News – Latest News

Two Harbors Ready for Another Beargrease

Local Businesses Look Forward to Annual Boom from Sled-Dog Race

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Already a popular winter destination, this week there’s a little more excitement in the air in Two Harbors. “It’s exciting because it brings businesses some more business, it brings in people,” said Marsha Snowdon.  “It’s exciting to see all the mushers.” The week of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon also means booming business for Snowdon,…

Retired Wisconsin Brewery Head, Leinenkugel Going to D.C.

Jake Leinenkugel Photo: Ross Evavold Chippewa HeraldCHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP) – The retired head of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company is joining President Trump’s administration as an adviser on Veterans issues. The Chippewa Herald reported, Tuesday, that Jake Leinenkugel had accepted a position as a senior White House adviser to the Office of Veterans Affairs. The White House would not…

Worker Struck and Killed on the Job in Ashland Co.

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wisc. – The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Monday, January 23, around 11 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office and Great Divide Ambulance were dispatched to State Highway 13 in Ashland, near Highbridge, for a male that had a tree fall on him. The male, employed with a professional tree cutting service, had been limbing a tree, while…

Investigators Seek Tips About Upper Peninsula Wolf Poaching

STAMBAUGH TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – Michigan conservation officers are appealing for public tips about the illegal shooting of a wolf in the Upper Peninsula’s Iron County. The Department of Natural Resources says the poaching happened about 10 miles southwest of Iron River, in Stambaugh Township. A passerby spotted the wolf Sunday afternoon lying several feet off East Brule Lake Road,…

Gov. Walker to Deliver Budget Address February 8

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker will deliver his budget address to the state Legislature on Wednesday, February 8. Walker alerted lawmakers on Tuesday that he will unveil his two-year spending plan that day. The speech is set for 4 p.m., breaking tradition of nighttime addresses. The budget comes as Walker is expected to mount a re-election bid for a…

Winter Weather to Impact Wednesday Morning Commute

Snow and mixed precipitation expected to impact road conditions across northern Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is reminding motorists to be cautious if traveling in what could be hazardous conditions. Snow and a mix of snow and rain is expected to make driving difficult Tuesday evening through Wednesday. Precipitation is expected across the majority of the state, and road conditions will become slippery as snow mixes in. Snow is expected…

Trump Administration Institutes Media Blackout at EPA

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration has instituted a media blackout at the Environmental Protection Agency and barred staff from awarding any new contracts or grants. Emails sent to EPA staff since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Friday and reviewed by The Associated Press detailed the specific prohibitions banning press releases, blog updates, or posts to the agency’s social media…

Flint Water Falls Below Federal Lead Limit

Falls below "Action level" of 15 ppb

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan environmental officials say Flint’s water system no longer has lead levels exceeding the federal limit. The finding by the Department of Environmental Quality is good news for a city whose 100,000 residents have grappled with the man-made water crisis since 2014. Officials told The Associated Press, ahead of an official announcement Tuesday, that the 90th…

One in Custody after Lake Nebagamon Stabbing

The incident took place early Tuesday morning

LAKE NEBAGAMON, Wis. – A 49-year-old Lake Nebagamon man is in custody after a stabbing incident this morning. Douglas County 911 received a call around 5:00 a.m., Tuesday morning, from a man stating he was bleeding to death. The connection was lost before further information was obtained. At 5:13 a.m. a call was received from a third party, directing officers…

Governor Dayton Announces Battle with Prostate Cancer

ST. PAUL (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton says he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but will finish the final two years of his term. Dayton made the announcement, Tuesday, just a day after collapsing while delivering his State of the State address. “I always thought I was incredibly fortunate…cancer seems to me like Russian Roulette. Everytime I get a clean…

Data Shows Deadliest Year Since 2007 for Michigan Drivers

2016 brought over 300,000 crashes in Michigan

DETROIT (AP) – Preliminary state data shows that 2016 was the deadliest year since 2007 for drivers in Michigan. The Detroit Free Press reports that a running total of 1,021 people were killed in 301,525 overall crashes last year in Michigan. Ann Readett with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning says as more reports are received the number of…

MN House Committee Approves Bill that Would Charge Protesters

Associated with disruptive demonstrations

ST. PAUL (AP) – A Minnesota House committee has approved a bill that would charge protesters for law enforcement costs associated with disruptive demonstrations. The House Civil Law Committee passed the bill 6-3, amid outcry from critics who say it could be used to silence dissent. Citizens at Tuesday’s hearing shouted “Shame, shame!” after the vote, prompting lawmakers to walk…

Wisconsin Manufacturing Tax Credit Continues to Grow

MADISON (AP) – A manufacturing tax credit touted by Republicans is projected to cost the state more than $650 million over the next two years. Democratic critic Representative Gordon Hintz, of Oshkosh, on Tuesday released the latest estimates from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. It shows that the program will have reduced state tax collections by about $1.4 billion by…

Gov. Dayton Returns to Work after Collapse

Dayton collapsed during his State of the State address Monday night

ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is planning to keep to his normal schedule Tuesday after collapsing during his State of the State address. The 69-year-old Democrat fainted as he neared the end of his annual speech Monday night. He appeared conscious as he was helped to a back room minutes later. A top staffer said he walked…

Trump Takes Executive Action on Oil Pipelines

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has signed executive actions to advance the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines. Trump tells reporters in the Oval Office that the construction of the pipelines will subject to the terms and conditions being renegotiated by the United States. Former President Barack Obama killed the proposed Keystone XL pipeline in…

Turkish Students Learn About Life in Minnesota

Students at Marshall, Learn About Life in Turkey

The Turkish students are from Middle East Technical University Development Foundation Private School, one of the most prestigious schools in Turkey. Students were selected from a large pool of competitive applicants. “We’ve hosted students from Vietnam, Columbia, France, Germany, Russia, and this opportunity to host Turkish students, this is a first for Marshall,” says Christa Knudsen, the Director of International Programs at…

Warm Temperatures Affecting Local Businesses

Stores See an Increase in Sales with More People Taking Part in Outdoor Activities

DULUTH, Minn. -With above average temperatures across the Northland, people are getting outside more than usual this January. Today doesn’t feel like a typical January day in northern Minnesota.  And for most Northlanders wanting to enjoy themselves outdoors, the warm temperatures have been more than welcome. Stores like Marine General in Duluth have seen a big increase in sales as…

Referendum Vote Nears For Proctor Sports Facility

PROCTOR, Minn. – Officials say it’s time for a facelift because the Proctor Arena has outlived its life expectancy. Just as the movie saying goes, “If you build it they will come” — and that’s exactly what school officials are hoping to do. “We really want to have an environment that not only provides hockey but provides an opportunity for…

Standing Rock Rally Shows Support for City Council

Supporters of a resolution showing solidarity with those of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe thanked the Duluth City Council for passing the resolution.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council recently passed a resolution expressing their support for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. It’s a decision that the council has heard both praise and criticism for making. Supporters of the resolution held a rally in the city hall rotunda and thanked the council for their actions. Those supporters said the city council was well within…

Businesses Voice Concern of Duluth City Council’s Standing Rock Resolution

The group of 51 businesses believe city council should spend more time focusing on local issues

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of Twin Ports businesses are voicing concern over the Duluth city council’s resolution of support with the Standing Rock protestors back in December. Today, some of those businesses involved in the pipeline industry gathered at United Piping in Duluth to express their disappointment toward city council’s decision. “They never took the opportunity to listen to…

Gov. Mark Dayton Collapses During State of the State

Dayton Was Resting At Home After The Incident

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Mark Dayton collapsed at the podium while delivering his State of the State address at the Minnesota State Capitol Monday night. Dayton, 69, had been speaking for more than 40 minutes when he collapsed. He was reportedly about to make an offer of a new public health care option. House Speaker Kurt Daudt quickly adjourned…

Today is the First Day to File Income Tax Returns

Local Accounting Firms Busy with Tax Preparation

DULUTH, Minn. -Today is the first day Americans can file their income tax returns. In Duluth, accounting businesses are seeing a rush of appointments with people trying to prepare their returns. DKK Accounting in Duluth urges people to stay organized and keep all their tax documents together, and they say people with complicated taxes may want to get help from…

New Miller Creek Medical Clinic Now Open

Clinic Holds Community Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Today

HERMANTOWN, Minn. -The new Miller Creek Medical Clinic in Hermantown is now open. The clinic opened its doors on December 19th and held their community open house and ribbon cutting ceremony today. St. Luke’s officials are hoping the new clinic will allow them to expand on services they offered at their old location. “We’re trying to create a more convenient…

Ice Rinks Closed Due to Warm Temperatures

Officials Ask You to Stay Off the Ice

DULUTH, Minn. – The temperatures have been warm the last couple of days, thawing the Ice on skating Rinks. Most of the city’s outdoor ice rinks are closed, and city officials ask people to stay off of the rinks to prevent further damage to the ice.   Officials say once the temperatures drop again, they will evaluate the ice conditions, and…

Trump’s Executive Orders Add Three New Policy Moves

WASHINGTON D.C. (AP) – President Donald Trump’s first full day in the White House led him to sign in some executive orders. President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum to leave the proposed Pacific Rim trade pact known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP.) The move is basically a formality, since the agreement had yet to receive required Senate ratification. Trade…

Walker Proposes New Welfare Work Requirements

Calling for taking away food stamp benefits for parents with children between the ages of 6 and 18, if they do not meet certain requirements

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Governor Scott Walker announced a new welfare reform package, which would require more people receiving public welfare benefits to be working or searching for work. Walker announced Monday, that he intends to propose new work requirement son able-bodied adults with school-age children who are receiving food stamps through the FoodShare program. He is also calling for imposing…

Co-op Light & Power Outage Scheduled

Set for January 26

A planned power outage for Co-op Light & Power is scheduled for Thursday, January 26. The outage will take place to safely perform substation repairs and is expected to last from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. It will impact consumers in and around Bassett, Northstar, Ault, and Fairbanks Townships, as well as the Pequaywan Lakes area. For more information: http://www.clpower.com/…

Minnesota Pro-Life Headquarters Vandalized

ST. PAUL – The St. Paul headquarters of Pro-Life Action Ministries has been vandalized with spray painted messages and an upside-down cross. Brian Gibson, executive director of Pro-Life Action Ministries says a staff member found the messages after arriving to work Monday morning. The messages contained profanity. One was against President Donald Trump – it was noted that the non-profit…

Arizona Air Force Base Locks Down Amid Suspicious Sounds

UPDATE: Officials say the base is no longer on lockdown. The base said Monday on its Twitter account that all personnel were free to resume work after the nearly two-hour lockdown. About 10,500 people work on the base.   TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) – Davis-Monthan Air Force base in Arizona was on lockdown Monday after unconfirmed reports of gunshot sounds. Officials posted…

Ho-Chunk Casino Could Draw $37 Million from Other Casinos

WITTENBERG, Wis. (AP) – An economic impact study finds an expansion of the Ho-Chunk casino in Northern Wisconsin, could draw $37 million a year from other American Indian tribes that own casinos in Wisconsin. The Stockbridge-Munsee Band commissioned the study. It stands to lose about $22 million, or 37-percent, of its gambling revenue annually at its North Star Mohican Casino…

Suspect Sentenced in Virginia Murder

Suspect Gets 32 Years

Bartholamy DriftVIRGINIA, Minn. – Bartholamy Jake Drift, 42, of Virginia, has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for his role in the murder of another Virginia man in 2014. Drift was convicted of second-degree murder in relation to killing 28-year-old Harley Joseph Jacka. Jacka was killed after his girlfriend requested it be done, according to court sources. Harley Jacka…

Dayton’s State of the State Will Set Stage for 2017 Session

Speech is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the State Capitol

ST. PAUL (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton is preparing to lay out his vision for 2017 and beyond. The Democratic governor was set to deliver his State of the State address Monday evening at the State Capitol. It’s back to normal for the annual speech after it was moved to the University of Minnesota last year due to the ongoing…

Packers Fans Cheer on Team During Season-Ending Loss

Fans in Superior React to Packers' Loss in NFC Championship

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers’ season came to an end earlier Sunday with a 44–to–21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game. But Packers fans were heard cheering on their team across the Northland, including at Schultz’s Sports Bar in Superior. Here are some sights and sounds from the big game earlier today. Categories: Community, Features,…

Police Investigate Car Found On Train Tracks

Duluth police are investigating a bizarre story involving a Cadillac and train tracks. Police found the unoccupied vehicle around 4 a.m. Sunday on the tracks of the North Shore Scenic Railroad near the Endion Station. “I hope this doesn’t become an annual event like it has been. We’ve had two years in a row now with cars on the train…

MN GOP Charts New Course In Response To Protests

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Republicans are ready to crack down on the protests that have shuttered highways and commanded police attention. A pair of GOP-backed bills at the Legislature this year would levy harsher penalties on demonstrators who block highway traffic and could allow police departments to sue some protesters to help cover enforcement costs. It’s a response…

Authorities Release Identities Of Fatal Crash

Victim: 11-Year-Old Emma Loven

There is growing sadness after an 11-year-old Esko girl was tragically killed in a car accident that also sent her brother and mother to the hospital. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim Sunday as Emma Loven. A GoFundMe account has been set up for the family. The page describes Emma s a sweet, fun-loving girl who loved life…

Police Respond to Shooting in Duluth

Three Suspects Were Detained for Questioning

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police responded to a shooting Saturday evening. The shooting happened at the Lake Superior Bottle Shop on the corner of 1st Avenue East and 1st Street. A 28 year old man was taken to a local hospital with undisclosed injuries.  Three suspects were detained and questioned in connection with the shooting. An investigation is continuing. Categories:…

Peoples Inauguration

Group Of People Take Their Own Oath

Duluth, Minn This evening a group in Duluth got in the spirit by inaugurating themselves. “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of…member of the beloved community, among equals of the United States.” The group gathered at the scared heart music center to take an oath. The same oath that former president Barack Obama took 8…

Remembering Melvin Stelton

Candlelight Vigil A Year After Tragic Accident

West Duluth, Minn A West Duluth man was remembered tonight after he was tragically struck by two cars ultimately ending his life exactly one year to the day. Tonight was quite special for those who came to remember Melvin Stelton. You see this time a year ago it was a gloomy evening much like tonight with light rain and fog…

Thunderbird Motorcycle Club Gives Donation to Minnesota Veterans Home

The club donated $3,000 to the Minnesota Veteran's Home in Silver Bay.

The Thunderbird Motorcycle Club is just as passionate about helping their own as the members are about riding their bikes. The Thunderbird Motorcycle Club presented the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay with a check for $3,000. The group which includes several veterans promotes good fellowship in riding. “It’s important to me to take care of the people that have…

Duluth Catholic Schools Unify

Four Schools are Becoming One

Four Catholic schools are coming together to form One big school, in a project “Called to be One.” St. Michael’s, St. John’s, Holy Rosary and St, James schools are joining together to make the school. The Duluth area catholic schools board believes the unified school will provide improved fiscal responsibility, best use of facility and resources, and a vibrant learning environment. …

Winter Reading Program Kicks Off at Duluth Library

The Programs Encourage Kids to Read More Books

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library’s Cabin Fever Reliever Winter Reading Program kicks off. Children and teens track the amount of time they spend reading, and receive a book when they reach 10 hours. For every 5 hours read, they earn an entry into the prize drawing of their choice. The goal of the program is to encourage kids…

Ski Trails and Ice Rinks Close

Warm Temperatures and Rain to Blame

DULUTH, Minn.-Due to the warm temperatures and rain, ski trails and ice rinks are closed in Superior, and officials in Duluth are urging caution when use there’s. City officials have said that any activities during these events could significantly damage them. Trail grooming will continue once temperatures allow. One rink in Duluth that is closed is Bayfront. Categories: News, News…