News

Zero Hour Escape Rooms Unveils “Lake Superior” Themed Challenge

Players take the role of an engineering team trapped aboard a sinking cargo vessel

DULUTH, Minn. – Zero Hour Escape Rooms unveiled a new challenge today called “The Wheelhouse”. Players take the role of an engineering team trapped aboard the sinking “Bill E. Irvin” Lake Superior cargo vessel. The room took about a couple months to build and test out before it was ready for the public to take on. “We thought it would…

Photographer’s Work Lives on at Denfeld High School

Susan Menz was killed in a car crash in October 2015. Some of her photographs will be displayed at Denfeld as a memorial.

Duluth, Minn.-In October of 2015, Susan Menz died as the result of a hit and run car crash near the area known as the Twin Ponds. She was an avid photographer and died doing what she loved the most. Menz enjoyed taking photographs around Duluth and now some of her work will be donated to her alma mater, Denfeld High…

Duluth Gas Station Will Now Pump Your Gas

The ICO on London Road is offering the free service Monday through Friday from 12 to 3 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – If the cold, snowy conditions outside have kept you from filling up your gas tank this winter, a Duluth business is offering a new service to help its customers. The ICO gas station at the corner of London Road and 21st Ave. East will now pump your gas for you. They’re offering the free service Monday through…

UMD Researches Find New Type of Galaxy

The New Galaxy has 2 Rings in it

University of Minnesota Duluth Researchers have discovered a new type of galaxy The  galaxy , around 359 million light years away from Earth, is one in a million. Or one out of more than 2 trillion to be exact. The galaxy initially looked like what is a called Hoag’s object but upon further research, PHD Candidate Burcin Mutlu-Pakdil found that…

Lake Assault Boats Signs Multi-Million Dollar Contract

The Company is Building Barges for the City of San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio is shelling out 6.2 million dollars to Lake Assault Boats to build 43 new barges for the city’s iconic River Walk. The All Aluminum barges will replace the current fleet of tourist and commuter barges used on the San Antonio River. The barges will be 27.5 feet long and 9.5 feet wide, and hold 40 passengers and a…

School Bus Crash in Hibbing

The incident occurred at 3:54 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Fire Department responded to the report of a vehicle crash involving a school bus and a passenger car around 3:54 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, according to Hibbing Fire Marshal, Bryan Fagerstrom. The incident occurred at the intersection of 6th Avenue East and 27th Street. The bus was transporting 18 kids of varying ages. A…

How Sweet It Is Ruining New Years Resolutions One Cake at a Time

They Also Have Healthy Options if You Can Avoid the Tempting Sweets

It’s been 10 days since the new year kicked off, but many people are already breaking their new years resolutions. President of How Sweet it is Cakes, Eileen Brown, says numbers of visitors drop a little around the new year, when people make their resolutions, and try to get back on track with their health goals after holiday eating. But…

The Boat Club Restaurant Opening At Fitgers

New Restaurant Coming To The Fitgers Mall

There’s a new place to eat is coming to the Fitger’s building. The Boat Club restaurant will soon be featured in the basement of the Fitger’s building,  replacing the old Midi restaurant. The new spot will specialize in fresh seafood and steaks, as well as other options. Fitger’s Mall Manager Tami Tanski Sherman says, “The Boat Club is actually not…

A Slippery Start To 2017

Tips To Stay Safe On Slick Sidewalks

Icy sidewalks are apart of life here in the northland, but, there are things you can do to stay a bit safer when trekking around this time of year. Now that winter is in full swing, and mother nature has laid down a solid layer of ice, a fall out here could not only ruin your day, but it could…

Dylann Roof Sentenced to Death by Federal Jury

Convicted of Slaying Nine Black Parishioners

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) _ The Latest on the federal sentencing trial of convicted Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof (all times local): 5:45 p.m. The brother of a woman slain by Dylann Roof at Emanuel AME Church says jurors made the right decision in sentencing him to death. Malcolm Graham told The Associated Press by phone the death sentence for Roof…

Environmentalists Sue to Block Land Swap for PolyMet Mine

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Two environmental groups are suing to block a land exchange for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, saying the project would destroy important habitat for the gray wolf and Canada lynx. The Center for Biological Diversity and Earthworks on Tuesday filed the legally required 60-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife…

Governor Walker Delivers 2017 State of the State Address

Joined by First Lady Tonette Walker, in addressing joint session, people of Wisconsin

MADISON – Governor Scott Walker delivered his 2017 State of the State Address at the Wisconsin State Capital, today, January 10, 2017. One of his many topics included jobs creation and a drop in the unemployment rate. He noted “during the four years before we took office, Wisconsin had lost more than 133,000 jobs and the unemployment rate peaked at…

Bill Would Take Midwest, Wyoming Wolves Off Endangered List

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Some members of Congress are making another run at taking gray wolves in the upper Midwest and Wyoming off the endangered list. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service had tried to take wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Wyoming off the list, saying those populations had recovered sufficiently to allow resumed hunting under state management plans….

Greenway H.S. Student Killed In Crash With Patrol Vehicle

Sierra Matthews Was 16 Years Old

GREENWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – At the request of the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that involved an Itasca County deputy on Highway 169 at County Road 69 around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday. An Itasca County Sheriff’s Deputy was responding to a medical call with emergency lights activated when he was involved in a…

Rusty Patched Bumblebee Declared Endangered

The first time any bee species has made the endangered list

This 2012 photo provided by The Xerces Society shows a rusty patched bumblebee in Minnesota. Federal officials said Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, that the rusty patched bumblebee has become the first bee species in the continental U.S. to be declared endangered after suffering a dramatic population decline over the past 20 years. (Sarina Jepsen/The Xerces Society via AP)TRAVERSE CITY, Mich….

Organ Recital Performed Ahead of Major Renovation

Historic Organ to be Refurbished in February

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend historic music will fill Sacred Heart Music Center as an organ recital takes place. On Saturday, January 14, resident organist Rev. Dr. David Tryggestad, Dr. Jason Branham, Director of Music Ministries at First Lutheran Church, and Parker Hinnencamp, one of the organists at First Covenant Church and First United Methodist Church, and a recipient of…

More Chronic Wasting Disease Found in Minnesota Deer

Up to Five CWD Cases Now

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -Wildlife managers have found two more deer suspected of being infected with chronic wasting disease near the southeastern Minnesota town of Preston, raising the number of confirmed and presumptive infected deer found in the area to five. The does were killed within a mile of where the first two deer that tested positive were shot in…

Glensheen Looks to Keep High Tour Numbers in 2017

Moonlight Showshoe Events Held Wednesdays

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth landmark is seeing a record number of visitors. In 2015, Glensheen Mansion had the highest tour numbers the estate had experienced since the 1980s. According to Marketing Manager Jane Pederson, in 2016 the numbers were more than 20,000 higher than in 2015. Glensheen has started hosting events on Wednesday nights, with a different theme each…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Cooking With Culbert’s Café

Culbert's Offers a Wide Variety of Homemade Items, Always Fresh and Never Frozen

CLOQUET, Minn. – Many of you are trying hard to keep resolutions as we head further into the New Year. For some, fresh, never frozen foods might be on the list. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we’re trying out a few tasty options. If you’re motoring down Cloquet Avenue, the smell of quality cooking creates big smiles. “It’s all…

Snowmobile Safety Concerns

Recent snowmobile fatalities have Northlanders concerned for safety.

Duluth, Minn. – With recent snowmobile fatalities in the Northland, experts are warning people to keep an eye on safety precautions. Alcohol and snowmobiling are a major cause of accidents on the trails. Speed is another factor. Experts caution riders to stay on their side of the trail, and abide by posted speed limits. As of right now, trail conditions…

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…

Playing With a Purpose

Superior Senior Inspiring Skaters

When Emma Peterson takes the ice she’s all business. Superior Senior Defender Emma Peterson comments, “I listen to music and stuff, just focus. I kind of go through my head what I have to do during the game, picture different situations on the ice.” Her Head Coach Kayla Chilstrom adds, “She’s one of those players where, wherever she’s needed she’ll…

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….

UMD Theatre Gives Encore Performance in Fundraising Effort

"One River" Heads to Regionals

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota-Duluth theater students are being recognized for their work. The production “One River,” written and directed by UMD Professor Tom Isbell, has been selected as one of six in the region to be performed at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival at the Region V Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. The regional competition runs…

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…

29th Annual Duluth Wedding Show to Feature Nearly 150 Exhibitors

Coffee Conversation: Planning Your Special Day

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will be filled with brides and grooms as they plan their special day. The 29th Annual Duluth Wedding Show is Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be nearly 150 exhibitors to give advice and assist on the wedding day of many couples. A fashion show…

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…