Features

Miller Hill Mall Welcomes Brand-Name Discount Store to Community

KNOWING YOUR NEIGHBORS: Black Friday's

DULUTH, Minn.- Bargain hunters who love Black Friday shopping can get their fix year round at Miller Hill Mall’s newest store. “Black Friday’s” sells discount brand name items- If you like TJ-Maxx, Marshalls or any sort of one stop shop on a dime, Black Friday’s may be your new go-to. “We wanted to bring across the concept of a good deal,…

Registration Now Open for Hartley Nature Center Holiday & Winter Camp

December Camp Will Use a Different Format This Year, Allowing for Daily Registration Instead of Weekly

DULUTH, Minn. – Hartley Nature Center in Duluth is giving local youth many reasons to spend winter break outdoors this season. Their wintertime day camp opportunities are offered during the school year when the Duluth school system is on break. This year, there will be  a new December Camp format, allowing for daily registration instead of weekly. The camp will run…

Northern Star: Braelyn Sathers

For this week's segment, meet a Proctor/Hermantown defender who isn't letting a slow start hold her back.

PROCTOR, Minn. – While many of the pieces have changed, senior defender Braelyn Sathers has been a consistent part of the Proctor Hermantown Mirage blue line this season. “She’s a tall girl, she takes up a lot of space just with her size and her stick and her positioning. Every game she’s been bringing it and she’s really doing a…

Hearty Lamb Shank For The Holidays

COOKING CONNECTION: The Boat Club Restaurant and Bar in Duluth, MN

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are making braised grass-fed Oregon lamb shank, avgolemono sauce, celery root, carrots, dill and oven roasted Yukon gold potatoes. Watch the video above for the rare recipe that came straight from Greece or head on over The Boat Club Restaurant and Bar this season while it’s still on the menu. Categories:…

Jingle Bells For A Good Cause

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Volunteer Salvation Army Bell Ringing Taken To The Next Level

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott donated their time to help the less fortunate this holiday season. Volunteering to bell ring for Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive at Mount Royal turned out to be a fun experience, check it out. Brittney Merlot wanted to take it to the next level with…

Cloquet, Fond du Lac Police Departments Fill Squad Cars with Toy Donations

Annual "Stuff the Squad" toy drive collects donations for Cloquet Area Salvation Army

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet and Fond do Lac Police Departments are spreading holiday cheer with an annual toy drive for the Salvation Army. This year, they hope to fill three and a half or four squad cars with toys for kids in need. Law enforcement officers have been collecting donations all week for the ‘Stuff the Squad’ toy drive….

Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm Provides Educational Experiences

Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm is Open to Visitors Year Round for Educational Experiences

DULUTH, Minn. – The alpaca species isn’t native to northern Minnesota. The livestock originates from the Andes Mountains in Peru, living at an average elevation of 14,000 feet. It wasn’t until the 1970s that alpacas were introduced to North America. In this week’s Animal Answers, FOX 21’s Brett Scott takes you to a growing herd living in the Northland. “I’m…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Free Air Life Connecting Northlanders with the Outdoors

New store brings western outdoor style to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new clothing store on 20th Avenue West in the Lincoln Park Craft District is bringing a taste of Western outdoors style to Lincoln Park. Free Air Life moved to Lincoln Park this month, after occupying a space in the Miller Hill Mall for a few years as the store “I Lake It.” “We’re really stoked to have…

Registration Open for Team Duluth Winter Break Ski, Snowboard Camp

Coffee Conversation: Team Duluth Hosting Winter Break Ski, Snowboard Camp

DULUTH, Minn. – Since the 1960s, non-profit organization Team Duluth has been passionate about getting Northland youth outdoors and on the slopes, experiencing fun in the snow. Happening December 27 – 30, Team Duluth is hosting its annual Holiday Camp for youth on Winter Break. Parent volunteer Carlie LaLone says the camp is a great gift to give a child…

Northern Star: Nate Pionk

For this week's segment, meet the St. Scholastica men's hockey captain who's creating his own legacy within the program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hermantown high school hockey is a program that will always stand out across the state of Minnesota. “It’s a hockey community. You see it all over the news in the state of Minnesota. Just growing up there and playing there, you always had a target on your back, teams would want to beat you being one of…

Butter Poached Lobster Crawls Onto A Local Menu

COOKING CONNECTION: The Boat Club Restaurant Adds A Buttery Delicious Lobster Option This Winter Season

DULUTH, Minn – In this weeks Cooking Connection we are cooking up a butter poached lobster, laid on top of risotto and topped with smoked caviar and beach mushrooms. This dish will have your taste buds satisfied and wanting to come back for more. Watch the video above for the recipe or stop by The Boat Club Restaurant in Duluth…

Lemon Wolf Café Spicing Up Breakfast Menu with Homemade Huevos Rancheros

Cooking Connection: Lemon Wolf Cafe Prepares Homemade Huevos Rancheros with Fried Pork Chop

BEAVER BAY, Minn. – Located in Beaver Bay, Minnesota, across the street from the Mobile Gas Station along Highway 61 sits the Lemon Wolf Café. Lemon Wolf Café was taken over by new ownership in March of 2019. Chefs Jon and Mike are now behind the operation, and have included a new breakfast menu for customers to enjoy. In this…

All Slopes Are Open At Lutsen Mountain

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Lutsen Mountin Fully Opens All Hills

LUTSEN, Minn – In this weeks Active Adventures we are chatting with Lutsen Mountain as they officially open up all of their downhill runs on the mountains. Heading into the holiday season has locals and tourists ready to shred some fresh powder and the north shore is currently getting hit with heavy lake effect snow. With high school ski races…

Knowing Your Neighbors: In a New Light Gallery

WEBSTER, Wis. – Kids in mental health treatment are finding their strengths in a unique program in Northwestern Wisconsin. Northwest Passage is a residential treatment facility that helps about seventy-five kids at a time and three-hundred fifty every year on campuses in Webster and Frederic, Wisconsin. Along Highway 35, the program has a special gallery showcasing original artwork made by…

Red Kettle Campaign Impacted by Recent Winter Wallop, Donations Encouraged

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign Suffers Due to Recent Winter Weather

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Salvation Army is currently seeking donations for this year’s Red Kettle Campaign. The annual campaign raises funds to help with many needs in our community, whether it be housing, food, or other services. Due to the recent blizzard that impacted much of the Northland, donations are slightly down compared to last year at this time. The…

Northern Star: Eva Reinertsen

For this week's segment, meet a Wisconsin-Superior women's basketball player who's looking to leave one final mark on the program.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Eva Reinertsen is one of just four seniors on a very young Wisconsin-Superior women’s basketball team this season. “I think it’s surreal, it’s surreal for sure. I’ve been playing basketball for a little over a decade and it’s been such a big part of my life. It’s not over yet but it’s for sure a sense of…

Perfecting the Snow Angel

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Take A Break From Shoveling & Make A Snow Angel!

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s time to stop stressing about the recent blizzard and heavy snow we’ve been buried in and drop to the ground, take a deep breath and make a snow angel! This may be considered a childhood game but it’s for the adults too. Meteorologist Brittney Merlot says “It’s a great stress reliever. It makes you slow down,…

Doctors Remind to Shovel Smart to Avoid Heart Problems

People with heart and weight problems and the elderly advised to shovel light.

DULUTH, Minn.- When shoveling all this snow off driveways, streets and cars in a hurry, it can be hard to remember to take it easy for your health. According to Cardiologists with Essentia Health, people should be careful not to lift enormous amounts of snow when shoveling to avoid a possible heart attack. That goes double, they said, for the…

Northern Star: Chikara Hanzawa

For this week's segment, meet a Minnesota Wilderness player who traveled halfway across the world to continue his hockey career.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Minnesota Wilderness are currently made up of eight local players. But for Japenese forward Chikara Hanzawa, he’s in America for the first time ever. “It’s good, I like it so far,” Hanzawa said of Minnesota. Hanzawa first came to the U.S. to play with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. After four games, he was traded to…

Under New Ownership, Lemon Wolf Café Debuts New Breakfast Menu

Cooking Connection: Lemon Wolf Cafe Prepares Eggmundfishgerald

DULUTH, Minn. – Located in Beaver Bay, Minnesota, across the street from the Mobile Gas Station along Highway 61 sits the Lemon Wolf Café. Lemon Wolf Café was taken over by new ownership in March of 2019. Chefs Jon and Mike are now behind the operation, and have included a new breakfast menu for customers to enjoy. In this week’s…

Veterinarians Stress Safety for Pets Over Thanksgiving Holiday

Dr. Justin Dahl with Happy Tails Animal Hospital in Superior Recommends Paying Extra Attention to Pets this Holiday Season

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With a Thanksgiving feast on everyone’s mind, local veterinarians say you should consider the safety of your pets during the holiday season. Thanksgiving could potentially be dangerous for some animals, with the possibility of getting table scraps, or getting into the garbage filled with leftovers and grease. Experts say to avoid letting your pets eat grapes, raisins,…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Downtown Duluth Photo Gallery Celebrates Two Year Anniversary

Tischer Photographic Gallery sells nature images.

DULUTH, Minn.- The photographer at Tischer Photographic Gallery on West Superior Street captures breathtaking scenes of Lake Superior, Gooseberry Falls, or other Northland scenes and turns them into pieces you can hang in your home. “If you come into our gallery and purchase a piece of artwork y’know we make it with our hands right here,” owner and photographer Ryan…

Duluth Art Institute Hosting Annual HoliDAI Market

The Market and Free Day at the Depot is Happening Saturday, November 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Shoppers are invited to take part in Small Business Saturday special events on Saturday, November 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the St. Louis County Depot. Christina Woods, Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute says the DAI HoliDAI Market is a unique way for artists to sell their creations, for collectors to purchase work,…

Northern Star: Tessa Lowry

For this week's segment, meet a St. Scholasitca women's hockey defenseman whose role on the team goes far beyond what shows up on the box score.

DULUTH, Minn. – Like many of her teammates, St. Scholastica women’s hockey senior defenseman Tessa Lowry grew up around hockey. Her dad Dave played 19 seasons in the NHL, and has spent time coaching in the Western Hockey League, and her two brothers, Adam and Joel, currently play in the NHL. “I honestly, growing up, didn’t really realize how cool…

Asian Inspired Wild Rice Salad

COOKING CONNECTION: Vegan Holiday Options With Coco's Latest Bites

DULUTH, Minn – Asian Inspired Wild Rice Salad: Made with locally grown wild rice and can be tailored to any ethnic style flavor profile of your choice. RECIPE: 2 cups cooked wild rice (You can sub fresh 3 shredded or chopped cabbage or sauerkraut for the wild rice.) 1 clove Chinese pea pods 1 cup matchstick raw carrots 1 cup…

Tips to Remember When Stray Animals Are Found

Animal Allies Humane Society Says They Receive Multiple Calls Per Day Regarding What to Do With Stray Animals

DULUTH, Minn. – It can often be difficult to know what’s the right thing to do when coming across stray animals, especially in the cold winter months. Stray or feral animals may be timid, or show force, leaving helpful animal advocates to wonder what’s the best way of going about getting the animal to a safe place. Michelle Carter, Development…

Northland Winter Weather Outlook 2019-2020

The Northland Gears Up for Another Long Winter

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s time for the 2019-2020 Winter Weather Outlook from our Fox 21 Meteorologists! While we’re still a month away from the official start of winter, snow arrives earlier in the Northland and sticks around beyond March!  We’ve already seen big snow events this season with a “Winter Storm Warning” across the Snowbelt with more than a foot…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Buy and Sell Gear at Great Lakes Gear Exchange

New outdoor gear consignment store opens in East Hillside.

DULUTH, Minn.- Here outdoor activities are a part of life in any season. But all of that equipment can get pricey. Great Lakes Gear Exchange is hoping to change that. “Our mission is to make outdoor adventure financially and culturally accessible while promoting sustainability in the outdoor industry,” said co-owner Brooke Wetmore. Before occupying their new storefront on East 4th…

Volunteers Needed for Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at DECC

The Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC is Happening Thursday, November 28

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 5,000 Northlanders will receive a free, home cooked meal on Thanksgiving thanks to help from hundreds of local volunteers. Organizers of the annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center are in crucial need of volunteers to help make the event a success once again this year. Organizer Monica Hendrickson says volunteers are…

Northern Star: Cassie McClure

For this week's segment, meet a UWS women's hockey player who's just thankful she has the chance to go out and play hockey every day.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey alum Cassie McClure always knew she wanted to stay close to home for college. “It’s been pretty surreal so far. It’s a dream come true playing so close to home and having so much support here from my teammates and coaches, and having my family so close, it’s just been awesome,” McClure…

Roasted Olives, Quick Holiday Dish

COOKING CONNECTION: Coco's Latest Bites Makes A Long Lasting Appetizer For Parties

DULUTH, Minn. – Coco’s Latest Bite’s made Roasted Mediterranean Olives in this week’s Cooking Connection. It’s great for appetizers and party foods as the holidays are right around the corner. These olives will keep in the fridge for up to 3 months if they last that long! RECIPE: 3 cups pitted kalamata olives, drained 1 lemon, thinly sliced 2 teaspoons…

American Heart Association Wants You to Eat Smart, Live Smart

AHA partnered with Essentia Health and St. Luke's at Super One.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s Eat Smart Month, and the American Heart Association, St. Luke’s and Essentia Health partnered together to get Super One customers to eat healthier. The three had a display inside of the Duluth Kenwood Super One. Shoppers could talk to registered dieticians, be trained in hands-only CPR, and receive gift cards to purchase healthy foods. “Just to build…

Heavy Lake Effect Snow Benefits

GREAT OUTDOORS: Ironwood Slammed with Over A Foot of Lake Effect Snow

IRONWOOD, Mich. — In this weeks Great Outdoors, Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot takes us to the snowbelt that’s just finishing digging out of their recent lake effect winter storm. Plows and loaders filled the streets of Ironwood on Tuesday, clearing over 14 inches of snowfall that dropped in just 24 hours. Arctic air with temperatures in the single digits…

Phase One of Lake Superior Zoo’s New Bear Country Exhibit Almost Complete

CEO Erik Simonson Says Phase One of Bear Country Should be Complete in Roughly Eight Weeks

DULUTH, Minn. – The new Bear Country Exhibit at the Lake Superior Zoo has been years in the making. Construction crews are currently on site, work is being completed as quickly as possible, and four of the zoo’s new animals have arrived. “Essentially, we have become the parents to our two new bears,” said Dave Thompson, Director of Animal Management…

Take a Tour of Three Historic Northland Theaters

Look inside the Lake Theater in Moose Lake, the Ironwood Theatre in Ironwood, and the State Theater in Ely

In small towns across the Northland, historic movie theaters serve as the primary entertainment venue. Many of these theaters have been around for generations and mean a great deal to communities. In Moose Lake, Minnesota, you can take a journey back in time at the historic Lake Theater. “I’m fourth generation doing it. I have a nephew that’s working here,…

Lake Superior Zoo Hosting Annual Uncorked and Tapped for Conservation Fundraiser

The Fundraiser is Happening Thursday, November 14, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo invites you to the annual Uncorked and Tapped for Conservation Fundraiser on Thursday, November 14 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. The event is happening at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. The evening will include wine and beer tasting, food from local restaurants, live music, raffles, and more. Proceeds from this event go towards…

Northern Star: Cade Goggleye

For this week's segment, meet a former North Woods basketball star who made a late decision to stay close to home.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a third straight Class A state championship game appearance, former North Woods guard Cade Goggleye committed to the University of Jamestown. But just a few months later, Goggleye had a change of heart. “So Jamestown starts a little earlier, it starts a week earlier than St. Scholastica does. So I was there for a week, and…

Neuroscience Lab Helps Middle Schoolers Have Fun with Brains

Lab visits Cloquet Middle School, with sheep brains.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Kids at Cloquet Middle School got an in-depth look at the inner workings of the brain. The UMD Mobile Neuroscience Lab made a stop at the school with some sheep brains. 13 UMD psychology undergrad and graduate students used the brains to help the middle schoolers learn about the functions and parts of the human brain. “They’re, I…

Put A Rose Between Your Teeth and Learn to Tango!

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Superior Ballroom Dance Studio Lessons

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott take dance lessons at Superior Ballroom Dance Studio. Learning step by step the skills to do the tango. Adding style to the basic moves and creating muscle memory, you can dance your way into fitness and mental health. Click here for more information on how…

Deep Fried Catfish in Duluth

COOKING CONNECTION: Lyric Eat Downtown Week

DULUTH, Minn. — Eat downtown week is here! In this week’s Cooking Connection we are featuring a Deep Fried Catfish dinner special offered at Lyric. Complimented with sides of cauliflower rice and roasted vegetables. Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot has flames flying for this recipe, check it out in the video above. LOCATION: Holiday Center ADDRESS: : 205 W Superior St,…

Special Report: Professionals Helping Prepare For, Study Different Aspects of Grief

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a topic many shy away from, talking about what happens after we lose a loved one, and are left to live in the physical world without them. FOX 21’s Brett Scott examines how grief is studied on an academic level, and prepared for with the help of hospice professionals. “I think that mostly why I’m in…

Great Lakes Aquarium, Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss Partner to Bring New Experience to Visitors

Tour the Great Lakes Aquarium by Touch; Kickoff Event Taking Place Saturday, November 9

DULUTH, Minn. – More than three million people in the United States live with vision loss, whether it be partial, full, for a lifetime, or later on in life. Great Lakes Aquarium is now working hard to break down barriers, making sure every visitor receives the same satisfaction no matter how much they’re able to see or hear. “If you…

Special Report: Finding “The New Normal” After the Loss of a Loved One

FOX 21's Brett Scott Examines the Landscape When it Comes to Getting Through a Tough Time of Loss

DULUTH, Minn. – Moving on after the loss of a loved one can be a very tough experience. Many choose to keep quiet, dealing with emotions alone instead of reaching out for support and guidance when moving forward. It’s been just over three months since FOX 21’s Brett Scott lost his mother. She battled cancer with grace and courage for…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Endion Station Goes from Pub to Inn

New hotel set to open later this week.

DULUTH, Minn.- Later this week Canal Park will welcome a new boutique hotel, or “brew-tique” as the owner calls it, making use of the previously empty Endion Station building. “People are hungry for a boutique hotel, and a boutique experience,” Rod Raymond said. Last February Raymond, owner of Fitger’s Brewhouse, Burrito Union, and the Rathskeller, branched out of his wheelhouse…

Nominations Now Open for ‘Best Christmas Ever’ Giveaway

Nominations are Open Until Friday, November 15

DULUTH, Minn. – Best Christmas Ever is a non-profit organization working to partner with business leaders and communities across the country to lift up families who have fallen on difficult times due to health conditions and other life challenges. The vision of Best Christmas Ever started when Co-Founder Don Liimatainen began battling Ulcerative Colitis in 2010. It was Christmas Eve,…

Experience Absinthe Ritual Taking Place Only Once a Year

Releasing the Green Fairy on Halloween

DULUTH, Minn. – In this weeks Active Adventures, we are tagging along in a sacred ritual that happens only once a year… Absinthe and the Green Fairy, is one of the oldest drinks in history, dating back to end of the eighteenth century. Invented by a French doctor who distilled wormwood and other herbs in an alcoholic base as a…

Limited Time Only, Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Offered at Lyric

COOKING CONNECTION: Eat Downtown Week Runs November 4th - 9th

DULUTH, Minn. — Eat downtown week is just around the corner! In this week’s Cooking Connection we featured a lunch special that will only be offered next week only at Lyric, November 4th – 9th.. Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot claims it was the best grilled cheese she’s ever had. Join her in the video above for the tasty and toasty…

New Business Looks to be Twin Ports Only Pet Uber Service

Poocher Pet Shuttle will Officially Open Monday, November 4

DULUTH, Minn. – Uber and Lyft have skyrocketed in popularity with people over the past few years, but what about transportation for pets? Now one Northland resident has brainstormed an idea, and it’s becoming a reality. “I love animals,” said Gerald Osgan, co-owner of Poocher Pet Shuttle. Osgan is turning his passion into a profession. “It’s to free up people’s…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Thai by Thai

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a family restaurant serving up authentic Thai food in Downtown Duluth. Thai by Thai is owned by two sisters in Thailand. They tout their menu as having something for everybody. The kitchen in Thai by Thai is filled with the smells of delicious foods and spices. “This is definitely some of the most homestyle, authentic Thai…

New Pet Transportation Service Opening Soon in Twin Ports

Poocher Pet Shuttle will Begin Animal Transportation Services on Monday, November 4

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever needed to get your pet to an appointment, but simply don’t have the time or want to go out in the cold, a new business will soon be at your service in the Twin Ports. Poocher Pet Shuttle will be similar to Lyft and Uber, but will only transport animals. Owner Gerald Osgan recently…