Carlton apartment building destroyed

Two women arrested

December 13 - Firefighters from eleven departments from Carlton and St. Louis counties battled an apartment building fire in downtown Carlton.  The fire at 221 Chestnut Street was reported around 3:10 a.m. and left 13 people homeless. The blaze reportedly began as a grease fire on a stove in an upstairs apartment.  The Thorman Apartment Building, which is attached to the Third Base Bar, was listed as a total loss.  The bar sustained major smoke and water damage, which could be as much as $100,000.  Two women, one of whom lived in the building, were arrested.  49 year old Lois Smith is charged with negligent fire, a felony.  The Carlton County Attorney's Office was still determining if charges would be filed against the other woman. There were no injuries.  Information courtesy of WDIO-TV, Duluth News Tribune and the Pine Journal.