Features

Northern Star: Jack Perala

Jack Perala stays busy playing baseball, studying to become a bio-chemistry professor and practicing the tuba for his next concert.

DULUTH, Minn.– Jack Perala is not your typical college student. In fact, one might wonder just how he gets anything done. A junior captain on the baseball team, a bio-chemistry major and a member of the CSS band. While Perala brings a big arm to the Saints pitching staff, “I really enjoyed playing tee ball from the beginning, around the…

Live Interview: WLSSD Talks Recycling, Reducing, Reusing On Earth Day

DULUTH, Minn. – AJ Axtell, environmental program coordinator at the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), stopped by the 8 a.m. hour of FOX 21’s morning show to talk about ways to be better to the planet.  Click the video for Axtell’s chat with Dan Hanger and Ken Slama, and see some information below. “Earth Day is an opportunity to…

Live Interview: Locally Produced Horror Flick ‘Beyond The North Woods’ To Debut At ‘North X North Fest’

DULUTH, Minn. – Local actors, editors and camera operators joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 8 a.m. hour of the morning show Tuesday to talk about their new horror film called “Beyond the North Woods.” The film was shot mostly in Duluth’s Lester Park and at the Androy Hotel in Superior.  It’s described as “raw, unedited footage recovered from…

Live Interview: ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ At Fitger’s Theatre, Boat Club’s Stand Up Comedy

DULUTH,  Minn. – Boat Club Productions is getting ready to debut “Tuesdays with Morrie” this Friday at the Spirit of the North Theatre at Fitger’s. Jason Vincent, owner of the Boat Club Restaurant and Productions, is producing the show and joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 7 a.m. hour of the morning show Tuesday to talk about what people…

Poplar Pilot Developing ‘Skypak’ to Take Off as Personal Propeller-Driven Jetpack

With six propellers strapped to his back, Daniel Gant hopes his invention can soon help with repairs, construction and more manned-flight operations.

POPLAR, Wis.- Aviation has come a long way from the Wright Brothers’ first successful airplane flight in 1903. Now a pilot in Poplar Wisconsin is hoping his personal flying machine can take off, to eventually help with high-altitude repairs, construction, and more. “I’m standing on the shoulders of giants and they have, there’ve been people that have done a lot…

KYN: Northwood Tech Takes Gold and Silver in Carpentry Competition

RICE LAKE, Wis. – “I think anybody right now knows that there is a shortage of people in the trades and an apprenticeship is a great way to get that kind of training in accomplished workforce development,” said President of Northwood Technical College, John Will. Northwood Technical College in Rice Lake, Wisconsin had two of their apprentices through the ABC…

Northern Star: Jake Kidd

For this weeks Northern Star, we hear from one of the newest additions to the Duluth FC soccer team.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– Superior’s Jake Kidd is a few weeks away from graduating from Superior high school. Kidd wrapped up his soccer career, last fall as one of the all-time leading scorers, not only for the Spartans, but also in the state. Kidd became one of only 13 players in Wisconsin boys soccer history to score over 100 career goals. Kidd…

Live Interview: ‘Tuffy’ Needs Forever Home After Found Starving To Death

CLOQUET, Minn. – A Cloquet woman, who is also a veterinarian technician at the Duluth Veterinary Hospital, is looking to find a forever home for a stray dog that was found severely malnourished about nine weeks ago. Before and after care Jodi Carlson has been working to build up Tuffy’s strength for the past seven weeks. Talking to Dan Hanger…

Carrot Cake Desserts for Easter with The Sweet Exchange

Easter is around the corner and what better way to attract the Easter Bunny than with some Carrot Cake.  Lisa Quarles with The Sweet Exchange helps Meteorologist Ken Slama decorate cupcakes in the spirit of Easter in this week’s Cooking Connection. For orders and inquiries, Lisa can be reached at (218) 310-2412 or by email at SweetExchangeMN@gmail.com. Categories: Community, Cooking…

In-Person Feedback Sessions for Parks and Rec Return to City Hall

DULUTH, Minn. — If you enjoy using the parks and trail systems throughout Duluth, and maybe have a couple of ideas on what you would like to see improved, Duluth Parks and Rec is holding in person feedback sessions this week to hear your thoughts. Wednesday was the first of three community workshops to share feedback on Duluth parks and…

Live Interview: UMD Theatre Starts Performing ‘Pippin’ April 14

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Theatre is getting ready to hit the stage starting April 14 to perform in “Pippin” the musical. The character Pippin is said to be determined to be extraordinary. But will the price be too high? The 1970s musical is all about Pippin exploring what makes a meaningful life. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger talked to the show’s…

Essentia Health: What Is A Child Life Specialist?

DULUTH, Minn. – JoHanna Orman joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 8 a.m. hour of the morning show to talk about Essentia Health’s Child Life Specialists and what they do for kids and youth facing uneasy doctor visits, treatments and procedures.   For more on the specialists, click here. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Education, Health, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Northern Star: Hanna Hovland

For this week's segment, we feature a Duluth Denfeld softball player who went through 15 weeks of physical therapy after breaking her femur just to play her senior season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld’s Hanna Hovland was looking forward to her senior softball season. That was until the day after this past Christmas, when Hovland broke her femur in a skiing accident. “It was devastating like Hanna was going to be our starting shortstop. Didn’t even know if she’d be able to come back so it’s just been a…

Coffee Conversation: AAD Shrine Circus Returns to Amsoil for 100th Year of Thrills, Smiles

DULUTH, Minn.- Pepper the Clown is one of many excited for the AAD Shrine Circus to return to Amsoil Arena this Saturday after missing the last couple of years due to COVID. The circus is the single largest-running event in Duluth history. Tickets are greatly discounted if patrons go to Super One Foods and get them for this weekend. There…

Northern Star: Tayler and Kaela Kraemer

For this week's segment, we feature a pair of UW-Superior sisters who are stepping up to the plate for their softball team.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s great to have a sibling, and the best part is that when you need them, they always step up to the plate. The same can be said for a pair of UWS softball players, making strides on their team. “It’s amazing, I can’t think of anything better,” Tayler Kraemer, a Sophomore Pitcher said. UWS softball players…

Coffee Conversation: Fur-Tastic K9s at Arrowhead Home and Builders Show at the DECC

In this week’s Coffee Conversation, some cute dogs teach us some new tricks! The Fur-Tastic K9s stop by to preview their time at the Arrowhead Home and Builders Show at the DECC this week. The show runs March 30-April 3, tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for ages 6-17, and FREE for Ages 5 & Under. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Entertainment, Minnesota,…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Heide’s Mastectomy Store in Duluth

Heide's specializes in post-mastectomy care and compression garments for men and women with vascular and lymphatic disorders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Getting fitted for medical garments post-surgery or procedure can feel like a dry expressionless experience. But the folks at Heide’s Mastectomy Store in Duluth are hoping to change that. “So it feels almost like a boutique but we bill insurance for the products,” said Nicole Wrazidlo, a mastectomy fitter and Lymphedema master fitter. The mastectomy and compression store…

Northern Star: The Asumas

For this week's segment, we feature three family members on the Cherry basketball team who are already making a huge impact on the Tigers.

IRON, Minn. – Brothers Isaac and Noah and their cousin Isaiah Asuma have been playing basketball together since they could remember. “Not a lot of people get to do this. We’ve been playing with each other since like kindergarten or pre school. We go to workout in Duluth against each other so it’s really fun and they push me a…

Northern Star: Callie Hoff

For this week's segment, we feature a UW-River Falls Women's Hockey Player who was just named D3 Player of the Year

RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The old Proctor hockey rink was a place that turned out many state tournament teams, but also produced a lot of notable talent, thanks to one alum that has dominated the D3 hockey scene. “Now being the player of the year it’s just, a feeling, it’s hard to put into words,” Callie Hoff, Senior at UW-River…

Saint Fennessey 4k Returns To Normal Operation

A record 728 runners took off Saturday morning for the first Grandma’s race of 2022.

DULUTH/HERMANTOWN, Minn. — On a beautiful blue sky day, came a sea of green as a record number of racers came out for the annual Fennessey 4k “We are thrilled that we can be back here it’s been a long couple years for everybody,” Zach Schneider, Marketing and PR Director For Grandmas Marathon said. A record 728 runners took off…

Coffee Conversation: ‘1-on-1’ with a Harlem Globetrotter Ahead of their Return to Duluth Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s Coffee Conversation is nothing but net, as FOX 21’s Arman Rahman sits down with Scooter Christensen, Point Guard for the Harlem Globetrotters, as they prepare to bring their ball-handling antics back to Amsoil Arena at the DECC this Saturday at 7 p.m. A few tickets are still available online as of Monday morning, and Christensen said…

Northern Star: Gage Stankiewicz

For this week's segment, we feature a UW-Superior thrower who finished 12th in the shot put in his first NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Throwing wasn’t always the first option for Gage Stankiewicz. “I kind of, wasn’t really forced to do it but I was always like oh this is dumb,” Stankiewicz said. But it was only a matter of time before the Esko native would love the sport as he comes from a long line of throwers. “I started getting…

Coffee Conversation: ShamROCK the House with 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities

DULUTH, Minn.- March is here, and so are some favorite green seasonal treats. 225 McDonald’s Restaurants in the upper Midwest are back with the 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser, “ShamROCK THE HOUSE!” From March 7-17 McDonald’s owner/operators in MN, western WI, and Ironwood will donate 25 cents of every Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry sold to Ronald McDonald House…

Northern Star: Makoi Perich

For this week's segment, we feature an Esko boys basketball player who earlier this season, scored 50 points in a game to set a new school record.

ESKO, Minn. – Whether it’s on the football field or the basketball court, Esko’s Makoi Perich loves to score. “The adrenaline, that’s what I like about it. It comes quite easy to me so I like those clutch moments when you score down the wire, that’s the most fun,” Perich, a sophomore guard for the Eskomos, said. His competitive nature…

Coffee Conversation: PAVSA’s Bonspiel and Beverages Fundraiser at Wild State Cider

DULUTH, Minn.- PAVSA Executive Director talks this week’s Bonspiel and Beverages Fundraiser. Stop by for some cider and watch 8 teams made up of experienced and new players enjoy a laid-back curling tournament at Wild State Cider Friday. Entry fees, as well as sales of cider proceeds, will go towards PAVSA. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News…

Northern Star: Gabbie Hughes

Her work with Sophie's squad is getting national recognition as Hughes is a top five finalist for the 2022 Hockey Humanitarian Award.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD’s Gabbie Hughes has a lot of goals. The senior center is anchoring one of the top lines in all of women’s college hockey, alongside forwards Anna Klein and Elizabeth Giguere. “I think just the way that us three play together, we have so much fun. We click so well and, and the passing that we do…

Northern Star: Jordan Zubich

For this week's segment, we feature a Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball player who's already making a name for herself in just her sophomore season.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Jordan Zubich comes from an athletic background. “My older brother, we definitely grew up butting heads in the gym and stuff but I think that really made me a better player,” Zubich, the star sophomore guard for the Mountain Iron-Buhl girls basketball team said. Zubich made the jump to the varsity level in 7th…

Wild World of Animals to Appear at Duluth Sports Show

The Duluth Sports Show Runs February 17 - 20

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Sports show is back at the DECC on February 17 – 20. This year’s show features everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors, and of course, LIVE entertainment. The Wild World of Animals show is one of the premier grounds act in the entertainment industry. Its unique blend of animal diversity and environmental messages…

Local Veterinarian Launches New Service, ‘Ask Vet Christine’

Dr. Christine Wickenheiser is Looking to Help Animal Owners as a Shortage of Workers Hits the Veterinarian Field

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many to adopt animals, but the amount of veterinary staff in the Northland has remained the same. Dr. Christine Wickenheiser has developed a solution to combat the shortage of vets. She recently launched a new service called, ‘Ask Vet Christine.’ Vet Christine has developed an online platform intended to give ongoing professional…

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….