Author: Claudia Chakamian

Superior Softball Feeling Confident Heading into State Tournament

The Division I state quarterfinal matchup between Superior and Cedarburg is set for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday in Madison.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior softball team has said since the start of this season that they had the pieces to make a deep playoff run. Well the Spartans knew right as they are now getting ready to take the state tournament field for the first time since 1993. The Spartans have made some noise up to this point in…

Prep Baseball: Duluth Marshall, Proctor to Meet in Section 7AA Finals; Hermantown’s Season Ends in 7AAA Semifinals

The Hilltoppers and Rails will face each other Thursday in the section 7AA championship series, with the Hilltoppers needing just one win to advance to state.

DULUTH, Minn. – Behind 6 and 2/3 no-hit innings from Owen Marsolek, Duluth Marshall got the 5-0 win over Esko in the section 7AA winners bracket semifinal game. In the elimination bracket semifinal, Proctor hung on to defeat Esko 11-9 to advance to the section championship. The Hilltoppers and Rails will face each other Thursday in the section 7AA championship…

MSHSL Board of Directors Approves Use of Shot Clock Starting in 2023-24

The board also voted to allow conferences to use shot clocks for conference games beginning this season if all conference schools have shot clocks. 

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. – The MSHSL voted Tuesday morning for high school basketball teams to start using shot clocks for the 2023-24 season. The board also voted to allow conferences to use shot clocks for conference games beginning this season if all conference schools have shot clocks. Back in December, the board voted unanimously to adopt a 35-second shot clock….

Former Grand Rapids Forward Hunter Bischoff Commits to Augustana Men’s Hockey

Bischoff is the first ever men's hockey commit for Augustana as the Vikings are getting ready to begin their first NCAA Division I hockey season in the fall of 2023.

COHASSET, Minn. – Former Grand Rapids forward Hunter Bischoff made history this week as the first ever commit for the Augustana men’s hockey program. The Vikings are getting ready to begin their first ever NCAA Division I hockey season in the fall of 2023. Most recently, Bischoff spent this past season playing for the Anchorage Wolverines in the NAHL, putting…

Moose Lake/Willow River Softball Preparing for Program’s First Trip to State

The Rebels state quarterfinal game against Wabasha-Kellogg is set for Thursday at 1 p.m. at Caswell Park in North Mankato.

WILLOW RIVER, Minn. -Last week, the Moose Lake/Willow River softball team won the section 7A title to clinch the co-op’s first ever trip to state. Now the Rebels are looking forward to making more history later this week. Moose Lake High School went to state in 1982 but since the two schools combined just a few years later, the Rebels…

Esko Sweeps 7A Track and Field Titles; Cloquet Girls, Grand Rapids Boys Win Section 7AA Titles

The Northland will be well-represented by teams, individuals and relay teams when the state meet takes place June 9-11 at St. Michael-Albertville High School.

ESKO, Minn. – State track and field meets will take place later this week and this is the first year Minnesota will have three classes. In section 7A, Esko dominated the section meets with both the boys and girls winning the titles. The Esko boys took down defending champs GNK, who finished second and will also advance to state. The…

Wilderness Forward Barrett Hall Commits to St. Cloud State

Hall finished his rookie season with the Wilderness with five goals and 20 points

CLOQUET, Minn. – Minnesota Wilderness forward Barrett Hall announced his commitment over the weekend to St. Cloud State men’s hockey. Hall finished his rookie season with the Wilderness with five goals and 20 points. He also played in all nine playoff games, registering a goal and four assists. Hall also spent part of this past season finishing with his high…

Noah Marcelo’s Second Grand Slam of Season Gives Huskies Sweep of Willmar Stingers

Noah Marcelo now has 12 RBI through six games in his second season with the Huskies.

DULUTH, Minn. – Second-year Duluth Huskies outfielder Noah Marcelo lifted a grand slam to left field, his second of the young season, to give the Huskies the 9-5 win over the Willmar Stingers. Marcelo now has 12 RBI through just six games this season. JD Rogers went 3-for-5 with an RBI double on the day, while Harrison Kreiling gave up…

Superior Softball Learns State Tournament Seeding

The Spartans, who are making their first trip to the state tournament since 1993, are the No. 5 seed and will face No. 4 seed Cedarburg Thursday in the Division 1 state quarterfinals.

MADISON, Wis. – WIAA state softball brackets have been released as the action gets started next week. Superior earns the No. 5 seed in Division 1 and will face No. 4 seed Cedarburg in the quarterfinals on Thursday, June 9 around 2:00 p.m. The semifinals are set for Friday night with the Division 1 state championship set to take place…

Proctor, Moose Lake/Willow River Learn State Softball Draws

Moose Lake/Willow River earns the No. 2 seed in Class A while Proctor earns the No. 1 seed in Class AA. Both teams will open the state tournament Thursday, June 9 at Caswell Park.

MANKATO, Minn. – State softball brackets have been released as the fun gets started next week. In Class A, Moose Lake/Willow River is the No. 2 seed and will face unseeded Wabasha-Kellogg on Thursday, June 9 at 1:00 p.m. in the state quarterfinals. In Class AA, Proctor earns the No. 1 seed and will face unseeded Pipestone Area in the…

St. Luke’s Offering COVID Boosters for Kids Ages 5-11

St. Luke's is also continuing to offer the first and second shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.

DULUTH, Minn. – For kids ages five through 11 who have gotten their initial COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are now available at St. Luke’s. St. Luke’s is also currently offering the full vaccine series for kids who have not yet received their first or second shots. This is all part of St. Luke’s Pediatric Associates, highlighting the importance of kids…

UMD’s Isabelle Brezinka Earns All-American Honors at NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

The senior finished Saturday's 800m final in 7th place with a time of 2:09.71. Brezinka is the first Bulldog since Haleigh Reindl in 2019 to earn All-American status

ALLENDALE, Mich. – The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships wrapped up on Saturday and UMD’s Isabelle Brezinka is taking home First-Team All-American honors for the first time in her career. The senior finished Saturday’s 800m final in 7th place with a time of 2:09.71. In Friday’s prelim, Brezinka set a new personal best of 2:08.23 which was the third…

Prep Softball: Natalie Vitek Lifts Hermantown to Section 7AAA Semifinals; Cloquet’s Season Comes to an End

Natalie Vitek recorded 13 strikeouts in nine innings of work, while also driving in the game-winning run in the 9th to give the Hawks to walk-off win in their first section 7AAA tournament game.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Natalie Vitek got the job done at the plate and in the circle on Saturday, helping top-seeded Hermantown get the 2-1 win over North Branch in nine innings in the section 7AAA tournament. Vitek recorded 13 strikeouts in nine innings of work, while also driving in the game-winning run in the 9th to give the Hawks the…

Duluth Boys Lacrosse Drops Regular Season Finale to Northfield

Colby Larson and Logan Lian scored twice while Grady Downs and Tyler Smith each scored once. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth boys lacrosse team struggled in the second half as Northfield got the 12-6 road win to end the regular season. Colby Larson and Logan Lian scored twice while Grady Downs and Tyler Smith each scored once. The Wolfpack now prepare for the section playoffs which will begin on Tuesday. Duluth will open up the 7A…

SolFed Farm Receives Certified Naturally Grown Recognition

SolFed Farm is the only farm in Minnesota to receive this distinction. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Farming started as more of a passion project for SolFed Farm owner Liz Strohmayer. “We started with a few raised beds which quickly turned into a lot. It was ideally, it was supposed to be our way of being more self sustainable, and living a more self sustainable lifestyle,” Strohmayer said. But then Strohmayer decided to share…

Duluth Edison Charter School Students Hold Outdoor Concert

Due to the pandemic, this is the first time since 2019 the concerts have been held and all of the kids were excited to be performing outside again. 

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, kids from the Duluth Edison Charter School celebrated the end of the school year with their outdoor concert. Students grades kindergarten through fourth and their families gathered at Leif Erickson Park as the kids performed different songs. Due to the pandemic, this is the first time since 2019 the concerts have been held and all…

Alpacas Go Through Shearing Process at Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm

About 50 alpacas went through the shearing process on Tuesday along with a llama and two sheep. 

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a busy day at a local farm for alpaca shearing. It’s the annual harvest day at the Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm in Duluth where they are harvesting alpaca fiber by shearing it off the alpacas. The process includes a professional shearer named Brent, his assistant and volunteers who come by to help. It’s always done…

Superior Roux Offering Variety of Flavors at Pop-Up Location

Superior Roux operates out of the old Billings Park Cafe building, which was purchased by the Sutherland family and turned it into Venue in the Park which now offers a commercial kitchen rental and event space. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Opening Superior Roux has been a long time coming for co-owners Paul Lukens and Jeremy Wilson. “We’ve both been in the culinary industry for about 30 years mixed together. We kind of came together and realized we work really well together and a lot of our palate and a lot of our flavors work well together so…

Twin Ports Miracle League to Hold Second Annual Home Run Derby Fundraiser

The home run derby will take place June 5 starting at 11:00 a.m. at Harrison Park and will feature a youth, high school/college and open division.

DULUTH, Minn. – We are just a few weeks away from the Twin Ports Miracle League season from getting started and they’re kicking things off with one of their fundraisers. Miracle League, put on by the Duluth YMCA, allows kids with any physical and/or mental disabilities to play baseball. They are holding their second annual home run derby to help…

Hayward Wolfpack FC Uses Big Second Half to Defeat OPOPO United FC

Former Saint Malcolm Lumsden scored five goals for the Wolfpack, all in the second half. 

HAYWARD, Wis. – Eight second half goals gave Hayward Wolfpack FC the 9-2 win against Grand Rapids-based OPOPO United FC, who used to go by the name Hibbing United FC, in a friendly on Sunday afternoon. Former Saint Malcolm Lumsden scored five goals for the Wolfpack, all in the second half. Hayward will be back in action on Thursday at…

Duluth Denfeld Baseball Defeats Rivals Duluth East

This is the Hunters' first win over the Greyhounds since 2015.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld baseball team scored four runs in the fourth to start the rally and went on to get the 12-4 win over crosstown rivals Duluth East. This is the Hunters’ first win over the Greyhounds since 2015. Denfeld will be back in action Wednesday at Cloquet while East will host Anoka on Wednesday. Categories: High…

Hermantown Softball Wins Big in Regular Season Finale

The Hawks put up 24 total runs to sweep Bemidji in their regular season finale.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown softball team dominated offensively on Saturday, getting the 12-5 and 12-3 wins over Bemidji to end the regular season. The Hawks improve to to 15-2 and now get ready for section playoffs which begin next week. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth Boys Lacrosse Falls at Home to Woodbury

Tyler Smith finished with four goals for the Wolfpack. 

DULUTH, Minn. – A big second quarter by Woodbury helped the Royals get the 14-9 road win over the Duluth boys lacrosse team on Saturday. Tyler Smith finished with four goals for the Wolfpack. Duluth is scheduled to be back in action Tuesday at Irondale. Categories: High School, Sports

Local Speedways Planning to Final Open for Season This Weekend

Halvor Lines Speedway plans to open for the season this Sunday with doors opening at 4:00 p.m. 

PROCTOR, Minn. – Rain and frost are less than ideal conditions for dirt tracks. “You’ve also got to think about frost in the track. Because if there’s frost in there, that will wreck cars which is very expensive, it’s hard to get parts these days,” president of the Halvor Lines Speedway Duane Caywood said. Local race tracks including Halvor Lines…

Visitors Enjoy Chester Creek Trails

Despite a wet spring, the trails are still in good condition.

DULUTH, Minn. – With some more wet weather on the way, Tuesday was the perfect day to get outside and enjoy some of Duluth’s trails. People were out and about on the Chester Creek trails. Despite a wet spring, the trails are in good condition which allows visitors to take a hike, relax by the waterfalls or just enjoy the…

Howard’s Que Serving Up Southern Style Flavors

Howard's Que is currently open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and then Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Howard’s Que located in Lincoln Park has been serving up southern style barbeque for years. “It’s a little bit of Howard style, it’s a little bit of Memphis, that’s where I’m from Memphis, Tennessee and St. Louis, Missouri so it’s a combination of those areas and regions. Here, you’re never going to walk away hungry,” owner Howard…

St. Luke’s Staff Members Spend Day Giving Back to Community

As part of National "Do Something Good for Your Neighbors Day", St. Luke's staff members picked up trash and cleaned around their campus and surrounding neighborhoods. 

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, around two dozen St. Luke’s employees spent part of their day giving back to the community. As part of National “Do Something Good for Your Neighbors Day”, St. Luke’s staff members picked up trash and cleaned around their campus and surrounding neighborhoods. The event gives employees a chance to connect with one another while also…

Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Stays Busy With Maintenance Work During Closure

On Monday, the wheels and running gears of one of the locomotives was lifted by crane onto a semi truck which will then be sent off to a remanufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad has been temporarily suspended for three years but that hasn’t stopped work from happening on-site. On Monday, the wheels and running gears of one of the locomotives was lifted by crane onto a semi truck which will then be sent off to a remanufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. The wheels were on…

Zam Plante Named Nominee for All-USA Today HSSA Hockey Player of the Year

The winner along with three finalists will be announced July 31.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – It’s been two months since the Hermantown boys hockey team won their fourth state title, but that hasn’t stopped star Zam Plante from continuing to bring home honors. After putting up a team leading 24 goals his junior season, Plante is being recognized as one of the best in the country. Plante has been named to the…

UMD Volleyball Announces 2022 Schedule

The Bulldogs will open at the St. Cloud State/Concordia-St. Paul tournament August 26 and 27.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD volleyball team has released their 2022 schedule as the season is just three months away. The Bulldogs will open at the St. Cloud State/Concordia-St. Paul tournament August 26 and 27. They will then head to Indy the following weekend for four games at the University of Indianapolis tournament. UMD will open NSIC play on Sept….

Duluth FC Gets Shutout Win in Home Opener

Felipe Oliveira and Sam Thornton scored as the BlueGreens picked up a huge win over conference rivals Minneapolis City SC.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth FC used one goal in each half to get the 2-0 win over conference rivals Minneapolis City SC in their home opener. Felipe Oliveira and Sam Thornton scored as the BlueGreens got a big conference win that could pay dividends later in the season. Duluth improves to 2-0 on the season and will host the Minnesota…

UW-Superior Baseball Falls in UMAC Tournament Championship Game

UWS ends the season with a 19-21 overall record. 

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The UW-Superior baseball team entered Saturday’s UMAC Tournament Championship series in the drivers seat and needing just one win, but Crown did what it needed to do, getting 13-5 and 7-2 wins to take home the UMAC Tournament title. The No. 4 seed Yellowjackets defeated the No. 2 seed Polars on Friday but the Polars bounced back…

UMD Baseball’s Season Comes to an End in NSIC Tournament Semifinals

UMD ends their season with a 25-25 overall record. 

BRANDON, S.D. – The UMD baseball team’s Cinderella run came to an end on Saturday in the NSIC Tournament semifinals as Augustana got the 11-1 win to eliminate the Bulldogs. Earlier in the day, UMD got the 6-4 win over Minot State thanks to Tosten Mann hitting three home runs. The Bulldogs were picked to finish 13 in the NSIC…

Prep Lacrosse: Duluth Boys, Girls Fall at Home

Both Duluth lacrosse teams suffered tough losses at home on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth boys lacrosse team struggled offensively on Saturday as Mahtomedi got the 7-0 road win. The Wolfpack fall to 6-3 and will play at White Bear Lake on Monday. Meanwhile, the Duluth girls battled back-and-forth on Saturday but dropped a heartbreaker, as Brainerd got the 9-8 win. The Wolfpack fall to 5-3 and will host crosstown…

Bent Paddle Brewery Takes Home Two Awards at 2022 World Beer Cup

Bent Paddle's Bent Hop IPA took home bronze in the international India Pale Ale category, while their pilot batch Altbear won gold in the German Style Altbier category. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Another local brewery is still celebrating after taking home some hardware from last week’s 2022 World Beer Cup. Bent Paddle’s year-round Bent Hop IPA took home bronze in the international India Pale Ale category, while their pilot batch Altbear won gold in the German-Style Altbier category. The brewery has won a few Great American Beer Fest awards…

Fishing Guide Shares Tips Ahead of Minnesota Fishing Opener

Houston's Guide Service begins trips next week. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Anglers get ready because the Minnesota fishing opener weekend is finally here. Jarrid Houston with Houston’s Guide Service says the opener signals the busy time of year for them. He says they have a lot of guide trips booked already for this summer but they do still have some openings. Houston also shares his tips for a…

Jay Cooke State Park Getting Busier With Warmer Weather

Whether you're looking for a day hike or a camping trip, Jay Cooke officials say they're excited to welcome people back for sunny days at the park. 

CARLTON, Minn. – The river is flowing, the snow is melting and it’s now a busy time of year at Jay Cooke State Park. “We think spring may have actually sprung here in the park. Everything comes back. the people come back, the birds come back, the river goes up, so all of that is really energizing and makes you…

New Oral Health Hub Set to Open in Downtown Duluth Later This Year

Minnesota-based Children's Dental Services is in the process of opening a full service oral health hub at 25 W. Superior St. in downtown Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Within the next year there will be more options for children to receive dental care in the Northland. Minnesota-based Children’s Dental Services is in the process of opening a full service oral health hub here in Duluth. A large portion of the funding for this came from a $200,000 grant from the Medica Foundation. The nonprofit already…

Earth Rider’s North Tower Stout Selected as 2022 World Beer Cup Gold Medal Winner in Oatmeal Stout Category

The World Beer Cup, which is the largest beer competition in the world, had more than 10,000 entries from nearly 2500 breweries across 57 countries. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Over the weekend, Earth Rider Brewery took home a special honor for one of their brews. The North Tower Stout was named the 2022’s World Beer Cup gold medal winner in the oatmeal stout category. The World Beer Cup, which is the largest beer competition in the world, had more than 10,000 entries from nearly 2500 breweries…

Minnesota Fishing Opener Happening This Weekend

With the weather looking nice for this weekend, Fisherman's Corner says they're just starting to get busy and see people getting their boats out as they prepare to start the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – After Wisconsin held its fishing opener this past weekend, Minnesotans are now getting ready to hit the lakes this weekend. Although the weather looks promising on Saturday and Sunday, the dragged-out winter slowed down preparations. Fisherman’s Corner says they’re just starting to get busy and see people getting their boats out. They added that a concern of…

Miniature Therapy Horses Visit Duluth Edison Charter School’s Raleigh Academy

On Monday, the students got to learn more about how to take care of them, groom them and act around them while the students will read a book to the horses on Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, students at the Duluth Edison Charter School’s Raleigh Academy get to spend time with some special visitors. Miniature therapy horses from Rocky Run are visiting the school as part of the miniature horse outreach program. Over the past week, students have been learning more about horses and practicing their ready to get ready for these…

UW-Superior Baseball Player Making Most of Senior Season Following Scary Medical Incident

The summer after his freshman season, David Dibble's heart stopped twice while helping in the bullpen and he was told he could never play sports again. Now, he's enjoying a final season playing for the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The COVID-19 pandemic caused plenty of issues for spring athletes, but it did grant college athletes an extra year of eligibility. And for one UW-Superior baseball player, that’s given him another chance to defy the odds and play the sport that he loves. There are few moments that David Dibble enjoys more than being out on the…

Lake Superior College Holds Spring Open House

Educators hoped it would allow interested students to get a real feel of what it would be like if they chose LSC. 

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday, Lake Superior College let prospective students stop by for an open house. They learned about the different programs, visited labs and met instructors for the more hands-on career programs the college offers, ranging from nursing to automotive to cybersecurity. Educators hoped it would allow interested students to get a real feel of what it would…

Jay Cooke State Park Busy as Spring Weather Begins

Jay Cooke is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

CARLTON, Minn. – With it continuing to get nicer outside, it’s becoming the perfect time of the year to visit Jay Cooke State Park. The park was opening during the winter but now the snow is melting, the river and waterfalls are flowing and more people are stopping by. The park also allows camping and says reservations have been going…

Mother’s Day Craft and Vendor Show Taking Place This Weekend in Cloquet

The show will continue Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at both the Cloquet Armory and Super One at Pine Tree Plaza. 

CLOQUET, Minn. – If you need a last minute Mother’s Day gift, you have quite a few locally-made options at the Mother’s Day craft and vendor show in Cloquet. This weekend, over 70 local vendors, crafters and home businesses are showcasing their work. Items range from wood designs and jewelry to photographs and even 3D printing so anyone can find…

Adolfson and Peterson Construction Holds Inaugural Charity Bean Bag Tournament

The money raised from Thursday's event were being donated to the Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, dozens of people gathered at Clyde Iron Works for a bean bag tournament to raise money for charity. Adolfson and Peterson Construction held an inaugural bean bag tournament Thursday afternoon with proceeds being donated to the Northern Lights Foundation. Members with AP Construction says they’re committed to giving back to the local community and Thursday’s…

Pike Lake Golf and Beach Club Adding Summer Outdoor Activities

Pike Lake Golf and Beach Club is adding pickleball, bocce ball, volleyball, bean bags, a tiki bar and an event center to be ready this summer.

DULUTH, Minn. – With it continuing to get warmer out, the Pike Lake Golf and Beach Club is getting ready to unveil some new renovations to help people enjoy those summer days. The facility already featured a 9-hole course and beach, but is adding pickleball, bocce ball, volleyball, bean bags, a tiki bar and an event center to be ready…

Flower Shops Busy Preparing for Mother’s Day

The owner of Artistic Florals by Leslie located on Tower Avenue in Superior says they're still taking orders if you need a gift for Sunday or to stop by and see what grab and go boutiques they have available. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mother’s Day is just a few days away which means places like flower shops are gearing up for a busy weekend. The owner of Artistic Florals by Leslie located on Tower Avenue in Superior says her business has been busy for a while now preparing for Sunday. Leslie tells us she tries to make sure they’re staffed…

Local Restaurants Preparing for Busy Cinco de Mayo

Maya Mexican Restaurant in Hermantown will be open Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and says they will have their normal happy hour plus several drink specials. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – It’s a busy time of year for restaurants with lots of big events coming up, including for Mexican restaurants across the Northland as they gear up for one of their busiest days of the year: Cinco de Mayo. Management over at the Maya Mexican Restaurant located in Hermantown says they’re excited to once again celebrate the holiday…