News – Latest News

Duluth Cross Country Ski Club Needs Your Help

Their Goal is to Make Duluth the Best Cross Country Skiing City it Can Be

DULUTH, Minn – The Duluth Cross Country Ski Club, also known as DXC, is working to help make Duluth the best cross country skiing city it can be, for both locals and visitors. A large part of this effort is building the Grand Avenue Nordic Center, and more ski trails. DXC is working to raise $500,000 to put toward these…

Missing Woman’s Body Found Off WI Point

SUPERIOR, Wis. – FOX 21 learned Monday a missing Fridley, Minnesota woman has been found dead. According to the Superior Police Department, the woman’s body was found in the waters off Wisconsin Point on Sunday. This discovery came after the woman’s vehicle was found on the point on Friday. The cause of death is under investigation. Categories: News, News –…

Duluth City Council Elects New President

Joel Sipress was voted as city council president for 2017.

Duluth, Minn.-The Duluth city council voted Joel Sipress as their president for 2017. The selection usually comes without a lot of fanfare, but this year brought some added interest to the council chambers. Councilor Noah Hobbs is on his first term on the council and was also vying for the seat. The city council was clearly divided on the issue,…

Tips on How to Fix Your Frozen Pipes

Frozen Pipes Stop Working, and Can Even Crack if Left Frozen

When temperatures drop low, frozen pipes can cause big problems, because pipes especially water lines, stop working altogether when they’re frozen. Experts say it’s crucial to keep pipes warm so they don’t freeze. You can do this by circulating air around the pipes with a fan, or keeping cabinet doors under the sink open so the pipes can get warm…

Warm Areas Popular Travel Destinations for Duluthians

January and February are Some of the Busiest Times for Travel Agents

DULUTH, Minn. – With people looking to get out of the cold for a few days, January and February are some of the busiest times of the year for travel agents. Popular destinations for Duluthians include cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Jamaica, and Punta Cana. These destinations are favored by Northlanders because of their (to no one’s surprise) warm temperatures,…

Becoming City Council President Unusually Competitive

Political Expert Says City Council Presidents are Usually Almost Predetermined

As a tradition, the Duluth City council votes on a new president each year. Political expert Cindy Rugeley says in Duluth, the city council president is usually almost pre-determined, with the person with the most experience taking on the leadership role. “In this instance, a new council member is saying, I want to change this.  I want to be the…

Tips for Keeping Skin from Drying Out During the Winter

Cold, dry temperatures along with running the heat in your home can be a recipe for dry skin

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve noticed your skin drying out more lately, you’re probably not alone. Twin Ports Dermatology in Duluth has seen a lot of patients with dry skin and rashes this winter. Heather Smith, a physician assistant at Twin Ports Dermatology, says mixing the cold, dry temperatures along with running the heat in your home can be a…

Community Discusses Sex Trafficking Problem

Gathering focused on raising awareness and finding solutions to trafficking in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – January is human trafficking awareness month, when organizations across the country shine a light on causes and effects of the sex trafficking epidemic. It is estimated that more than 20 million adults and about 2 million children are trafficked worldwide. Sex trafficking is happening in the Twin Ports region, not just in far away places. Because of…

Duluth Offering Free Winter Recreation Fun at Bayfront Park

Free fires, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, and outdoor music

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation division invites the public to experience the best of nature and winter recreation. The Bayfront skating rink is open and reportedly in excellent shape for user 7 days a week, weather permitting. The Bayfront Family Center also provides a place to warm up after skating or to try out any of the…

Mother Accused in Teen’s Dismemberment was Child Welfare Worker

Along with her boyfriend, dismembered adoptive daughter as part of rape-murder fantasy

Photos of Sara Packer, 41, Grace Packer, 14, and Jacob Sullivan, 44 (Bucks County Prosecutor’s Office) EASTON, Pa. (AP) – Authorities say a Pennsylvania woman charged along with her boyfriend with dismembering her adoptive daughter as part of a rape-murder fantasy, previously worked as an adoption supervisor for a children’s welfare agency. Allentown’s The Morning Call newspaper reports Sara Packer…

Michigan Sheriff Puts Self Behind Bars to Learn about Jail

Checked in on Sunday evening and will stay through Tuesday

MASON, Mich. (AP) – A new Michigan sheriff has put himself behind bars to help learn more about how his county jail works. Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth and Undersheriff Andrew Bouck checked themselves into the Ingham County Jail in Mason on Sunday evening. In a statement, the sheriff’s office says they were booked into jail, given jumpsuits, and are…

UW Faculty Challenge DNR Climate Change Revisions

Scientists saying it's a violation of trust with the public

MADISON (AP) – A group of University of Wisconsin-Madison professors are ripping the state Department of Natural Resources for scrubbing language from its website that declared human activity is causing climate change. The Republican-controlled agency quietly changed the language last month to say the cause of climate change is debatable. Seven UW-Madison climate, zoology and ecology professors released a column…

MNsure Sign-Ups Hit Record High as Premiums Spike

Open enrollment lasts through January

ST. PAUL (AP) – Officials at Minnesota’s state-run insurance exchange say more than 103,000 people signed up for health coverage in the latest enrollment period. MNsure officials say the 103,578 signups set a record by about 15,000, even as premiums have been rising as much as 67-percent. Exchange officials say tax credits are sparing many people the worst of the…

Woman Sentenced to Over 28 Years for Role in Iron Range Murder

Victim was Her Boyfriend

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Janessa Peters received a 346-month prison sentence after pleading guilty in November  to intentional second-degree murder for her role in the slaying of her boyfriend 28-year-old Harley Jacka of Virginia. Allegedly Jacka was murdered after his Peters requested it be done. Peters is the third of four people to be sentenced for being involved in the murder….

Duluth Police Strategic Planning Results Are In

Results included over 1000 comments and 813 responses from the community

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department continues to develop its new strategic plan, and results of the community survey data have been compiled and analyzed along with information gathered from community meetings and interviews. The department received 813 responses and over 1000 comments during the survey which ran from October 4 through November 20. Results were compiled based on…

Forest Service Signs Land Deal Exchange with PolyMet

6,650 Acres Will be Transferred

DULUTH, Minn.-PolyMet Mining and Superior National Forest signed an agreement today to transfer roughly 7,000 acres between the two. PolyMet will get nearly 7,000 acres in the Superior National Forest land of the surface, which it already has mineral rights to. PolyMet will then transfer about 7,000 acres on non-federal land to the national forest. This exchange could lead to…

State Auditor Rebecca Otto Announces Run for Governor

Otto Joins the Race for Minnesota Governor, Along with Coleman and Murphy

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota state auditor Rebecca Otto announced Monday, she is planning to run for governor next year. Otto is the third Democrat to announce a campaign to replace Democratic Governor Mark Dayton who will leave office when his term expires. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said in December he will launch a campaign. State Representative Erin…

Man Drowns in Snowmobile Accident

RICE LAKE, Wisc. – Another life has been lost to a snowmobile accident in Wisconsin. Authorities identified the man as 42-year-old Todd Kane of Rice Lake. His body was found underwater Saturday near Stump Lake Bridge just north of Rice Lake. An investigation is underway. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Two Duluth Councilors Seek Council Presidency Seat

Noah Hobbs, Joel Sipress Got Head To Head

DULUTH, Minn. – An annually rotating council presidency is tradition in the city of Duluth, and Joel Sipress –the vice president of the city council running for council president says, usually, an experienced council member takes on that leadership role. “Every year we elect a new city council president for the coming year,” said Sipress. “It’s a challenging complex job that…

Banff Mountain Film Festival Comes To Duluth

Festival Features Over 30 Outdoor-Themed films

DULUTH, Minn. – The Banff Mountain Film Festival world tour came to the DECC this weekend. The touring film festival features over 30 outdoors-themed films about a wide variety of outdoor subjects like climbing, biking, skiing and the environment. This is the 12th year the Duluth Cross Country Ski Club has brought the festival to Duluth. “We enjoy bring this…

Mushers Compete In ‘Gunflint Mail Run’

Cook County went to the dogs over the weekend in the annual Gunflint Mail Run Dog Sled races. The two-day event included two race classes – a 12-dog 110-mile race, and an 8-dog 70-mile race. The race started and finished at Trail Center Lodge on the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais. Check out the Gunflint Mail Run’s Facebook page for…

2 Injured In Duluth House Fire

A house fire in Duluth is responsible for sending two people to the hospital, according to authorities. The fire happened Saturday on the 400 block of Rustwood Lane. Thick smoke and flames injured one of the victim’s from smoke inhalation. The other victim was suffered some burns. 21 Duluth firefighters responded. The cause is under investigation. Categories: News, News –…

Park Point Display To Stay

To Much Joy To Not Continue

Duluth, Minn A nearly 2 decade old Christmas tradition almost came to an end, but thanks to community support, that might not be the case. Every Christmas season, Marcia Hales home illuminates park point with breath taking lights. “It brings to many people, a Christmas that they haven’t been experiencing” Says Marcia Hales at her display It’s a display that…

Mont Du Lac Resort To Open New Addition

Trophy Lodge To Open To The Public

Superior, Wis Mont Du Lac ski resort is stepping up their game as they plan to unveil their new trophy lodge to the public in the coming week. Skiers and snow boarders alike have seen the lodge come to life and soon it will be open for anyone to enjoy. The lodge was constructed out of reclaimed wood imported from…

Twin Ports Shipping Considered Slow In 2016

It Was A Tough Year

Duluth, Minn According to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority it was a tough year for tonnage in the twin ports and on the great lakes throughout 2016. The shipping season will soon come to a close… As the SOO locks will be shut January 15th halting transportation for salties or fresh water vessels. The harbor will house nine ships this…

Keeping Warm In The Col

Northwest Outlet Had To Restock

This cold snap has many people looking for the proper attire to handle these extreme temps. Stores like northwest outlet in superior is seeing an increase in sales of things like gloves and hats and other winter items this time of year. So much that they say it’s hard to keep their shelves stocked. “The down jackets, Columbia, North Face,…

Hardware Stores See Spike In Sales

It's cold and that drives customers through the doors

Hardware stores are busy these days keeping people prepared for these rough winter conditions. Hardware stores like Marshall’s in Lakeside are selling a lot of salt and grit, as well as ice chippers and shovels. They say keeping driveways and sidewalks cleared of ice and snow is essential for the safety of people walking to your door. “It doesn’t take…

Superior Welcomes New Police Officer

Duluth native Justin McIntosh is the latest member of the Superior Police Department.

The Superior Police Department worked the majority of 2016 up to six officers short, but with the hiring of Duluth native Justin McIntosh they’re closer to being fully staffed. Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander said that he expects new members of the force to be honest, display integrity, and show empathy. Before hitting the streets on patrol, officer McIntosh will…

Bad River Band Calls for Removal of Pipeline

The Pipeline Has Been in Operation for More than 60 Years

For the Bad river band, the land they live on has provided their livelihood for hundreds of years. “Things we do, collect medicine, collect maple syrup, hunting, fishing…” Robert Blanchard, the Tribal Chairman of the Bad River Tribal Council listed. But tribal members believe that could all be under threat, because of Enbridge’s Line 5.  It’s a pipeline that has…

Duluth International Airport Paying Close Attention to Fort Lauderdale Incident

Officials don't expect any delays for flights coming in or departing from the airport

DULUTH, Minn – The Duluth International Airport says they are constantly monitoring the situation in Fort Lauderdale to ensure the safety of all people flying in and out of the airport. The Duluth airport, along with all other commercial service airports in the United States, all have their very own security program in place for any potential threats. The airport’s…

Ashland Prepares for Book Across the Bay

The Unique Event Brings Thousands to Ashland

Northlanders are preparing to get out and book across the bay. It’s an Annual event where skiers and snowshoers of all ages travel on the frozen surface of Lake Superior at night, through a course that’s lit only by stars and candle light. “We have great snow and ice in the winter, and you might as well, if you’re going…

Superior Authorities Search for Missing Person on Wisconsin Point

Person from Twin Cities

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department is investigating a missing person’s case on Wisconsin Point. An abandoned vehicle was discovered at the point and it was determined it belonged to a missing person from a Twin Cities suburb. Multiple agencies are investigating the incident as they search along the point. No other information is available in the case. Categories: Crime,…

New Year’s Day Break-in Suspect Facing Seven Felony Charges

$75,000 bail set

DULUTH, Minn.-A Duluth man is being held on $75,000 bail after allegedly breaking into a Chester Park home on New Year’s Day and holding two women against their will while also threatening to shoot a 2-year-old. Phillip Butenhoff, 31, is facing seven felony charges in relation to the incident including first degree burglary, kidnapping to commit bodily harm, and five…

Gunflint Sled Dog Race This Weekend

Two Different Races Happening

GUNFLINT TRAIL, Minn.-The Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race kicks off this weekend in Cook County. There will be two different races which start Saturday and end Sunday. There be one consisting of 12-dog teams that will go for 110 miles while the other race consists of 8-dog teams and is a 70-mile race. The races start at 8 a.m….

Electoral College is Confirmed

Donald Trump is President of the United States

WASHINGTON (AP) – It’s official: Congress has tallied the Electoral College votes and Donald Trump has been elected president. Mike Pence was elected vice president. Democrats raised plenty of objections as the votes were counted Friday in a joint session of Congress, but they didn’t have the votes to sustain them. All 538 electors met in their respective state capitals…

Reports: Multiple People Shot at Fort Lauderdale Airport

At least nine people were shot according to Miami area TV stations

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – News media outlets are reporting that multiple people have been shot at Fort Lauderdale international airport. On its official Twitter account, airport officials said there was an “ongoing incident” in the Terminal 2 baggage claim area. They did not elaborate. Miami area television stations are reporting that at least nine people were shot and that the…

Western Michigan’s PJ Fleck Named Gophers Head Football Coach

Fox 9 has confirmed that PJ Fleck has been named Gopher Head Football Coach

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP- FOX 9) – The Gophers officially announced PJ Fleck as their new football head coach Friday morning. The University of Minnesota and Fleck agreed to a five-year term. There will be press conference at 3 p.m. at the University of Minnesota to introduce Fleck. Fox 9 first learned of the hire Thursday night from multiple sources. Statements from…

Bad River Denies Enbridge Line 5 Grant Easement

Asking Removal of Pipeline

Courtesy of Bad River ReservationODANAH, Wis.- The Bad River Tribal Council passed a formal resolution Wednesday that established the Tribe’s decision not to renew its interests in the grant of easement for rights-of-way of Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 crude oil pipeline through the Bad River Reservation. The decision also calls for the decommissioning, and removal of the pipeline from all…

Bag It Duluth Hopes to Reduce Waste

New campaign is launced to bring an end to the use of plastic bags in the community.

It’s estimated that one Duluth grocery store alone that nearly 1.5 million plastic bags go out its doors in one year and are only used once. A new campaign wants to reduce that waste and create a city ordinance aimed at eliminating single use plastic bags and phase out styrofoam take-out containers. Bag It Duluth hopes the city council takes…

Republican Lawmakers Propose Healthcare Relief

Over 100,000 Minnesotans could see significant changes and relief in their healthcare premium costs.

Republican lawmakers in Minnesota announced their plan to bring relief to those who are paying rising health insurance premiums. Some of those currently insured face premium increases of up to sixty-seven percent. Healthcare facilities around the Northland say they’re keeping tabs on the legislative process. The GOP plan provides both some short and long term solutions to the problems MnSure…

Free Radon Test Kits to Raise Awareness

Test Kits Will be Given Out at Six Locations in Duluth Throughout the Month of January

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Lung Association kicked off Radon Awareness Month Thursday, in effort to stop a silent killer. Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas, and also ranks as the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon kills more than 21,000 people every year. To combat the issue, the Duluth Healthy Homes Partnership, working…

WITC offers New Broadband Academy

The Programs Help People Find a Lasting Career

  From Internet to Television, the broadband industry has become a necessity for many people’s lives, and offers different types of jobs within it. “Wisconsin Governor Just is initiating a 35 million dollar increase in broadband programs, new and existing programs throughout the state,” said Paul Kostner, the Broadband Academy Program Director. “With this initiative, they’re going to need qualified individuals…

Birkie Has a New and Permanent Start

It was a Move to Save the Future of the Race

The American Birkebeiner is just over a month away, but this year, the iconic ski race is starting from their new and permanent area. The Birkie’s starting line had been at the Cable Union Airport for a number of years. But in a move to secure the future of the race, The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation launched a capital campaign…