Features

Ahoy Matey! Treasure Island Takes Center Stage at Duluth Playhouse Family Theater

Coffee Conversation: Treasure Island at the Duluth Playhouse Family Theater

DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to set sail with young Jim Hawkins as Treasure Island comes to life on stage at the Duluth Playhouse Family Theater. This performance is geared toward thrill-seekers of all ages with a story that’s both epic and funny. Adventure beckons when a mysterious blind man delivers the dreaded Black Spot to the aging sea captain,…

Northern Star: Morgan and Nolan Friday

For this week's Northern Star, we talk with a brother/sister duo who share more than just a last name.

DULUTH, Minn. – When the st. Scholastica soccer teams take the field, any day could be a Friday. “Soccer was always big for me. Growing up, me and Morgan back when we were in elementary school, we had a little soccer field just outside our house with little hockey nets, not even soccer nets,” CSS men’s soccer midfielder Nolan Friday…

Saint Scholastica Hosts Culturally and Spiritually Responsive Healthcare Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, the second ever Culturally and Spiritually Responsive Healthcare Conference was held The College of Saint Scholastica Friday afternoon. The event brought hundreds of healthcare practitioners together from a variety of different backgrounds. Each were geared to help individuals learn about family, community and patient centered care for people with different backgrounds. Organizers say, the conference fulfills…

Going Bananas For Acai Bowls

COOKING CONNECTION: The Juice Pharm

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot goes “bananas” for the Peanut Butter Acai Bowl at The Juice Pharm. Blending acai berries, a Brazilian “superfruit” with a variety of fruit and other superfoods into an extra thick smoothie, poured into a bowl and topped off with a variety of fresh fruit, granola, coconut, more superfoods…

“The Haunt” at Poplar Golf Course

A Horrifying Haunted Experience Leads Northlanders Through Fear

POPLAR, Wisc. —  A small Wisconsin town is now hosting local screams, “The Haunt”! In this week’s Great Outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us inside at Poplar Golf Course, to experience a new fear. Formally known as The Haunt at Wentworth, it’s moved just a few miles down the road. “We had the opportunity to move it here and…

Wildwoods in Duluth Temporarily Closed Due to DNR Permitting Issue

At Least One Staff Member at Wildwoods Will Need to Receive Proper Certification from the DNR Before Reopening Rehab and Triage Services

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland’s only wildlife rehabilitation center is currently closed for rehab and triage services, meaning countless animals can no longer receive care at the facility located along West Arrowhead Road in Duluth. “It’s always been a dream of mine to do more with the environment and to work more with wildlife because I do believe that we…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Diamond Tool Reunion

25 years ago this month, Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company in West Duluth closed its doors

DULUTH, Minn.- Twenty-five years ago this month, Diamond Tool and Horseshoe Company in West Duluth closed its doors. And last week, co-workers gathered to celebrate, and catch up with one another. Diamond Tool’s former office and factory employees gathered at Kom-On-Inn in West Duluth for a special anniversary. The local business at 4702 Grand Avenue began as Diamond Calk Horse…

Hundred-Year-Olds Celebrated in Duluth

Five centenarians celebrated their birthdays together at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians who are a hundred years old or older were celebrated at the Northland Senior Expo at the DECC. Five centenarians celebrated their birthdays together in the company of family and friends. Julien Berntson turned a hundred years old this month. He served in the army during World War Two and worked many years for the Duluth…

Bentleyville USA in Need of Volunteers, Donations

Coffee Conversation: 2019 Bentleyville USA; Need for Volunteers, Donations

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville USA will flip on the lights for another year of holiday cheer Saturday, November 23. The need for volunteers is in high demand. Nathan Bentley, founder of Bentleyville USA, tells FOX 21 there are six weeks of work to be finished in a matter of four weeks. Volunteers are needed Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m….

Northern Star: Peter Soumis

For this week's segment, meet the starting quarterback for the Hermantown football team and UMD men's basketball commit.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown basketball standout Peter Soumis committed over the summer to play college ball right here at the Univeristy of Minnesota Duluth. “I just wanted to stay home, stay close to the family, so that was a big thing. The coaches, the coaching staff, they’re all super nice and I could relate to them a lot with our…

The Haunt is BACK!

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Poplar Golf Course Hosts Haunted House & Hayride

POPLAR, Wisc. — There is a new local scare in the Northland! The Haunt, at Poplar Golf Course, just a few miles off of HWY 2 in Douglas County opens Friday October 18th for their first screams and laughs of the season. Formerly held at Wentworth Gardens, the rural haunt has moved just a few miles down the road. Members…

Get Juiced Up On Healthy Smoothies

COOKING CONNECTION: The Juice Pharm

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are exploring a lighter alternative for meals and a healthy dose of fruits, greens and more. Duluth’s micro-juicery provides 100% raw juice, superfood smoothies, acai bowls and global inspired plant-based food at The Juice Pharm. This week we blended up the Al Green Smoothie that is made fresh and all natural…

Animal Allies to Host Annual Fur Ball Fundraiser

Coffee Conversation: Fur Ball Gala for Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Country Club will be packed with adorable fur babies on Saturday, October 19. The annual Animal Allies Fur Ball Gala typically raises more than $100,000. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. Money raised this year will help support the shelter’s transportation fund. The gala is an opportunity for animal lovers in the Northland to come…

Northern Star: Emily (Torve) Balts

For this week's segment, we feature the setter of the UMD volleyball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve been to a UMD volleyball game over the past few years, you probably heard Emily Torve’s name blast through the speakers. But this year, she’s got a new name, as she married former football standout Jason Balts over the summer. “We just met through athletes in action, which is a bible study on campus for…

Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar Offering Gluten Free Options

Cooking Connection: Pesto Penne Pasta

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, we’re catching up with Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar located in Duluth’s Canal Park. Senior Sous Chef Chad Bloomquist demonstrates how to prepare the restaurants indulgent Pesto Penne Pasta. Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 405 Lake Avenue South in Duluth, Minnesota. Click here to see the full…

Tricks and Treats Taking Over Lake Superior Zoo

Boo at the Zoo is Happening Saturday, October 12, and Saturday, October 19

DULUTH, Minn. – Boo at the Zoo is back once again for another season of tricking and collecting treats. The event is happening Saturday, October 12 and 19 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Families are encouraged to dress in costume, but not too scary! More than 40 trick-or-treating stations will be available. Henna tattoos, a magic show, straw maze…

Duluth Mall Walker Celebrates 100th Birthday

Julien Berntson walks the Miller Hill Mall every day

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man celebrates his 100th birthday with friends at the Miller Hill Mall Julien Berntson walks around the mall every day. He tells us he used to do a few laps, but now he’s cut back to one. The army veteran says he likes going to the mall to see all his friends there. “My wife…

Guest Orchestra to Perform at UMD Thursday Evening

The Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra will be in Duluth Thursday, October 10 to Perform

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, October 10, you have the chance to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra. David Edmunds, Associate Professor of Music Education, stopped by FOX 21 Local News Monday morning to chat about the upcoming performance. The Superior Court Rising Stars Steel Orchestra members have served…

Northern Star: Amy “Hard Hands” Lemenager

For this week's segment, we talk with a local boxer who is making her pro debut next week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Amy “Hard Hands” Lemenager has always been a fighter. “My grandparents are always like, “OK so when are you going to be done fighting?” and I’ll always be like, “Just one more.” And of course after the one more, there’s always another. I just can’t stop,” said Lemenager. Growing up, Lemenager was a two–sport athlete. In high…

Indulgent Spaghetti Carbonara with Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar

Cooking Connection: Spaghetti Carbonara

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, we’re catching up with Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar located in Duluth’s Canal Park. Senior Sous Chef Chad Bloomquist demonstrates how to prepare the restaurants indulgent Spaghetti Carbonara. Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 405 Lake Avenue South in Duluth, Minnesota. Click here to see the full menu,…

All Natural, Eco-Friendly Grooming Service Opens in Superior

All Natural Canines is Located at 1308 Tower Avenue in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Dogs, cats, rabbits, and even birds. It sounds like a handful, but for one business owner in Superior, it’s her clientele. Some could say there are new doggies in one window along Tower Avenue in Superior. “Dogs are my main passion,” said Amy Mundt, owner of All Natural Canines Pet Grooming in Superior. The longtime resident of…

Enjoy The Multi-Color Vibrant Views Of Fall

GREAT OUTDOORS: Jay Cooke State Park Colorful Fall Foliage Hike, Places To See That Are Less Visisted Within The Park

CARLTON, Minn. — In this week’s Great Outdoors, Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot takes on a hike through the fall foliage of Jay Cooke State Park. “The colors seem to be peaking a little faster than we’ve historically had in the past few years.” explained Assistant Park Manager Ty Gangelhoff. It’s said to be an “un–leaf–able” sight to explore the…

Knowing Your Neighbors: The Benefits of Himalayan Salt Right in Cloquet

Himalayan Salt room at Epic Nutrition.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Kept in the back room of Epic Nutrition is a little piece of the Himalayas right here in the Northland. “It’s a really cool different thing that’s here in Cloquet,” said Epic Nutrition Manager Heidi Pack. “The closest salt room is actually in like Roseville, Minnesota.” “Y’know you don’t wanna drive all the way into Duluth all the…

Craft, Vendor Expo Coming to Miners Memorial Building in Virginia

The Northern Minnesota Craft & Vendor Expo is Happening October 5 - 6 in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Art, entertainment, food and fun is coming to the Miners Memorial Building Saturday and Sunday, October 5 – 6. Saturday hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The Miners Memorial Building is located at 812 South 9th Avenue in Virginia. The Northern Minnesota Craft & Vendor Expo is set to feature…

Northern Star: Alex Hanson

For this week's segment, we feature a Superior boys soccer captain who has big goals for his senior season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Senior midfielder Alex Hanson never really thought about playing high school soccer. “I started in about sixth grade. My parents got me in it. I played a lot in latchkey and stuff, and everybody said I was pretty good. I’m not super outgoing so they kind of forced me into it,” Hanson said. But since then, Hanson…

Just Be-Leaf in Yourself, Hike Through Fall Colors

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Fall Foliage Popping At Jay Cooke State Park

CARLTON, Minn. — Jay Cooke State Park is popping with color this time of year. This state park protects the lower reaches of the St. Louis River and is located about 10 miles southwest of Duluth. It’s one of the ten most visited state parks in Minnesota, with the western half of the park containing part of a rocky, 13-mile…

Game Day Munchies? Bucktales Cantina and Grill Has You Covered

Cooking Connection: Sloppy Jose and Tinga Dilla

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s football season and with it comes the munchies! In this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brett Scott chats with Bucktales Cantina and Grill owner Dee Morales as business picks up for the fall season. Morales is the only chef in the kitchen at Bucktales, handcrafting each order to perfection. The business is located near Pattison State…

These Bricks Did More than Build Houses, They Built a Community

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The story behind the quaint 84 Jackson Project brick houses in Hermantown.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – America in the 1930’s is remembered for its high unemployment and struggle for working families to find affordable housing. President Franklin D. Roosevelt started a number of projects to help the nation’s families escape these problems and find a better life, including a Northland colony of depression–era housing projects, one of the nation’s only homestead colonies still…

Visit Cook County Announces Busy Lineup of Autumn Events

Staff at Visit Cook County Anticipate Peak Season to be Around the Last Weekend in September

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Fall colors are popping along the North Shore, prompting the staff at Visit Cook County to encourage leaf lookers to take a drive and enjoy the majestic maple forests full of vibrant colors. Linda Jurek with Visit Cook County stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about a plethora of upcoming events this autumn. Jurek…

Northern Star: Caden and Jaxon Edwards

For this week's segment, we feature two Duluth East football players who have been building a strong connection on and off the field since birth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East senior quarterback Caden Edwards has become the leader the Greyhounds need. “Caden’s an extremely gifted athlete and at quarterback he has all the tools, he’s big, he’s got a big arm,” Duluth East head coach Joe Hietala said. Through the first three weeks of the season, Edwards has completed 19 passes for 291 yards and…

Get Lost In A Corn Maze

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Ru-Ridge Corn Maze Family Fun

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Get lost in a corn maze with Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott. We timed their adventure to see how long it took to get out!  Ru-Ridge is a 400 acre farm with 8 acres of corn maze and family activities including a straw bale maze, ninja course, petting zoo, pumpkin painting, games, corn piles, photo…

29 Chilis Compete at Virginia-Quad Cities Cook-off

Event brings close to a thousand Iron Rangers together at the Miner's Memorial Building in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – At the Virginia-Quad Cities Chili Cook-off, twenty-nine chilis are competing for the top prize. Now in its tenth year, the cook-off brings close to a thousand people together from across the Iron Range to the Miner’s Memorial Building in Virginia. “And everyone thinks they make the best chili, so why not have a cook-off and get some…

Game Day Apps with Bucktales Cantina and Grill

Cooking Connection: Fresh Baked Loaded Nachos and Homemade Guacamole

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s football season and with it comes the munchies! In this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brett Scott chats with Bucktales Cantina and Grill owner Dee Morales as business picks up for the fall season. Morales is the only chef in the kitchen at Bucktales, handcrafting each order to perfection. The business is located near Pattison State…

Thousands of Bird Watchers Flock to Witness Fall Migration at Hawk Ridge

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is Hosting Fall Festival Weekend September 20 - 22 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – As of September 1, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth is celebrating its 48th season of documenting the great fall migration. This natural phenomenon is attracting hundreds, if not thousands, of bird watchers from local areas, and internationally as the seasons change. Mother Nature is guiding birds of prey such as raptors toward warmer weather as they…

People Work to ‘Unmask’ Traumatic Brain Injuries in Minnesota

Survivors and family members paint masks depicting their journeys with traumatic brain injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2.5 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury every year in the United States. On Tuesday, people made masks at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, depicting how they’ve been impacted by brain injuries. Over the last four years, 1,400 Minnesotans have made their own, unique masks. They communicate in a way words can’t about how traumatic…

35th Annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest to Support Scholarship Program

Coffee Conversation: Chester Bowl Fall Fest Happening Saturday, September 21 at Chester Bowl in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend it’s estimated more than 8,000 people will pack into one Duluth Park to help celebrate the changing of seasons and support local businesses. The 35th annual Chester Bowl Fall Festival is scheduled to start Saturday, September 21 at 9:30 and go until 4:30 p.m. Organizers will make an official call around 6:00 a.m. Saturday if…

Northern Star: Alaina Bennett

For this week's Northern Star, we talk with the heart and soul of the Carlton volleyball team.

CARLTON, Minn. – When Alaina Bennett first joined the Carlton volleyball team, she was one of three eighth graders to play on the varsity squad. “It was just crazy when you step on the court and you’re with seniors and juniors and you’re a little eighth grader. You listen to what everybody’s saying because you just want to make sure…

Flavors of Fall Debut at Larsmont Cottages Ledge Rock Grille

Cooking Connection: Finnish Meatballs with Oven Roasted Potatoes

LARSMONT, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brett Scott is in the kitchen with Chef Richard Selz from Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages. Chef Richard is preparing Finnish Meatballs served with beef fat oven roasted potatoes. The restaurant is proud to debut a new menu that combines the best of a classic lakeshore meal with global…

Donations Impacting Decisions at Animal Allies Humane Society

A Stray Chihuahua is Struck and Left on the Side of a Duluth Road; Healing Hearts and Paws Fund to Pay for Emergency Surgery

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the years, FOX 21 has reported on countless fundraising efforts by Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. In this week’s Animal Answers, donors get a first hand look at how continued support and generosity is making an impact on a daily basis. This week, staff at the shelter have had to make many decisions based on…

Northern Star: Zach Edwards

For this week's segment, we feature the quarterback on the St. Scholastica football team.

DULUTH, Minn. -St. Scholastica quarterback Zach Edwards entered Saturday’s season opener with high expectations, as he officially started his last first game. “You think about it’s the last of the end. I’m looking forward to it, I’m excited. Nothing like senior year, nothing like football, so I think it will be a good time,” Edwards said. In his junior season,…

New Fall Menu Features Zesty, Savory Items at Ledge Rock Grille

Cooking Connection: Pork Belly Tacos

LARSMONT, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brett Scott is in the kitchen with Chef Richard Selz from Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages. The restaurant is proud to debut a new menu that combines the best of a classic lakeshore meal with global flavors and fresh, quality ingredients. The restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and…

Local Non-Profit Animal Rescue Seeking Foster Families

PJ's Rescue in Duluth is Looking for People Interested in Fostering Animals Until They Find Forever Homes

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth based PJ’s Rescue is a non-profit rescuing abandoned, neglected, injured, and stray animals from euthanasia throughout shelters in Texas. The Rescue is currently in search of foster families willing to house animals for a few weeks, up to months until the animal is able to be relocated to a forever home. “We are able to save…

Set Sail with the St. Louis River Alliance this Thursday

The SLRA is Hosting the annual Vista Boat Tour Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is setting sail Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. aboard the Vista Fleet in Duluth. The SLRA is excited to be hosting the Vista Star Boat Tour for yet another year. Boarding will begin at 5:00 p.m. Departure at 5:30 p.m. Arrival back to docks by 7:00 p.m. Light…

Northern Star: Eric Watson

For this week's Northern Star, we highlight a UWS men's soccer player with high expectations for the upcoming season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For University of Wisconsin-Superior senior Eric Watson, this upcoming season will be a big one for the Yellowjackets men’s soccer team. “The publishings that come out or the stories that come out about us, it’s all extra on top of it. A little bit of the cherry on top. But I think really if we’re being truthful…

Cooking Connection: Fresh French Fries at the Minnesota State Fair

The Great Minnesota Get-Together Wraps up on Monday, September 2, 2019

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Great Minnesota Get-Together continues through Labor Day in Falcon Heights. This year there are dozens of new foods available to try, but the staples keep customers and fairgoers coming back. FOX 21 Local News stopped by Fresh French Fries in this week’s Cooking Connection. FOX 21’s Andrew Kirov learns how staff keep up with demand…

Great Minnesota Get-Together Teaches Sheep Shearing

This Week's Animal Answers Takes us to the Minnesota State Fair

DULUTH, Minn. – When you’re at the State Fair, you can’t forget about all the animal exhibits available. In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re taking you to the sheep barn to meet a couple who walks us through the process of shearing sheep. “My parents fit sheep for a living and I’ve been showing sheep my whole life,” said sheep…

Knowing Your Neighbors: New London Road Store Sells a Little Bit of Everything

New store sells items from estate sales, cleanouts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sometimes you just need somewhere to put all the things you don’t need anymore. Well “S&J’s Everything” on London Road can help, giving new meaning to the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” “Our niche is if we don’t have it we can get it. If we can’t get it, you don’t need it,” said co-owner Scott…

Wells Fargo Presents Check, Volunteers to Habitat for Humanity

Over 60 volunteers donate over 300 hours of their time to Habitat.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Wells Fargo Stagecoach returned to the Twin Ports for the second year in a row to support Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity home-building in our region. A $20,000 check was presented by Wells Fargo to the Habitat for Humanity at their new center in Superior. The bank is also donating time to the cause, as about…