Features

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…

Northern Star: Sam Risley

For this week's segment, we feature a Northwestern boys basketball player who is leading the Tigers to success.

MAPLE, Wis. – After going 12–12 last year, the Northwestern boys basketball team has been dominate this year. The Tigers are currently undefeated in conference play and ranked in the top 10 in division three within the state. “We’re about 10, 11 guys deep that I can play at any single time in any single game and that’s a luxury…

Tips and Tricks for Winter Biking

Zeitgeist Hosts Bikes and Bites Tour for Winter Biking Week

DULUTH, Minn.- Those not bothered by the cold and snow who want to get outside this winter, might want to take their bikes out for a spin. Dozens of bikers rode in to Zeitgeist Arts Cafe in downtown Duluth today, the snow, slush and cold not stopping them. They shared with us some tips and tricks to navigating these conditions…

Book Across The Bay!

Ski, Snowshoe, Hike or Run From Ashland to Washburn Across The Frozen Chequamegon Bay!

CHEQUAMEGON BAY, Wisc. — The 23rd Annual Book Across the Bay takes place Saturday February 16th, 2019! Book Across the Bay is the upper Midwest’s most unique winter event, open to skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and…

Escape Rooms Take Over The Bong Historical Center For A Good Cause

This Weekend Only! You Can "Escape The Bong" With 3 Different Themed Room Options.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures, Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott get locked into a mobile escape room with 1 hour to get out! Watch the video above to see if they got out in time! Northland, you get the chance to try out the 3 new escape rooms that are only here for this weekend only! Grab…

Warm Beer Cheese Soup On A Snow Day!

Va Bene Caffe Cooks Up A Tasty Soup In This Weeks Cooking Connection

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are making the perfect lunch for a snow day with Va Bene Caffe! As the snow quickly piles up a warm soup and sandwich warms the soul! RECIPE: Watch the video above for instructions on how to make this delicious meal. LOCATION: 734 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802 HOURS: All…

Finding a Match: Turning Life-or-Death Moments into Miracles

Experts say there are More People Waiting for Life-Saving Organ Transplants than there are Organs Available

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year on February 14 health officials and folks living in life-or-death situations take time to raise awareness for National Organ Donor Day. Statistics show more than 80 percent of people waiting for their life-saving gift are in need of a kidney. “I found out when I was 21,” said Connor Clark. Some say age is just…

Chester Bowl – The Northland’s Home Away from Home

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The park that's been around since Duluth became Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – What’s Winter without snow, and what’s snow without skiing? Chester Park is an outdoor haven that dates back to the late 1800’s. “A lot of people assume the Chester Bowl was named after Chester Congdon after so many things in this town that are named after Chester Congdon, but there is a man named Charles Chester who…

Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing on Lake Superior

Anglers Get Out on Ice in Tough Weather Conditions

DULUTH, Minn.- As Lake Superior hardens with ice, you can bet Anglers are there to drill their holes and drop their lines. But these brave Northlanders have to get their timing just right, because in a day all that ice could be gone. The wind howls, cutting through ice houses like a knife. Suddenly, the wind’s song is interrupted by…

Greenfield Meats and More

KNOWING YOUR NEIGHBORS: A family owned and operated meat store opens in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Straight from the farm to your kitchen table- that’s what Greenfield Meats and More promises every customer. At 25 years old Brandon Greenfield’s dream became a reality. “My grandpa farmed, so I was always around it,” Owner Brandon Greenfield said. Greenfield grew up on the farm and raised sheep, so the idea of his own meat store was…

Northern Star: Pavel Mikhasenok and Artur Terchiyev

For this week's Northern Star, we highlight the relationship between two players from countries who are currently at war with each other.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – This month marks five years since turmoil began between Russia and Ukraine. Two players on the UWS men’s hockey team know all about it: Russian Pavel Mikhasenok and Ukrainian Artur Terchiyev. “We’ve know each other for five years because we went to school together back at Everest Academy. And we room together also so we never talk…

Before Winter Storm, Cold Front Festival Moves In

Three Day Event Comes to a Close

DULTUTH, Minn.- Only in the Northland would there be an event named, and celebrating a cold front. The Second Annual Cold Front Festival brought in folks young and old, enjoying the frosty festivities before winter wakes up again. “Honestly I think the nice weather, being outside, y’know, it’s a good time to get everyone together, and it’s great fun,” said Marcy…

Chris Jensen Center Gets Visit from Former Vikings

5 Former Vikings Come to Sign Autographs

DULUTH, Minn.- On this Super Bowl Sunday, some seasoned football fans at the Chris Jensen Rehabilitation Center got a surprise visit. Five former Minnesota Vikings stopped by the center to sign autographs and talk football. The players say being with these lifelong fans is perfect for a day full of pigskin. “I didn’t know that we’d have so many purple jerseys…

Quick Appetizers & Drinks Perfect For Super Bowl Weekend

Cooking Connection: Texas Roadhouse Whips Up A Jamaican Cowboy & Shrimp

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are making quick and easy appetizers and drinks that you can enjoy for your Super Bowl party! A Jamaican Cowboy is a fruity margarita that’s great for people who don’t like the taste of alcohol. It’s fruity flavor masks the tequila and can easily be made from home. Shrimp is a…

Thursday At 9: Jail Dangers

Coming up Thursday on FOX 21 News at 9 p.m., a two-part special report – Jail Dangers. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger takes you inside the Douglas and St. Louis county jails. Corrections officers describe what it’s like to face hundreds of inmates a year, the dangers that arise and the training they go through to keep the peace. Categories: News,…

Zookeepers, Animals Working to Stay Warm During Arctic Blast

Staff at Lake Superior Zoo Taking Extra Precautions to Keep Animals Safe in Frigid Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn. – Dangerous cold weather doesn’t discriminate. Even the staff and animals at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth are bundling up and finding creative ways to stay warm during the bitter arctic blast. For Lana the Amur tiger, a heated space indoors is where she spends much of her time during below zero temperatures. A heated rock also…

Brutal Cold Weather Strikes Northland

Fun Cold Weather Tricks To Try In Rare Frigid Temperatures

BRUTAL HISTORIC COLD ARRIVES IN THE NORTHLAND WIND CHILL WARNING: Dangerous cold air temperatures paired with high winds will create life threatening wind chills throughout the day today and into Thursday morning. -40° to -60° feel like temperatures will be felt, which can cause frost bite in 5 minutes. It is crucial that you limit your time outdoors, cover all…

The Northland’s National Weather Service

NORTHLAND UNCOVERED: The Duluth branch National Weather Service is making history in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – 2019 may be the year we see historic temps in the Northland, but what’s the history behind the guys making that call? Before they were called the National Weather Service, the U.S. Weather Bureau landed in Duluth in 1855. Along with being one of the biggest shipping ports, Duluth’s spot on Lake Superior and it’s crazy weather…

Lauralloons Creates The Biggest Balloon Art In The Northland

Creatice Balloons For Home Deliveries, Birthday Parties, Weddings, Parades & Festivals!

DULUTH, Minn. –Attention kiddos! Balloon art is getting bigger and more creative than what our parents had! “It’s usually quite the cluster at first. All the kids are like balloons!” said owner of Lauralloons Balloon Art Laural Schultze. With balloon art recently popping, “Especially with the internet and you can share so much easier. Before there were a few books…

Superior Sister City to Host Japanese New Year Celebration

The Celebration is Happening Monday, January 28 at Christ Lutheran Church in Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – The Superior Sister City Commission is excited to be partnering with Christ Lutheran Church to host a Japanese New Year Celebration. The event is happening Monday, January 28 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church located at 320 North 28th Street in Superior. The community is welcome to taste test exotic foods, try origami…

Northern Star: Jayden Ruberg

For this week's segment, we talk with one Two Harbors basketball player who's joining his family members by leaving a legacy within the program.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Jayden Ruberg comes from a basketball family. His dad, aunt and older sister all played for Two Harbors and each left legacies within the program. “They were pretty much the reason I started playing basketball. They’re my role models. I wanted to play like them, be like them, that’s my motivation,” Ruberg said. Ruberg’s sister holds…

Remembering ‘The Day the Music Died’: 60 Years After Buddy Holly

Armory Hosts Dance Party in Tribute to Winter Dance Party 1959

DULUTH, Minn.- 60 years ago singer Buddy Holly, and several other musicians, were killed in a fatal plane crash. A day that became known as “The Day the Music Died.” Just days earlier, Holly and his fellow music men performed in Duluth. So on Sunday the Duluth Armory celebrated his life, and the music of the 50s. “Your kisses lift…

Veterinarians On Hand During Beargrease Marathon

Veterinarians keep eyes on the sled dogs during marathon checkpoints.

DULUTH, Minn.- For those wondering about the safety of the sled dogs during the 35th annual Beargrease marathon, a veterinarian staff is on hand through the entirety of the race. A team of 20 vets are assigned to different checkpoints mushers are required to stop at during the marathon. At each stop, dogs are checked for injuries, hydration levels, exhaustion and…

Beargrease Racers Sworn in as Official U.S. Postal Carriers

Baargrease continues the tradition of 'Trail Mail' for the annual marathon.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the spirit of tradition all racers in the 35th annual Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon were sworn in as official U.S. mail carriers before taking off. Just like John Beargrease did over 100 years ago, mushers carry ‘trail mail,’ as it’s called, through the course to drop off at the post office at the end of the trail. Postal…

MUSH! 2019 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Begins

Mushers and Dogs Race Through Bitter Cold

DULUTH, Minn.- Through rain, sleet, snow or hail, negative temperatures and the depths of the night, these mushers do it for the love of the sport, and the love of the Northland. Barking and howling ring through the air, as the dogs stare down the 300-mile ribbon of white ahead of them. “3…2…1… And there she goes!” And then, they’re off!…

Boy Scout Troop Hosts Blood Drive in Duluth

Three or four blood drives a year can save more than 500 lives

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Red Cross, blood donations decrease during winter months. A local Boy Scout troop hosted a blood drive at the Northland Country Club. For every unit of blood donated, the Red Cross will give $10 to Boy Scout Troop 9. The money will fund future scout needs. Although the event is beneficial for the troop,…

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe In Extreme Cold

Furnace Failure & Bursting Pipes Becomes An Issue In Extended Cold Snap

TWIN PORTS — The cold effects not only how we feel but also how we live. Here are some tips to keep you and your home safe and warm. “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best!” said Service Tech Gartner Refrigeration Company Dave Duffy. “Have it checked on a regular basis to try and catch a potential problem…

Brand New State-Of-The-Art HD Sports Simulators Arrive In The Northland!

The Caddy Shack Offers Unique Experiences To Drink & Play

WEST DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures the cold has kept us looking for indoor fun and The Caddy Shack has brand new state of the art indoor sports simulators! Private rooms offer Golf Simulators of course but now they also offer a Soccer Simulator, Hockey Simulator and a Laser Shot HD Simulator that has… Six different handguns…

Touchdown Super Bowl Pulled Pork Sliders

Cooking Connection: Texas Roadhouse Cooks Up Tender Pulled Pork Sandwiches

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Texas Roadhouse shows us how to make a touchdown dish, Pulled Pork Sliders! Offered at the restaurant itself and also take out for the big game. Your friends will be happy they came to your Super Bowl LIII party! LOCATION: 902 Mall Dr, Duluth, MN 55811 HOURS: M – Th 4pm –…

Fitger’s to Host Cutest Puppy Contest Saturday

The Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Cutest Puppy of the Northland Contest is Happening Saturday, January 26 at 11:00 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling all cute puppies of the Northland! You’re invited to bring your puppy, or stop by to witness the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Cutest Puppy Contest on Saturday, January 26. The event is taking place at the Fitger’s Complex in Duluth. Registration is free and will start at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. This event is free…

Great Outdoors: Breathe Warmer With Lungplus

The Arctic Cold Blast Returns, Here's Some Useful Ways To Stay Warmer

DULUTH, Minn. — As the brutal cold temperatures return with a vengeance, ways to stay warm are important and crucial. Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot introduces us to the LUNG PLUS. “It’s a mouth worn, re-heater and humidifier.” explains the distributor of Lungplus, Eve Graves. It’s held by small flaps that you place in front of your teeth.  As you breathe…

Hannah Johnson Fabrics Expanding in Lakeside Location

Hannah Johnson Fabrics will Host a Grand Re-Opening Event Thursday, January 24

DULUTH, Minn. – More fabric and fun will soon be available for quilters in the Duluth Lakeside neighborhood. The owner of Hannah Johnson Fabrics is expanding. The growth comes after Johnson’s Bakery vacated their Lakeside location in 2018. “Who would have ever known? I never thought I’d be here for ten years,” said Janet Anelli, Owner of Hannah Johnson Fabrics….

Fundraiser to Support Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance

The Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance is Hosting a Classic Horse Movie Night Thursday, January 24 at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. – This bitter winter weather doesn’t help local horse enthusiasts get out on the trails, but that’s not stopping the Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance from thinking about warmer months ahead. The Alliance is set to host the first ever Classic Horse Movie Night Fundraiser for horse trails on Thursday, January 24 at Zeitgeist in Duluth. The 1979…

Northern Star: Caitlin Breen and Victoria Thorson

For this week's segment, we feature two Duluth Marshall girls hockey players whose chemistry on the ice goes far beyond the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – After birth, Caitlin Breen and Victoria Thorson were both in the same orphanage in Bogota, Colombia, but never met each other. Breen was adopted at two months old and her family moved throughout the US while Thorson was adopted at three months old and came straight to Duluth. When Breen’s family made the move to Duluth and…

Lungplus Helps You Breathe Warm During Arctic Blasts

Active Adventures: Ways To Stay Active Outside During Cold Snaps

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures we introduce you to Lungplus! Lungplus is a device you place in your mouth and it aids in warming your entire body, so that you can still go outside in the below zero temperatures! It also helps you breathe easier. It also helps you with colds, throat pain, dry cough and will…

Yearlong Diabetes Prevention Program Offered at Duluth YMCA

Type-2 Diabetes is preventable if steps are taken

DULUTH, Minn. – Type-2 diabetes is a huge problem nationwide, but the disease can be prevented. At the Duluth YMCA, a yearlong program is helping people at risk for diabetes avoid the disease. The goal of the class is to lower participant’s body weight by seven percent and gradually increase their physical activity to one-hundred-fifty minutes per week. The facilitator…

Facebook Page Helps Reunite Lost Animals with Owners

Missing Pets in the Northland Currently has More Than 8,000 Followers on Facebook

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the American Humane Association, more than ten million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the United States every year. One in three pets will become lost at some point during their life. Now with the help of social media and dedicated volunteers, one group in the Northland is looking to make a difference…