Author: Andrew Kirov

‘Tree of Lights’ Ceremony Helps Grieving Families

Essentia Health's Annual Ceremony Is a Fundraiser for Grief Support Services

DULUTH, Minn. – A ceremony at Essentia Health helps grieving families get through the holiday season. The holidays can be difficult for families experiencing the loss of a loved one. At Essentia Health’s Tree of Lights Ceremony, people experiencing grief come together to connect with others going through the same emotions. At the ceremony, families remember, honor and thank special…

Get It Local Fair a Chance to Shop Small

Annual Gift Fair Had More Than 35 Twin Ports Vendors

DULUTH, Minn. – Families had another chance to shop small this holiday season at the Get It Local Fair in Duluth. The fair had more than thirty-five vendors selling locally made gifts and artwork. About three hundred people filtered through the Peace United Church of Christ finding hand made crafts and meeting the artists. “It’s such an opportunity this time…

Christmas Tree Sales Booming

Families Using the Nice Weather to Buy Trees

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas tree sales are booming at the Duluth Farmers Market. Family owned Hoffbauer Farms say tree sales are on par with last year. They say when the weather is nice, a lot more families come in. Most get traditional Balsam or Douglas Fir trees, but some designer trees are popular this year too. “Right behind me we…

Red Cross Sending Holiday Cards to Service Members

Volunteers Are Bundling 15,000 Cards for Local Veterans and Military Personnel

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers are bundling thousands of holiday cards written to local military service members and veterans. The American Red Cross of Northern Minnesota sent out about 15,000 holiday cards in their “Cards for Heroes” program last year. They hope to match that number this holiday season. Volunteers are busy sorting and making bundles of three to five cards…

KD’s Family Restaurant to Open New Location in Superior

New KD's Will Be on Tower Avenue and 17th Street at the Former Cenex Location

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is getting ready to welcome in a new family friendly restaurant that’s nothing new to the people of Solon Springs. It’s called KD’s Restaurant and it’s expanding on Tower Avenue in place of a shut down gas station. KD’s Family Restaurant has been a staple of Solon Springs since 1994 and now their…

Duluthians Weigh In on How City Should Spend Federal Funds

$2.8 Million Will Go to Help Low and Moderate Income People in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians gave their input as to how the city should spend $2.8 million in federal funding to help low and moderate income people. The Community Development Committee got more than sixty written and verbal comments as to how the money should be spent. The suggestions ranged from increased funding to low income housing, to the Keen Creek…

‘Hunger Heroes’ Program Aims to End Hunger in the Northland

North Shore Federal Credit Union Hopes to Raise More Than $40,000 This Year

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – For as little as a dollar a month, a local credit union has organized a drive to get their members to help eliminate hunger right here in the Northland. North Shore Federal Credit Union started an initiative last year called ‘Hunger Heroes.’ It’s an effort to raise money to combat hunger in Lake and Cook Counties…

Wisconsin Kids Hunt for the First Time

Meet Two Young Hunters Who Were Successful Their First Year

BRULE, Wis. – For the first time this year, kids under the age of ten could hunt in Wisconsin. The Mentored Hunting Program gives kids the chance to try hunting while being closely supervised by an adult. Lauryn Vee is eight years old. She experienced hunting for the first time this year with her dad. “Daddy said that I’ve been…

Great Outdoors: Dog Parks

A New Dog Park Opened Tuesday in Gary-New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a new dog park at the Gary-New Duluth Community Center. There are now four dog parks across Duluth. “Not everybody wants to walk five miles, not everybody wants to walk around the block, but they love coming to the dog park and hanging out and meeting other people and then watching the dogs’ interaction, it’s a…

Earth Rider Beers Available Now

Superior's First Distribution Brewer Since the 1960s Celebrates Launch

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The beers are ready at Superior’s first distribution brewery since the 1960s. Earth Rider Brewery has five beers available now: The Apple Crush Tart, the North Tower Stout, a pale ale, an IPA, and the Earth Rider Lager. They’re celebrating their launch with all five beers on tap at the Cedar Lounge in Superior. “We really want…

Northlanders Stocking Up on Holiday Wreaths

Duluth Flower Farm Is Supplying Retailers With Wreaths

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northlanders are stocking up on their holiday decorations, including Christmas trees and wreaths. Duluth Flower Farm has been filling orders all over the country from retailers looking for wreaths. They say hanging a wreath is a great way to say you’re ready for the holidays. “Wreath is a signal of hope and I think the smell is…

Duluthians on Olympic Curling Team Welcomed Back Home

Three Local Curlers Made the 2018 Men's U.S. Olympic Curling Team

DULUTH, Minn. – This past Saturday, three Duluthians earned the right to represent the U.S.A. in the 2018 Winter Olympics. At the Duluth Curling Club, friends, fans, and family welcomed home their Olympians. John Shuster, Tyler George, and John Landstiner were all on hand, excited to share their victory with all of the Northland. “It always feels like you’re representing…

Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Held in Duluth

Vigil and Rally Aim to Raise Awareness for Trans Rights

DULUTH, Minn. – Trans people and their allies across the world are standing together to honor transgender lives lost to hate and violence. For Transgender Remembrance Day, a vigil and rally were held in Downtown Duluth at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. Organizers say their goal is to raise awareness for trans rights in the Northland. “If…

Mounted Patrol Disbanded by Duluth Police Department

Officials Say This Will Allow the Department to Put More Resources into Other Areas

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department’s Mounted Patrol is no more. On Saturday, Police Department officials confirmed to Fox 21 that the unit has been disbanded. They say the decision was made so they could increase staff in other areas, like sexual assault, child abuse, and child pornography investigators. The Mounted Patrol had been around since 2014. Categories: Crime,…

Firearms Deer Season Opens in Wisconsin

Kids Under Ten With Adult Supervision Can Hunt for the First Time

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin’s firearms deer hunting season opened Saturday, and hunters from across the state hit the woods for the nine day season. This year, if accompanied by an adult, kids under the age of ten are allowed to hunt for the first time. Kids will still have to be at least fourteen and have passed a hunter’s safety…

Kids Skate at the Turkey Bowl on Ice

Skaters Bowled Frozen Turkeys Into Pins

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids were getting their skate on Wednesday night at the Turkey Bowl on Ice at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. Skaters bowled frozen turkeys into pins, trying to knock them all down. Families wrote holiday cards for military members overseas, and kids had a ball practicing their skating skills. “We want to skate!” said Jaidy and Jake,…

Blood Pressure Guidelines Changed By American Heart Association

Almost Half of Americans Are Now in the High Blood Pressure Category

DULUTH, Minn. – Almost half of all Americans are now considered to have high blood pressure according to the new parameters released by the American Heart Association. They say blood pressure should now be treated at 130/80 instead of 140/90. About a third of Americans were in the high blood pressure category before, but after moving the guidelines it now…

Thanksgiving Burrito Returns to Burrito Union

Seasonal Meal Takes a Thanksgiving Dinner and Wraps It in a Tortilla

DULUTH, Minn. – November is here and that means the Thanksgiving Burrito is back at Burrito Union. It’s packed full of all your favorite Thanksgiving dinner favorites: Turkey, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn, and a cranberry salsa. The ten dollar burrito is served with chips and a side of gravy. Burrito Union staff say it’s their most popular…

11th Annual ‘Christmas By the Lake’ CD Released

Local Music Album's Sales Benefit Bluebird Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – The eleventh annual ‘Christmas By The Lake’ CD was released. The holiday-themed album includes music by a lot of local artists. It also has an original song mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London. “Everybody in Duluth and the surrounding area have all this music from area musicians for years,” said Kim Olson, a singer/songwriter featured on…

Holiday Tree Lights Up Superior

Santa Claus Attended the Event, Handing Out Candy

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Holiday Tree was lit tonight at City Center Park just outside the Superior Public Library. Mayor Jim Paine was joined by Santa Claus and a bunch of kids to count down the tree lighting. Families at the event could sing Christmas carols and enjoy holiday themed refreshments. “Just watching everybody come join in,” said Kathy…

Great Outdoors: Wisconsin Firearm Deer Season Opening Saturday

WISCONSIN – Rifle deer hunting season opens this Saturday and hunters across the state are gearing up. “I love being outdoors,” said Dale Kuhlman of Custom Archery and Outdoors in Superior. “I love being in the woods. Scenery, sounds, smells, and when you see animals, it’s just that much more of a bonus.” Deer season is huge in Wisconsin. “Everybody…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Hemlocks Leatherworks

DULUTH, Minn. – A business in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District makes custom built shoes and other leather goods for people across the Northland. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we take you to Hemlocks Leatherworks. Candace Lacosse apprenticed with shoemakers, learning how to craft her own creations. “I love working with leather,” said Lacosse. “It’s very tactile and it’s…

UWS Faculty Hold Teach In

Instructors are Protesting the University's Decision to Suspend Academic Programs

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Superior are holding a teach in on Monday and Tuesday to protest the University’s recent decision to suspend 25 academic programs. The teach in is an open public classroom taught by faculty members from many different programs. It’s a discussion about why the suspensions happened and it’s designed to help the campus…

New Escape Room Coming to Zero Hour

Enchanted Forest: A Fairytale Adventure Expected to Open in December

DULUTH, Minn. – A brand new escape room experience is coming to Zero Hour Escape Rooms. Enchanted Forest: A Fairytale Adventure is the new family friendly game. Players will figure out how to lift a curse on a forest using clues and puzzles and their knowledge of classic fairytales. Zero Hour will still offer their other escape rooms; Prison Break,…

Wisconsin Muskies Bring Hockey Back to Spooner

Junior League Team Playing Inaugural Season in Front of Thousands of Fans

SPOONER, Wis. – A new junior hockey team is playing their first season on the ice in Spooner, and the Wisconsin Muskies have proven that hockey means a lot to Northern Wisconsin. After four long years without a team or an arena, hockey is back in Spooner, Wisconsin. It was once a hockey town with a youth program and a…

Veterans Day March in Duluth

Many Northlanders Have a Personal Connection to the Federal Holiday

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday is Veterans Day and all across the Northland people are honoring veterans with marches and ceremonies. On Veterans Day, the men and women who served in our country’s military are celebrated and honored. For many Northland families, the holiday holds personal significance. Each veteran marching through Downtown Duluth, has a unique story of the service. “I…

Roof Catches Fire in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – A fire broke out on Friday on the roof of a home at 34th Avenue East and East First Street in Duluth. According to the fire department, the fire was contained to an area close to the chimney. It was put out quickly and no one was injured. “All because of whoever was passing by saw some…

Local Businesses Highlighted at Woodland Block Party

Annual Open House Gives Opportunity to Shop Local for Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses showed off some of their best products tonight at the Woodland Block Party. The annual open house kicks off the holiday shopping season and gives people a great selection of products to choose from. The artwork, jewelry, and clothing on sale is all unique to the Northland. “It’s always really fun to just kind of…

Monthly Sobriety Dinner Helps Addicts in Duluth

Natives Against Heroin Puts on the Event

DULUTH, Minn. – A monthly sobriety dinner in Duluth helps addicts connect with the community. Natives Against Heroin puts on the event. Food and drinks are provided for attendees to feel like they’re eating with a family. Addicts can share what they’re going through and get support and guidance from the community around them. “In Duluth it’s rampant,” said Derrick…

Saint Scholastica Hosts Health Career Fair

30 Employers Met With About 150 CSS Students Seeking Health Careers

DULUTH, Minn. – A health career fair was held Wednesday at the College of Saint Scholastica. Thirty employers from across the region including St. Luke’s, Essentia, and the Mayo Clinic met with CSS students wanting to enter the healthcare industry. “For a recruiter to be able to see someone and to make that face to face connection, it can really…

Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Kicks off With Kettle Karnival

Guests Who Brought a Canned Good or Toy Got a Free Ticket to Go Under the Bentleyville Christmas Tree

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army kicked off their holiday Red Kettle Campaign tonight. They held their annual Red Kettle Karnival at Bentleyville in Bayfront Park. Guests could bring a canned good or toy and get a ticket to go under the famous Bentleyville Christmas Tree. “I think we’re ready to get in the holiday spirit and the Salvation Army…

UWS Students Protest Program Suspensions

Students Rally Outside Old Main Building to Make Their Voices Heard

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Superior students are protesting the university’s recent decision to suspend twenty-five academic programs. They held a rally on Tuesday night hoping to get school leaders to change their mind and talk to students before deciding which programs to suspend. The students were chanting and holding up signs, making their voices heard to the administration. Chancellor…

“Window to the West” on Display in Lincoln Park

Art Exhibit is in Empty Storefront Windows on West Superior Street

DULUTH, Minn. – A new art exhibit is now on display in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. Window to the West is in empty storefront windows on the 2000 block of West Superior Street. It features photos of the people and places of Lincoln Park and original paintings by a neighborhood artist. Categories: Business, Community, News, News – Latest News

UWS Hosts Program to Learn About Veteran Students

"Green Zone" Training Is Part of the University's Veteran Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UWS Veteran and Non-Traditional Student Center hosted a “Green Zone” training program. The session teaches students and staff members more about veterans on their campus, including military terminology and how the G.I. bills help them pay for their education. “Working with a student veteran is very different than maybe your traditional student out there, so being…

22-Year-Old Convenience Store Owner Expanding His Chain

Derek Medved Owns Gary Milkhouse and Two Former Lakehead Oil Locations

DULUTH, Minn. – A 22 year old entrepreneur is expanding his business. Derek Medved has owned the Gary Milkhouse for the last three and a half years and he just bought two more convenience stores to add to his chain. The former Lakehead Oil locations in Hermantown and Chisholm will now become his own “Korner Stores.” “We’re a locally owned…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad

TREGO, Wis. – Have you ever been on a train? Taken a ride through the scenic north woods? This week, we give you a look inside the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad. Wisconsin Great Northern trains depart their depot in Trego five days a week all year long. “We have really found a market,” said Greg Vreeland, President and General Manager….

Essentia Health Introduces New Surgical Robot

Robot Is Expected to Help Patients Heal Faster After Surgeries

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has a new surgical robot that’s expected to help patients heal faster after surgery. Surgeries performed by robots allow patients to spend less time in the hospital, feel less pain, and take fewer medications. St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth performs more than four-hundred robotic surgeries every year. With the new robot, they can expand that…

Holiday Letters Written to Military Service Members

UWS Students, Faculty, and Community Members Let Military Personnel Know They're Being Thought Of

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UWS students, faculty, and community members wrote holiday letters to military members . The letters let veterans and active duty troops know they’re being thought of on the holiday, no matter where they’re stationed. “Well you know everybody loves to get something in the mail but not everybody gets something,” said Scott Holmes, a UWS Student and…

UWS Students Hold Sit-In Protest

Students Want University to Reconsider Suspending 25 Academic Programs

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior held a sit-in protest against the University’s recent decision to suspend twenty-five academic programs. The University has said offering fewer programs will help first generation students make better decisions. Students gathered in the Yellowjacket Union to write letters to University administrators urging them to reconsider last week’s program suspensions. Many students,…

“A Playground for Everybody” Could Soon Be Built in Proctor

Playground Will Be Accessible for Physically Impaired Children

PROCTOR, Minn. – A special playground accessible to kids with physical impairments could soon be coming to Proctor. “A Playground for Everybody” will have a ramp leading all the way around it so every child can make it to the tallest tower. Jennifer McDonald has three kids. When taking them to local playgrounds, she noticed the limitations her daughter had…

UWS Hosts Forum for Students to Discuss Program Suspensions

University Announced Current Students Can Enroll in Suspended Programs Next Week Only

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Earlier this week, the University of Wisconsin-Superior announced some big cuts to academic programs. On Tuesday, students, faculty, and alumni were shocked with UW-Superior’s decision to suspend twenty-five academic programs and emotions were still running high at the student forum on Friday. “There is a general air of no confidence in our administration here,” said Nick Isaacson,…

Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad Offers Year Round Fun

Railroad Has America's Only Bed and Breakfast Dinner Train

TREGO, Wis. – If you’re looking for a trip to take this winter, a railroad in Trego offers the country’s only bed and breakfast dinner train. The Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad takes riders to scenic spots in the north woods five nights a week all year long. They also host special events and will have a Santa train this holiday…

Shell Lake Arts Center Raising Funds for Building Improvements

Non-Profit Needs $4.5 Million to Make Necessary Renovations

SHELL LAKE, Wis. – The Shell Lake Arts Center is raising funds to repair and rebuild their campus buildings. The Arts Center has educated kids for the last 50 years with programs in music, theatre, art and film. They need to raise $4.5 million to update their aging facilities. “We need to continue providing programming for the next fifty years…

Duluth Police Department Awarded Grant to Help With Sex Crimes

Three Year Grant Is Worth More Than $400,000 and Will Help Partnership With PAVSA

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department was awarded a grant that will help them investigate sex crimes and work with PAVSA to help surviving victims. The department received a three year competitive grant of more than $400,000 from the federal government. The grant will help the department provide aid for victims of sexual assault. An additional sex crimes and…

‘A Dozen Excuses Donuts and More’ Named A Top Doughnut Shop

Superior Store Ranked Seventh in Wisconsin's Top Shops

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Dozen Excuses Donuts and More was recently named one of the best doughnut shops in the state. Best Things Wisconsin ranked the store seventh in their top ten doughnut shop list, but the Tower Avenue bakery makes a whole lot more than doughnuts. As the holiday season approaches, they’re offering special cookies and a traditional kringle….

St. Luke’s Honored with American Heart Association Awards

Hospital Has Received Awards Four Consecutive Years

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital was honored with awards from the American Heart Association recognizing their quality care for heart attack and stroke patients. The hospital held a presentation and luncheon today to thank the members of their cardiac team. “To recognize them and recognize their efforts and dedication to their craft and how good they are at it…

Apartments Planned for Old Cloquet Middle School

Development Company Secured Funding to Complete Project

CLOQUET, Minn. – A development company was awarded the financing needed to construct a new apartment complex in the old Cloquet Middle School building on Carlton Avenue. The proposed development will include fifty-seven units of housing, both market rate and affordable. It’s expected to fill a housing need in Cloquet and will allow the school district to save $1.3 million…

Cloquet Area Fire District Giving out Reflective Bracelets for Trick-or-Treaters

More Than 600 Free Slap Bracelets Will Be Handed Out

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Area Fire District is giving out reflective wristbands to keep kids safe while trick or treating. More than six-hundred of the free slap bracelets will be given out by firefighters tonight. According to fire district officials, kids are twice as likely to get hit by a car on Halloween as they are on any other…

UW-Superior Suspends 9 Majors, 15 Minors, 1 Graduate Program

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin Superior has announced it will be suspending various programs “in an effort to positively affect student success and position itself to continue to remain responsive to regional needs.” University officials told us they want to trim down program offerings to give students a clearer path to success. Programs were cut based on enrollment…