News

State Corrections Chief: Do Mentally ill Belong in Prison?

Miller Says There are not Enough Officers

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s new corrections commissioner plans to draw on his training in social work to address one of the biggest challenges facing prison systems across the country: inmates with mental illness. Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell says he questions whether many of the people with mental illness should be in prison. Schnell tells Minnesota Public…

Great Outdoors: Dogsledding With a Twist at North Star Academy

School hosts unconventional dog sled race.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland winters are full of great activities like skiing, snowboarding, and of course dog sledding. You’ve likely heard of the Beargrease, and the Iditarod. But North Star Academy’s dog sled race puts a spin on the traditional. “Teamwork makes the dream work. You have to trust your musher, and the musher has to trust his dogs,” a team…

Hermantown Mayor Running For St. Louis County Commissioner

PROCTOR, Minn. – Hermantown Mayor Wayne Boucher has announced his candidacy for the St. Louis County Board seat for the fifth district, which was vacated after Pete Stauber was elected to Congress. Mayor Boucher, also a retired Hermantown police officer, began his political career on the Hermantown City Council before becoming mayor of the city in 2009. Mayor Boucher is…

MNDOT Hauls Truckloads of Snow to Dump Site

MNDOT is struggling to keep snow piles down at even the dump sites.

DULUTH, Minn. – After such a snowy February, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is hauling truckloads of snow underneath the Blatnik Bridge to their dump site. MNDOT is struggling to keep snow piles down at even the dump sites. “They are certainly getting full, we do spend some times on some of them with blowers moving the snow back from…

Mariner Retail & Business Center Looks to the Future

Shopping center encouraging manufacturing, office, and warehouse businesses to fill vacancies

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Mariner Mall in Superior is no longer a mall but a retail and business center. As stores to continue to close across the country and in the Twin Ports, the one-time shopping center is making the transition into an office and manufacturing space. The Mariner Retail and Business Center has been moving in a new direction…

Duluth Children’s Museum Gets Crazy for Creativity for Winter Break

Creativity Camp first of four throughout the week

DULUTH, Minn.- Entertaining the kids during winter break can be challenging, but the Duluth Children’s Museum has some programs to get your kids out. Today they hosted their Creativity Camp, the first of four camps this week. Children spent the day making puppets, then inventing a story for the puppets to act out in front of the museum later. The children’s…

Shoveling and Slipping Safety Tips from Essentia Health

How to shovel without hurting your back, avoid slipping.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- More snow on the way means more shoveling for Northlanders. But there is potential danger when clearing snow. Emergency rooms see plenty of patients every winter who’ve been hurt while shoveling. While many of us don’t think twice about it, shoveling snow and even just walking on snowy sidewalks can be hazardous if you’re not careful. Using good lifting…

Monthly Conversations Gets Community Talking About Environmental Issues

"One step is getting the community talking, thinking and sharing ideas."

DULUTH, Minn. – Every month organizations from around the region visit the Duluth Branch of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to talk about environmental issues affecting the region. One of the big topics today was how Duluth is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the area. Organizers say these monthly conversations are important for community involvement. “We need to…

Two Adults and Three Kids Out of a Home After a House Fire in Lakewood Township

One person treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries reported.

LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Two adults and their three kids are without a home after a fire. The fire occurred about 11 pm last night on the 3200 block of Tischer Road in Lakewood Township. Multiple fire agencies responded to the scene. The family was already out of the house when authorities arrived. One person was treated at the scene…

Protecting Your Children This Flu Season in the Wake of First Pediatric Flu Death in Wisconsin

The virus can turn in to a more serious condition like pneumonia or an ear infection.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than a dozen flu-related deaths have happened in Wisconsin since last October. Now a child has become one of those victims. According to the CDC, children are at the highest risk of dying from flu-related symptoms. The most recent case in Wisconsin shows how important it is to protect your children this flu season. Health officials…

Two Eveleth Residents Arrested in Meth Bust

EVELETH, Minn. – Two individuals from Eveleth have been arrested for charges relating to the transportation of methamphetamine following an investigation by the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office the Task Force was conducting an investigation into Brad Smith, 28, and Kathy Anderson, 39, for methamphetamine sales. Authorities learned Smith…

Tribal Leaders Speak out After Train Derailment

Leaders say They Were not Notified Until Hours After the Incident

Courtesy: Anthony GistCLOQUET, Minn. – Fond du Lac tribal leaders are speaking out today after 40 cars from a BNSF coal train derailed on their reservation near Cloquet last weekend. Tribe members are now raising concerns about not being notified fast enough about the derailment saying they did not find out about the incident until hours after it happened. The…

Environmental Group Sues EPA; Seeking Documents

AP- A Minnesota environmental group is suing the Environmental Protection Agency to force it to release concerns that EPA specialists have expressed about a copper-nickel mine in the northeast of the state. The lawsuit Tuesday from Minnesota-based WaterLegacy seeks documents the group claims the EPA never submitted but that show the agency had “substantial questions” about the project before water…

Evers ‘Exploring’ Wisconsin Joining Lawsuit Against Trump

MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers says Wisconsin could join a multistate lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s emergency declaration to pay for a U.S.-Mexico border wall. California and 15 other states are parties to a federal lawsuit filed Monday alleging the declaration is unconstitutional. Evers said in an interview Tuesday at the Marquette University Law School that he was “exploring”…

Gov. Tim Walz Unveils his First Budget Proposal

He Will Announce the Details at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday

UPDATE: ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz is rolling out a $49 billion budget with significant increases in spending on education and health and human services. Walz’s first budget includes $733 million in new spending on pre-K through grade 12 education, plus another $158 million for higher education. And it would devote an additional $284 million for new health…

Mayor Larson Announces new Community Relations Officer

Kozlowski was Previously With the College of St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced Tuesday the hiring of a new Community Relations Officer, Alicia Kozlowski. “I am thrilled to work with Alicia,” states Mayor Larson. “She was selected from over 80 qualified, impressive applicants and brings tremendous experiences, skills, and insights to our work. Born and raised in the West End neighborhood of Duluth, Alicia’s story…

With Spring A Month Away, Gardeners Begin Very Early

Plants require a lot of TLC before Spring truly starts

DULUTH, MINN.- Spring is almost a month away, and for gardeners the season of planting begins well before the snow is all melted. Plants however, will require a lot of TLC until a big warm up. “The best thing they need to be outside in the light and so if it gets cold it’s better to put them in a…

Data Breach Hits Minnesota Dunn Brothers Coffee Locations

Customers Credit Card Information at Risk

DULUTH, Minn. North Country Business Products, Inc. announced in a press release that a recent data breach at Dunn Brothers Coffee in Duluth may have resulted in unauthorized access to customer’s credit and debit card information. North Country says they learned of the suspicious activity on January 4. The data breach affected approximately 50 Dunn Brothers Coffee locations in Minnesota…

First Pediatric flu Death Recorded in Wisconsin

There Have Been 13 flu-Related Deaths Since October

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin health officials say a child has died after developing the flu. The Department of Health Services says the death occurred in southeastern Wisconsin, but declined to identify the child. Since October, there have been 13 flu-related deaths, but this is the first pediatric case. Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin physician, Lyn Ranta, says the child’s death shows…

The First and Last Bridgeman’s Restaurant in the State

Northland Uncovered: A Duluth creamery that led to several ice cream shoppes and one standing restaurant in the state of Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Ice cream- good, whether it’s hot or Minnesota cold. “Bridgeman’s is a family owned ice cream company, so we make our own ice cream, and then we also have restaurants,” Bridgeman’s brand owner Crystal Bakker said. In 1883, Henry Bridgeman delivered fresh milk home to home through Duluth. It’s…

Family Safely Evacuates Lakewood Township House Fire

One Person was Treated for Smoke Inhalation

LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a house fire Monday at approximately 11:00 p.m. When deputies arrived at the 3200 block of West Tischer Road flames could be seen inside the residence. Authorities say the family of five living at the residence was able to escape safely. One person was treated…

Minnesota Joins Lawsuit to Block Trump’s National Emergency

The Lawsuit was Filed by California's Attorney General

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota has joined with 15 other states in suing to block President Donald Trump’s declaration of an emergency to fund his proposed wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. Attorney General Keith Ellison says the plan to divert funds is illegal and unconstitutional. He says federal money designated for the Minnesota National Guard would be at…

Sen. Bernie Sanders Running for President in 2020

The Announcement Came Tuesday Morning

WASHINGTON – Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders says he’s running for president in 2020. The 77-year-old self-described democratic socialist challenged Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential primary in 2016 and said on Tuesday that he planned to again seek the nomination. Sanders has reshaped Democratic politics and earned a loyal following with his passionate defense of liberal proposals including free college…

Roof Puck Shortage Leads People to Improvise

Marshall Hardware in Duluth is suggesting getting a little creative with the same chemical that's found in the popular Roof Melt.

DULUTH, Minn. –  A shortage of Roof Melt in the area has led a local hardware to suggest improvising with alternatives. Marshall Hardware in Duluth is suggesting getting a little creative with the same chemical that’s found in the popular Roof Melt. “Put the calcium chloride into stockings, tights, a thin fabric, toss it up there if you can’t get…

City of Superior in Legal Battle with Wal-Mart

The city of Superior is heading into a legal battle with the corporate ownership of Wal-Mart on Tower Avenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior is heading into a legal battle with the corporate ownership of Wal-Mart on Tower Avenue. “If Wal-Mart was not assessed correctly we’re going to collect that money from everybody else. So Wal-Mart isn’t suing me, Wal-Mart is suing the citizens of Superior, all of whom will get a tax increase if Wal-Mart gets…

West Duluth Waits for City to Clear Snow Piles, More Snow Comes

Piles reaching 5 feet still obstruct businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- While the weather was pretty quiet in the Northland on Monday, recent storms still left large mounds of snow in areas around the city. One place where they’re especially high is West Duluth. While the city has promised to get to those piles this week, more snow on the way could change that. Ahead of their big Winter in…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Corktown Brews and Deli

We check out new local restaurant for this week's Knowing Your Neighbor

DULUTH, MINN.- Whether it’s fresh oysters, pastrami, or fresh salami, Corktown Deli and Brews on West Superior Street in Lincoln Park has something for everyone. After coming off the boats from shipping in Lake Superior, ‘Corkies’ would wine and dine right in the area of Corktown. If you go and visit, make sure you look at the cork life vest…

Funding Delays Construction Plans for New Ashland Police Department Building

"You risk a lot of officer safety."

ASHLAND, Wisc. – For over 40 years the Ashland Police Department has been in the basement of city hall. After years of planning to start building a new police station there construction is now on hold until funding is found and approved by the Ashland City Council. Officers say the current space makes it difficult to do their jobs. Without…

Driver of Submerged Semi in Wisconsin ID’d; 2nd Body Found

Authorities are Investigating the Incident

  (courtesy: Fox 6) WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – Authorities investigating an incident in which a semi plunged off a bridge and down a cliff into a lake near Wisconsin Dells have recovered a second body and also identified the driver. Authorities found a damaged guardrail on Interstate 90-94 just north of the Mirror Lake bridge in Sauk County about 7:30…

Madeline Island Ice Road Open to the General Public

MADELINE ISLAND, Wis. – According to a recent Facebook post, the Madeline Island Ice Road is officially open to the general public. The road is currently only open to cars and light trucks. At this time no heavy loads are permitted. Ice road officials are reminding drivers to travel at their own risk and remember everything is subject to change…

Payless ShoeSource to Shutter all of its Remaining US Stores

The Stores Will Remain open Until the end of March

NEW YORK (AP) — Payless ShoeSource is shuttering all of its 2,100 remaining stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, joining a list of iconic names like Toys R Us and Bon-Ton that have closed down in the last year. The Topeka, Kansas-based chain said Friday it will hold liquidation sales starting Sunday and wind down its e-commerce operations. All…

9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Running out of Money

The Compensation Fund Will cut Payments by 50 to 70 Percent

NEW YORK (AP) — The compensation fund for victims of 9/11 is running out of money and will cut future payments by 50 to 70 percent, officials announced Friday. September 11th Victim Compensation Fund special master Rupa Bhattacharyya said she was “painfully aware of the inequity of the situation” but stressed that awarding some funds for every valid claim would…

Evers Wants to Decriminalize Marijuana, Legalize Medical use

It is Unclear if Legislature Will Approve the Plan

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday his budget will include proposals to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use and legalize medical marijuana. Evers said it’s time Wisconsin join more than 30 other states and the District of Columbia in legalizing medical marijuana. Possession, manufacturing or distribution of marijuana in amounts of 25 grams…

Canadian man Dies in NE Minnesota Snowmobile Crash

The man was Thrown From the Snowmobile

BUYCK, Minn. – Authorities in northeastern Minnesota say a Canadian man has died in a snowmobile crash. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the crash on the Cook Area Snowmobile Trail near Buyck just before 6 p.m. Saturday. Authorities say the crash happened on a straight part of the trail just after a curve. The victim, identified…

One Dead, One Missing After Semi Plunges Into Lake

Authorities Found a Damaged Guardrail

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – One person is dead and another is missing after a semi plunged off a bridge and down a cliff into a lake below near Wisconsin Dells. Authorities found a damaged guardrail on Interstate 90-94 just north of the Mirror Lake bridge in Sauk County about 7:30 a.m. Sunday. Below they discovered a semi completely submerged in…

BCA Releases Names of Three Dead in Northern Minnesota

The Suspect was Found Dead in the Vehicle

UPDATE: Authorities have identified two officers involved in a northern Minnesota incident in which three people died of gunshots. The Department of Public Safety says Hubbard County Deputy Seth Kuhn fired his gun during the incident in Nevis, and Deputy Erick Rypkema was struck by a bullet fired by 34-year-old Bryce Bellomo. Authorities say Bellomo killed himself in the Thursday…

Team USA Helps Kids Ice Cross Downhill Skate

Mont Du Lac Resort hosts open skate following big international race.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some drill holes to fish in the ice. Others skate downhill on it. At Mont Du Lac Resort, the U.S. Ice Cross Association ended it’s All Terrain Skate Cross race, or ATSX, weekend with a kids cross open skate. While this weekend hosted some major races for international teams, Sunday was the day the kids got to take…