Author: Andrew Kirov

BoomTown Opens Only Commercial Brewery on the Iron Range

BoomTown Brewery in Hibbing Already Offers Several Beers

HIBBING, Minn. – For the first time in many years, beer is being brewed on Minnesota’s Iron Range. BoomTown WoodFire opened in Eveleth back in 2015 offering what the owners call “comfort food with a twist.” Now, there’s a new BoomTown located in Hibbing, and this one includes the only commercial brewery on the Iron Range. “I think it’s kind…

Duluthians Get ‘A Taste of France’

Zeitgeist Offers Monthly 'Spirit of Duluth' Events

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians got a taste of France tonight at Zeitgeist in Downtown Duluth. A french meal was served with gouda stuffed dates, potatoes in sauce, and chocolate mousse. After dinner, there was a screening and discussion of a French film. The curator of the event says French food isn’t about flavor, but about the dining experience. “In the…

Wisconsin Governor Candidate Stops in the Northland

Dana Wachs Is One of Many Democrats Running Against Republican Governor Scott Walker

WISCONSIN – Fifteen Democrats have announced their plans to run for Governor of Wisconsin in 2018 against Republican Incumbent Scott Walker. One of the Democratic candidates, Dana Wachs, stopped at Fox 21 on Saturday. Wachs has represented the Eau Claire area in the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2013. He says his campaign is focusing on affordable healthcare, expanding the middle…

Governor Mark Dayton Visits the Iron Range

Community Leaders Discussed Important Regional Projects with the Governor

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton was on the Iron Range Wednesday. The Governor met with community leaders about issues important to Northern Minnesota. Increasing local government aid, funding various bonding projects, and moving the Polymet project forward were some of the important issues discussed with Governor Dayton. The Range Association for Municipalities and Schools, or RAMS, held…

Duluth Teachers Nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Three Teachers from ISD 709 Were Nominated for the Statewide Award

DULUTH, Minn. – Three teachers from the Duluth School District have been nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award. Holly Bowen Bailey, Beth Kersting-Peterson, and Cindy Upton were nominated by a committee from the district. They join many other teachers nominated from across the state. The winner of the Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be entered for…

UWS Named a Top Online Bachelor’s Program

University Officials Say Their Online Graduate Enrollment Has Doubled As Well

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior was recently recognized as a top online bachelor’s program by U.S. News and World Report. Administrators tell us their online graduate enrollment has doubled in the last year. They say online programs are great for students who can’t commute to campus and for students who prefer learning in a different setting. “We are…

Lake Superior Zoo Working on New Projects

Zoo Has Begun Its Revitalization Following the 2012 Flood

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is looking ahead to some exciting new developments in 2018. The zoo is starting their revitalization. Since the flood of 2012, changes were needed. Now the zoo is moving forward with some needed projects. Their goal for this year is to raise enough money to build a new bear country exhibit where the…

Trains and Toddlers Held at the Depot

Kids Played and Learned All About Trains

DULUTH, Minn. – Preschoolers took over the Depot today for the Trains and Toddlers event. The kids listened to stories, played with train tables, and boarded the historic, real life trains all around the North Shore Scenic Railroad Museum. “It’s a nice way to come in and hang out with friends and to do something during the day that isn’t…

Sex Trafficking Vigil Held in Two Harbors

Lake County Sex Trafficking Task Force Aims to Stop Trafficking Before It Starts

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – January is Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking Awareness Month. Monday, in Two Harbors, a vigil was held honoring the victims of sex trafficking. The Lake County Sex Trafficking Task Force held their annual vigil in memory of those who lost their lives to sex exploitation and in solidarity with those who continue to be victimized. The…

Duluth City Councilors Sworn In

Newcomer is Renee Van Nett, the First Female Native American Councilor

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilors were sworn in Monday at a ceremony at City Hall. Renee Van Nett is the one newcomer to the council. She was elected to represent the fourth district, which includes the Lincoln Park neighborhood and mall area. Van Nett is the first female Native American elected to the council. “Because our culture’s holistic, it’s…

Superior Chamber Announces New President & CEO

Taylor Pedersen Named to the Position, Has Been With the Chamber Since 2013

SUPERIOR, Wis. – There’s a new permanent President and CEO of the Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce. Taylor Pedersen was named to that position on Monday. The 34-year-old Pedersen is a Superior native with experience managing various businesses around town. Pedersen tells us he doesn’t plan to change much at the Chamber, but will listen to members about new opportunities…

Storyteller Teaches Ojibwe Culture

Mike Sullivan from the LCO Reservation Tells Cultural Stories in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – An Ojibwe storyteller from the LCO reservation near Hayward told traditional stories of his people at the American Indian Community Housing Organization in Duluth. Mike Sullivan learned the tales from elders and tells them the same way they were told to him, in the Ojibwe language. Many of the traditional stories are about the half man, half…

“Anonymous” Collecting Clothing and Blankets for the Homeless

One Group Member Will Sleep Outside to Raise Homeless Awareness

DULUTH, Minn. – Freezing cold temperatures can be dangerous for thousands of homeless people across the country. In Duluth, the group “Anonymous” is collecting clothing and blanket donations for the homeless. They will make bundles with the donations and leave them around the city. One group member will be sleeping outside in Superior for a whole night next week to…

Gander Outdoors in Hermantown to Open Early This Year

CEO Announced List of Stores Opening Before Late May

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Many Gander Outdoors stores are re-opening, including the former Gander Mountain in Hermantown. The Gander Outdoors CEO gave a list of stores expected to open by the end of May. The Hermantown store was number nine of the list, meaning it should be the ninth location to open its doors. This is a list that we feel…

Local Business Mining Cryptocurrency

Market Is Volatile, But Money Can Be Made from Digital Currency

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – There has been a lot of talk about bitcoin and other cryptocurrency recently. Now, there’s a business in the Northland where that currency is mined and released into the market. One of the owners says his business can be very profitable after an investment in computer hardware is made. “Duluth is an excellent place to mine cryptocurrency…

Police Chief Tusken Talks to East Hillside Residents

Potluck Was the Cheif's First Community Engagement Event of 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Police Chief Mike Tusken is starting off the new year talking to East Hillside residents. This was the third annual “Chillin’ With the Chief” potluck at the East Hillside Community Club. It was Chief Tusken’s first community engagement event of 2018. At the potluck, residents could talk with the chief and other Duluth police officers in a…

Cold Roadways Could Be More Dangerous Than They Look

MnDOT Officials Warn that Road Salt Doesn't Melt Snow and Ice in Extreme Cold

DULUTH, Minn. – MnDOT officials are saying just because roadways look clear of ice and snow, they may be more dangerous than they appear. When temperatures drop below fifteen degrees, salt stops being effective in melting snow. In colder conditions, MnDOT mostly relies on sand to provide traction on icy roads. They also use potassium acetate on bridges, tunnels, and…

Bayfront Ice Rink Open for the Season

Rink is Open as Long as Winter Is Here

DULUTH, Minn. – The ice rink and community playground in Duluth’s Bayfront Park is now open for the season. Skaters can bring their own gear or rent skates, sleds, and snow shoes from the park pavilion. “It’s great exercise, it is fun, it’s challenging and adventurous but it is also what Minnesota is all about,” said Pamela Page, recreation specialist…

Firefighter Discusses Cold Weather Concerns

Extra Precautions Are Taken When Fighting Fires in the Cold

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Sub zero temperatures can be dangerous for anyone outside for very long. Firefighters have to do their job in all kinds of extreme conditions including dangerously cold weather. They recommend not going outside unless you need to and wearing as many layers as possible. The Superior Fire Department takes extra precautions when battling flames in the cold….

Christmas Movie Trivia Night

Silos Restaurant Guests Competed for Prizes by Answering Movie Questions

DULUTH, Minn. – Silos Restaurant at Pier B Resort hosted a Christmas movie trivia night for all their guests. While competing in the game, players were asked multiple choice questions about classic Christmas movies. They wrote their answers on score cards and competed for prizes. “In the movie ‘A Christmas Story’ did the mother of Ralphie give Ralphie’s dad a…

Open Restaurants Are Busy on Christmas

Cloud 9 Asian Bistro Says It's One of Their Busiest Days

DULUTH, Minn. – There aren’t very many businesses open on Christmas day, but some of the restaurants that are open say they have been very busy on the holiday. Cloud 9 Asian Bistro in Canal Park is serving up sushi, hibachi, and other specials all day. They say Christmas is one of their busiest nights of the year. “The last…

Duluth Firefighters Celebrate Christmas at Their Station

They Made a Holiday Meal and Ate Together as a Family

DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of people in the Northland were working this Christmas including police and fire departments across the region. Duluth firefighters say Christmas is just another day on the job for them. They still have work to do and calls to respond to, but that didn’t stop them from sitting down together to eat Christmas dinner. At…

Grinch Snow Sculpture on 21st Avenue East in Duluth

Sculpture Is At The Home of School Board Member Harry Welty

DULUTH, Minn. – A snow sculpture of the Grinch and his dog Max can be seen at the corner of 21st Avenue East and East Fourth Street in Duluth. There is also a sign that says “Keep Whoville Great Again.” The creation is at the house of outgoing Duluth School Board member Harry Welty. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest…

VFW Christmas Dinner Spreads Holiday Cheer

Dinner Provides Event For People Who Can't Be With Family on the Holiday

DULUTH, Minn. – Across the Northland, families are spending time together to celebrate Christmas Eve, but some families can’t be together on the holiday. The VFW in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood provided a free Christmas Eve dinner, open to everyone who would otherwise be alone on the holiday. For more than three decades, the VFW Post 137 has served Christmas…

UWS Faculty Passes Vote of No Confidence in Administration

Faculty Members Want the University to Include More Voices in Decision Making Process

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Friday night, the University of Wisconsin-Superior faculty passed a vote of no confidence in the University’s administration. About fifty-nine percent of the faculty voted for the no confidence resolution. The vote was taken in response to the administration’s October decision to suspend twenty-five academic programs. Faculty voting for the resolution hope it encourages administrators to re-visit their…

Person Who Died in Gilbert Shooting Identified

Jeffrey John Golnick, 40, of Chaska, died of gunshot injuries

GILBERT, Minn. – The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the person who died during an officer involved shooting incident on Friday, December 22, in the city of Gilbert. Jeffrey John Golnick, 40, of Chaska, died of gunshot injuries. Additional information, including the names of officers who discharged their weapons, will be available once initial interviews with the officers and any…

Santa Hands Out Gifts at Benedictine Health Center

Residents and Pre-Schoolers Received the Presents

DULUTH, Minn. – Santa Claus was in town today giving out presents at the Benedictine Health Center. Santa’s presents went to the residents of the center and a class of pre-school kids there. While he’s in Duluth, Santa said that Mrs. Claus is in charge of the North Pole as the elves work on packing his sleigh for Christmas. “You…

Christmas Lighting Challenge Winners Announced

Duluth, Superior, Two Harbors, and Cloquet All Had a "Best Home" and "Best Business" Winners

DULUTH, Minn. – The winners were announced at Bentleyville for the Christmas Lighting Challenge Contest. Duluth, Superior, Cloquet, and Two Harbors each had a “Best Home” and “Best Business” winner. Families voted online for their favorite display after using a map to find more than eighty registered properties. The contest was a lot of fun for Christmas lovers to compete…

Duluth School District Makes Cuts to Budget

The District Cut More Than $1.5 Million; a $409,500 Deficit Remains

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District had a $2 million deficit going into the next fiscal year. Tuesday night, they made a decision about where to cut. The reductions make $1.59 million in cuts to the district’s budget. ISD 709 will carry a deficit into next year of $409,500. Layoffs are not part of the budget cuts at this…

‘Habitat for Humanity’ Decorates Tree for Superior Family

The Tree Will Help Celebrate Their First Christmas in Their New Home

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A family was recently able to purchase a home through Habitat for Humanity. They’re expected to move in before the end of the year. Tuesday, volunteers came to their new home on Weeks Avenue to help the VanHolbeck family deck the halls for the holidays by decorating their Christmas tree. “This is a big deal. It’s their…

“Make Every Child Smile” Toy Drive Giving Out Presents

Toys Will Be Available at the Iron Mug in Morgan Park on Thursday from 3-6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The “Make Every Child Smile” toy drive will be giving out presents this Thursday, December 21st. The toys will be available from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Iron Mug in Morgan Park. Families can grab a present or two for their kids and wrap them right at the location. Organizers say it’s another option for families…

This Year’s Salvation Army Seasonal Campaigns Will Soon Be Over

Super One Foods Will Match Up to $50,000 for Red Kettle Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. – Only six days left for this season’s Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive. Super One Foods is helping by agreeing to match up to $50,000. The match will happen at thirteen Super One Locations in Duluth, Superior, Two Harbors, Cloquet and the Iron Range. Salvation Army officials say the match will go a long way in helping them…

Christmas City Express Train Ride Closes Its Season

According to Train Museum Officials, About 1,000 Passengers Rode Each Week

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Railroad Museum just had the final night of their holiday train ride. At the event, families watch a performance of the “Christmas City Express” story acted out by the authors and Santa Claus. Then, they board a decorated train and ride it from the Depot to Fitger’s and back, passing Bentleyville along the way….

Handmade Holiday Market on Display in Lincoln Park

More Than 30 Artisans Showed Off Their Unique Products

DULUTH, Minn. – The Handmade Holiday Market in Lincoln Park was the place to shop local for the holidays on Saturday. More than thirty vendors showcased their creations at the Duluth Folk School and Duluth Pottery. Shoppers could find anything from porcupine earrings to locally brewed coffee. “A month ago, we didn’t even know we were doing this and somebody…

‘Feminism’ is Word of the Year

A UMD Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Professor Shares Her Thoughts About Feminism

FROM WIKIPEDIA DULUTH, Minn. – The Merriam-Webster Dictionary word of the year is “Feminism.” Merriam-Webster said it was the most looked up word in their online dictionary this year and got seventy percent more searches than last year. The word’s popularity spiked after the Women’s March in Washington in January and “feminism” remained the most searched word through the fall…

St. Louis River Alliance Holds Open House

Guests Could Meet Project Coordinators and See Winning Pictures from a Photo Contest

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The St. Louis River Alliance showcased the progress being made in the river’s area of concern and announced the winners of their photo contest. At the event at Barker’s Island, guests could meet the project coordinators from the Minnesota and Wisconsin DNR. They could also take a look at the winning photos from the “Seasons of St….

Glass Christmas Tree Ornaments Blown in Superior

Shannon's Stained Glassery on Tower Avenue Offered the Class

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Blown glass Christmas tree ornaments were being made on Tuesday night in Superior. The class was at Shannon’s Stained Glassery on Tower Avenue in South Superior. It gave people the chance to design and blow their very own ornaments. Classes happen often at Shannon’s that teach the community how to make various creations. “You get to bring…

Expert Offers Tips on Winter Skin Care

Cold, Dry Air Can Be Tough on Skin

DULUTH, Minn. – Winter in the Northland can be hard on your skin because of the cold, dry air causing inflammation. Staff at one local spa in Duluth have a few tips for keeping your skin healthy. They say never sleep with make-up and always use oil based moisturizer because water based products can freeze and cause problems. They say…

Superior High School Students Hold Discussion About Concussions

Kaleb Ullan Got Two Concussions Playing Hockey Last Year and Wanted to Teach Facts to the Community

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Over the last few years, we’ve all heard a lot about the effects concussions can have on athletes. Two Superior High School students looked into the information and on Monday, they presented a community discussion about concussions. Kaleb Ullan was diagnosed with two concussions while playing hockey last season. This year, he and his friend Blake Hanson…

Duluthians Experience African American Culture at “Black Is”

Event Is The Latest "Taste of Duluth" Program at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians had a special chance to experience African American culture on Monday night at this month’s “Taste of Duluth” program at Zeitgeist. Monday’s event was called “Black Is.” Guests watched the film “I Am Not Your Negro” and enjoyed cultural food made with Duluth NAACP President Stephan Witherspoon’s family recipe. “We have oven baked mac and cheese,…

Community Action Duluth Looking for Tax Preparation Volunteers

Volunteers Will Be Trained Before Tax Prep Begins

DULUTH, Minn. – Community Action Duluth is looking for volunteers to help prepare returns this tax season. Volunteers are from all walks of life and can be any age from college students to retirees. Training will be provided to everyone. The organization will begin preparing taxes on January 27th. They say last year’s volunteers made a big difference in the…

Wrenshall Students Learn How to Be a Photojournalist

Star Student Program Allows a Student to Bring a Guest Each Week

WRENSHALL, Minn. – A group of twenty-one students at Wrenshall Elementary School got to see what it’s like to be a photojournalist at Fox 21. Our own photojournalist Adam Jagunich was invited to talk to the class as part of their Star Student Program, where each week a different student is able to invite an adult into class and tell…

New Coffee Shop Coming to Superior

Empire Coffee Will Offer Coffee Brewhouse Atmosphere on Tower Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new coffee brewhouse is coming to Tower Avenue in Superior. Empire Coffee will give customers the chance to try different kinds of roasts from a variety of local roasters like Duluth Coffee Company and Big Water Coffee in Bayfield. The owners just got funding secured to build their shop in the historic Empire Block located at…

4-H Kids Do Chemistry Experiments at UWS

Discovery 4-H Club Focuses on Science and Math Career Preparation

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Kids in a new 4-H program did science experiments with college students in Superior. In the Discovery 4-H Club, kids can have traditional 4-H experiences and learn more about science and math. On Tuesday, they made slime and glow in the dark projects alongside UWS chemistry faculty and students. “You don’t necessarily get the opportunity to see…

Christmas Trees Lit at St. Scholastica

Annual Advent Vespers Ceremony Held at Monastery

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas season officially started at the College of Saint Scholastica on Tuesday. College students and staff lit the Christmas trees outside Tower Hall. Before that, they got together with the sisters of the Saint Scholastica Monastery to celebrate the beginning of advent at the annual Advent Vespers Ceremony. “It’s a really good way for all of us…

Duluth City Council Passes Mayor’s Budget Proposal

Budget Includes $2 Million in Cuts to City Spending

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has passed Mayor Emily Larson’s controversial 2018 budget proposal. The budget includes a $1 million increase to the street maintenance fund, a slight property tax increase, and about $2 million in cuts to city spending. City Council President Joel Sipress tells us the cuts mean a “significant” reduction to city staff, including the…

MnDOT Reminds Northlanders to Prepare for Winter Conditions

They Warn to Keep Up to Date with Weather Conditions and Check Tire Tread

DULUTH, Minn. – According to MnDOT officials, many of their ninety-one plows in Northeastern Minnesota are out and ready to begin clearing roadways. This year, they’re doing something different: using a more expensive but faster acting compound called potassium acidate bridges and tunnels. Plowing started during the afternoon hours in the International Falls area and is expected to continue throughout…

Families Shop at Christmas Market in Superior

Eighth Annual Event Features Local Vendors

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Families shopped local for the holidays at the Christmas Market in Superior this weekend. The eighth annual event is in the community gardens at the corner of Hammond and Broadway. People can buy everything from arts and crafts to pet grooming supplies. The event organizer says she missed the Christmas markets in her native Germany, so she…