News

Ski Trails Holding Up Despite Warm Up

"If you are like me, I hate when winter ends."

DULUTH, Minn. – Warmer temperatures are on the way for the Northland, but in the meantime it’s not stopping some people from continuing to enjoy the ski trails. Staff at Hartley Nature Center tells us the ski trail is holding up despite the warm up. Although there are a few low spots along the way, many people are still showing…

Duluth Lakewalk Progresses, More Construction on the Way

City leaders are hopeful portions of the Lakewalk will open to visitors by mid-summer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Phase one of the Lakewalk construction project is almost complete. City officials are now planning to move forward with the next stages of repairs after severe storms caused a lot of damage. So far, several changes have been made including the installation of a concrete wall with stone protection located behind Fitger’s. Phase two of the ongoing…

UMD Clean Snowmobile Team Finishes Season

They're aiming at making snowmobiles cleaner, quieter, and more efficient.

DULUTH, Minn. – Each year the UMD clean snowmobile team modifies a stock sled to make it cleaner, quieter, and more efficient. The team finished 7th against other top collegiate teams in the country this year. They try to cut down on harmful emissions but also on the noise pollution. “If you live close to a trail or something and…

Back to the Grind with Coffee Cupping at the Duluth Folk School

A unique way of tasting coffee was tested out at the Duluth Folk School on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn. – A unique way of tasting coffee was tested out at the Duluth Folk School this week. Northlanders took part in a process called coffee cupping which involves smelling and tasting different types of roasts to fully understand the dynamics of the beans. “I really enjoy exposing people to different coffees and coffee origins really to open people’s…

Patterson to Make Plea in Closs Case

Patterson is Expected to Plead Guilty

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP, Pool, File) BARRON, Wis. – The Wisconsin man charged with kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to enter a formal plea on charges of first-degree intentional homicide, kidnapping and armed burglary. Jake Patterson, 21, wrote a letter to Minnesota television station earlier this month stating his plans to plead guilty…

2019 Movies in the Park Line-up Announced

The Season Will Kick off on July 12

DULUTH, Minn. – This summer’s movie line-up has been secured for the Greater Downtown Council’s Movies in the Park series, presented by Carlson Orthodontics. After some robust online voting, eight movies shot to the top as fan favorites to be shown at Leif Erikson Park this summer. The 2019 Movies in the Park season will kick off on July 12…

Wisconsin Judge Blocks law Restricting AG on Settlements

Judge Remington Made his Decision Tuesday

MADISON, Wis. – A second Dane County judge has blocked a portion of Republican-backed laws limiting Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul’s powers. Judge Frank Remington on Tuesday blocked language that requires Kaul to get legislative approval before settling cases. His order stems from a lawsuit by unions that argued the laws steal power from the executive branch….

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Upholds Enbridge Line 3 Approval

The is the Third Time MPUC has Upheld Their Decision

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota utility regulators have granted a final green light to Enbridge Energy’s proposed Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement. The Public Utilities Commission on Tuesday unanimously rejected the last pending petitions for reconsideration, including one from the state Commerce Department. The Commerce Department had joined with tribal and environmental groups…

Evers Budget Pumps $2.8M Into State Parks

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More details are emerging about Gov. Tony Evers’ plans to bolster funding for Wisconsin’s state parks. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau released an analysis of Evers state budget Tuesday. It shows that Evers wants to spend an additional $2.8 million from the state conservation fund on parks over the biennium. About $931,000 annually would go toward $1.50-an-hour…

House Fails to Override Trump Veto of his Border Emergency

A two-Thirds Majority was Needed

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON – An effort by House Democrats to override President Donald Trump’s first veto has failed. That hands him a victory because his declaration of a national emergency at the Southwest border will remain in effect. The Democratic-controlled chamber has voted 248-181 in favor of overriding Trump’s veto. That fell 38 votes short of the 286 needed…

State Investigators Probe Fatal Winona Fire

WINONA, Minn. – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a fatal fire in Winona. The duplex fire Monday left one person dead. Winona Fire Chief Curt Bittle says the victim’s body was found in the duplex after the fire was contained at the one-story wood-frame home. Bittle says the death has been ruled “suspicious” with the BCA investigating….

Authorities Investigating Fatal Rollover Crash in Bayfield County

It is Unknown if Drugs or Alcohol Were a Factor in the Crash

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – A 41-year-old man from Rush City was pronounced dead following a one vehicle crash in the town of Mason on Thursday. According to the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office the Bayfield County Communications center received a 911 call reporting the crash near County Highway F and Art Olson Road around 11:21 p.m. on March 21. The caller…

Jussie Smollett’s Attorneys say all Criminal Charges Dropped

CHICAGO (AP) — Attorneys for “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett said Tuesday that charges alleging he lied to police about a racist and homophobic attack have been dropped. Smollett attorneys Tina Glandian and Patricia Brown Holmes said in a statement that Smollett’s record “has been wiped clean.” Smollett was indicted on 16 felony counts related to making a false report that…

Duluth Salvation Army Looks to Surpass $18,000 FoodShare Goal

March Minnesota FoodShare is the Largest Food Drive in the State, Helping Restock Over 300 Food Shelves in the State

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Salvation Army food shelf and hot lunch programs provided more than 81,000 meals to those in need last year. It’s a large number that couldn’t be reached without the generosity and kindness of community members in the Northland. March Minnesota FoodShare is the largest food drive in the state, helping restock over 300 food shelves in…

Drama, Comedy Collide with “Sweeney Todd” at NorShor Theatre

The Production is Showing at the NorShor Theatre March 27 - April 14

DULUTH, Minn. – The musical thriller “Sweeny Todd” is coming to life at the historic NorShor Theatre in downtown Duluth March 27 – April 14. Sweeney Todd tells the story of a vengeful barber and his twisted partnership with the outrageous Mrs. Lovett who comes up with a devilish plot to add a special ingredient to a recipe that has…

House Democratic Budget Plan Includes College Tuition Freeze

Senate GOP Majority Will Release Their Budget Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Leaders of the Minnesota House Democratic majority have unveiled a budget framework that’s similar to Democratic Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget but adds a tuition freeze for students at public colleges and universities. The plan announced Monday also includes additional corporate tax loophole closings to raise more revenue. It includes the governor’s proposal for raising the…

Knowing Your Neighbor: 144 Music, Fashion and More

Looking to spice up your style? 144 has it all

DULUTH, Minn.- Looking to add some drip to your fashion style this spring and summer? Look no further than 144 Music, Fashion and More here in Duluth. You may be asking, what is drip? Drip is adding some bling and glitter to your since of style. And with so many concerned about how we look out in the public, this…

Kwik Trip Soon To Be New Owners of Gramma Polo’s Bottle Shoppe

Gramma Polo's Bottle Shoppe is the third oldest liquor store in the state of Minnesota.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A long–time family business in Cloquet is changing ownership after 73 years; Gramma Polo’s Bottle Shoppe was bought by its neighboring Kwik Trip store to run its third liquor operation in the state of Minnesota. A difficult change for the shoppe’s current owners, but one they’re ready to embark on. Polo’s Liquor was built in 1947 by Char and…

Healthcare Advocates Discuss Raising Tobacco Buying Age to 21 in Two Harbors

The American Lung Association successfully helped lead other campaigns for the change in age in Duluth, Hermantown, as well as 26 other cities in Minnesota.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Healthcare professionals are advocating for changes to tobacco laws in Two Harbors, raising the minimum legal buying age to 21. The American Lung Association successfully helped lead campaigns for the change in age in Duluth, Hermantown, as well as 26 other cities in Minnesota. The association says that vaping has become an epidemic for young people…

Sensory Friendly Planetarium

UMD hosted an event for those with light and sound sensitivities tonight

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD Planetarium hosted a night for those with light and sound sensitivity tonight. Staff gave people who came out a guided sky tour and showed a movie. The goal is to make sure each person is comfortable. Madalina Kelner, President for ‘Access for All’ stated that “it’s important to make sure that sensory friendly events happen so…

Two Harbors Shopko’s Closing Will Make Noticeable Impact

The Two Harbors location will be shutting its doors at the beginning of the summer and dozens of people will lose their jobs.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Shopko recently announced they’ll be liquidating all of their stores including Two Harbors. The Two Harbors location will be shutting its doors at the beginning of the summer and 30-40 people will lose their jobs. The Two Harbors Area Chamber of Commerce says apart from the loss of jobs many people who live in the area…

Fond-Du-Lac Band Members Search for Missing Cloquet Man

Dakotah Abramowski was last seen Jan. 5 in Cloquet.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A group of Fond–Du–Lac Band members are combing the forests surrounding Cloquet in search of a missing person. 21-year-old Dakotah ‘Koda’ Abramowski was last seen on January 5. Dakotah’s family reached out to a group known as the Gitchigumi Scouts, who focus on bringing justice to missing and murdered indigenous women and relatives. After receiving an anonymous tip that…

Gov. Walz Talks Healthcare Reform in Duluth

Roundtable held at Snooty Fox Tea Shop.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Over a month after releasing a new budget proposal, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz shared more about a feature of that proposal, his OneCare health care reform. At a roundtable discussion at Snooty Fox Tea Shop, the governor promised to “cut out the middleman” by not paying insurance companies hoping they lower costs. Instead he plans to provide direct subsidies…

Workshop Helps with Climate Change Conversations

AICHO and Climate Generation hold two day Climate Institute.

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) and Climate Generation hosted a climate institute in Duluth. The two-day event aims to open up meaningful conversations about climate change, humanizing what they say is a normally science-dominated discussion. “We’re really beyond the science because we know that information alone is not enough to move someone to behavior change,” said Jothsna…

Preparing Boats Ahead of Upcoming Season

Experts say making sure all safety equipment is up to date and properly working is a good start.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With spring now underway and snow melting away boaters are getting ready for another season out on area lakes. The service center at Barker’s Island Marina in Superior is getting busier by the day with boaters making sure their boats are in good shape after sitting through the long winter. Experts say making sure all safety equipment…

Storm Water Runoff Training for Construction Professionals

The training helps to keep contractors up to date on storm water runoff practices and requirements at construction sites.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Storm water runoff is a big concern for construction crews this time of year as the spring thaw begins. Over 20 construction professionals attended a training event at the lake superior estuary in superior to help learn more about the issue. The training helps to keep contractors up to date on storm water runoff practices and requirements…

Minnesota Senate Backs Hands-Free Phoning-While-Driving Bill

The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill to require drivers to use hands-free devices when they want to use their cellphones on the road.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill to require drivers to use hands-free devices when they want to use their cellphones on the road. The 56-10 vote Monday sent the bill back to the House for further work because senators added some provisions that weren’t in the version the House passed last week. Gov. Tim Walz has said…

Duluth Councilors Pass Ordinance To Help Ease Child-Care Shortage

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s estimated at least 1,100 more child-care spots are needed in Duluth to meet the demand right now, according to the Northland Foundation.  But Monday night, city councilors voted to help ease that shortage. Councilors passed an ordinance with an 8-0 vote that allows companies and other mixed-use businesses to have a child-care facility on site. Councilor Jay…

Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Gary New Duluth Manslaughter Case

A 35-year-old Hibbing man has plead not guilty to second-degree manslaughter in the shooting and killing of 35-year-old Kevin Weiss in December in Gary New Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.-A 35-year-old Hibbing man has plead not guilty to second-degree manslaughter in the shooting and killing of 35-year-old Kevin Weiss in December in Gary New Duluth. According to the criminal complaint, Brian Ross Shaw, knew the victim in the shooting with the defendant telling police that “he has known Mr. Weiss for many years and they grew up together.” Investigators…

Duluth Police Respond to Shooting Incident in East Hillside Neighborhood

The Incident Occured Shortly Before Noon Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police responded to the scene on Fifth Avenue East and 10th Street around noon today of reports of shots being fired from a vehicle at a home. A witnesses reported the suspect vehicle spotted was a newer black Chevy Impala with four occupants. Authorities are reporting no injuries occurred. “The believed victims were uncooperative but officers…

Majority of Duluth-Based Maurices  Bought Out by European Investment Company

Longstanding Duluth-based clothing retailer Maurices has had the majority of its business bought out by a European investment company.

DULUTH, Minn.-Longstanding Duluth-based clothing retailer Maurices has had the majority of its business bought out by a European investment company. The group OpCapita Consumer Opportunities Fund II LP made that announcement today. Maurices’ current parent company, Ascena Retail Group, Inc., will retain a significant equity interest in the business and will continue to provide brand support services. Maurices currently has…

White Winter Winery to Host Fundraiser for Essentia Health Foundation

The Cellar Jazz Concert Fundraiser is Happening Saturday, April 6, 2019 in Iron River, Wisconsin

IRON RIVER, Wis. – White Winter Winery is proud to be teaming up with the Essentia Health Foundation for their annual Cellar Jazz Concert Fundraiser Saturday, April 6, 2019. The fundraiser is taking place at White Winter Winery from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tickets for the event are $40 per person or $70 per couple and are currently on…

Historic Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad in Search of Volunteers

Volunteers are Invited to Attend an Upcoming Meeting at the Superior Public Library Saturday, March 30

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a recent study conducted by UMD, the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad (LSMR) is responsible for bringing nearly $1.6 million dollars to the Duluth area thanks to tourism every year. President of LSMR Joel Manns says he and his team are surprised at the recent results, but honored to be making such a big impact in…

Wisconsin Joins Multistate Investigation of Opioid Distributors

Attorney General Josh Kaul today announced Wisconsin has joined multistate investigations of opioid distributors and is seeking support for the Wisconsin Department of Justice budget request.

EAU CLAIRE, Wis.-Attorney General Josh Kaul today announced Wisconsin has joined multistate investigations of opioid distributors and is seeking support for the Wisconsin Department of Justice budget request. “The opioid epidemic is the most significant public-safety challenge we face,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Part of our response must include looking into whether conduct that may have contributed to that epidemic…

Superior Joins $18M Cleanup of Howards Bay Contamination

The city of Superior has agreed to join a roughly $18.5 million project to remove contaminated sediments from Howards Bay to improve shipping and restore fish and wildlife habitat.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The city of Superior has agreed to join a roughly $18.5 million project to remove contaminated sediments from Howards Bay to improve shipping and restore fish and wildlife habitat. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the Superior City Council approved agreements Tuesday to work with federal, state and private partners on the Howards Bay dredging project. Wisconsin Department of Natural…

Suspect Arrested in Lincoln Park Home Robbery and Assault Case

Duluth police say a suspect is in custody for his alleged role in a home robbery and assault in Lincoln Park earlier this month.

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth police say a suspect is in custody for his alleged role in a home robbery and assault in Lincoln Park earlier this month. Authorities say officers were dispatched to the Public Safety Building lobby on North Arlington Avenue Friday at 5:45 p.m. where Christian Hamzah Coleman was waiting to turn himself in for multiple warrants stemming from his…

Fire Destroys Cabin Worth About $250,000

A cabin, worth about $250,000, was destroyed by a fire at about 5 a.m. Monday at 3315 N. Alden Lake Road in North Star Township.

NORTH STAR TOWNSHIP, Minn.-A cabin, worth about $250,000, was destroyed by a fire at about 5 a.m. Monday at 3315 N. Alden Lake Road in North Star Township. Upon arrival, the 42-by-24-foot structure was fully engulfed. Deputies on the scene learned that the structure was unoccupied and were able to locate the owner who was out of town. The incident remains…

Hungry Canadian Wolves Relocated To Isle Royale

Six starving wolves have been rescued from Michipicoten Island on Lake Superior in Canada and are now at Isle Royale National Park with plenty of moose to prey on. The nearly $100,000 operation over the weekend was an effort between the International Wolf Center in Ely and the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation. Officials say the wolves would have…

Golden Girls Themed Bingo Event Raises Money for CASDA

The Spirit Room hosts their 2nd annual Golden Girls Bingo Event.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Spirit Room in Superior can thank the Twin Ports community for being a friend for helping them raise money for CASDA. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, The Spirit Room hosted their 2nd annual Golden Girls Bingo event for the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. The event was so popular last year, they had…

Local Farmers Want You to Support Northland Agriculture

The 2019 CSA Open House was at Clyde Iron Works.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly a dozen local farms but their produce on display Sunday looking for support moving into the Spring growing season. The Community Supported Agriculture open house allowed farmers to share an opportunity with Northlanders to get a fresh share of vegetables weekly. Farmers hope to encourage the community to support local agriculture as much as they support other local…

Local Parent Starts Support Group for Parents of Children with Juvenile Arthritis

The JA support group held their second meeting in March.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A local family affected by a debilitating disease is taking matters into their own hands when it comes to getting support from the Twin Ports community. More than 300 thousand children in the United States are affected by juvenile arthritis- an autoimmune disease that causes swelling in the joints of kids 16 and under for extended periods of time. It’s…

Study: Minnesota Sees Jump In Homelessness Since 2015

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A study says Minnesota’s homelessness increased by 10 percent between 2015 and 2018, despite employment growing during the same period. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the St. Paul-based Wilder Foundation released its findings this month from a count of people experiencing homelessness in 2018. Researchers counted 10,233 homeless people in Minnesota on Oct. 25, a jump of…

Mustache March Run Held Today

A perfect day for a 5K, as mustaches filled the board walk of Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn.- Mustaches of all shapes, colors and sizes were on display for the Mustache March Run 5K along Lake Superior. Runners are encouraged to grow their mustaches out for the whole month in preparation for the event. Even though its still early in the year, today’s weather was on the runners’ side. Mike Ward, Race Director stated that “we…

Day Two of Motorhead Madness

Day two of three was held this afternoon with hundreds in attendance

DULUTH, Minn.- Motorhead Madness continued today at the DECC. With the warm weather, hundreds flocked to check out all the old fashion cars, trucks antiques, and even a radio controlled car race. One shop from the Twin Cities has been to the event since 2011. They travel all over the country showing off their cars and cycles. They really enjoy…

Mariner Mall Hosts Their Last Northland Horse Fair

Diamond Royal Tack is closing up shop and moving across the bridge full time.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s Diamond Royal Tack’s last day open at the Mariner Mall and the last Northland horse fair at that location. This year’s fair was the biggest in 14 years with nearly a thousand members of the equestrian community. Vendors say the event is a good way to introduce kids to horseback riding and get everything ready for the Spring…