Features

Northland Uncovered: The Douglas County Courthouse Celebrates 100 Years

Northland Uncovered: The Douglas County Courthouse was built in 1919

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At the time it was built, the Douglas County Courthouse stood for growth. “The shipyards were operating, a lot of activity going on here and we had a lot of industry,” long time county board member Douglas Finn said. The original courthouse sat on the Nemdaji river, but in the midst of a booming population a new one was…

Cabin Fever Reliever to Raise Funds for Two Harbors Community Radio

The 5th Annual Cabin Fever Reliever is Happening Sunday, March 24 at the Two Harbors High School

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Two Harbors Community Radio is preparing to host its 5th annual Cabin Fever Reliever featuring live music and entertainment. The community event is happening Sunday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m. in the Two Harbors High School Auditorium. This year’s event will showcase music and storytelling, with featured guest Charlie Parr, a blues and folk musician from…

Northern Star: Parker Mackay

For this week's segment, we talk with the captain of the Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – After winning their second ever national championship, the UMD men’s hockey team needed a trusty captain this year. That’s when they looked to their assistant Parker Mackay and decided to give him the “C”. “It was special honestly. I was excited for the challenge but a little nervous maybe just with the high expectations that this group had…

Get Your Beach Body Going!

Active Adventures: Snap Fitness Personal Training Session

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot gets us in a personal training session at the gym! Why? Because it’s sloppy, slushy and icy outside and Spring is days away! So that means, summer will be here before you know it! Start to get that beach body going now! Break down the fear barriers and…

Famous Dave’s Mixes Up Sauces For Lent

Cooking Connection: Dipping Sauces To Spice Up Your Fish

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we are making homemade dipping sauces to compliment your fish diet for lent. Famous Dave’s was founded in the Northland, in Hayward, WI back in 1994. With 180 different locations, the Duluth Famous Dave’s joined us this week and shared these delicious recipes. LOCATION: 355 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802 HOURS:…

Animal Allies Donations to Help Multiple Organizations in the Northland

When Animal Allies Receives and Abundance of Donations, They're Then Passed on to CHUM, Wildwoods and Other Local Organizations

DULUTH, Minn. – As spring inches closer to the Northland, the demand for supplies at animal organizations in the Northland is rising. Local shelters and animal advocates will soon be dealing with “kitten season” which means the need for blankets, food and other supplies is in top demand. At Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth, they’re thankful to have a…

The Women Behind the Building for Women

Northland Uncovered: The Building for Women

DULUTH, Minn.- March is Women’s History Month, and where better to hear stories by women than in the Building for Women? The building faced an incredible journey leading to it being the only one left of its kind today. “We’ve put up quite a battle,” Building for Women founder Tina Welsh said. The Building for Women hols significance as a…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Robinson’s & E’s Leather + Urban Wear

A local shop is bringing the true urban feel to the Northland

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A small mom and pop store in Superior is giving those in the area the ability to buy quality leather goods for all ages without having to travel a far distance to get it. Robinson’s & E’s Leather Plus Urban Wear has been in business for four years, and offers up jackets, vests, footwear, purses, saddle bags…

Fond du Lac Band Presents “We are Water MN” Exhibit

The Traveling Exhibit will be Available to View at Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth Through April 22

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa presents “We Are Water MN”, a traveling exhibit and community engagement initiative at Great Lakes Aquarium, March 10-April 22. “We Are Water MN” is a partnership among state agencies and host sites, formed to tell Minnesota’s water stories collaboratively, bringing together personal narratives, historical materials, and scientific information….

Northern Star: Danielle Kohlwey

For this week's segment, we sit down with a UMD track senior who recently made program history at the NCAA Tournament.

DULUTH, Minn. – Third time’s the charm for senior Danielle Kohlwey.  In her third straight trip to the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championship, she finally came out on top. Kohlwey captured the 60-meter hurdle title on Saturday with a time of 8.24 seconds. But going into the weekend, Kohlwey just wanted to enjoy the moment. “With this being my…

Relax In A Beginner Yoga Class

Active Adventures: Yoga North

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott try out a beginner yoga class, with Yoga North! If you’ve never done yoga before and think you can’t, or if you’re intimidated by yoga classes, this is the perfect one to sign up for. Especially if you feel stiff, uncoordinated or awkward.  This class…

March Madness Finger Food

Cooking Connection: Famous Dave's Rib Tips

CANAL PARK, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are cooking up rib tips with Famous Dave’s! Check out the video above for the recipe details and what else is included in the finger food platter. ADDRESS: 355 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802 PHONE: (218) 740-3180 HOURS: All Week 11am – 10pm Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Features, Links,…

As Duluth Officials Receive Flag Designs, One Designer Won’t Submit His

Nicky Sunsdahl, designer of the 'Tilt Town Flag' objects to the city's ability to make changes and additions to flag designs

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has put out a call for design ideas for a new city flag. But one local flag creator won’t submit his design. He doesn’t think the city’s process by committee will bring a better flag. Nicky Sunsdahl designed the ‘Tilt Town’ flag last summer. “That was kind of last year’s art project,” said…

World’s Longest Fat Bike Birkie

This Weekend Ride Your Fat Tire Bike In The Worlds Largest Fat Bike Race!

CABLE, Wisc. — The 45NRTH Fat Bike Birkie is taking over the world famous American Birkebeiner trails this weekend on Saturday March 9th! Fat Bike riders can test their skills and endurance on the professionally groomed ski trails! THREE events to choose from this year; the 47K Big Fat, the 21K Chico and NEW in 2019, the un-timed 10K Tour-…

Treating Pain, Anxiety with CBD Oil for Animals

Ignite Vapor and Tobacco is Located at 502 Hammond Avenue in Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – Scientific research proves man’s best friend is able to help humans relieve stress, but what helps your furry friends calm down and relax? The staff at Ignite Vapor and Tobacco in Superior believe the answer is stocked on their store shelves. Staff member Timothy Frey frequently deals with helping his German Shepard, Dakota, relieve pain. “There are all…

The Future Shifts for One of the Northland’s Most Popular Music Venues

Northland Uncovered: The Red Herring Lounge and location.

DULUTH, Minn.- From the most unknown local artists to headliners that we know and love, the Red Herring Lounge has been the Northland’s go to spot for live music for years. Since 2013, the Red Herring Lounge on East 1st Street has been one of Duluth’s most popular concert venues. “What I thought the scene deserved was a place that was…

Winter Blues Setting in? Dietitian Advises Three Superfoods to Consume

St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian Mary Cherne Offers Tips to Keeping Your Spirits High Throughout Winter

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to the winter blues, it’s important to have the correct diet and exercise routine to help keep depression at bay. Mary Cherne, St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian, encourages a diet high in vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids and fruits and vegetables. Cherne wants to encourage physical activity on a daily basis to help boost…

Northern Star: Jacob Herter

For this week's segment, we feature a local hockey player who's taking the next step at the junior level.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Jacob Herter has always called the Northland home. “This whole Twin Ports area, the hockey is so amazing. The completion around here is unbelievable,” Herter said. Herter spent three years playing with Hermantown and is now just down the road playing in the NAHL with the Minnesota Wilderness. “I always kind of wanted to play for the…

Artist Makes Unique Drawings for World Wildlife Day at Zoo

Brad Vanderbrook showed off drawings at Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday was World Wildlife Day, and while Lake Superior Zoo doesn’t normally have elephants, giraffes, and gorillas, they got to have them all, through the unique drawings of one artist. “There’s so many animals that are in trouble, it’s like I’ve got a lot to choose from.” The pictures on display at the Zoo may look like black and white…

An “Otter” Kind of Birthday at Great Lakes Aquarium

Two Otters celebrate 6th birthday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Great Lakes Aquarium is celebrating two birthday today. Otter sisters Agate and Ore turned 6 today. Guests celebrated by making them a cardboard house to play in, along with other crafts. They even had their own Otter Birthday Cake. Otters typically live about 10 years in the wild and 20 under human care. So 6 is a…

National History Day Competition Takes Old and Young on Trip Through Time

Northeast Regional History Day Competition held at UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weekend history lessons were given out by 6 thru 12th graders. Just a day after National Minnesota Day, Middle and High School students competed in the Northeast Regional History Day Competition at UMD. They competed to share websites, documentaries and presentations on historical events they’re passionate about. “You get mood swings, sometimes you forget where you are.” This…

Frolicking thru Winter in Proctor

Proctor Winter Frolic celebrates winter.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The chilly wind didn’t stop some folks in Proctor from getting out to enjoy the snow. Today, the Proctor Chamber of Commerce held their annual Winter Frolic at the Golf Course and Community Center. People did so much more than frolic there. They sledded and took hay rides. One of the event’s most popular activities is the dog…

Train For The Le Grand Du Nord!

Active Adventures: Fox 21's Brittney Merlot Trains For The Big Gravel Bike Race

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures we are training in the winter! Both for a race and for our minds. Winters can be long, with cabin fever kicking in. Join us for some tips on where to go to get outside and ease your mind, or train for a race coming up this Memorial Day weekend! The…

Hard “Core” with Duluth Cider New Release

Cooking Connection: Duluth Cider Previews New Cider Available Soon!

LINCOLN PARK, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are going hard “core” with Duluth Cider! Check out the new cider that will be released TUESDAY MARCH 5th! It’s called NORTH and it’s made with Sawtooth Mountain maple syrup and pine, delivering a true Northland cider. Grab a few and listen to some tunes, see the live music line…

Special Report: Lets Go Ice Fishing Part III

Trapper's Landing Lodge on Leech Lake Offers Luxury Ice Fishing at its Finest!

WALKER, Minn. — Ice fishing has come a long way from sitting on a bucket, in fact now you can kick back, relax, fish from a recliner, a couch, even a bed and more! Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes inside the deep history of Trapper’s Landing Lodge, “Kept the original bar top that was here back in the 40’s! Even…

City of Duluth Kicks Off New Flag Redesign Project

City taking design submissions until April.

DULUTH, Minn.- The city of Duluth hasn’t changed it’s flag for nearly 50 years. Some people think it needs an update. On Wednesday the city organized a meeting for people to share their thoughts about how to update it. The city says they have heard many requests to change the design. So they invited the public to come share ideas. The…

Special Report: Lets Go Ice Fishing Part II

Father & Son Head To The Ice To Build A Lasting Bond

WATERSMEET, Mich. — For some families, there is no excuse to stay inside all winter long. In fact for some, it’s time to head out on the ice and do some fishing! Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us on the ice, in the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Joining a father and son that are building life long memories and…

Lake Superior Zoo to Host Local Artist on World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day is Happening Sunday, February 3, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday, March 3 marks World Wildlife Day and the Lake Superior Zoo is inviting you to help them celebrate and raise awareness. Local artist Brad Vanderbrook will be showcasing his giant portraits of endangered species around the Zoo, and will also be creating his newest piece of work. Vanderbrook uses white bedsheets and permanent marker to create…

More Snow Means More Chiropractic Appointments

Local Chiropractic offices see increased fall and shovel injuries.

DULUTH, Minn.- The snow hasn’t let up across the Northland, and with more on the way, it can get treacherous to navigate. Area chiropractors have sen an increase in business due to falls and injuries. They shared with us some tips on how to avoid getting hurt, and having to pay them a visit. The officials at HealthSource of Duluth told…

Special Report: Lets Go Ice Fishing Part I

Importance Of Guides On Lake Superior: Safety, Convenience & Reeling In The Big Catch

WASHBURN, Wisc. — After the polar vortex overtook the Northland, ice on Lake Superior rapidly formed! As of right now, over 80% of the great lake is frozen. With more ice this year, people are excited and heading to the shores. Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us on a trip across the ice on Chequamegon Bay, with Houston’s Guide Service….

Northland Uncovered: Turning the Traphagen House into a Home

Northland Uncovered: A Duluth home passed through the hands of architect Oliver G. Traphagen and the Congdon's will now be rented out as modern apartments

DULUTH, Minn.- Turning the old into the new, that’s what one property owner wanted to do with a well known home in the Northland. “If you can’t preserve and protect, reconstruct with the heritage in mind,” contractor Austin Aili said. Oliver G. Traphagen left a legacy as an architect with hands on several buildings in Duluth, including Fire Station No….

Coffee Conversation: Stuffie Boot Camp, Wellness Fair at the Bong Veterans Center

A Busy Week Ahead at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – All Northland stuffed animals are to report to boot camp Friday, March 1 at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior. The boot camp is designed to be a fun and educational event for children Pre-K through third grade. Anyone who has a stuffed animal is welcome to join in on the fun. The event…

Chilly Weather Means Chili Cook-Off at Elim Lutheran Church

Affordable event showcased all kinds of Chili.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you needed a bite to warm up in the high winds today, the Elim Lutheran Church had their Crock-Pots at the ready. They hosted their 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off. Members of the community could compete with their traditional or non–traditional chili, like the winner who made a white bean chili. She said while it definitely looked non–traditional,…

Powerful Winds Don’t Stop People From Getting Out

50 mph winds rip through lake and Northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wind didn’t stop people from getting out in Canal Park. Even tourists braved the elements, fighting the gusts to get that perfect shot of the lake. “Madison’s not on a lake like this, so the wind is just nothing that, yeah nothing that we’ve ever seen,” said Weston Erickson, visiting Duluth with his girlfriend. “For me it’s kinda…

Northern Star: Josie Buckley

For this week's segment, we feature a senior on the UMD women's basketball team who's just thankful that she's able to play.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth women’s basketball team is having one of their best seasons in program history. But for the seniors on the team, especially forward Josie Buckley, they’re not ready to think about the season winding down. “I just haven’t really been thinking about it much. We’ve been having such a great season and it’s been fun,…

Protecting the Birkie with Birkie Security Team

Security prepares for inclement weather.

HAYWARD, Wis.- Behind the scenes, the Birkie Security Team of about 25 volunteers say they’re Sawyer County law enforcement’s eyes and ears for the huge event. They tell us the weather’s cooperated so far, but they’re preparing for much worse as athletes and fans head home. Just be safe driving we have a major weather event heading our way,” said…

American Birkebeiner Skates Into 45th Year

Northland tradition again brings many to Hayward.

HAYWARD, Wis.- “It’s the Birkie, man!” The gun fires, and in one fluid motion the surge of skiers and skaters pushes off in Cable. “The day will go on to be talked about for years.” Main Street is lined with Birkie fans, the whole town of Hayward, and many others, lining the track with the sound of cowbells. “Your whole…

Stride, Ride & Glide A Triathlon

Get Your Friends Together And Run, Bike & Ski Through The Superior Municipal Forest

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are headed to the beautiful woods, in the middle of winter, for a TRIATHLON! The Stride, Ride, Glide Tri is in the Superior Municipal Forest on Sunday March 3 at 10am. It consists of a 5k run on a flat snow covered dirt road, a 10k bike on a very scenic…

One-On-One: Senator Rarick Talks Broadband, Infrastructure & Recreational Marijuana

FOX 21's Brett Scott Talks With Newly Elected State Senator Jason Rarick (R)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s newest state Senator, Jason Rarick, has now been on the job for a little over one week since being sworn into office Wednesday, February 6. “It was a long month of hard work with some nasty weather but we were all really excited when we saw the final results,” said Rarick. Senator Rarick recently came out…

Behind The Counter Rolling Up Sushi

Cooking Connection: Cloud 9 Asian Bistro & Hibachi

DULUTH Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we took our lunch break at Cloud 9 in Canal Park for some amazing specials and tips on how to roll our own sushi roll! LUNCH SPECIAL: Mon-Sat 11am – 3pm HAPPY HOUR: 3-6pm ADDRESS: 308 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802 CONTACT: (218) 786-9888 HOURS: Thursday 11AM–9:30PM Friday 11:30AM–10:30PM Saturday 11:30AM–10:30PM…

Volunteers Needed at Animal Allies Humane Society

The Demand for Volunteers is an Ongoing Concern for Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 700 volunteers help keep the doors open and animals happy at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth every year, but staff members say they can never have enough helping hands. “The cats are just amazing and the dogs are always so friendly,” said volunteer Amber Karlstedt. It’s safe to say many of us most likely…

Great Outdoors: Dogsledding With a Twist at North Star Academy

School hosts unconventional dog sled race.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland winters are full of great activities like skiing, snowboarding, and of course dog sledding. You’ve likely heard of the Beargrease, and the Iditarod. But North Star Academy’s dog sled race puts a spin on the traditional. “Teamwork makes the dream work. You have to trust your musher, and the musher has to trust his dogs,” a team…

The First and Last Bridgeman’s Restaurant in the State

Northland Uncovered: A Duluth creamery that led to several ice cream shoppes and one standing restaurant in the state of Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Ice cream- good, whether it’s hot or Minnesota cold. “Bridgeman’s is a family owned ice cream company, so we make our own ice cream, and then we also have restaurants,” Bridgeman’s brand owner Crystal Bakker said. In 1883, Henry Bridgeman delivered fresh milk home to home through Duluth. It’s…

Northern Star: Darian Gotz

For this week's segment, we feature the captain of the Hermantown hockey team.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. -With talent up and down the lines, the Hermantown boys hockey team is once again one of the top powerhouses in the state. But with so much talent, a trusty captain is needed, and that’s what they have in senior Darian Gotz. “He’s our leader, hands down. And it’s not because he’s the rah-rah guy in the locker room….

Raspberry Rich Chocolate Heart Brownies

Va Bene Caffe Bakes A Sweet Treat For Valentine's Day

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection Va Bene satisfies our sweet tooth with a rich Valentine’s Day treat, Raspberry Heart Brownies! Check out the video above for a step by step recipe to make them at home, or join them in their cafe! LOCATION: 734 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802 HOURS: CONTACT: (218) 722-1518 Categories: Community, Cooking…

Learn to Curl At The World Famous Duluth Curling Club

Active Adventures: Curling & Brews With The Duluth Experience

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures, Brittney Merlot and Nikki Davidson try their skills out on the ice, curling! The Duluth Experience takes you on the largest indoor sheet of ice and teaches you step by step the skills needed to curl! Duluth’s curling tradition goes back to 1891 when a group of local Duluthians formed The Duluth…

The YMCA Isn’t Just For Young Men Anymore

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The Duluth Branch YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.- Everyone knows the song, but what is the YMCA really? What started as bible school for Christian young men turned into so much more. “This branch in Duluth has actually been providing services to the community all the way back to 1870, although we didn’t have a building at that time,” Duluth YMCA president and CEO Sara Cole…

Humane Society Looks to Tackle Stray Problem in Douglas County

The Humane Society of Douglas County is Hosting Another Free Spay, Neuter Clinic in March

SUPERIOR, Wis. – 27 female and 25 male cats are now recovering after a simple spay or neuter procedure over the weekend. For the first time, the Humane Society of Douglas County hosted a free spay and neuter event. The important procedures were performed by Purple Cat Mobile Veterinary Clinic out of Cumberland, Wisconsin. Sheila Keup, Executive Director of the…

Homemade Food That’s Downright Kickin’ Delicious

KNOWING YOUR NEIGHBORS: Kickin' Delicious Family Restaurant.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Homegrown, handmade, delicious- Kickin’ Delicious actually. Which just so happens to be the name of Superior’s newest family owned restaurant. Amy Poster worked in restaurants her whole life. A few year’s back the Posters were inspired to tackle a restaurant of their own which is how they found KD’s. It was originally Kathy and Dwayne, named after its first…

Coffee Conversation: UWS Theatre Presents “I and You”

The Productions of "I and You" will Begin Friday, February 15, 2019

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Students involved with UWS Theatre are counting down the minutes until the premiere of the drama “I and You.” The upcoming performances, directed by Kathy Laakso, will be taking place February 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and February 17 and 24 at 2:00 p.m. “The audience will experience an appreciation of life for what it…