds to Trump’s Travel Ban

University is Home to Students from Affected Countries

DULUTH, Minn. – Last Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order which banned refugees from entering the country for 120 days and immigrants from seven muslim majority countires for three months. While many support the executive order, it also sparked protests both in this country and across the globe. At first “Green Card” holders questioned whether they would be…

Charter School Students Visit Star Lab

Interactive Program Teaches About Stars and Constellations from Native Perspective

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at the Duluth Edison Charter School North Star Academy learned about stars and constellations from a Native perspective. The Dakota and Ojibwe Language Immersion Program brought its Star Lab, an inflatible, portable planetarium designed to teach the kids how something as simple as looking up at the night sky played such an important role in Native…

Lake Superior Zoo Needs Volunteers

Positions are Available in a Number of Departments

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo needs help for the upcoming season. The zoo is looking for volunteers to help out in the barnyard, teach guests about the animals, even some gardening.  These positions are filled entirely by volunteers, and no experience is necessary. “We will do all the training they need, we just ask that they really like…

Trump Cancels Planned Milwaukee Visit

Gives no reason as to why he canceled

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Donald Trump canceled an expected speech on the economy in Milwaukee on Thursday, without saying why or if he will reschedule. The visit would have been one of his first outside of Washington as president. Tech. Sgt. Meghan Skrepenski with the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard in Milwaukee confirmed Tuesday that…

Firing of Sally Yates Raises Questions About Tolerance of Dissent

(Photo by Pete Marovich/Getty Images)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump’s abrupt, late-night firing of the acting attorney general sends a message to his future Cabinet about his tolerance for public dissent. Trump fired Sally Yates after she refused to let the Justice Department defend his immigration orders in court. The president will soon have in place appointees who will be…

Elaine Chao Sworn In as Transportation Secretary

WASHINGTON (AP) – Elaine Chao has been sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence as the next transportation secretary following her Senate confirmation. Chao served as labor secretary for eight years under President George W. Bush. She is the wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Chao is expected to take a leading role in President Donald Trump’s…

WisDOT Issues Two New Specialty License Plates

New designs include Whitetails Unlimited and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MADISON – Two new designs are the latest additions to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s offering of specialty license plates. The two new designs include Whitetails Unlimited and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation artwork. Purchasing these plates includes a $15 issuance fee and a tax-deductible donation of $25 at each registration renewal. These specialty plates are available for automobiles; motor homes…

Trump Set to Announce Nominee for Supreme Court

Graphic shows profile information for three potential Supreme Court nominees (AP)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is ready to announce his choice to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court, one of the most consequential moves of his young administration and a decision with ramifications that could long outlast his time in office. The President is to unveil his pick…