Features

Knowing Your Neighbors: Soundtronics Aims to Brings Better Sound to All Types of Rides

Owner Dustin Mishler enjoys helping people find their sound, tires, and lighting, whatever they want to trick out their rides.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Every car ride is better with some sound, and a new store in Superior is helping drivers bring some beats to anything that rolls. “It’s more of a want than a need I guess more so stuff that people enjoy more so than a necessity definitely,” said Dustin Mishler. Mishler came back to his Superior roots to set…

Northern Star: Meredith Boettcher

For this week's segment, we feature a Duluth Marshall girls hockey player who's continuing the legacy her sisters started with the Hilltoppers program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall girls hockey and the Boettcher name go hand-and-hand. “Hockey means just as much to me as everyone else in my family. My sisters were here when the program just started. We started our high school program, only JV and my sisters were on that so all of the program’s history, my family’s been here,” Duluth…

New Lincoln Park Coffee, Tea Shop Attracting Roasters from Across the U.S.

190 Coffee and Tea is Located at 1831 West Michigan Street in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – They’re beverages enjoyed all year long in the Northland, however, a hot cup of tea or coffee on a bitter winter day can be satisfying beyond words. “This is exactly what I signed up for is negative ten-degree weather, that is what I wanted,” said Corey Roysdon, general manager at 190 Coffee and Tea. You could say…

Author Raising Funds For Suicide Prevention

DULUTH, Minn. – As author Thomas Fellows says, the main thesis of this book, “Mrs. Dubose’s Last Wish: The Art of Embracing Suffering,” is that while 99% of the world tries to avoid suffering, the most successful people and people that will be remembered for generations to come, not only choose to suffer but embrace it fully, often asking for more….

Northern Star: Kolbin Carter

For this week's segment, we feature a Proctor basketball player who has made a big impact in his first year back in the Northland.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Kolbin Carter has always called the Northland home. “It’s a great community, everyone accepts you, everybody’s close,” Carter said. But after his freshman year of high school, his family got new jobs and they moved to Las Vegas. Three years later, they moved back and now Carter is playing basketball with the Proctor Rails. “When I was…

‘The Hockey Guys’ Tik Tok Account Drawing Millions of Eyes to UWS Men’s Hockey

What started as a personal account in 2020 for Lawson McDonald, skyrocketed into "The Hockey Guys" a brand with over a million followers.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wessman Arena is the place to be to catch the UWS men’s hockey team in action, but they’ve found a new audience, on Tik Tok, where they’ve been able to reach millions of fans. What started as a personal account in 2020 for Lawson McDonald, skyrocketed into “The Hockey Guys” a brand with over a million followers….

Tasteful Twist on Cooked Carrots with New Scenic Café

DULUTH, Minn – This week’s Cooking Connection takes Meteorologist Ken Slama to the New Scenic Café just outside of Duluth off the scenic Highway 61. Owner and Chef Scott Graden gets creative with his take on caramelized carrots. Click here for more information from New Scenic Café. Categories: Cooking Connection Tags: Cooking Connection, Local News, New Scenic Cafe

KYN: The Local Bar and Grille in Ashland is Open for Business

ASHLAND, Wis. – “We are really excited to be a part of the community here,” The Local Bar and Grille co-owner, Bradley Moullet says. A new restaurant in Ashland, Wisconsin is open for business. The Local Bar and Grille opened in December and has taken over a building known for hosting events in the community. “It has a lot of…

Kickstart American Heart Month with Mindful Nutrition

February is American Heart Month

DULUTH, Minn. – February is known as American Heart Month. It’s a time when people of all ages are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The Division is committed to addressing barriers to…

38th Annual Beargrease Sees Larger Crowds than Normal

You could say crowds were larger than normal, upon their return to the sidelines, but the most surprising part is how many came to watch for their first time.

DULUTH, Minn. — Who is more excited to be here, the dogs or the fans? Spectators excited to return to the start line after a quiet year due to the pandemic. You could say crowds were larger than normal, upon their return to the sidelines, but the most surprising part is how many came to watch for their first time….

Northern Star: Rachel Hagen

For this week's Northern Star, we meet a Duluth East girls basketball player who's battled back from multiple knee injuries to become one of the top players on her team.

DULUTH, Minn. – It is almost a miracle that Rachel Hagen is playing basketball today. When she was just an eighth grader, Hagen tore her ACL. “Mentally it was pretty hard to be sitting out for so long knowing that it was going to be a 9-12 month recovery. But I think that was also motivating, to see my teammates…

Cooking with Coco: Broccoli Pepita Pesto Pasta

Cooking Connection: Broccoli Pepita Pesto Pasta

DULUTH, Minn. – This is a great dish that can be served warm or cold! A 10-ounce box of frozen broccoli pieces works great in this recipe as a substitute for fresh. Grapeseed or vegetable oil can also be substituted for olive oil. If you prefer a more subtle garlic flavor, use 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic for fresh. 3…

Preps Underway for 6th Annual Lake Superior Ice Festival

The Festival Runs Jan. 28 & 29 of 2022

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Ice Festival is back for its sixth year at its current capacity. There are a lot of new activities happening this year including an ice carousel, hot air balloon rides, mini-golf, live music, and a ton more. The family-orientated event in and around Barker’s Island will also have activities targeted for kids like ice…

Northern Star: Simon Davidson

For this week's segment, we feature Duluth Denfeld's assists leader whose love for hockey runs deep through his family.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld senior forward Simon Davidson might have the biggest personality on the team, but he always knows when to flip a switch. “Obviously you want to win games and all of that and being a leader on this team, you don’t want to change who you are away from the ice and all of that. So…

The Family Business: Two Harbors Wallins’ Prepares For Another Beargrease Marathon

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is just around the corner, and while teams across the country are getting ready for the races, here in Two Harbors., it’s just another day at the office for the Wallin’s. “It’s just a real celebration of being a Minnesotan and loving the winter,” Colleen Wallin said. The Wallin’s have…

The Northland’s Largest Baby Shower is Happening Now

Donate Now Through Monday, January 31, 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – Life 97.3 and St. Luke’s Hospital have partnered again to throw the 4th annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower. Throughout the month of January, Life 97.3 is encouraging its audience to donate typical baby shower items that will ultimately benefit a number of organizations spread across the Northland that are helping families in need. Below is a list…

Northern Star: Maddie Young

For this week's segment, we feature a Cloquet girls basketball player who recently scored her 1,000th career point.

CLOQUET, Minn. – For Maddie Young, being a multi-sport athlete has been made easier by the people around her. “We just pride ourselves on playing for each other and playing as a team. It’s just really fun to come into the gym not only to play basketball but also play it with your best friends,” Young said. Which includes her…

Chocolate Avocado Mousse: Try This Healthier Dessert Recipe

Cooking Connection: Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Chef Arlene Coco

DULUTH, Minn. – This delicious dessert qualifies as a “raw foods” dessert as well as vegetarian. Chocolate Avocado Mousse can be made a couple of days ahead. A delicious and nutritious treat that anyone can eat. It even qualifies as a “raw” dessert. Stevia and Splenda can also be used for the sweetener. Recipe:  Serving size: 4 Ingredients: 2 ripe…

Lutsen to Host Norpine Fat Bike Classic Starting Mid-January

Registration is Currently Open for Events Beginning on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022

LUTSEN, Minn. – Registration is now open for the Norpine Fat Bike Classic, which will return to Lutsen for its sixth year with events beginning Saturday, Jan. 15, and culminating with races on Saturday, Jan. 29. Hosted by the Superior Cycling Association, all events are held on the Norpine Cross-Country Trails, which take riders through stands of old-growth cedars on…

Northern Star: Abby Pajari

For this week's segment, we feature the goaltender on the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team who's feeling more confident after helping guide the Mirage to a state championship last season.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Being a goaltender wasn’t the first option for Proctor/Hermantown senior Abby Pajari. “I started when I was I think 10 years old. I had been a forward for five years before that. One day my dad was like we don’t have a goalie for practice and I said I’ll do it and I said oh this is…

Local Animal Shelters Taking Part in Viral #BettyWhiteChallenge

Participants Can Donate on or Before Jan. 17 -- What Would Have Been White's 100th Birthday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The late Betty White is being honored with a new social media challenge. The idea says that on Jan. 17 — which would have been white’s 100th birthday, people should pick a local rescue or animal shelter in their area and donate $5 in White’s name. White was a lifelong animal lover and wrote an animal book…

Northern Star: Conner Barney

For this week's segment, we feature a Cloquet basketball player who's making a big impact in just his second season with the program.

CLOQUET, Minn. – There’s one place you’ll be able to find Cloquet senior guard Conner Barney almost any time of day. “He’s in the gym all of the time, he’s a gym rat,” Cloquet head coach Steve Battaglia said. “If I don’t got a gym, there’s an open gym in Hinckley that’s 24/7 so I’ll go up there as late…

Northern Star: Robert Powell

For this week's segment, we feature a Superior boys hockey player hoping to lead the team back to the state tournament.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One of 21 seniors on the Superior boys hockey team, forward Robert Powell has been playing with his fellow Spartans for over a decade. “Just actually becoming brothers with everyone else, becoming a family. It’s a once in a lifetime thing,” Powell said. During that stretch, Powell credits his teammates and this program for helping him become…

Midwestern Journalist, Comedian, Actor, Charlie Berens Coming to Duluth

Berens will be Performing at the DECC March 24 & 25

DULUTH, Minn. –  Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, and creator of the Manitowoc Minute, Charlie Berens, is making a stop in Duluth. Berens will be performing at the DECC Thursday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m., and Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to showtime. The Wisconsin native has been featured on FOX, CBS, TBS Digital, Variety, MTV…

Northern Star: Will Van Scoy

For this week's segment, we feature a senior on the Duluth East basketball team who's continuing to work his way back after missing the Greyhounds special season last year with an ACL tear.

DULUTH, Minn. – Basketball has always kept Will Van Scoy focused. “My parents, my mom, my dad, they always asked me like Will what do you want to do when you get older and I said I want to play basketball,” Van Scoy, a senior guard on the Duluth East boys basketball team said. That was until August of 2020…

Tips For Keeping Fido Fairly Calm Over the Holidays

Animal Allies Humane Society Reminds Potential Owners to Think Twice Before Adopting this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re all loading up on holiday anticipation, excitement, presents, and home parties — but it’s important to make sure it doesn’t put your animals into overload. The American Kennel Club says Christmas activities can put stress on your dog. Situations like loud noises, lots of new visitors, and new environments could cause fear in your pet. If…

Twinkling Tuesday Tours Return to Superior’s Fairlawn Mansion

The Tours Are Available Each Tuesday in December

SUPERIOR, Wis. – You can once again enjoy the Christmas decorations at Fairlawn Mansion during the annual Twinkling Tuesdays tour. This self-guided tour lets you roam the home at your own pace while enjoying sweet treats. You even get the chance to ask any questions to volunteers stationed throughout the mansion. The tour is available every Tuesday in December. The…

Northern Star: Laila Monroe

For this week's segment, we feature a senior on the Duluth Marshall basketball team who is ready to fill some big shoes and leave her own legacy within the program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Once Duluth Marshall senior forward Laila Monroe started attending Starks Academy in middle school, the rest of her basketball career was set. “It’s crazy how fast it went by. I remember it was like yesterday I was first coming to Marshall. I’ve seen myself get better through Starks Academy, that’s where I found Marshall. I was introduced…

Coffee Conversation: Rubber Chicken Theater Returns with ‘I Saw Mommy Vaxxing Santa Claus!’

DULUTH, Minn.- After a year away, Rubber Chicken Theater returns to the stage, masked, vaxxed and ready to make merry with their annual holiday sketch comedy revue. This year’s show, I Saw Mommy Vaxxing Santa Claus, or, Over the River and *Almost* Through the Woods, will be staged for three performances only, December 16, 17, and 18 at 7:30pm. Shows…

Northern Star: Mercury Bischoff

For this week's segment, we feature a freshman on the Grand Rapids/Greenway girls hockey team who is already ranked in the top 10 in the state in goals and points.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Bischoffs are your traditional Grand Rapids hockey family. “We had an outdoor pond at our house, we all grew up playing boot hockey doing everything we could to get better on the outdoors,” Grand Rapids/Greenway defenseman Jazzy Bischoff said. “The Bischoff name, the Bischoff lineage, a great hockey families with brothers and even sisters,” head…

Ski, Snowboard, Then Enjoy a Little Mexican Flare from Riverside Bar & Grill

Cooking Connection: Chicken Street Tacos from Riverside Bar & Grill

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes Meteorologist Ken Slama to Spirit Mountain, home of the Riverside Bar and Grill. Their family-friendly menu offers a variety of food to help reenergize you before returning to the slopes this winter season. This week we tried their take on street tacos, which are chicken with a hint of curry along with…

Pure Hockey Takes Over Duluth Hockey Company

DULUTH, Minn. — On august 23rd, the Duluth Hockey Company on Maple Grove Road closed its doors, and opened as Pure Hockey the next day. And even though the name has changed, the services have not. Pure Hockey will sell the same gear as before, also skate fittings and repairs as well as skate sharpening’s. But after wanting to expand…

North Shore Hunger Heroes Campaign Raises Over $186K Since 2016

Donations of Any Amount will be Matched Throughout December

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Since 2016, a campaign known as ‘North Shore Hunger Heroes’ has helped raise over $186,000 for food banks and programs in Northeastern Minnesota. Started by North Shore Federal Credit Union, the brand’s seven offices from Grand Portage to Duluth continue to accept donations to help fight food insecurities in small Northland communities. Members and non-members are…

Northern Star: Blake Biondi

For this week's Northern Star, we hear from a Hermantown native who is one of the top players on the UMD men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – Forward Blake Biondi is having a breakout sophomore campaign for the UMD men’s hockey team. He’s among the top scorers for the bulldogs and a few weeks ago was named NCHC Forward of the Week. “I think consistency is just really big so that’s been obviously building a good structure at the beginning of the season helps…

‘Can Do Canines’ Offers Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe Throughout the Holidays

Keeping Your Dog Healthy During the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota-based ‘Can Do Canines’ is offering a list of tips and tricks to follow in order to make sure your pets have a safe and ER-free holiday season. “Holidays can be stressful, and your dog may pick up on that too. New smells, tempting foods, and strangers in the home may all lead to higher stress levels…

Pedro’s Grill & Cantina Settling in to New Location

Pedro's Grill & Cantina is Now Located at 7 8th Street in Cloquet, Minnesota

CLOQUET, Minn. – Throughout the past 20 months amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve witnessed multiple businesses that were forced to shut their doors or change the way they operate just to make ends meet. This week’s Knowing Your Neighbors shines the spotlight on one success story from the community of Cloquet. “We love the atmosphere! It’s really nice in here,”…

Northern Star: Rachel Anderson

For this week's segment, we feature the new program leader in career assists for the St. Scholastica women's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – Following a year of craziness and an offseason full of change, fifth-year forward Rachel Anderson decided to return to the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team for her love of her team and the sport. “DIII, you do it for the love of the game. We are so close, we’ve been so close for so long. When freshmen…

Wrestle the Massive Rasputin Burrito on an Empty Stomach

Cooking Connection: Rasputin Burrito

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection, we are back in the kitchen at Burrito Union. If you are tired of potatoes and turkey, but still have that Thanksgiving appetite, check out the Rasputin. It comes with nearly everything on the line and barely fits in their largest tortilla.  It is also large enough to share with a friend…