Features

Coffee Conversation: Ventriloquist Jeremy Lepak

DULUTH, Minn. – Ventriloquist Jeremy Lepak joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 7 a.m. hour of the morning show Thursday to talk about his 15 years of perfecting his craft. Click the video above for that fun conversation, and check out Jeremy’s website for booking opportunities. Categories: Business, Coffee Conversation, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Local Photographer Highlighting the Northland and Beyond

Joe Polecheck is a passionate and local photographer who uses a combination of DSLR's and drones to capture the many scenes of the Northland and beyond.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Northland offers so much beautiful scenery for photographers to take advantage of, and one local artist is showing us the view through his lens and how a local business is helping showcase it. Joe Polecheck is a passionate and local photographer who uses a combination of DSLR’s and drones to capture the many scenes of the…

Coffee Conversation: Tickets Available For North Country Ride’s Derby Gala Saturday

The non-profit in Esko helps people with special needs live their best lives through interactions with horses.

DULUTH, Minn. – North Country Ride’s Derby Gala is happening this Saturday, May 7, at the Buffalo House Junction, and one of the non-profit’s board members joined Dan Hanger, who is emceeing the gala, on the morning show to talk about what to expect.  Click the video above for that conversation. For ticket information for the Derby Gala, click here….

Filmmaking in the Northland: Lost 40 Studios Wraps Up Production of Canusa Street

CHISHOLM, Minn. – “It has been an incredible process. Filmmaking should not be this smooth, I have kept waiting, when is the second shoe gonna drop, when is some like chaos moment going to happen. But, it’s been an incredible shooting experience,” Canusa Street Writer and Director, Zack Morrison says. Canusa Street is a half hour TV comedy pilot about…

Live Interview: Duluth East Theatre Students Talk Production Of ‘Harvey’

Performances run May 4-6 at 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth East High School theatre students joined FOX 21’s Dan Hanger during the 7 a.m. hour Monday to talk about their upcoming performances of “Harvey,” which is a play that was made into a 1950 American comedy drama movie starring James Stuart. Performances are May 4-6 at 7 p.m. at the high school — 301 N. 40th…

Northern Star: Jordyn Thomas

Thomas is a 5th year senior, a captain and VP of the Green Bandana Project.

DULUTH, Minn.– Jordyn Thomas is a superstar on the softball field, holding the all-time home run record at UMD. But, when Covid struck in 2020, ending her season along with athletes across the country, Thomas was granted a fifth year of eligibility. “I kind of just made the decision that you only get so many years of playing the sport…

Twin Ports Dermatology Talks Annual Skin Checks, Protection, Cancer Treatment

DULUTH, Minn. — Melanoma Awareness Month starts May 1, and health experts are taking extra steps to inform people about their skin health. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger talked to Heather Smith, owner of Twin Ports Dermatology, which has been serving the Duluth area for more than seven years now. Smith talks about the importance of annual skin checks, the proper…

Live Interview: Author Talks ‘The Sower,’ Independent Bookstore Day At Fitger’s

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21’s  Dan Hanger sat down with Rob Jung, author of “The Sower,” during the 7 a.m. hour of the morning show to talk about his book signing at The Bookstore at Fitger’s Saturday afternoon to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day.   For more on that conversation, watch the video above.  And see a press release below about the…

Live Interview: Nearly 15 Years Of Rubber Chicken Theater

DULUTH, Minn. — Rubber Chicken Theater in Duluth has been around since 2008, and the team of talent behind the sketches, live reads and plays is showing no signs of slowing down. Click the video above for a conversation with Rubber Chicken Theater’s executive producer, Brian Matuszak, who joined Dan Hanger on the morning show Thursday during the 8 a.m….

One-On-One: Duluth Pack CEO Talks 140 Years Of USA-Made Company

DULUTH,  Minn. — Homegrown Duluth Pack is the oldest canvas and leather bag/pack maker in the USA, and the company is celebrating its 140th anniversary with a limited edition Legacy Pack. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger recently chatted with Duluth Pack CEO Tom Sega about the new product and the company’s long success. Click on the video for that conversation and…

Live Interview: New Incentives Offered To Recruit, Retain Duluth Police Officers

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Lt. Steve Ring, who has been on the department for more than 20 years, stopped by FOX 21 during the 7 a.m. hour to talk to Dan Hanger about new incentives being offered to recruit and retain Duluth police officers.   Click the video above for more on that conversation, and see below for a press…

Hoops Brewing Owner Dave Hoops Talks Beer Industry, Community, His Legacy

DULUTH, Minn. – Dave Hoops, owner of Hoops Brewing in Canal Park, is one of a select group chosen to judge the World Beer Cup in Minneapolis next month. In the meantime, Hoops talked to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger about the beer industry, community and his legacy.  Click the video above for the conversation. Categories: Business, Coffee Conversation, Community, Entertainment,…

Hoops Brewing Owner Dave Hoops Tapped To Judge World Beer Cup

DULUTH, Minn. – Veteran Duluth brewer Dave Hoops, who owns Hoops Brewing Company in Canal Park, is getting his palate ready as one of only 200 people chosen from around the world to judge the World Beer Cup in Minneapolis next month. It’s the most prestigious beer competition in the world. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger caught up with Dave to…

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…