Author: Andrew Kirov

Independence Day Celebrated at Fourth Fest

Thousands Go to Duluth's Bayfront Park to Enjoy Festival Food and Live Music

DULUTH, Minn. – As people across the Northland get out and celebrate Independence Day, Duluth’s annual Fourth Fest is popping off in Bayfront Park. “We’re down here to help serve some food and celebrate the 4th of July with the community and enjoy some great entertainment,” says Jessica Fralich from Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ, a vendor at the event. Fourth…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Fine Edge Custom Framing

Virginia Business Can Add a Special Frame to Any Piece

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A custom frame can add a special finishing touch to any display in your home. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we take you to Fine Edge Custom Framing in Virginia, where they specialize in giving an edge to your favorite piece. “We do custom framing of all types of artwork, collectibles, jerseys, clothing, anything that you…

Hibbing Community College Receives $100,000 Grant

Grant to Assist Women Pursuing Careers in Non-Traditional Fields

HIBBING, Minn. – Hibbing Community College received a one-year $100,000 grant from the Minnesota Women’s Foundation to encourage women to pursue careers in non-traditional fields. The grant will support about twenty-five women over the next year by providing assistance with child care and transportation while they complete programs in male-dominated fields like diesel mechanics and police training. “Workforce development needs…

Gallery Hop Brings Artists Together in Hibbing

Now In Its 25th Year, Festival Gets Bigger Every Summer

HIBBING, Minn. – Businesses in Downtown Hibbing became art galleries for a day at the annual Gallery Hop. The Hibbing Gallery Hop has been showcasing the work of local artists for twenty-five years, and every summer the celebration gets bigger and bigger. “It’s kind of a festival of people,” says Joan Cotton, an artist showcasing her work. “There’s a lot…

Glensheen Murders Still Intriguing After 40 Years

Mansion Staff Acknowledges, But Doesn't Focus on 1977 Killings

DULUTH, Minn. – Tomorrow marks the fortieth anniversary of the murders at the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth and interest in the high-profile killings is as high as ever. On June 27, 1977 Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse were murdered in her family’s estate, the Glensheen Mansion. The state convicted Congdon’s son-in-law of the murders, while her daughter, Marjorie Caldwell, was…

Police Canines Show Off Their Skills

Official Certification Trials Featured At Least Eight Local K-9 Teams

HERMANTOWN, Minn- The K-9s were out in full force this evening, but not for the bad guys. It was all part of the annual United States Police Canine Association. K-9s from departments all over the region put on a free demonstration at the Hermantown High School football field. But those demonstrations were serious business for the K-9s and officers as…

Finnish Holiday Juhannus Celebrated in the Northland

Traditional Holiday Celebrates the Beginning of Summer

SAGINAW, Minn. – Juhannus is a traditional Finnish holiday that celebrates the beginning of summer. The festivities came to Minnesota, where the Finlandia Foundation Northland held their annual Juhannus celebration in Saginaw. This year, the holiday is especially big because Finland is celebrating one hundred years as a country on December 6th. Categories: Community, Features, Minnesota, News, News – Latest…

Seniors Celebrate National Selfie Day

Primrose Retirement Community Opened a Selfie Gallery for Staff and Residents

DULUTH, Minn. – At Primrose Retirement Community in Duluth, a special selfie gallery opened today to show the residents and staff some of the best selfies they had appeared in. It gave the residents a chance to look back on all the fun times and visitors they’ve enjoyed this year. “It’s kind of gotten them out of their shells,” says…

Summer Solstice Celebrated With Yoga

Special Class Honored the Longest Day of the Year with 108 Sun Salutations

DULUTH, Minn. – To celebrate the summer solstice, one local yoga studio took their mats outside and welcomed the return of the sun to Duluth. Evolve Fitness Studios offered a special session to observe the longest day of the year with 108 sun salutations, or yoga sequences honoring the sun. The class is taught outside to help participants feel at…

Special Olympics Torch Passes Through the Northland

Law Enforcement Officers Are Escorting the Flame of Hope to the Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games

DULUTH, Minn. – The Flame of Hope is on its way to the Minnesota Special Olympic Games. As it travels from Thunder Bay, Canada to Apple Valley, Minnesota, the torch made some stops in the Northland. Law enforcement officers from across Minnesota are escorting the torch through the state to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics. “Communities have…

Safety Updates Coming to Barker’s Island Marina

Electrical Feed Upgrades and New Life Rings Will Be Added to the Docks

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Safety improvements are in the works at the popular Barker’s Island Marina. The Superior City Council voted to approve electrical feed upgrades to the docks and new life rings within the marina. “This is on the water. Safety is one of our biggest concerns down there and, again, this is one of several projects that we’ve done…

Minnesota Boating Safety Law Delayed

Sophia's Law Will Require Carbon Monoxide Detectors on Certain Boats

DULUTH, Minn. – A new boating safety law was expected to be in effect right now in Minnesota, but there’s been a hold up. Sophia’s Law was passed last year by the Minnesota legislature. The law is named after a seven-year-old girl who died in 2015 from carbon monoxide poisoning while napping on her family’s boat on Lake Minnetonka, near the Twin…

Father’s Day Car Show Held in Superior

Proceeds from the Car Show Went to Local Animal Charities

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Gear-heads could celebrate with their dads by going to the annual Father’s Day Car Show in Superior. The Twin Ports Mustang and Ford Club has been putting on the event for the last seventeen years. All proceeds went to the Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet and Warm Fuzzies Animal Rescue in Duluth. “It’s just a…

Father’s Day Super-Hero Party Held at Lake Superior Zoo

Dads and Kids Learned About What "Super Powers" Animals Have

DULUTH, Minn. – Dads and their kids were celebrating Father’s Day today. At the Lake Superior Zoo, families had a chance to learn about some special animal dads. Families walked to several stations around the zoo learning about what “super powers” different animals have, like super-human speed and intelligence. When dads and kids collected all the animal super-powers, they got…

Juneteenth Celebrated in Superior

Event Celebrates African-American Freedom from Slavery

DULUTH, Minn. – Juneteenth has been celebrated across the country every year since 1865 to recognize African-American freedom from slavery. In Superior, people celebrated the holiday by enjoying a barbecue, listening to spoken work and music performances, and playing games. Organizers hope the event will help educate the community about African-American history. “It’s an opportunity for our community to come…

Volunteers Clean-Up After Grandma’s Marathon

About Half of the Marathon Set-Up Taken Down Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – That’s a wrap on one of the busiest weekends of the year in Duluth. Grandma’s Marathon brought thousands of runners and fans to the city. Hundreds of volunteers are cleaning up the marathon course and the finish line area in Canal Park. According to volunteer coordinators, about half of the marathon set-up was taken down on Sunday….

Fans Cheer Grandma’s Marathon Runners to the Finish Line

Thousands of Spectators Come Every Year to Root for Their Favorite Marathoners

DULUTH, Minn. – As runners raced through Grandma’s Marathon, a sideline chorus cheered them to the finish line. “We expect Eric to come in soon and then we’ll be cheering for Jill. Yay Jill!” cheered Rhende Hagemeister, who made signs to cheer on runners. The fans gave words, and other sounds, of encouragement. “We just wanted to push people,” said Bianca,…

Every Grandma’s Marathon Runner Has a Story

Runners and Families Create Their Own Unique Traditions Around the Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. – As racers move into place for Grandma’s Marathon, we’re learning about their stories and how they got there. For everybody who will line the streets on Saturday, Grandma’s Marathon has a different meaning. Each family walking through Canal Park has their own unique way of celebrating what has become a holiday weekend in Duluth. “This weekend, I’m…

Fire Department Talks Water Safety After Accident at “The Deeps”

22-Year-Old Man Is Recovering After Jumping Into Popular Lester River Swimming Hole

DULUTH, Minn. – A 22-year-old man is recovering after jumping into a popular swimming hole in the Lester River known as “The Deeps.” Authorities tell us the man was pulled from the water unconscious with a laceration to the back of the head after hitting a rock just below the water’s surface. The man eventually came to, began breathing, and…

Meeting Held to Address Proposed Minnesota Power Rate Increase

Citizens Utility Board Held Session to Discuss Rate Details

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power has proposed rate increases that would affect customers across the Northland. The Citizens Utility Board held an information session to let people know what the impact of the rate hike could be, and how customers can voice their concerns. “The rate increases are quite significant, especially, more so on low-income people and it impacts their…

Duluth Making Sidewalks More ADA Compliant

Meeting Held for Community Members to Offer Input on Sidewalk Plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is making their sidewalks more ADA compliant. The first of four public meetings was held for the city to gather input from community members on how to best improve sidewalks for people with disabilities. “The sidewalks are public and everyone uses them an it’s important to have safe, convenient access to the businesses,…

UWS Upward Bound Program Receives Funding for Next Five Years

Program Got $1.28 Million Grant to Continue Helping Superior Kids Get Education

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior Upward Bound program has been re-funded for the next five years. The program recently got a federal grant of more than $1 million. They’ll use that to continue to help high-schoolers from the Superior School District. who are low income or first generation college students, continue their education. “It’s important for these students to have…

Hermantown Police Get Active Violence Safety Kits

Department Partnered with Shield616 and Community Members to Buy New Gear

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown Police Officers were presented with new active violence safety kits. The kits will give them rifle-rated protection in dangerous situations. The Police Department partnered with the non-profit Shield616 and received a lot of support and donations from the community to buy the new gear. “Not only do we want to be a blessing to them and…

National Guard Trains Civilian First Responders

CERFP Unit Supports Agencies During Dangerous Incidents

DULUTH, Minn. – Soldiers and airmen from the Minnesota and Wisconsin National Guard trained local first responders today in Duluth. The National Guard’s Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) units support civilian agencies during chemical spills and other dangerous situations. They provide training in search and extraction, decontamination, and medical assistance so all agencies are on the same page if a…

Two Harbors Science Lab Brings High-Tech Jobs To The Northland

BRTI Life Sciences Creates and Sells Products Used for Stem Cell Research

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A science lab in Two Harbors is on the cutting edge of some important bio-medical work. BRTI Life Sciences is having success with their Stem Cell related technology. The lab creates and sells products other companies use for cell research. In the process, BRTI is bringing high-tech jobs to Northern Minnesota. Their Cell Mate devices are…

Duluth Playhouse Children’s Theatre Director Steps Down After 10 Years

Reception Held to Wish Kate Horvath Well and Say Goodbye

DULUTH, Minn. – A familiar face is leaving the Duluth Playhouse after 10 years. Kate Horvath has led the Children’s Theatre and  Education Program at the Playhouse for the last decade and is leaving to explore another career opportunity. Tonight, the Playhouse held a reception for Horvath’s current and former students to send her their best wishes. “Kate is an…

Veterans’ Garden Revamped at Local Cemetery

Garden Revitalized by Local Volunteers

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Veterans’ Garden at Sunrise Cemetery has been around for quite a while, but in recent years, the monument fell on disrepair. Now, thanks to a local organization, the garden has been revitalized. “My friend and I walked the cemetery, visit our husbands’ graves, and then we happened to come down this way and it was very…

“I’m a Tourist Too” Training Session Readies Businesses for Summer

Customer Service Workers Had a Chance to Brush Up on Their Skills Before Tourist Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth businesses got a chance to brush up on their customer service skills before kicking off the tourist season. Duluth has six to seven million visitors every year which makes the hospitality business vital to the local economy. Customer service workers got a special free training session today to help them get ready for summer. The Duluth…

Bob Dylan’s Birthday Celebrated at His Childhood Home

Fans Ate Birthday Cake and Listened to Dylan's Music

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is Bob Dylan’s 76th birthday and fans took the time to celebrate as part of Duluth Dylan Fest. A local artist performed some of Dylan’s music right on the porch of the legendary musician’s childhood home, while fans in attendance celebrated by eating birthday cake. “Lots of fabulous artists live in this region and we get…

New Security System at Duluth International Airport

The New Technology Could Cut Down on Airport Wait Time

DULUTH, Minn. – Some potentially good news for travelers; new airport security systems may make flying out of Duluth a faster process. The advanced imaging technology screener has already been installed at the TSA checkpoint. Once the screener is being used, officials hope random pat-downs will be reduced and that the airport’s seven minute wait time will be improved. “Security…

Great Outdoors: Bike Rodeo

Kids Learned Bike Safety While Having a Lot of Fun

PROCTOR, Minn. – Biking can be one of the most fun ways to enjoy summer in the Northland for kids and for adults. In this week’s Great Outdoors, we take you to Proctor for their first ever Bike Rodeo. “It’s fun for doing stunts and getting the air in your face and have fresh air,” said Isaac Bogatzki, who was…

Prince Fans Honor Music Legend By Roller Skating

World of Wheels in Superior Hosts Second Annual Prince Tribute

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Prince fans had a chance to honor the music legend by skating to some of his songs. World of Wheels in Superior held their annual Prince Tribute, featuring Prince-themed trivia, games, and prizes, while fans of all ages skated to his iconic music. “We plan on getting a whole bunch of people in here,” says Tyler Severin,…

Paddling Club Takes to the Water in Superior

Every Week Club Members Get Together to Practice Dragon Boat Paddling

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Dragon Boat Festival isn’t showing signs of disinterest. The group Blue Water Paddling meets every week on Barker’s Island to get their paddling on and practice for the Dragon Boat Festival in August. The group is always looking for new members and is open to people of all ages and skill levels. “This is my third season…

Local Businesses Hold “Duluth Made” Event

Pop-Up Market Hosted By Evolve Duluth Featured Local Vendors

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses were brightening up this gloomy day with what’s known as a “Duluth Made” event. Artists, creators, small business owners and more all showcased their talents at this unique pop-up market. The event was hosted by Evolve Duluth and spread out throughout the studio space in the old City Hall Building on East Superior Street. “Being…

Ground Broken for New Habitat for Humanity Home in Superior

Home Expected to Be Completed by the End of the Year

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Ground was broken on a new house being built through the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. The project is located at 710 Weeks Avenue in Superior. A grant from Thrivient Financial will cover much of the cost of building the three bedroom home, with volunteer labor and other community donations paying for the rest. “It feels…

S.S. Meteor Whaleback Museum Open for the Season

Superior Museum Offered Free Ship Tours on Opening Day

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It may feel like fall weather outside, but that didn’t stop a popular attraction in Superior from opening up for the summer season. And to celebrate, the S.S. Meteor Museum gave free tours. These innovative ships were called Whalebacks for their cigar-shaped steel hulls that rode low to the water when loaded with cargo. “It’s older than…

Old Firehouse and Police Museum Open for the Season

Superior Museum Houses Wisconsin Police and Fire Hall of Fame

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Old Firehouse Museum has opened its 1898 doors for the first time this season. The fire house is located on 23rd Avenue East. You can see historic firefighting equipment including the chief’s nineteenth century horse-drawn buggy, and Ahrens steam pumper. “Seeing the old machines, the trucks, they’re from different eras, it just has a magic feel…

New Superior Police Officers Sworn In

Family and Friends on Hand to See Four New Officers' Special Moment

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It was a big day at the Superior Police Department. Four new officers were sworn in to serve and protect. Police Chief Nicholas Alexander was there to set the tone of what’s ahead for these new officers. Family and friends were on hand to take in and remember this special moment before the officers hit the streets…

Local Projects Rely on Yet-to-Be-Passed State Bonding Bill

Projects Like Duluth Steam Plant and St. Louis River Clean-Up Need State Funding

DULUTH, Minn. – The deadline is Monday for this year’s Minnesota legislative session to adjourn, and with no budget agreement in place yet, elected officials from all over Minnesota have been in St. Paul calling attention to the needs of cities across the state. Projects like the Duluth International Airport runway reconstruction and the St. Louis River clean up need…

Northern Lights Foundation Hosts Annual Gala

Organization Raises Money for Families with Children Who Have Life Threatening Illnesses

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of Northlanders came out to the annual Northern Lights Foundation Gala tonight to support children and families in need. Guests enjoyed a meal, bid on silent and live auction items, and spent time with kids who were helped by the Northern Lights Foundation. The charity has now given grants to over 160 Northland families who have…

“Stories with Seniors” Brings Kids to Superior Rehabilitation Center

Nursing Home Residents Read "Corduroy" to Children

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Nursing home resident and kids had a special chance to learn from each other at the Superior Rehabilitation Center. The first ever “Stories with Seniors” event allowed kids and parents to come to the center, make their own cotton candy, and listen to one of the residents read the classic children’s book, Corduroy. “I think we can…

Duluth School District Awards Gold Star Teacher

Troy Erie, 4th Grade Teacher at Lowell Elementary, Received the Award

DULUTH, Minn. – The Goldfine Gold Star Teacher Award is given every year to a deserving Duluth teacher. This year’s recipient is Troy Erie. Mr. Erie teaches 4th Grade at Lowell Elementary. He was one of nine teachers nominated, one from each Duluth elementary school. At the ceremony tonight, the Lowell principal shared some of the reasons Mr. Erie is…

Superior Police Honored By UWS Black Student Union

Chief Alexander Presented with a Traditional African Sash

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Police Chief Nicholas Alexander has gotten a first-of-its-kind award from the Black Student Union at UWS. Over the last few years under Chief Alexander’s leadership, the Superior Police Department has worked to build relationships between the department and diverse groups in the community. Today, students in the UW-Superior Black Student Union honored the chief by presenting…

WWI Trenches Exhibit on Display at Bong Museum

Display Honors 58 Douglas County Men Who Lost Their Lives During the War

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new World War I exhibit is now open at the Richard I. Bong Veteran’s Historical Center in Superior. To honor the hundredth anniversary of the U.S. entering World War I, a mock trench is now on display for museum-goers to see what trench life may have been like. The exhibit also tells the story of the…

North Shore Tourism Season Begins

Officials Are Expecting Busiest Summer Ever

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Once summer weather arrives, the tourism rush is on along Lake Superior’s North Shore. If the recent trend continues, this could be some destinations’ busiest season yet. The North Shore has always been a favorite Minnesota vacation spot. “When the sun is shining, people like to take rides up from the Twin Cities and see the…

Mother’s Day Tea Served to Chris Jensen Residents

Health and Rehabilitation Center Treated Mothers and Families to Roses and Tea

DULUTH, Minn. – In honor of Mother’s Day today, residents at Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center in Duluth were treated to a special Mother’s Day tea. Everyone got free soaps donated by North Star Academy, and mothers and their family members were each given a rose. “Some people have expressed that their family members live out of town so,…

Grandma’s Boxcar Open for the Season

Canal Park Favorite Serves Ice Cream, Hot Dogs, Sandwiches

DULUTH, Minn. – Another sign of summer: In Canal Park, the Boxcar Ice Cream Machine is back open for the season. You probably recognize the small business. It’s right next to the historic Grandma’s Restaurant. Ice cream, hot dogs, popcorn, and sandwiches bought right out the doors of this old boxcar. “I mean, it’s just kind of unique,” says Max…

Dick Beardsley Speaks with Middle Schoolers

Grandma's Marathon Champion Hopes to Inspire Kids to Live Healthy Lifestyles

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Grandma’s Marathon champion Dick Beardsley spoke with students at Superior Middle School. Beardsley talked about his past, including his athletic achievements and his addiction to narcotic pain killers. He and fellow speaker, Minnesota runner Emma Lee, hope to inspire kids to live healthy lifestyles free of drugs and with positive eating habits. “Maybe they’ll think back to…

Homegrown Photos on Display at Red Herring Lounge

Disposable Cameras Took Candid Pictures of Music Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – A photo display celebrating the Homegrown Music Festival is now being show in Duluth. During Homegrown this year, the Duluth Art Institute gave thirty disposable cameras to festival-goers. Now, the photos taken with those cameras are hanging from the ceiling at the Red Herring Lounge, so the photographers, and everyone else, can look back on the festival…

Duluth Car is a Finalist in National TV Contest

Michael Janousek's Modified 1988 Mazda is in Discovery Channel's Motor Mayhem

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man had his car selected to be a finalist in a Discovery Channel Contest. Duluth’s own Michael Janousek bought a 1988 Mazda from his dad about 17 years ago. Now, the car he has worked hard to modify and make his own could win a national competition. Michael’s car is one of sixteen finalists in…