Against weather odds, an ice tower rises in Superior

Roger Hanson, the “Ice Man” of Superior, Wis., has let us know that he’s started streaming live video of his ice tower along Lake Superior.

It’s just sort of standing there, which, considering the warming temperature, is a step in the right direction.

This is the second year Hanson has tried to build an ice tower in Superior. Last year’s initial effort failed colossally, also because of warm temperatures.

Hanson is trying to set a record for the largest free-standing ice sculpture in the world in time for the Superior Ice Festival, a week-long festival that starts on Saturday.

He’s having a hard time catching a break; temperatures are expected to hit the 40s on Thursday.