News

Sir Ben’s Honored For Helping Disabled

A Duluth restaurant received a big honor today for all they do for people with disabilities.

DULUTH, Minn.-A Duluth restaurant received a big honor today for all they do for people with disabilities. Sir Benedict’s Tavern was named an Outstanding Disability Employer by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation. UDAC, which helps people with disabilities learn life skills while getting job training, nominated Sir Ben’s for the award, due to all the work the restaurant…

Farmers’ Market Still Going Strong

With the snow already starting to fly throughout the Northland, the gardening season is getting ready to wrap up.

DULUTH, Minn.-With the snow already starting to fly throughout the Northland, the gardening season is getting ready to wrap up. The farmers’ market in Superior is still open after battling some harsh conditions for growing earlier this year. One farmer we spoke to said the huge amounts of rain the area got at times, made things difficult. “In my mind…

Gnat-Borne Disease Turns up in Minnesota Deer for First Time

There are no Known Health Risks to People

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Animal health officials say a disease carried by gnats has turned up in Minnesota deer for the first time. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health confirmed the first cases of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease – or EHD – in a small herd of captive white-tailed deer in Goodhue County. Officials say six of seven animals died…

Sheriff: Missing Wisconsin Girl’s Parents Were Shot to Death

The Autopsies Were Completed Wednesday

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Authorities say a missing Wisconsin girl’s parents were shot to death and they believe she was in the home at the time. Police have been searching for 13-year-old Jayme Closs since early Monday, when deputies responding to a 911 call from her home in Barron found her parents, James and Denise Closs, dead in the house….

Suspect in Custody After Three Hour Standoff With Sawyer County Deputy

This Incident Remains Under Investigation

SAWYER COUNTY, Wisc. – A high speed chase in Sawyer County resulted in a crash and a three hour standoff between a Sawyer County Deputy and a male suspect from Menomonie. The incident happened just before 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Town of Round Lake. The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office says a Deputy tried to stop a vehicle on…

Canada now World’s Largest Legal Marijuana Marketplace

Sales Started Just After Midnight

(Stephen MacGillivray/The Canadian Press via AP)TORONTO (AP) – Canada has become the second and largest country with a legal national marijuana marketplace. Sales started just after midnight local time in Newfoundland, Canada’s easternmost province. Tom Clarke of Portugal Cove, once an illegal marijuana dealer and now a licensed retailer, was among the first to make a sale. At least 111…

Former Hermantown Mayor Donates New Book to Local Classrooms

Former Hermantown Mayor, Dan Urshan, is the Author of "Where's Duke," Now Being Donated to Local Classrooms in the Northland

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – When it comes to being in first grade, some real life topics are often tough to discuss with your children. But with the help and creativity of one local author, it’s now easier for Animal Allies to step in and continue teaching lessons for years to come. “Duke went missing in the middle of the winter in…

No Winning Mega Millions Ticket; Jackpot Climbs to $868M

Mega Millions is Played in 44 States

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – No winning lottery ticket was sold for the latest Mega Millions drawing, meaning the estimated jackpot climbs to $868 million. Mega Millions officials say no tickets matched all six numbers to claim the estimated $667 million prize Tuesday night. The numbers were 3, 45, 49, 61, 69 and Mega Ball 9. The next drawing will…

Minnesota Students Above the National Average on the ACT

99 percent of Seniors Took the Test This Year

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota students scored above the national average on the ACT college entrance exam and best among 19 states where at least 90 percent of teens took the test. Test results released Wednesday show the class of 2018 earning an average composite score of 21.3 out of a possible 36. That’s down slightly from last year’s average of…

Seventh Child in Minnesota Contracts Paralyzing Illness

CDC Officials Have not Found the Cause

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health says a seventh child has been struck by a rare, paralyzing illness that has been reported across the country. Health specialists say the symptoms in the latest case match those of the other children in Minnesota who have been diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis, or AFM. The polio-like illness causes…

Take a Halloween Haul Up the North Shore on the Pumpkin Patch Express

The Pumpkin Patch Express is the Northshore Scenic Railroad's second largest train ride

DULUTH, Minn.-To add to the list of fun Fall activities to do in the Northland this Halloween season, you can also take a trip down the Northshore Scenic Railroad on this year’s Pumpkin Patch Express! It’s the second biggest train ride offered at the railroad, hosting over ten thousand riders in four days. The train boards at the depot then…

Time to Stock Up in Winter Clothing for the Season

Northwest Outlet has Winter gear and tips to using it this coming season

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Employees at the Northwest Outlet in Superior shared their tips and tricks with customers during their busiest season of the year… The number one being the importance of buying and purchasing base layers to wear. Employees say that purchasing wicking base layers to wear underneath your clothing will be the best thing to keep you warm. This differs from…

Golf Knows No Season… Players Embrace the Cold Weather

Enger Golf Course is open year-round for anyone interest in playing.

DULUTH, Minn.- Walking into the changing of the seasons, Enger Golf Course is preparing for the Duluth Winter, though not quite the way you’d think. The 27–hole course is getting ready to change hours for the coming months not because of the cold weather, but because of available sunlight! Both employees and regulars to the course were ready to embrace…

Citizens Voiced Concerns Over SWL&P Requested Rate Increase

SWL&P requested a $7 per month increase from each customer.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Water, Light and Power held a public hearing Tuesday afternoon, involving its controversial rate hike increase. The event at WITC was streamed to the Capitol in Madison for the public service commission. Mayor Jim Payne was also in Madison Tuesday, who is strongly against the rate increase. The power company says the increase is for improvements and…

Northland Sending Volunteers to Help with Hurricane Relief

One local volunteer will be leaving for Florida on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Red Cross chapter is sending more local volunteers out as many along the East Coast are still dealing with the devastation of hurricane Florence and Michael. Eight Northland volunteers are still out helping with Florence while 10 are responding to Michael and one more will be leaving for Florida later this week. Diane Dunder, who…

Duluth’s Downtown Holiday Center Welcomes New Tenants

There's been a $20 million investment into the Holiday Center within the last 15 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Holiday Center Market in downtown Duluth is on its way to full capacity as several new businesses are moving in. With more food and entertainment options, you’ll now have even more reasons to stop by and shop there. In November 2019, Townsquare Media will be home to four radio stations including B105, Mix 108, Sasquatch 106.5…

Superior City Councilors Make A Push To Hire More Firefighters

The total cost for three firefighters would be $270,000 a year. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Councilors Craig Sutherland and Brent Fennessey want to fund three new firefighter positions to the department. They say it’s all about safety and restoring positions cut in past budgets. The total cost for three firefighters would be $270,000 a year, according to Mayor Jim Paine. Councilor Fennessey tells us a majority of the funding, $173,000 would come from the Oil Pipeline Terminal Tax…

The Latest: Sheriff Dismisses Miami tip in Missing Girl Case

Jayme was Last Seen Sunday Afternoon

BARRON, Wis. (AP) -Authorities looking for a missing Wisconsin teenager whose parents were found dead in their home say a tip placing the girl’s whereabouts in Miami is not credible. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said during a Tuesday afternoon briefing that Miami police tweeted the information without consulting with Wisconsin investigators. Authorities have been searching for 13-year-old Jayme Closs…

Many in Florida Panhandle Still Without Power

12 Deaths Occured in Bay County

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)PANAMA CITY, Fla. (AP) – Six days after Hurricane Michael ripped through the Florida Panhandle, nearly 137,000 customers remain without power in an 11-county region that stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Georgia border. Michael slammed into the region on Oct. 10 and in the immediate aftermath as many as 400,000 customers in the state were…

Mysterious Paralyzing Illness Found Among Kids in 22 States

At Least 62 Cases Have Been Confirmed

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials on Tuesday reported a jump in cases of a rare paralyzing illness in children, and said it seems to be following an every-other-year pattern. At least 62 cases have been confirmed in 22 states this year, and at least 65 additional illnesses in those states are being investigated, according to the Centers for…

Nopeming Sanatorium Paranormal Investigation

Medium Lady Ocalat & Twin Ports Paranormal Investigates The Old County Tuberculosis Sanatoria

DULUTH, Min. — Fox 21’s Northland Uncovered October Special investigates The Old County Tuberculosis Sanatoria, Nopeming. Nopeming was built in 1912 to help house and care for individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis. The building went through many changes in structure, tenants, employees and management since. Nopeming has been privately owned by Orison Inc. which is a non-profit since 2009. Orison has…

Duluth Mayor Announces Selection for Chief Administrative Officer

A Public Meet and Greet Will be Held Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – Former City of Minneapolis Director of Regulatory Services, Noah Schuchman, has been selected as Duluth’s next Chief Administrative Officer. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson made the announcement Tuesday morning following an extensive national hiring process. In his previous role Schuchman managed a department of nearly 200 staff with complicated budgets and several lines of city business. “I am…

Power Restored in West Duluth After Vehicle hit Power Pole

Nearly 1,800 MN Power Residents Lost Power

DULUTH, Minn. – Power has been restored to 1,800 residents in West Duluth after a vehicle collided with a power pole Tuesday morning. According to authorities the accident occurred at 34th Avenue West and Grand Avenue. The female driver appears to have suffered a medical event which caused her vehicle to strike a power pole and roll over. The driver…

Mega Millions Prize up to $654M, Fourth Largest in US History

The Cash Option is an Estimated $372 Million

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – After nearly three months without a winner, the Mega Millions lottery game has climbed to an estimated $654 million jackpot. Unfortunately, even as the big prize for Tuesday night’s drawing increases to the fourth-largest in U.S. history, the odds of matching all six numbers and winning the game don’t improve. They’re stuck at a miserable…

Experience Sugarloaf Cove During Open House this Saturday

Sugarloaf Cove Along Highway 61 is Hosting Their First Ever Open House Saturday, October 20

SCHROEDER, Minn. – The friendly folks at Sugarloaf Cove invite you to spend your Saturday exploring the wilderness and rich history of their location. Visitors will have the chance to celebrate Minnesota’s North Shore and learn more about its unique geology, climate and more. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Sugarloaf North Shore Stewardship Association are hosting an…

UMD Plans Expansion With New Dorms and Dining Facilities

The facilities will be paid for with internal funding and a loan from the University of Minnesota system and not state funding.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has plans to build a new residence hall and dining facility. The school currently doesn’t have the space for all students who want to live on campus. Now they’re planning to build a $59 million dorm and dining facility to fill that void. The facilities will be paid for with internal…

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission To Decide Fate of Proposed Gas Plant

This week the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold a hearing in Duluth where commissioners are expected to decide if Minnesota power will get permission to move forward with building the plant.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power announced plans to build a $700 million natural gas plant in Superior just last year. This week the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will hold a hearing in Duluth where commissioners are expected to decide if Minnesota power will get permission to move forward with building the plant. But, not everyone is on board. A…

Witness Reports Seeing Missing Wisconsin Girl in Florida

Her Parents Were Found Dead in Their Barron Home

BARRON, Wis. (AP) – Police say a girl resembling a missing, endangered Wisconsin teen has been spotted at a gas station in Florida. Authorities have been searching for 13-year-old Jayme Closs since early Monday when her parents were found dead in their home in Barron, in far western Wisconsin. Miami police say a witness reported seeing a girl fitting Jayme’s…

Shoreline Cleanup Continues Five Days After Storm

Damage estimate is expected sometime this week

DULUTH, Minn. – Five days after the latest storm hit the Lake Superior shoreline, crews continue to work to clean up the damage. Much of the Lakewalk remains closed as the city continues to assess the damage to the boardwalk and other infrastructure. This coming after much of the Lakewalk had yet to be repaired after a devastating storm last…

Touchstone Awards Celebrate Non-Profits

Two organizations and an individual were presented with 2018 awards

DULUTH, Minn. – The Touchstone Awards have been recognizing outstanding work by area non-profit organizations for the last twenty-four years. This year, the Duluth Superior Community Foundation honored Community Action Duluth for their Jumpstart transportation program, WDSE-TV for their program “Native Report” and Mark Boben for his work in the Gary-New Duluth neighborhood. “The amazing work that non–profit organizations do…

New Details Released, Suspect ID’d in Officer-Involved Shooting

The Wisconsin DOJ is Continuing to Investigate

SUPERIOR, Wis. – New details have emerged in the ongoing investigation of an officer-involved shooting that took place in Superior on Oct. 5. According Police Chief Nicholas Alexander, body cam footage from the incident shows the 19-year-old theft suspect, Joshua Farmer, refusing to remove his hands from his pockets after multiple requests from law enforcement. Officers then asked Farmer if…

Bentleyville Closer to Opening as Tree Goes Up

The Tour of Lights runs from Nov. 17 to Dec. 26.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville Tour of Lights is coming together about one month before it opens to the public. The 128–foot tree is now in place. That’s 17 tons of iron with an 8–foot tall ball on top and 150–thousand LED lights. Bentleyville officials said it’s the tallest man–made steel Christmas tree in the United States. Meanwhile, volunteers are needed to…

2018 Terror Train Cancelled

The event was cancelled due to the crumbling lakewalk and the steam engine not being ready.

DULUTH, Minn. – The popular “Terror Train” on the North Shore Scenic Railroad has been canceled this year due in part to a crumbling lakewalk behind Fitger’s from recent severe storms. It’s that spot where the Fitger’s–organized event begins. “At Fitger’s, it’s a lot to board that many people, there are 4, 500 people that ride that train. And with the…

Fire Officials Urge Residents To Check Smoke Detectors After Recent House Fire

The working smoke detector helped limit the damage and get the couple outside safely.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Fire officials in Superior are urging you to check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as house fire season is beginning and it’s fire prevention month. This also comes after a home caught on fire over the weekend. A fire broke out around 6:30 Saturday morning in the utility room of the house, located at 1709…

Microsoft co-Founder Paul Allen Dies at 65

Allen Owned the Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle Seahawks

(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)SEATTLE (AP) — Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with his childhood friend Bill Gates, has died. He was 65. Allen’s company Vulcan Inc. said in a statement that he died Monday. Earlier this month Allen said the cancer he was treated for in 2009, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, had returned. Allen, who was an avid sports fan, owned the…

United Steelworkers and U.S. Steel Reach a Tentative Agreement

USW Members Will Meet in Coming Weeks

DULUTH, Minn. – United States Steelworkers union members reached a tentative agreement with U.S. Steel on Monday. Negotiations began in July between the groups with a fast approaching September 1 contract deadline, however USW members agreed to work under an extension as bargaining continued. “U.S. Steel began this process insisting upon deep concessions from a group of workers who had…

Superior Elks to Host Halloween Bash Fundraiser

The Superior Elks' Fundraiser will Benefit the Challenege Center in Superior this Year

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Residents in the Twin Ports area have the chance to mingle with “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves,” during the Superior Elks Lodge 403 Halloween Bash Saturday, October 20. This year’s event is serving as a fundraiser for the Challenge Center in Superior, a nonprofit organization offering supportive services to more than 20 people with special needs in the community….

Strength Factory to Host First Ever Fitoberfest in Superior

In this Week's Coffee Conversation, Strength Factory Owner Kelly Kellar Chats About the Upcoming Fitoberfest Happening Sunday, October 28

SUPERIOR, Wis. – What better way to celebrate the Halloween holiday than with a spooktacular workout and a little treat afterwards? The Strength Factory in Superior is set to host their first ever Fitoberfest event on Sunday, October 28 from 11:00 – 4:00 p.m. Registration is still open. It costs $22.00 dollars to register before Sunday, October 21. Registration will also…

Officials Hunt for Missing Teen After 2 Adults Found Dead in Barron, WI

Authorities say a missing teenage girl could be in danger after two adults were found dead in a home in western Wisconsin.

UPDATE: BARRON, Wis. (AP): 2:15 p.m. –  A western Wisconsin sheriff says two people found dead in home of a missing teenager are the girl’s parents. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says gunshots are involved, but he stopped short of saying that’s what caused the deaths of the man and woman. He didn’t release their names. Authorities have been searching…

University of Minnesota Sees Spike in Reports of sex Assault

Reports of Rape Were up From the Previous Year

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A University of Minnesota report shows rising numbers of sexual assault reports on campus, but experts say that may be the result of increased awareness and not rising crime. Minnesota Daily reports that the university’s 2018 Safety and Security Report shows 19 reports of rape in 2017, up from 10 reports the previous year. Reports of fondling…

Search for Missing Cousins Ends With Recovery of Bodies

No Foul Play is Suspected

CHASKA, Minn. (AP) -A search for two missing teenage cousins ended when authorities pulled two bodies from a pond in Chaska. Family members and friends of Bushra Abdi and Zeynab “Hapsa” Abdalla, both 19, held a vigil late Sunday near the pond where divers found the women’s car. Authorities began searching after tire tracks were found leading from Highway 41…