Author: Brett Scott

Study: Minnesota Millennials Stressed Over Health Care

Minnesotans Show Striking Generational Gap in Knowledge of Health Insurance

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to texting terms such as “LOL” or “BRB” it’s no secret millennials have no problem understanding what’s being conveyed. However, a new study released by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is showing stunning statistics. The study show while nearly 80 percent of Minnesotans think managing their health is an important topic, far…

Animal Answers: Honey Bear Heads Home

The 9-Year-Old American Staffordshire Terrier Mix Spent Nearly Seven Months at Animal Allies

DULUTH, Minn. – You might recall hearing about a certain dog featured as Pet of The Week on FOX 21 Local News over many months. After a long journey from the streets, to the shelter, Honey Bear is home. “He’s a big love bug, he’s honey, but he’s also a bear,” said Josh Klimek. “I kind of fell in love…

Business is Booming at Local Bait Shops

A Mid-Winter Warmup Has Not Impacted Ice Fishing, According to Local Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re learning the recent mid-winter warm-up has not impacted business at local bait shops in the Northland. Store owners at Chalstrom’s Bait and Tackle, and Fisherman’s Corner tell FOX 21 it’s been the best year for ice fishing business in the past five years. It’s a passion for many, only Mother Nature can deny. “Once you’re into…

Grand Portage Lodge Gets Makeover

The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Finished with Phase Two Renovations

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – One popular place along the North Shore is now prepared for played to try their luck once again. The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino is undergoing a three-phase project, opening a fresh chapter for its guests. It’s a popular place for thousands of visitors each year, no matter what season it is. Now, visitors will have…

Structure Fire in Superior Causes $70,000 in Damages

Crews Battled a Blaze that Broke out at 5917 Cumming Avenue, Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior fire officials responded to a structure fire shortly after 10:30 Sunday evening. The blaze broke out at a two-story duplex located at 5917 Cumming Avenue. When crews arrived they found flames coming from two second floor windows. They were able to extinguish the blaze, which crews believe started in the upstairs kitchen. Authorities say all residents…

Downtown Businesses Prepare for Birkie Crowds

With Over 40,000 visitors in One Weekend, Local Eateries are Prepared for Big Business

HAYWARD, Wisc. – Thousands of skiers, fans, and followers are heading to the Hayward area this weekend, taking part in the annual American Birkebeiner tradition despite this year’s lack of snow. However, trail conditions aren’t keeping folks from enjoying cold brews, Birkie fever, and friendship. The owner of the Gridiron Pub and Grub in Downtown Hayward tells FOX 21, his…

Thousands Bunking in Hayward for Annual American Birkebeiner

Hotels are Filling Up Across Many Parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota in Preparation for the Annual Ski Race

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The annual American Birkebeiner calls for a lot of booking when it comes to travel reservations. Officials say the average commute from from hotel to the trail for a race participant can be up to two-and-a-half hours long. It’s why local hotels receive calls nearly one year in advance before the big weekend. “It is very important…

All-Girls Camp Takes over Animal Allies Humane Society

During Winter Break, A Group of Eight Girls Have the Chance to Learn and Have Fun at the Local Shelter

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though it’s beginning to feel like spring across the Northland, Duluth School District students are enjoying winter break this week. A group of eight girls, ages 10 to 14, are taking part in the first even all-girls camp at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. It’s a chance for the girls to engage in art projects,…

Animal Answers: Microchipping Month

One in Three Animals Will Go Missing at Some Point, Animal Allies is Looking to Help

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Animal Answers, FOX 21’s Brett Scott took a trip to Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth to find out more about a helpful event happening during the month of February. Statistics show one in three animals will go missing at some point in the life, leading to an array of problems. To celebrate Micro…

Sticky Bun Fun With Lake Superior Bakehouse

On Tuesday, February 21, We Celebrate National Sticky Buns Day!

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a lot to celebrate in the bakery world on Tuesday, February 21, 2017! The staff at Lake Superior Bakehouse stopped by the FOX 21 Tuesday morning with a few special treats to help celebrate. They say their fresh, homemade sticky buns are a top seller at the bakehouse, located at 102 West Superior Street in Duluth. National…

Cooking Connection: Bread Making With Great Harvest

The Staff at Great Harvest Bread Company in Duluth Show How to Prepare Bread, Granola and More

DULUTH, Minn. – The FOX 21 Morning Crew hit the road for this week’s Cooking Connection, stopping by Great Harvest Bread Co. in Duluth. Lee Davidson, Co-Owner of Great Harvest, gave Brett Scott a tour of the facility, while employees were hard at work shaping fresh baguettes. The team typically gets to work around 3:45a.m., with one baker sponging breads, while…

Officials Identify Lakeside Fire Victim

No Working Fire Alarms Were Found Inside the Home at 4516 Cooke Street in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth fire officials announced Wednesday morning the name and preliminary cause of death for the man who died in a house fire on Cooke Street in Duluth Tuesday. Ray Allen Nordin, 64, died in his home located at 4516 Cooke Street in the Lakeside neighborhood. Officials are ruling the fire accidental, but aren’t sure whether smoking materials…

Animal Answers: Providing Dental Care at Lake Superior Zoo

A Recent Grant of $9,500 is Making it Easier for Zoo Staff to Once Again Provide Dependable Dental Care

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to dental diligence, we often forget to think about our pets. Whether it be dogs, cats, lions, or tigers, veterinarians say all teeth need to be touched up. “Animals have absolutely no way to tell us when they have dental pain,” said Dr. Michael Overend, Owner of Lake County Veterinary Clinics. When it comes…

Busy Day for The Rose Man

Bouquets are Blowing out the Door at Duluth's Iconic Pink Place on Central Entrance

DULUTH, Minn. – We all know roses are red, violets can be blue, and on Tuesday, Duluth’s iconic Rose Man was a popular destination too! Those working at the popular Duluth flower shop this Valentine’s Day, say they didn’t get much sleep last night. “I just like to make sure that everyone gets what they want to come for, and…

Caring for Cancer with Valentine Cards

Children in the Community Handcrafted Valentine's Day Cards for the Cancer Resource Center of Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. – Handmade cards full of color and love are now decorating the Caring Ways Cancer Resource Center of Essentia Health in Duluth. The Duluth KidsClub started two years ago, when Founder Brandi Worthing wanted to create a social hub for parents to connect with events happening in the community. Over the weekend, the Pottery Burn Studio and Duluth KidsClub…

2017 Two Harbors Winter Frolic Begins

Events will be Happening Friday and Saturday in the North Shore Community

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Starting Friday, one community along the North Shore will be celebrating the winter season as temperatures begin to climb. Hundreds are expected to take part in the annual Two Harbors Winter Frolic. The two-day event kicks off Friday evening with a chili cook-off challenge and a community curling challenge. Sliding, skating, and snow sculptures are also…

Active Adventures: Winter Bike to Work Day

Dozens of Duluthians Rode Their Bikes to Work Friday, Celebrating Winter Bike to Work Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday morning, more than 30 Northlanders grabbed their bikes and headed to the Duluth Rose Garden to celebrate International Winter Bike to Work Day. The day is observed across the globe and aims to normalize winter biking. Cyclists gathered at the Rose Garden around 7:30, and rode via Superior Street to the Minnesota Power Plaza. Event organizers from…

Special Report: The Canadian Connection | Part Two

FOX 21's Brett Scott Speaks with Local Tourism Officials and Business Owners on Canadian Cash Flow in the Northland

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Nearly fourteen million Canadians call the Province of Ontario home. Located directly north of Minnesota, thousands of our northern neighbors travel south each year. “A lot of them are on their way to Mall of America, and we are one of their major stops,” said Anna Klobuchar with Visit Cook County. Many miles separate the Canadian…

Zoo Receives Donation Toward Animal Dental Health

The Lake Superior Zoo Started Dental Work Thursday, After Receiving a $9,500 Donation from the Make Me Smile Program

DULUTH, Minn. – A recent donation toward animal dental health was put to use for the first time Thursday at Duluth’s Lake Superior Zoo. A $9,500 dollar grant was recently given to the Zoo, from the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry’s Make Me Smile Program. In 2012, flood waters washed through the Zoo causing millions of dollars’ worth of damage. Included,…

Special Report: The Canadian Connection | Part One

FOX 21's Brett Scott examines the Canadian Cash Flow into the Twin Ports

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – Over 150 miles separate the Twin Ports from our northern border. Each year hundreds of thousands of Canadians travel along Highway 61, making their way down to invest in our local economy. “We see four-hundred, five-hundred, up to one-thousand packages a day.” Jaime Spry, General Manager at Ryden’s Border Store, might be decking the halls while…

Canadian Forces Snowbirds Make Visit to Cirrus Aircraft

The Snowbirds are Preparing for the Upcoming 2017 Duluth Air and Aviation Expo Presented by St. Luke's

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the frigid cold we experienced in the Northland Wednesday, it didn’t stop the Canadian Forces Snowbirds from flocking into Cirrus Aviation earlier in the day. The visit by the military flight demonstration team is in preparation for their longer visit this summer when they will be performing at the 2017 Duluth Air and Aviation Expo presented…

Essentia Health Goes Red for Women

The Cardiovascular Team at Essential Reminds Northlanders to Call for Help Right Away

DULUTH, Minn. – You may have noticed more Northlanders wearing red on Friday, and if so, you’re not alone. Doctors and researchers at Essentia Health in Duluth are looking to spread the word when it comes to heart attack awareness, especially for women. Experts say one in three women die of cardiovascular disease, equal to one life every minute. However,…

Flames Destroy House and Garage in Cloquet

Crews Spent Multiple Hours Working to Save the Strucutres at 3912 Highway 33

CLOQUET, Minn.  – Fire officials responded to a blaze in Cloquet just after 8:00p.m. Thursday. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and multiple fire departments responded to 3912 Highway 33 for a report of a fully engulfed home on fire. Fire crews spent hours working to extinguish the flames, but the home and attached garage were completely destroyed. The cause…

18th Annual ALS Blizzard Tour Kicks Off From Proctor

Hundreds of Riders will Travel Many Miles, Raising Awareness for Lou Gehrig’s Disease

PROCTOR, Minn. – Two-hundred and twenty-five snowmobile riders took to the trails Thursday morning in Proctor. The below zero cold didn’t stop hardy folks from fighting for a special cause. “I started with it because one of my friends died of it, that’s why a lot of us here in Duluth got involved. Of course we’ve got our celebrities, Kent…

Fans Flock to 2017 Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Anderson Wins First Place in 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

DULUTH, Minn – Shortly after 10:00 a.m., the winning team of the 2017 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon mushed through the finish line. Ryan Anderson from Ray, Minnesota, used the annual race to help qualify and train his team to run the upcoming 1,000 mile Iditarod race. “Racing is an art; it’s not just taking a dog team and going fast,”…

Animal Answers: Friends of Animals Saves Texas Dogs

Friends of Animals Humane Society Recently Became Home to Nine New Dogs; Eight from Texas Shelters

CLOQUET, Minn. – Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet recently received a big delivery after rescuing dogs from shelters across the country. Eight of these pups traveled all the way from Texas. “I meet with all of them, we get to know them. I sit and take pictures and get to know their personalities,” said Katy Goodman with Friends of…

Animal Answers: Mushing with Endurance Kennels

Endurance Kennels Specialize in Sprint Sled Dog Racing; Teaches Community Members about the Sport of Mushing

DULUTH, Minn. – The 34th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will kick off this weekend, after months of hard work and preparation from mushers and their dogs. But what is it like for sled dogs that prefer to mush a shorter distance? In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re mushing with Endurance Kennels. “I usually start my morning…

Parents and School Board Officials Take Steps to Replace Rubber Mulch

Duluth Schools Set to Replace Rubber Mulch with Wood Chips, Costing Nearly $630,000

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, members of the Duluth School board motioned to remove all rubber mulch chips on school playgrounds, and replace the potentially harmful material with wood. Kristen Klos-Maki is proud to have her daughter attend Lowell Elementary after attending a nature-based preschool. “When I was starting to decide where I wanted to have her go to kindergarten, I…

Animal Answers: Diving in the Door at World of Fish

Acquariums are Proven to Lower Stress Levels, as Well as Blood Pressure Levels

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The winter months can be difficult for your mood when dealing with cold temperatures and lack of sunlight. But what if you could easily transform your mind to a tropical destination, easing your worry and level of stress? It can be tricky to find open water in the winter, across Northern Minnesota. “You have to create this…

Duluth’s Global Village Settles into New Location in Canal Park

Ahead of Superior Street Reconstruction, Global Village of Duluth Relocates to Bigger Space

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner of Duluth’s Global Village is working on settling in after switching locations nearly two months ago. Rachel Mock says she’s sinking into the honeymoon phase, enjoying every day in her new Canal Park location. “It’s all brand new so we’re really learning as we go and taking it as it comes,” said Mock. Global Village sells…

Local Tanning Salon Seeing Spike in Customers

Northlanders Looking to Fight the Winter Blues are Turning to Tanning

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether you’re taking a trip or just trying to manage your mood this winter, local tanning salons across the Northland are seeing a spike in business. “The base of customers this time of year just increases dramatically, almost day–by–day,” said Chris Verhel, Owner of AJ’s Tanning in Duluth. This time of year many customers can be referred to…

Essentia Helps Provide New Service at Chester Bowl

Snowboards Are Now Available for Rent at Chester Bowl, Thanks to a Generous Grant

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Chester Bowl Ski Hill in Duluth is now home to a brand new service this season, thanks to a generous grant from the Essentia Health Community Contributions Fund. Fifty new snowboards and seventy-five sets of boots are now available to be rented out for those looking to hit the slopes. The snowboard rental program goes along…

Animal Answers: Concern With Cold Weather

Dangerous Cold Temperatures Can Cause Extreme Harm to Animal's Bodies

DULUTH, Minn. – Many of you have pups at home just waiting for the dog days of summer to return to the Northland. During extreme cold snaps, it can be hard to remember how brutal below temperatures are on our pets. “Obviously your dogs are going to need to go,” said Adeline Green with Animal Allies in Duluth. Winter weather…

Fire Blazes Through Duluth Duplex, Causing $25,000 in Damages

No Injuries Were Reported, the Cause of the Fire Remains Under Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening early Wednesday morning, $25,000 worth of damage blazed through a Duluth duplex. Duluth Fire Officials responded to a fire located at 219 East Third Street, where smoke could be seen billowing out from the back end of the structures first floor. The flames were quickly knocked down and contained. One resident was home at the time…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Cooking With Culbert’s Café

Culbert's Offers a Wide Variety of Homemade Items, Always Fresh and Never Frozen

CLOQUET, Minn. – Many of you are trying hard to keep resolutions as we head further into the New Year. For some, fresh, never frozen foods might be on the list. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we’re trying out a few tasty options. If you’re motoring down Cloquet Avenue, the smell of quality cooking creates big smiles. “It’s all…

State Auditor Rebecca Otto Announces Run for Governor

Otto Joins the Race for Minnesota Governor, Along with Coleman and Murphy

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota state auditor Rebecca Otto announced Monday, she is planning to run for governor next year. Otto is the third Democrat to announce a campaign to replace Democratic Governor Mark Dayton who will leave office when his term expires. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said in December he will launch a campaign. State Representative Erin…

Free Radon Test Kits to Raise Awareness

Test Kits Will be Given Out at Six Locations in Duluth Throughout the Month of January

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Lung Association kicked off Radon Awareness Month Thursday, in effort to stop a silent killer. Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and invisible gas, and also ranks as the number one cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon kills more than 21,000 people every year. To combat the issue, the Duluth Healthy Homes Partnership, working…

Animal Answers: Healing with Animal Kingdom Chiropractic

Dr. Claudia Cottrell Uses the Power of Her Hands to Give Motion Back to Animals in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – For humans, it can be extremely never wracking to commit to seeing a chiropractor. But what if noise or anticipation didn’t exist; only the thought of getting better came to mind. Dr. Claudia Cottrell cracks her patients up. “It was a slow start but every month I got busier and busier,” said Dr. Claudia Cottrell, Owner of…

St. Louis River Alliance to Celebrate Year of Accomplishments

St. Louis River Alliance Looks Toward Bright Future in 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) will be hosting their annual Clean Water Open House and Celebration on Thursday, December 29, from 5:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. at Valentini’s Vicino Lago, located at 1400 London Road in Duluth. The SLRA works to restore, protect, and to enhance the St. Louis River. The celebration will recognize SLRA members and supporters…

Animal Answers: Bright Future for Friends of Animals

Friends of Animals Humane Society Named Best Animal Rescue Shelter in Minnesota

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet was named Best Animal Rescue Shelter in Minnesota. The award is given out from the producers of the Hollywood, California based Official Best Of production company. Numerous volunteers along with kind-hearted employees help keep the shelter running. Friends of Animals will be moving in May of 2017, to their new…

Hartley Nature Center Offers Winter Camp for Kids

Making Winter Fun, While Learning During Holiday Break

DULUTH, Minn. – Many of you probably have the week off from school, or just simply want to stay inside, bundle up, and forget about the cold. However, the opportunities are endless when it comes to exploring in the winter. With the beginning of winter finally here, Hartley Nature Center is taking on the task of making the season bright….

Northland Uncovered: 2016 Year in Review

A Look Back at Our Series "Northland Uncovered" Throughout the Year, From Split Rock Lighthouse to the Minnesota State Fair

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout 2016 we’ve highlighted history around the Northland. FOX 21’s Natalie Froistad is taking a look back at the year of historical moments, from Wade Stadium in Duluth, to the Great Minnesota Get Together. Throughout this series in 2016, fun facts and history was also discovered at the Horton Covered Bridge in Wisconsin, Split Rock Lighthouse on…

Coffee Conversation: New Year’s Safety

Duluth Police Department Offers Tips on Staying Safe While Ringing in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is offering a few reminders to Northlanders who are looking to ring in the New Year. Office Ron Tinsley says he wants everyone to have a good time and have fun, but reminds folks to be safe, plan ahead, and use caution. Utilize the Duluth Transportation Authority (DTA) and their free ride system…

Northlanders Find Gifts of Joy While Working on Christmas

Employees, Patients, and Visitors at One Duluth Hospital Find Happiness For the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – Giving the gift of care can be the greatest gift of all. “We’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Lauryn Wilson, R.N. at Essentia Newborn ICU. “Christmas is really no different than any other day,” said Howard Lamirande, Security Officer at Essentia Health St. Mary’s in Duluth. For Howard, his workload might even be…

Animal Answers: Benefits of Feeding Birds in the Northland

Experts at Wild Birds Unlimited say Winter is the Most Important time to Feed our Feathered Friends

DULUTH, Minn. – Cold climates can become a constant battle for those who never have the chance to warm up or thaw out. Summer soaring can be sweet sailing for our friends with wings in the Northland. “The chickadees, the nuthatches, woodpeckers are all clinger birds, so they don’t necessarily need a perching area. Many people ask us what types…

New Timekeepers Exhibit Opens at Duluth’s Depot

"Timekeepers" or Pocket Watches Were Used by the American Railroad Industry in the 1880s

DULUTH, Minn. – Time is now ticking in history at Duluth’s Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The museum’s latest exhibit isn’t taking up much space in the collection, but had a huge purpose back in the 1880s. Many Seventeen Jeweled Timekeepers were given out by the American Railroad Industry after they created the four standard time zones, which we still use…

Knowing Your Neighbors: History Happening at Amity Coffee

After Two Years of Business, Amity Coffee is the First Lakeside Business to Sell Liquor

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth contains decade’s worth of history, some which is still impacting the community, today. However, this summer, one law was lifted. For many, a cup of coffee creates hours of conversation. “My husband and I would travel a lot and when we would go we would always stop at little, local coffee shops. We just jumped into…

Coffee Conversation: Salvation Army Crosses Half-way Mark in Red Kettle Campaign

Salvation Army Hopes to Raise $295,000 by Christmas Eve

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army is reporting they are half way to their Red Kettle Goal. The Christmas Red Kettle Campaign started on November 19 and will run until Christmas Eve on December 24 at 3:00p.m. The goal of the Salvation Army this year is to raise $295,000 dollars. Major Bill Cox, Corps Officer, is reporting they are at…

Lake Superior Zoo Offers Fun ‘Week Between’ Activities

Interactive, Education Events Scheduled for Children and Families During Holiday Break

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo will be offering fun activities during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day for families, children and all guests.  On Monday, December 26 and Thursday, December 29, the Zoo will offer a School’s Out Special, with five dollars off an adult admission for each paid child ticket purchased (up to two children,…

Secret Forest Playschool Fundraising for New Classroom

The Hands-On Learning School is Looking to Expand with a Cabin Classroom

The cold isn’t putting a damper on fundraising efforts for one Playschool in the Northland. Secret Forest Playschool is now located in the Eastridge Community Church in Duluth. Founder Meghan Morrow would like to expand her efforts with a new Cabin Classroom. She opened the hands-on learning opportunity back in the fall of 2012, and has since helped dozens of…