Author: Andrew Kirov

Great Outdoors – DWP Trail Undergoing Repairs

Old Railroad Corridor Isn't Officially Open for Public Use

DULUTH, Minn. – The DWP trail provides beautiful views along West Duluth’s hillside, but the old railroad bed isn’t officially open for public use. The DWP, a city owned abandoned railroad corridor, runs ten miles along Duluth’s hillside. “This trail is beautiful and I say that and, if you put this on the news, people are going to show up,…

Construction Begins on New Proctor Arena

Officials Broke Ground for the New Community Center and Ice Arena

PROCTOR, Minn. – A brand new arena and event center is coming to Proctor. Officials broke ground on the new facility being built on Kirkus Street. Proctor schools will use the arena for their hockey programs and as an indoor practice area for baseball, softball, and lacrosse. It will also have plenty of features to serve the whole community. “I’m…

Lawmakers Tour Proposed Bonding Project Sites

Representatives Visited Several Sites in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – State lawmakers came to Duluth to visit several sites of proposed state bonding projects. The representatives stopped at UMD to learn about recent improvements made to the campus. The University also presented their bonding requests for this year, including projects to improve the Humanities Building and re-purpose the former Chemistry Building. “We go down to St. Paul…

Northern Regional Safety Day Trains Local Professionals

Conference Educates Business Leaders on Health and Safety Solutions

DULUTH, Minn. – Preparing for the unthinkable; that’s what hundreds of workers at the Northern Regional Safety Day Conference trained for. This year, preparing for emergencies also means understanding that the opioid epidemic might have an impact on workforce safety. The Safety Day is a unique training opportunity for local businesses and organizations to learn how to improve safety across…

Diving Instructor Offers Safety Advice

SCUBA Divers Always Check Weather and Wave Conditions

DULUTH, Minn. – Diving instructors want to remind people to take safety precautions. They say it’s important to get certified as a SCUBA diver by taking a twenty hour program that includes textbook reading plus pool and open water training. Experienced divers always check weather and wave conditions before heading out. “You want to come back alive, definitely you want…

Mothers and Sons Dance as Super Heroes

Annual Super Hero Dance Offers Family Fun Bonding

DULUTH, Minn. – There was a great opportunity for mothers and sons to get some bonding time while dressing up like their favorite characters. The Mother Son Super Hero Dance was at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. Families could eat pizza, get super hero training, and dance the night away in their favorite costumes. “The moms and sons love to…

Dirt Yard Dash Racers Get Muddy

Obstacle Race Was Fun for Kids and Adults

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a great day to race around outside and get covered in mud. The 5th annual Dirt Yard Dash was held Sunday at the Vineyard Church in Duluth. Adults and kids got messy competing in the race that featured a swamp crawl, a ton of obstacles and, of course, a whole lot of mud. “It’s a…

Former Minnesota Judge Leads Discussion in Duluth

Judge LaJune Lange Talks About Challenges Facing Children of Color

DULUTH, Minn. – Retired Minnesota Judge LaJune Lange led a discussion in Duluth. Lange spoke at St. Mark’s AME Church about her experiences as a judge. She discussed challenges facing Native and African American children and what Duluth officials can do to empower children of color. “The people in Duluth need to own the problem, make the changes from their…

Volunteers Clean Up Canal Park Beach

Canal Park Brewing Company Hosts What May Become Monthly Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers hit the beach today to help keep the Lake Superior shoreline clean. Canal Park Brewing Company hosted a beach cleanup where volunteers put in the time to help keep Lake Superior clean and healthy. “We love the Great Lakes,” said Paul Kaz, co-owner of Canal Park Brewing Company. “We love the beach ourselves. We’re located right…

Mentor Superior Celebrates Five Years Helping Kids

Organization Matches Children With Positive Adult Role Models

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mentor Superior is celebrating five years helping the community. The program matches kids, ages five to seventeen, with positive adult role models. So far, the organization has helped more than seventy kids, and they have forty-five mentor and child matches right now. “There’s a lot of kids today that come from a single parent family and maybe…

DSSO Unveils New Season Artwork

Posters Are Inspired By This Year's Music Selections

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra kicks off their new season this weekend, and on Wednesday they unveiled their new season’s official artwork. Local artist Michael Smisek created ten original posters for the DSSO to promote their concerts. The designs are inspired by the music the orchestra will play. “For this particular one, he was inspired by Erin’s…

South American Artists Visit Duluth

The Bead Artists Met With Local Native American Creators

DULUTH, Minn. – Artists from South America stopped in Duluth today and brought some of their work. The bead artists from Ecuador are known for their necklace creations. Local Native American artists were on hand to learn about about the artists’ culture and how it inspires their creations. “It allowed for both local indigenous people and the women from Ecuador…

Leaders Meet to Discuss Opioid Epidemic

Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment Is Expanding Their Detox Unit

DULUTH, Minn. – The opioid epidemic has been a huge problem in the Twin Ports for years. Today, a round table discussion was held in Duluth where officials talked about better ways to address the problem. Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith (DFL-Minn.) came to Duluth to to learn about some of the ways organizations are fighting opioid addiction and what more…

UMD Student Newspaper Now Called ‘The Bark’

Paper Was "The Statesman" for the Last 70 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students have something to bark about this semester because their student newspaper has a new name. It’s now called “The Bark.” It’s a name that connects to the school’s bulldog mascot and Duluth’s love of nature. For the last seventy years, the paper was known as “The Statesman,” but students think the new name will help…

EPA Rule Tough for Wood Stove Manufacturers

Business Leaders Held Roundtable Discussion About Regulation with Congressman Nolan

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wood stove manufacturers are struggling to comply with a new EPA requirement. The rule was put in place to reduce particles in the atmosphere, but business leaders say it’s nearly impossible for them to make needed changes to their products fast enough. Manufacturers and retailers from across Minnesota talked with U.S. Representative Rick Nolan (DFL-MN). They discussed…

New Lock Proposed at Soo Straights

Locks Connect Lake Superior to the Other Great Lakes and Beyond

DULUTH, Minn. – The Soo Locks at Sault Ste Marie, Michigan connect the Duluth and Superior shipping industry with the rest of the world, but the aging locks haven’t been updated in decades. The locks at Soo Straights connect Lake Superior to the rest of the Great Lakes and beyond. The locks raise and lower ships so they can navigate…

New Time Capsule Being Created in Virginia

50 Year Capsule Will Be Placed on New Highway 53 Bridge

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Last year, the City of Virginia opened a fifty-year time capsule, giving their residents a look inside the past. Now, a new time capsule is being created. The capsule will be built into the pedestrian plaza on the new Highway 53 bridge. It will be sealed on September 29th. Officials are now looking for materials to include…

Engwall’s Corn Maze Open for the Season

Hermantown Maze is Open Saturdays and Sundays Through October 29th

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Engwall’s Corn Maze is now open for the season. Starting Saturday, maze goers can try to find their way our of three acres of corm while exploring about a mile of pathways. They can also fire off the corn cannon or try their hand at pumpkin bowling. “I think it gets families excited because it’s another thing…

Soil From Duluth Memorial Collected for Museum

Soil From the Site of the 1920 Duluth Lynching Will Be on Display in Montgomery, Alabama

DULUTH, Minn. – Soil from the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial in Duluth will soon be displayed at a museum in Alabama. Representatives from the Equal Justice Initiative were in Duluth today to collect soil from the site of the 1920 lynching of three black men. Their organization is gathering soil from across the country to display in the “From Enslavement…

UMD Farm Fest Offers Look Inside Organic Farm

Guests Took Tours and Sampled Food Grown on the Farm

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD’s Land Lab, an active organic farm, opened their gates to the public today. Hundreds of guests could take tours and sample food grown right there at the farm. There was also an original performance by the Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe. The Fifth Annual Farm Fest taught people about food and living sustainable lives. “Hopefully it sparks…

Syd’s Angels Raise Awareness About Bullying

Biker Organization Helps School Districts Find Bullying Solutions

PROCTOR, Minn. – Syd’s Angels Bikers Against Bullying was formed in June 2016 after founder Greg Carson saw a disturbing internet video of a fifteen year old girl being beaten. “It really struck a chord and it’s almost like something snapped,” said Greg Carson, President and Co-Founder of Syd’s Angels. “It’s like enough is enough. It’s time to stand up…

Fall Fest Celebrated at Chester Park

33rd Annual Festival Held to Reign in Changing Seasons

DULUTH, Minn. – A celebration of community and the changing seasons was held in Duluth. The thirty-third annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest attracted thousands of Northlanders. The event featured one hundred thirty local vendors, food trucks, and three live music performances. “It is such a community builder,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive Director of Chester Bowl. “You’re out seeing friends and…

New Highway 53 Bridge Dedicated

Bridge Near Virginia Will Soon Be Open to Traffic

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The new Highway 53 bridge is almost complete. It’s the tallest bridge in Minnesota. Soon it will be open to traffic. Iron rangers and state officials dedicated the new bridge to the public on Friday. “Are you ready to celebrate?” asked U.S. Representative Rick Nolan (DFL-Minn.) at the dedication ceremony. At over two hundred feet tall, the…

Syd’s Angels to Take Motorcycle Ride Against Bullying

Organization Works With Kids, Parents, and Schools to End Nationwide Bullying Epidemic

PROCTOR, Minn. – A group of bikers are taking a stand against bullying. Syd’s Angels are a Minnesota-based organization that now has members from around the world. They help raise awareness about bullying and work with kids, parents, and school officials to take action and end this widespread problem that they call an epidemic. “We’re looking to light a fire…

Friends of Animals Humane Society Has a New Home

Cloquet Humane Society Held a Grand Opening for Their New Building

CLOQUET, Minn. – Friends of Animals Humane Society has a new building to call home. They had an open house and grand opening ceremony for the new space on Avenue B. Tours showed off the building and taught people about the foster and adoption programs happening at Friends of Animals. “We’re trying to provide a service to animals as well…

Balloon Festival Returning to Bayfront Park This Weekend

Event Will Include a Craft Brew Village, Color Run, and Children's Performance

DULUTH, Minn. – Hot air balloons will be lifting off in Bayfront Park this weekend. Duluth Rising, the annual hot air balloon festival, is back. This year’s event will feature a craft brew village, a color run, and a free performance of “Kids Live” featuring Disney Channel’s Kevin Quinn. “In the evenings when the balloons are lit and it starts…

New West Duluth Business Owners Honored

Six Entrepreneurs Presented With a Certificate of Appreciation

DULUTH, Minn. – New business owners were honored by the West Duluth Business and Civic Club. Six entrepreneurs were presented with a certificate of appreciation. Their new businesses filled some empty storefronts in West Duluth and other business owners hope the new ventures will help the whole area do better. “It looks like a very vibrant area to come and…

United Way Unveils “What Do You Fight For?” Campaign

Slogan Asks Northlanders Why It's Important for Them to Give

DULUTH, Minn. – The Head of the Lakes United Way is asking “What Do You Fight For?” The organization unveiled that new slogan today at Essentia Health, one of their largest local partners. The campaign asks people across the Northland what motivates them to give and why it’s important to them that everybody’s basic needs are met. “You may not…

Great Outdoors – Medical Students Hike to Destress

Getting Outside for a Walk Can Bring Much Needed Relaxation

DULUTH, Minn. – Getting outside for a walk can be a great way to relieve stress after a long day. We take a look at how some medical students are using nature to get some much needed relaxation. “Something I do for destressing is just walking outside and enjoying nature,” says Christopher Wiger, a first year medical student at UMD….

City Council Candidate Wants Light Rail System in Duluth

Richard Williams Is Running for an At Large Position on the Council

DULUTH, Minn. – A city council candidate has proposed building a light rail system in Duluth. Richard Williams is running for an at large spot on the city council. His proposal is for a light rail loop that would stop at high-volume spots around town like the Transit Center, UMD, the Lake Superior Zoo, and the Miller Hill Mall. “I…

St. Luke’s Employees Donate Hair to Cancer Patients

Hair Will Be Donated to Pantene Beautiful Lengths Program and Made Into Wigs

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Four St. Luke’s employees donated their hair to women who lost theirs because of cancer treatments. Four St. Luke’s staff members participated in the drive. Their hair was cut at Trends Day Spa and Salon in Superior. All that hair will be donated to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths Program. They will make it into wigs that will…

Improvements Being Made to Duluth’s DWP Trail

City Officials Hope to Open It As an Official Public Multi-Use Trail

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is moving along with repairing the old DWP rail bed to one day open it as a public trail. A public meeting was held to discuss the improvements being made to the trail, including repairs to the bridge over Stewart Creek. The multi-use DWP trail has been designated for use by pedestrians and…

Local Red Cross Volunteers Helping With Hurricane Relief

Red Cross Officials May Soon Move Resources to Help With Irma Recovery

DULUTH, Minn. – With Hurricane Harvey and now Irma planning her destruction, the Red Cross is finding itself a little thin with volunteers. Volunteers from the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross are in Texas now, but as Hurricane Irma blows through the Caribbean, more volunteers may soon be needed elsewhere. Those fourteen local volunteers are operating shelters, and…

Hurricane Irma Causing Travel Worries

Airport Officials Say Travelers Should Stay in Contact with Airlines

DULUTH, Minn. – People’s travel plans and vacations are in limbo because of Hurricane Irma. But as for the Duluth International Airport, officials say flights in and out of there are not being affected and likely won’t change. Officials say travelers should pay close attention to the hurricane’s path and stay in contact with their airline. “Even if they’re traveling…

Northland Weather Could Be Impacted By Hurricane Irma

National Weather Service Officials Say Hurricane Could Make Our Weather Stagnant

DULUTH, Minn. – While Hurricane Irma is causing a lot of worry in the Caribbean and Florida, meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Duluth are also eyeing the storm. They tell us turbulent weather in the Atlantic could affect us here in the Northland. The National Weather Service in Duluth typically focus on weather in the Northland but they…

Great Outdoors: Lakeside Community Walk/Run

Group Meets Every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Walking or running along Duluth’s lakewalk can be a great way to get outside, but it can sometimes be lonely going by yourself. In this week’s Great Outdoors, we tell you about a group who walks and runs as a community. “Sometimes the biggest challenge of getting out and being active is just having a time and…

CSS Fall Classes Begin

College Has Increased Enrollment and a New Physician's Assistant Program

DULUTH, Minn. – College of Saint Scholastica students started their fall classes today. College officials are excited to have their largest incoming class in the last five years, including thirty students in the school’s brand new Physician’s Assistant Master’s program. “Especially in under served areas, whether rural or urban, these physician assistants can supply that health care that’s needed and…

Northlanders Return From Bringing Donations to Texas

"Prayers for Texas" Organization Brought Two Truckloads of Supplies Needed for Hurricane Relief

DULUTH, Minn. – A crew of Northlanders just arrived back from Texas. Here’s a look at the thousands of dollars worth of food and other essential items trucked town to Texas all thanks to local donations here. Volunteers from “Prayers for Texas,” a charity organized by local business leaders, just got back from the Houston area. Organization members tell us…

Yoga Studio Offers Class for Harvey Relief

JEM Yoga & Massage Donated Proceeds to J.J. Watt Foundation and Houston Humane Society

DULUTH, Minn. – JEM Yoga and Massage in Duluth held a sixty minute yoga class, accepting donations from anyone wanting to join, and will donate all the proceeds to Hurricane Harvey relief. The Labor of Love Yoga Flow was a unique opportunity for Northlanders to give back. “Being able to offer something for the community which then helps another community…

Labor Day Picnic Held in Duluth

Annual Duluth Central Labor Body Event Featured Free Food and Kids Carnival

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Central Labor Body held their annual Labor Day Picnic at Bayfront Park. The free event offered hot dogs, corn on the cob, and live music to anyone who stopped by. The Labor Body endorsed political candidates at the picnic and talked with everyone there about the importance of Labor Day and workers in America. “We…

Pride Parade Marches Through Superior

31st Annual Pride Weekend Is the Final Celebration for the Main Club

SUPERIOR, Wis. The annual Duluth Superior Pride Parade marched down Tower Avenue celebrating the diversity of the Twin Ports Community. Hundreds lined the street waving flags and showing their support. “The families, the allies, the queer folk, everyone just kind of comes out and shows hey we’re with the community,” said Pup Winter of the North Shore Kennel Club. Groups…

Labor Day Carnival Held at Edgewater

Kids Could Swim, Eat, and Play Games to Enjoy Last Weekend of Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids had one last chance to enjoy the summer sunshine at Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark in Duluth. The Labor Day Carnival was free for kids to attend. They could swim in the outdoor pool, play games like ski-ball and bean bag toss, get their faces painted, and chow down on hot dogs, hamburgers, and candy. “On top…

Duluth Superior Pride Celebrated at Bayfront Park

Annual Festival Brings Northland Community Together

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Pride Festival is celebrating its 31st year in the Twin Ports. The annual pride festival brings people together from across the Northland to have fun and feel accepted for who they are. “Pride. Smile. Respect queer people and trans people. And everybody.” Thousands celebrated inclusiveness and community spirit in Duluth’s Bayfront Park. “It’s not…

Backpacks Given Away to Students

200 Free Backpacks Handed Out at Metro PCS in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Students grabbed some free back to school gear at Metro PCS in West Duluth. Backpacks were given to the first two hundred students who came to the store. Families could also get their faces painted and enjoy free ice cream treats. “We want to give back to the community and we figure that school supplies are really…

Northlanders Have Family Members Affected By Hurricane Harvey

Mariel Jordan's Mom, Sister and Nephew Live in the Houston Area

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders have family members living in the Houston area who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. This is Mariel Jordan. Her mom, sister, and nephew all live in the Houston area. She says her family is dealing with just a little bit of water damage; they’re feeling fortunate about that. She says her family moved there…

Wisconsin Teen to Compete in Junior Iditarod

Talia Martens of Brule Is Asking for Community Support to Send Her to 2018 Race

DULUTH, Minn. – A sixteen year old musher from Brule is on a mission to compete in the 2018 Junior Iditarod in Alaska. Talia Martens made her announcement Tuesday at Yappy Hour in the Fitger’s Courtyard, and of course her lead dog was with her. Talia has the backing of John Beargrease Sled Dog marathon champion Jamie Nelson who has…

Northlanders Help with Hurricane Harvey Relief

Organizations Across the Region are Providing Assistance to Those Affected by the Storm

HOUSTON – As Hurricane Harvey relief continues, volunteers from across the country head to Texas to lend a helping hand to people affected by the storm. Some of those volunteers are from right here in the Northland. From providing assistance to people in shelters to caring for animals left homeless by the storm, Northlanders are finding ways to help those…

Wildcat Welcome Held for New Lincoln Park Sixth Graders

Eighth Graders Helped Show New Students Around the School

DULUTH, Minn. – Students were welcomed to the sixth grade at Lincoln Park Middle School on Monday. The Wildcat Welcome had selected eighth graders serve as Pride Leaders and show the new sixth graders around the school. The orientation helps new students make friends, learn where they’re going, and feel comfortable as they transition from elementary to middle school. “On…

UMD Fall Classes Begin

Students Are Back on Campus Getting Back into the College Flow

DULUTH, Minn. – Fall classes started Monday at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Students are back on campus after more than three months off for summer break. They spent today being handed syllabi and getting back into the college flow. “I’ve sat here in Kirby in between classes, hanging out with friends that I haven’t seen in a while and good…

Local Volunteers Help With Hurricane Harvey Relief

Nine Duluth Red Cross Volunteers are on Their Way to Texas or Already There

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers from across the country are heading to Texas to help communities recover from the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey, and that includes volunteers from right here in the Northland. The American Red Cross in Duluth has nine volunteers either on their way to Texas or already there to help with Hurricane Harvey relief. Local officials are…