Features

Italian Beef Brisket Sandwich

COOKING CONNECTION: Valentini's Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads up the hill to Valentini’s newest location. Their kitchen manager has been there for years and shows us how to make an Italian Beef Brisket Sandwich! ABOUT: Authentic Italian food, memorable events, and exceptional service have defined Valentini’s for over 80 years. ADDRESS: 4960 Miller Trunk Hwy…

Registration Now Open for Animal Allies Summer Camp

Summer Camps Fill Quickly at Animal Allies, Register Now to Secure Your Child's Spot

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is still months away from hot summer days, but it’s not stopping staff at Animal Allies from thinking summer camp. Registration is now open for camps. Staff tells FOX 21 Local News the camps fill up quickly, so it’s best to register your child sooner rather than later. The camps provide children with hands-on activities…

Northern Star: Proctor Girls Basketball Seniors

For this week's Northern Star, we hear from six seniors on the Proctor girls basketball team.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The story of this season’s proctor girls basketball team didn’t begin at the start of the season or even last year when they won their first section title in 17 years. You have to go back to elementary school for the six seniors on the team: Sam Pogatchnik, Taylor Bradley, Morgan Nylund, Sam Parendo, Katelyn Marunich and…

‘If the Dress Fits’ Gives Away Prom Dresses in Barnum

Non-profit has given away close to a thousand dresses over the last five years

BARNUM, Minn. – Prom dresses can be a huge expense for families, but the local non-profit ‘If the Dress Fits’ is here to help. The organization has given away close to a thousand dresses to local families over the last five years. This prom season, they’re taking the donated dresses on the road to small towns across the Northland. “I…

“Sunscriptions” Filled on the SunSpot Bus

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Mobile Unit Geared to Help Vitamin D Deficiency, SAD and Winter Blues

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes on the SUNSPOT BUS! If you are battling the winter blues, cabin fever, vitamin D deficiency and finding yourself not being very active, light therapy can help you! ABOUT: The further one lives north of the equator, the less sunshine hits the surface of the earth or…

Shrimp Scampi Roma A Favorite At Valentini’s

COOKING CONNECTION: Valentini's Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads up the hill to Valentini’s newest location. Their kitchen manager has been there for years and shows us how to make their popular and loved Italian menu item, Shrimp Scampi Roma! ABOUT: Authentic Italian food, memorable events, and exceptional service have defined Valentini’s for over 80 years….

Park Officials Remind Pet Owners to “Pick Up Poop”

Piles of Poop Left Behind Causes Concerns from Park Officials, City Staff

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s warm, squishy, and it stinks. We’re talking poop. Chances are you’re guilty once or twice of watching your pet poo, and walking away in a public place. But it’s now becoming a problem within the Twin Ports, one pile leading to hundreds if not thousands left unattended. “No one wants to walk in poop when they’re…

Special Report: Suicidal Thoughts Resulting in “The Final Journey”

Contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – It’s one word surrounded by stigma and often never discussed — Suicide. Nationally, the number of people taking their lives continues to dramatically rise year-after-year. So how do the numbers break down locally? The number of suicides reported along the North Shore of Minnesota have spiked over the past ten years. Many people have come from…

Northern Star: Vid Milenkovic

For this week's Northern Star, we talk with one of the top players on the UWS men's basketball team.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin-Superior’s Vid Milenkovic is a long way from home. “I’m from Zurich, Switzerland and I got recruited for basketball. Eventually I moved to Serbia and I played high school basketball over there,” said Milenkovic. And basketball is in his blood as his father is a coach overseas. “There were days when I really didn’t want to go,…

Kids Train for Birkie Weekend

NorthStar Community Charter School students learn to cross country ski for Barnebirkie Youth Ski Tour

MINONG, Wis. – The American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race is next weekend in Hayward. Kids in Minong have been training to ski in the Barnebirkie Youth Ski Tour during Birkebeiner weekend. Students at NorthStar Community Charter School do project-based learning, meaning they can sometimes get outside during their school day and learn activities like cross-country skiing. Once or twice a…

Blackened Salmon Valentine’s Day Dinner

COOKING CONNECTION: Texas Roadhouse

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot hosts a restaurant that you can still get into for a Valentines Dinner! No reservations are taken there on Friday, but you can use call ahead seating. Hearty steaks aren’t the only thing Texas Roadhouse specializes in… try their blackened salmon! Check out the video above if you…

Students Compete in High School Quiz Bowl Tournament

The annual battle of the brains brings students from across Northern Wisconsin

ASHLAND, Wis. – Students from across Northern Wisconsin battle it out every February, competing for a chance to win trophies and bragging rights in the annual High Quiz Bowl Tournament. The four-on-four battle of the brains demands knowledge on an almost limitless set of topics. “We only have fifteen seconds to answer every question and that could go from complex…

Rainforest Exhibit Welcomes Exotic Animals to the DECC

The Show Begins Wednesday, February 12 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center

DULUTH, Minn. – A rainforest is an exotic place filled with birds, snakes, insects, and animals you might not think of living in this type of climate. The Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show kicks off Wednesday, February 12 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, giving the public a chance to experience the rainforest. The show runs through Sunday,…

Think Local Gift Giving This Valentine’s Day

Duluth Loves Local Encourages Northlanders to Shop Small Businesses This Valentine's Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Flowers, chocolates, and a nice dinner out. It’s the traditional Valentine’s Day date, but it doesn’t have to be the same old plan every year. Duluth Loves Local is encouraging Northlanders to think outside of the box when it comes to gift giving for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. The 2020 Portside Pass is now available at…

Northern Star: Kya Rybachek

Rybachek is one of the highest-ranked girl's wrestlers in the nation and just placed first in the state amongst other girls at her weight class.

HIBBING, Minn. – Wrestling is one of the world’s oldest sports and even though it has been done for thousands of years, Kya Rybachek is blazing a path of her own. Rybachek is one of the highest-ranked girl’s wrestlers in the nation and just placed first in the state amongst other girls at her weight class. Because girl’s wrestling is…

Behind Bars For FUN! Try To Escape This Test

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Escape Room Parties Brings Mobile Escape Rooms To The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott are locked up, in “Alcatraz prison”. Find out if they can escape… Join in on the escape room fun THIS WEEKEND ONLY. Thurs Feb. 6, Fri Feb. 7 & Sat. Feb 8th at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, 305 E 2nd St, Superior,…

Potato Skins Pair With A Jamaican Cowboy Cocktail

COOKING CONNECTION: Texas Roadhouse Appetizers & Drinks

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot features Texas Roadhouses potato skin appetizers, paired with a fruity mixed drink. Learn how to cook your own potato skins and mix your own Jamaican Cowboy at home! Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Cooking Connection, Jamaican Cowboy, Local Appetizers, Meteorologist Brittney…

How Can Northern Minnesota Become a Hub for TV and Film Production?

Local film and TV professionals discuss how to make the Northland a regional center in the media industry

DULUTH, Minn. – Movies like ‘North Country’ and ‘Iron Will’ were shot right here in the Northland. And according to media professionals, more producers want to bring their projects here. “We have some of the most talented people in the United States if not in the world, we have scenery that is unmatched,” said Steven Sanders of Ironbound Studios. In…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Duluth Figure Skating Club

Founded in 1926, the Duluth Figure Skating Club has become the go-to spot for aspiring figure skaters in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – For over 90 years the Duluth Figure Skating Club has been the go-to spot for aspiring figure skaters in Duluth. Now, with over 200 individual members, they look to continue their influence on the greater skating community in the Northland. Fox 21 caught up with members of the Duluth Figure Skating Club during their annual Northland competition…

Northern Star: Blake Biondi

For this week's segment, meet the captain of the Hermantown boys hockey team and future UMD Bulldog.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Part of Blake Biondi always knew that he would be a Minnesota Duluth Bulldog. “Obviously I’m from the area and my dad played there and I’ve been a fan my whole life. So I think for UMD it was just kind of a no-brainer and I was going no matter what,” Biondi said. Biondi committed to UMD…

Superior Middle School Students Compete in Geography Bee

27 students answered geography questions with a chance to win the school competition

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Middle School students showed off their knowledge at the National Geographic Geography Bee. The geography bee is similar to a spelling bee, but the student scholars have a different area of expertise. “I love geography. It’s really my thing,” said seventh-grader Jack D. Milliken. Twenty-seven middle school students battle it out to be the king, or…

Mental Health Facility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kids Opens in Duluth

Therapeutic Services Agency is located on the 1000 block of East Ninth Street

DULUTH, Minn. – A mental health office for kids who are deaf or hard of hearing has opened in Duluth. Therapeutic Services Agency is now open on the 1000 block of East Ninth Street. The agency has been helping kids for the last several years in schools, but the new, centralized location is expected to give kids and families a…

Mexican Chorizo Skillet Spices Up The Northland

COOKING CONNECTION: Crooked Pint Ale House

DULUTH, Minn. – In this weeks Cooking Connection, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot has Crooked Pint Ale House in featuring their brunch menu. This spicy skillet heats up the Northland in the dead of winter with flavor and a full belly. Check it out in the video above. MEXICAN CHORIZO SKILLET INGREDIENTS: 1/2 oz 80/20 oil 1/2 oz butter 8oz hasbrown…

Lake Superior Zoo Preschool Accepting Applications Starting February 3

The Nature-Based Preschool is Set to Open on September 8, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo School is gearing up to begin accepting preschool applications for the 2020-2021 school year. Families with children ages three to five years old will be able to submit registrations starting Monday, February 3. Preschool Director Leah Budnik says the mission of the Lake Superior Zoo School is to inspire the healthy social emotional,…

KYN: Yarn Harbor

DULUTH, Minn. – Yarn Harbor Incorporated has been open for the last 21 years that has the appeal for all things crafty. “A knitting, crocheting, weaving, felting supply store. We also have the support to help with projects as well as a classroom,” Yarn Harbor Owner, Kathy Thomas says. And the colder months are a busy time of year for…

Trailfitters Hosting Warm Winter Clothing Drive

The Share the Love Clothing Drive will Benefit the Damiano Center in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Trailfitters, located in the Fitger’s Complex, is hosting their third annual clothing drive for the Damiano Center, running now through January 31st. The Damiano Center is in need of winter clothing to be distributed in their Free Store as demand ramps up with colder weather. The top needs include socks, jackets, boots, men’s clothing, gloves, and mittens….

Northern Star: Hunter Shepard

For this week's Northern Star, we hear from the senior goalie and co-captain of the UMD men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – To say that UMD’s Hunter Shepard is a very competitive person would be an understatement. “That’s probably what I’ve made my career off of to this point. I think guys want to play in front of a guy that battles back there and the most important thing is winning. It’s not personal stats or shut-outs. Winning games…

Spicing Up Brunch With A Breakfast Flatbread

COOKING CONNECTION: Crooked Pint Ale House Offers A Brunch Menu On Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection, Crooked Pint Ale House prepares us a flavorful Breakfast Flatbread. They offer a WEEKEND BRUNCH MENU Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 2pm. BREAKFAST FLATBREAD RECIPE: 1/2 oz butter 3 oz hasbrowns Flatbread 1 oz Hollandaise 1 oz jalepenos loaf 2 oz scrambled eggs 1/2 oz jalepenos 1/2 oz green onion 1…

Blind Sled Dog to Race in Beargrease 120

"This year we started training him like he was going to be one of the marathon racing dogs and he looked great. In fact, he looked almost as good as he was when he was two years old. He was one of the best dogs on the team."

HOVLAND, Minn. – Frank Moe has 43 dogs on his property. 28 of them are in training and none of them are quite like the seven-year-old Alaskan husky named Indy. “We were really grateful to have him. Indy became a star right away. In fact, he finished the Beargrease marathon when he was two,” Dog Musher, Frank Moe says. Fast…

Pattison State Park to Host Centennial Celebration with Series of Events

Events Will Kick Off January 25 with a Winterfest Celebration

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Pattison State Park becomes 100 year old on January 20th. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is kicking off the centennial year with “Winterfest” on Saturday, January 25th, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Pattison and Amnicon Falls State Parks. Winterfest will offer a sledding hill, candlelight hike/ski, and…

Northern Star: Taya and Shaily Hakamaki

For this week's segment, meet cousins on the Cromwell-Wright girls basketball team who are hoping to make history in their final season.

CROMWELL, Minn. – When you go to a Cromwell-Wright girls basketball game, you’re bound to hear the name Hakamaki blasting through the gym. But seniors Taya and Shaily are just two of many Hakamakis who have worn the red and white colors. “Long line of Hakamakis have gone through. I’m kind of the baby, we’re getting there. We have one…

‘Duluze’ Weight Loss Challenge Kicks Off

Challenge aims to encourage healthier lifestyles in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluze Weight Loss Challenge started Thursday at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. Every week for the next thirteen weeks, competitors will step on a scale and log their weight. At the end of the challenge, those who have lost the most weight will become winners. The event is put on by the Duluth News Tribune. Organizers…

MORE COWBELL, More Calories Burned, More Donations!

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: 11th Annual More Cowbell Fundraiser For Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21 competes for the third time in the Annual More Cowbell Event, put on by the Northern Lights Foundation. All proceeds go to helping local kids with serious illnesses. This took place Thursday January 16th, 2020 at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park. The competitive and fun fundraiser featured 10 teams…

The Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge Features Karin’s Cup

Cooking Connection: The Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly one month after opening date, Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge in the Lincoln Park Craft District joins FOX 21 Local News for this week’s Cooking Connection. While there are no stovetops or ovens involved this week, the handcrafted beverage is shaken, and strong! Karin’s Cup cocktail is crafted with 1.5 oz of Cruz de Fuego Agave, .5…

International Falls Community Prepares to Celebrate 40th Annual Icebox Days

Icebox Days Festival is Happening January 16 - 19 in International Falls

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Many in the Northland travel south when temperatures drop below zero, but one community in Northern Minnesota looks to celebrate the cold with a three day festival jam packed with fun events. Icebox Days Festival is happening Friday, January 16 – Sunday, January 19 in International Falls. This will mark the 40th year of the celebration,…

Northern Star: Connor and Cooper McClure

For this week's segment, meet two Duluth Denfeld boys hockey players who are making big impacts in their first season on the team.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hockey is a family sport for Duluth Denfeld boys hockey forwards Cooper and Connor McClure. “Ever since we were little, our dad got us on skates around the age of three, and I think we always knew that hockey would be number one in our hearts,” Connor said. “They live next door to me so I’ve known…

Climbing Cliffs in Snowshoes

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Bluefin Bay Resort Activites Takes Us Along The Superior Hiking Trail

TOFTE, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Bluefin Bay Resorts on Lake Superior takes Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot on a snowshoe hike up the Superior Hiking Trail Section 13, climbing cliffs to enjoy wonderful views of the Baptism River Valley. Join them as they blaze a trail through deep snow, on an advanced trail that goes uphill 450 feet….

The Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge Features Vita Excelenta

Cooking Connection: The Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly one month after opening date, Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge in the Lincoln Park Craft District joins FOX 21 Local News for this week’s Cooking Connection. While there are no stovetops or ovens involved this week, the handcrafted beverage is stirred, and strong! The Vita Excelenta cocktail is crafted with tequila, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Bodega Vermouth,…

A Place for Fido to Begin Delivery Service in Duluth, Superior

A Place for Fido will Deliver to Customers Within a Six Mile Radius of Fitger's

DULUTH, Minn. – After eight years of operation, a Duluth pet supply business located in the Fitger’s complex is expanding. A Place for Fido will officially kick off delivery service on Friday, January 10. The service operates within a six mile radius of the Fitger’s location. Customers can visit A Place For Fido online to check availability. A delivery charge…

Blood Donations Strongly Encouraged During Winter Months

The American Red Cross Says Blood Donations Dwindle During Cold Months and After the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re eligible to donate blood, the American Red Cross is in need of your help this winter. The American Red Cross urges people to share their good health and resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January with National Blood Donor Month. January is known as National Blood Donor Month, which officials with the American Red…

Northern Star: Brooke Olson

For this week's segment, meet one of the young leaders on the UMD women's basketball team who has helped lead the Bulldogs to an undefeated NSIC record.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD women’s basketball team is coming off of its 11th overall NCAA Tournament appearance is picking up right where they left off. But after graduating two big pieces last year, the Bulldogs have very young leadership this season. “We’ve got to keep getting better. We have young point guards and we’re still fairly youthful, which is…

Ringing in the New Year Outdoors in the Northland

With most people enjoying the day off of work, some spent the holiday outside.

DULUTH, Minn. – With most people enjoying the day off of work, some spent the holiday outside. FOX 21 photojournalist Marcus Asmus caught up with outdoor enthusiasts at the Hartley Nature Center in Duluth. Categories: Features, Great Outdoors, News

Northern Star: Grace Kirk

For this week's Northern Star, we hear from the captain of the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in March, the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team had their season end at the hands of Proctor in the Section 7AA title game. Nearly nine months later, that loss is still stuck in the minds of the Hilltoppers, even more so with senior guard Grace Kirk. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had…

Two Harbors Man Celebrates Playing Santa Claus for 50 Years

Jerry Carlson has played the Two Harbors Santa Claus for 50 years.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Many know him as Santa Claus, St. Nick, or good old Chris Cringle. It’s a Christmas fact that Jerry Carlson DOESN’T have that same ring to it, but he’s been the man behind the holiday magic since 1969. “Everything is so spontaneous when you play Santa Claus,” Carlson said. Jerry Carlson started as Santa riding down the…