Author: Andrew Kirov

Superior Elementary Parents Learn School District’s Emergency Procedures

Parents Learned How They Can Help Districts Prepare for Potential Violent Incidents

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A parent’s worst nightmare is an emergency at their kids’ school. Wednesday, parents at Superior Elementary Schools learned about the district’s plans for preventing violence and how they can help. Over the last year, the Superior School District has added new security measures and installed buzzer systems at the front doors of all their schools, and they’ve…

Gov. Dayton Asking to Extend Pre-K Funding for Years to Come

Republicans Believe a Funding Decision Should Wait Until a New Governor is Elected

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton wants to ensure that the state keeps providing preschool programs after he leaves office, but republicans are pushing back. Last year, he got lawmakers to boost up founding to voluntary pre-school by $50 million, but that money will lapse in 2019. Now Dayton is asking legislators to extend that funding for years to…

‘Fences’ to Star First All-African American Cast on Northland Stage

Lake Superior Community Theatre to Perform Play in Duluth, Two Harbors, and Silver Bay

DULUTH, Minn. – A play opening tomorrow in Duluth stars the region’s first all-African American cast. August Wilson’s ‘Fences’ tells the story of an African-American family in Pittsburgh in the late 1950s. Lake Superior Community Theatre Director Paul Deaner was inspired by the movie version that came out in 2016 and thought the time was now to bring the language…

Earned Sick and Safe Time Ordinance Debate Continues

Business Leaders Share Opinions and Counselors Consider Amendments

DULUTH, Minn. – Discussion continues about the proposed Duluth earned sick and safe time ordinance that would mandate businesses to provide earned time off to employees. After hearing people speak for about two hours, the Duluth City Council discussed possible amendments to the ordinance. One amendment included rollover of safe and sick time from one calendar year to another, how…

Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center Opens in Minong

Long Awaited Community Center Has a Pool, Fitness Center, and Gymnasium

MINONG, Wis. – The long-awaited Jack Link’s Aquatic and Activity Center is now open. After more than a year of construction and anticipation, the center opened its doors to the public this weekend. So far, guests have been streaming in, taking tours, and signing up for memberships. “This morning at nine o’clock when I came in to open the doors,…

8th Congressional District Candidates Share the Stage

The College of St. Scholastica Hosted the Fourm Featuring All Seven Candidates

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time, all seven candidates for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional seat hit the stage for a public forum. The event was held at the College of St. Scholastica and by the student senate there. The forum consisted of pre-written questions followed by questions from the audience. “Often times, you never know what a candidate really stands…

Lake Superior College Foundation Gives More Than $100,000 in Scholarships

Foundation Leaders Say It's The Most They've Ever Given

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at Lake Superior College were awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships Wednesday. 78 students received scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500. Students were presented with their awards at a reception where they could thank the foundation donors. “I don’t know these people, those people don’t know me but they are helping me and a lot so…

Duluthians Learn the Irish Language

Weekly Class at Carmody Irish Brew Pub Offers Cultural and Language Experience

DULUTH, Minn. – Every Wednesday, Duluthians are learning the Irish language at a free class at Carmody Irish Brew Pub on Superior Street. The class aims to keep the Gaelic language thriving and allows people to experience Irish pride on another level. “This is a chance to go above and beyond just the wearing of green and the shamrocks and…

St. Ann’s Senior Residence Seeking Tax Exempt Status

Bill Proposed in Minnesota Would Exempt Non-Profit from $82,000 Per Year in Property Taxes

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Ann’s Residence is a non-profit organization that has provided housing to seniors since 1963 at their location on Third Street in Downtown Duluth. But since the 1980s, the residence has been forced to pay property taxes unlike other healthcare non-profits. A bill has now been proposed in Minnesota that would make St. Ann’s tax exempt. Non-profit…

Duluth Folk School Part of Lincoln Park Revitalization

More Offerings Coming Soon, as Folk School Continues to Expand

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a lot of excitement in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District as local businesses continue to revitalize the area. Bryan French, the Director of the Duluth Folk School, says the atmosphere in Lincoln Park is vibrant and alive. His renovations continue as more and more is being offered at the folk school. Tuesday, a newspaper weaving class…

Laughter Yoga Class Offers Fun and Healthy Experience

Instructors Say Voluntary Laughter Has the Same Health Benefits as Spontaneous Laughter

DULUTH, Minn. – Laughter yoga is offered throughout Duluth as part of the St. Luke’s Community Well Being Series. The practice involves exercise mixed with voluntary laughter, which instructors say has the same health benefits as spontaneous laughter. “It’s not like poses or anything, it’s exercises that are silliness and fun,” said Sue Brewer, a certified laughter yoga leader. “Adults…

Despite Chains Closing, Some Local Toy Stores Continue to Expand

Legacy Toys Has Stores in Ely, Duluth, and Fargo and Looking to Open More

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Toys-R-Us stores are closing across the country as the retail giant files for bankruptcy, but some local toy stores continue to expand. Legacy Toys has stores in Ely and at Duluth’s Miller Hill Mall, and they just opened a new store in Fargo. With national chains closing, they hope they can fill the void in the…

Bikers Prepare for Upcoming Motorcycle Season

Riders are Getting Bikes Fixed; Excited to Ride This Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – Motorcycle season is fast approaching. Local bike repair shops say they’re packed with customers getting their motorcycles ready for the warm weather. Because Northland summers are so short, bikers take advantage of every day they can get out on the open road. “You’ve only got so many months to go and people need to take advantage of…

Forum on Opioids Held at South Ridge School

Attendees Learned How to Administer Narcan and Could Dispose of Unused Prescriptions

CULVER, Minn. – St. Louis County officials are continuing to battle the opioid epidemic in this region. At a program at South Ridge School in Culver, people learned how to administer Narcan to an overdose victim. They could also give unused prescription drugs to St. Louis County Sheriff deputies for them to be disposed. Speakers said opioid addiction affects everybody…

St. Ann’s Residence Hosts Rummage, Bake Sale

Duluth Senior Residence Hopes to Raise $5,000 to $7,000

DULUTH, Minn. – Bargain hunters can check out a rummage sale and bake sale this weekend at St. Ann’s Senior Residence on Third Avenue East in Duluth. 200 to 400 shoppers attend the sale every year. It raises $5,000 to $7,000 annually for the facility. Items are donated by community partners and residents who also shop for great deals. “It’s…

Cloquet Area Home, Business, and Sports Show Offers Something for Everyone

Annual Show Features Companies of All Kinds and Activities for Families

CARLTON, Minn. – There’s something for everyone this weekend at the Cloquet Area Home, Business, and Sports Show at Black Bear Casino. About 140 companies are showing off their products. Guests can watch performances, browse through boats and trailers, and check out the craft fair. “I think it’s good for the Cloquet area because we get all of the businesses…

St. Urho Day Celebrated in Cloquet

Carlton County Historical Society Also Honored Finnish Families Who Survived 1918 Fires

CLOQUET, Minn. – March 16th is Saint Urho Day. The holiday was invented in Virginia, Minnesota to celebrate the fictional Finnish Saint Urho. According to the legend, Saint Urho chased the grasshopper out of Finland to save the grape crop. Every year, fins honor their patron saint at the Carlton County Historical Society. Olli Rahkola, a “true Finn” said “Grasshopper,…

Shannon Miller Awarded $3.74 Million in Discrimination Lawsuit Against UMD

Former UMD Women's Hockey Coach Declares Her Win a Victory for Women

DULUTH, Minn. – Victory for former UMD Women’s Hockey Coach Shannon Miller. She has won her federal case after she claimed in a lawsuit that her contract with the school was not renewed back in 2015 due to her gender and because she made complaints about equal treatment. After deliberating for about four hours, the jury awarded Miller about $3.7…

Lake Superior Zoo to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Zoo Offering Family Friendly Event on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Looking for a family friendly St. Paddy’s Day? The Lake Superior Zoo has you covered. There’s a lucky leprechaun hunt all over the grounds and shamrock-themed items in the cafe. Keeper talks will be offered throughout the zoo including a special lion training session. “We really wanted to bring a family friendly event so that people can…

UMD Students Win Second Place in Clean Snowmobile Design Challenge

Students Created a Snowmobile That Runs Cleaner and Quieter Than Traditional Sleds

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students recently got second place out of fifteen teams in a clean snowmobile design challenge. They showed off their prize-winning sled today and a diesel-powered snowmobile made by another UMD team. Students from different departments came together to fundraise, design, and build the quieter, more efficient machine. “It’s gaining real world experience hands on outside of…

Shannon Miller Discusses Her Victory in Lawsuit vs UMD

Miller Shared Her Feelings After the Case and What's Next for Her

DULUTH, Minn – Former UMD women’s hockey coach Shannon Miller won an anti-discrimination federal lawsuit against the University of Minnesota on Thursday. The jury — made up of eight women and four men —  awarded Miller $3.74 million for sex discrimination and retaliation by UMD. Miller shared her thoughts after the trial with FOX 21 and what’s next for her…

Free Lenten Organ Recitals Happening Around Duluth

Every Wednesday, a 30 Minute Performance Helps Raise Money for an Organ Scholarship Fund

DULUTH, Minn. – Churches around Duluth are offering free organ recitals during lent. Performances happen between 12:15 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. every Wednesday. Donations are accepted at each recital to benefit an organ scholarship fund to help students learn the instrument. “The organ is the closest thing I can get playing a solo instrument, maybe playing a flute or being…

New Virginia Public Safety Building Closer to Becoming a Reality

Officials Are Asking for $2 million to $14 million in State Bonding Money to Move Forward

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A proposed new public safety building in Virginia is closer to becoming a reality. Renderings of the new facility have been released. The 50,000 square foot building would house the city’s police and fire departments in the same place along the Second Avenue corridor. Virginia leaders are now asking for between $2 million and $14 million in…

“The Harbinger” Movie to Be Shot in Chisholm

$2 Million Film to Bring More Than 100 Jobs to the Iron Range

CHISHOLM, Minn. – “I found out that Chisholm Minnesota in the movie Field of Dreams was actually shot in Illinois,” said Director/Writer Will Klipstine. “I was like even that wasn’t shot in Chisholm, we’ve got to change that.” A movie is being made on the Iron Range. “The Harbinger” will start shooting next month at Ironbound Studios in the basement of…

New Performing Arts Center Could Come to Two Harbors

Organizers Have Fundraising Commitments of About $1 Million to Replace City's Bandshell

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A new performing arts center could soon be coming to downtown Two Harbors. The city’s bandshell has hosted performances since the 1930s, but it will soon reach the end of its useful life. The new center could cost close to $4 million. It will have an outdoor concert area plus indoor rooms for rehearsals and community…

NorShore Clothing Co. Highlights Northern Minnesota

Two Harbors Company Launched Last September

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – NorShore Clothing Company, a new Two Harbors-based business, is selling products unique to the Northland. The company’s logo features an outline of Lake Superior underneath a treeline silhouette. Hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts are available now.  More products will be sold soon that highlight other local landmarks. “The Lift Bridge is going to be eventually incorporated in…

Twin Ports Area Receives “C” on Infrastructure Report Card

Aviation and Bridges Receive "B-"; Drinking Water Gets "D"

DULUTH, Minn. – Twin Ports area infrastructure has gotten a “mediocre” rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The group released their infrastructure report card for the region Monday. The Twin Ports Area earned a “C” GPA on their infrastructure report card. That’s better than the “D+” national average, but local leaders want to see improvements made. “We all…

Robotics Competition Takes Over the DECC

First-Ever Swedish Team Competes in Northern Lights Regional

DULUTH, Minn. –  The First Robotics Regional high school competitions are happening at the DECC in Duluth. This year, the tournaments had some international flare. Robots zip across the floor of the DECC Arena, competing in a new game unique to this season. “You get three teams to go together and cooperate to get cubes on a scale,” explains Mikael Wedham,…

Largest Heroin Bust in Region’s History Announced in Duluth

At Least 32 People Charged and Nearly a Million Dollars of Heroin Taken Out of Circulation

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are celebrating the region’s largest heroin bust ever. Twelve people have been charged in a forty-six count federal indictment and twenty more have been arrested for state crimes. Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force members hope their first major heroin bust sends a message to drug dealers…

Psychotherapist Discusses Social Media Impacts on Kids

Both Positive and Negative Consequences Can Effect Kids

DULUTH, Minn. – A local psychotherapist from the Arrowhead Psychological Clinic discussed how kids’ health can be impacted by spending a lot of time on social media websites. She told us social media can help kids communicate and get information but it can cause isolation and cyber-bullying. She says it can also bring school shootings and other violent events closer…

11-Year-Old Girl in Custody After Cloquet School Threat

Cloquet Police Say There Is No Concern About School Safety Following Investigation

CLOQUET, Minn. – An eleven year old girl is in police custody after she made a threat of violence referencing Cloquet Middle School and High School. Cloquet Police say all is safe at the school following their investigation Wednesday morning. Late Tuesday night, Cloquet Police were made aware of a social media post containing a violent threat to Cloquet schools….

Superior Chamber Helps H.S. Students With Public Speaking Skills

The Workshop Is Part Of The Chamber's Youth Leadership Program

SUPERIOR, Wis. – More than 50 students got some training from the Superior-Douglas County Chamber on how to loosen up and feel more comfortable in their own skin. Instructors say it’s important for today’s youth to stand out to employers and colleges with their public speaking skills. “The biggest rewarding thing for me is just having them know more about…

Kids Learn American Sign Language

Classes Offered Every Tuesday at Little Neetchers in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids in Duluth are communicating in a new way with American Sign Language. The weekly sign and play classes at Little Neetchers on Grand avenue teaches kids to sign along with music and activities. The instructor says it’s a great way for kids to learn communication skills before they learn to talk. “Language development as far as…

Shannon Miller vs UMD Discrimination Trial Begins

Trial Is Expected Conclude Wednesday, March 14th

DULUTH, Minn. – The discrimination trial between former women’s hockey coach Shannon Miller and the University of Minnesota-Duluth started Tuesday. The trial begins after discrimination cases filed by two other former UMD coaches against the school were recently thrown out. Both sides made their opening arguments to the jury Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Downtown Duluth. Shannon Miller’s attorney…

Two Harbors Principal Talks Ways To Avoid School Violence

Principal Jay Belcastro Believes Building Relationships with Students Is Key

DULUTH, Minn. – Area high schools are paying close attention to how threats are handled in other school districts, like at Duluth Denfeld where a student there threatened to shoot up the school Monday and later said he was just “messing around.” Two Harbors High School principal Jay Belcastro believes the best way for schools to prevent threats and violent…

Threat at Denfeld High School Could Mean Consequences for Student

Police Do Not Believe There's Any Remaining Threat at Denfeld

DULUTH, Minn. – A student has been identified in connection to a threat of a shooting at Duluth’s Denfeld High School. Classes were not cancelled Monday. Police and the school district felt there was no intent to carry out the threat. On Friday, a Denfeld High School student was overheard by another student talking about shooting up the school. It…

T & M Athletics to Close After 39 Years

Sporting Goods Store Has Been a Staple of the Willow River Community

WILLOW RIVER, Minn. – T & M Athletics is going out of business after thirty-nine years. The family owned store has been a staple of the Willow River Community since 1979 but on April 21st will close its doors for good. “Very happy that it’s coming to an end but I guess sad in a way that it is,” said…

Safe Haven Celebrates 40 Years Helping Domestic Violence Victims

Advocates Say There's Still Much Work to Be Done in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center in Duluth has helped victims of domestic violence for the last forty years. It was the first organization of its kind in Duluth and their work continues today. Safe Haven helps hundreds of victims every year, assisting them through crises and providing support for as long as they need it. The…

Students Find Careers at Head of the Lakes Job

UW-Superior Hosted Annual Spring Job and Internship Fair

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some hot careers for recent college grads are data and financial analysts. Companies from across the region are hiring for those and many other positions. College students met with employers at the Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair today at UW-Superior. More than a hundred companies showcased their latest openings. “Our students need an opportunity…

Adopt a Hydrant Program Offered in Duluth

Resident Can Shovel or Mow Around Hydrants to Help Out Fire Department

DULUTH, Minn. – Homeowners in Duluth can now adopt a fire hydrant in the city to help fire fighters access hydrants in case of a fire. Adopters will maintain their hydrants by cutting grass around it in the summer and shoveling snow around it in the winter. The clear hydrants can cut down on Fire Department response time. “You could…

School Bus Driver Appreciation Day in Minnesota

Students at Duluth Edison Charter School Raleigh Academy Celebrated

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is school bus driver appreciation day in Minnesota. Students at the Duluth Edison Charter School Raleigh Academy are going the extra mile for their favorite bus drivers. Classrooms are making posters, thank you cards, and treat jars for their drivers who work hard every day. “The drivers really do a great job of getting them home…

Local Gun Stores to Keep Selling Modern Sporting Rifles

Other Local Groups Focused on Regulating Unlicensed Gun Sellers

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Dicks’ Sporting Goods decision to stop selling what they’re calling “assault style rifles” is getting a lot of attention, including from other stores in our area that do sell those types of guns. One store in Superior tell us they won’t be following in Dicks’ footsteps, it’s a choice they feel strongly about. Superior Shooter’s Supply carries…

Construct Tomorrow Gives Students Hands-On Career Guidance

More Than 1,000 Students Expected at the Two Day Event at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Area students have the opportunity to learn all about construction and trades careers at the Construct Tomorrow job fair at the DECC in Duluth. More than a thousand high school students from across the Northland are getting a hands-on look at sixteen kinds of in-demand careers. Students are hammering, brick laying, and climbing with local professionals at…

UWS Administrators’ Emails About Program Cuts Released

AFT Wisconsin Union Says Emails Prove Administration Broke Rules

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The AFT Wisconsin Workers Union has released emails which they say prove UW-Superior Administration knowingly broke rules when they suspended twenty-five academic programs last October. The union, which some UWS faculty members are a part of, made an open records request for the emails as part of a lawsuit they were considering. They will not follow through…

Some Duluth Streets Still Not Plowed After Latest Winter Storms

City Reminds Drivers of Alternate Side Parking to Accommodate Plows

DULUTH, Minn. – Two days after the latest snow storm some streets in Duluth still haven’t been plowed. Major thoroughfares and what the city calls “Snow Emergency Routes” have been clear of snow for quite some time, but a lot of streets in Central Hillside and other neighborhoods are still piled high with Saturday night’s snowfall. The city is hoping…

Veterans Court Now Offered in Duluth

St. Louis County Courthouse Will Offer First Veterans Court in Region

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time ever, there’s now a veterans court at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth. It has been operating informally since 2014 but now it joins about three-hundred others across the country as an official veterans court. It’s expected to help veterans by addressing underlying reasons why they’re in the criminal justice system. “Most…

Natives Against Heroin Opens Sweat Lodge for Healing in Duluth

Group Is Working to Help Addicts with Native Traditions

DULUTH, Minn. – Natives Against Heroin has opened their first sweat lodge for healing in Duluth. Group members say too many Duluthians have died of opioid overdoses, so they’re working with local police and fire departments to help addicts. Sweat lodges are traditional healing places and Natives Against Heroin think it’s time to rely on their culture to save lives….

‘Children of the Holocaust’ Playing at UW-Superior

Original Play by Kathy Laakso Teaches the Horrors of the Holocaust

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An original play about the horrors of the holocaust is being performed at UW-Superior. “Children of the Holocaust” was written and directed by Northland native Kathy Laakso. The forty-minute show tells the true stories of various people affected by the 1940s genocide in Europe. Wednesday, Superior High School students were able to watch a special showing of…

Stuffed Animals Sleep Over at Duluth Public Library

A Slideshow of the Toys' Adventures Was Shown to Their Owners

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library had a sleepover on Tuesday night for stuffed animals. Kids brought in their favorite toys and the stuffed animals spent the whole night in the library reading stories, riding the book drop slide, and playing games. Kids picked up their stuffed animals today and watched a slide show of all the fun they…

Minnesota Power Rate Increase Approaching

MN Power Says Increase Not Because of New Power Plant

DULUTH, Minn. – A new natural gas power plant is coming to Superior. According to a statewide group, most Minnesota Power customers oppose the new plant because of its cost. But Minnesota Power officials tell us their proposed rate increase is not because of the plant. The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota surveyed more than five-hundred Minnesota Power Customers. They…