Features

Northern Star: Taylor Nelson and Kiana Bender

The duo has led Cloquet-Esko-Carlton in scoring for the past three seasons.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Taylor Nelson and Kiana Bender have been key contributors to the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey team this season, and their connection goes beyond being linemates. “We met when we were in boys hockey in like squirts or whatever. We were the only two girls on the team so we kind of just had to be friends and we’ve…

Gold Medalists Guide Guppies of Superior YMCA

Jason Lezak and Breeja Larson Hold Swim Clinic

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Whalers of Superior Douglas County Family YMCA’s Swim Team got some helpful tips, from none other than two Olympic gold medalists. Almost 140 of the Superior Whalers throughout the day lined the natatorium pool at Superior High School. They all quiver with excitement, ready to receive some aquatic advice from America’s very own Aquaman and Aquawoman, Jason…

Enjoy The Outdoors & Try New Winter Activities At Bluefin Bay On Lake Superior

Active Adventures: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Yaktrack Rentals and More To Get You Outdoors!

TOFTE, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we take you to Bluefin Bay Resorts on Lake Superior! They offer free rentals of skis, snowshoes, yaktraks and more with your stay at the resort! Temperance River State Park is 2 miles away and it’s a great option to get out and test out a new outdoor activity without having to…

Breakfast Bruchetta Arrives In The Northland

Cooking Connection: Corktown Deli & Brews Adds Breakfast To Their Menu

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Corktown Deli & Brews shows us how to make Breakfast Bruchetta! It’s featured on their new breakfast menu and a one of a kind recipe you don’t want to pass on! INGREDIENTS: Buttermilk French toast, cherry wood-smoked bacon, pecans, onion jam and scrambled eggs. RECIPE: Watch the video above for a step…

Build A Community Of Snowmen!

Northland Gets Hit With More Snow, So Build A Snowman!

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are grabbing a handful of snow and rolling it into a community of snowmen across the Northland, one snowball at a time! Join Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot for her tips and tricks on how to quickly create the perfect snowman or snowoman! Send her your pictures after you’ve built yours, she…

Using Yoga to Reflect on the Past Year

Yoga North Helping Northlanders Meditate

DULUTH, Minn.- We all have our rituals to celebrate the fresh New Year. But how many of us take steps to reflect on the year that past? At Yoga North, they say this is another key part to having a successful year, that many overlook. Reflection is not something many of us consider day to day, but according to the yoga…

Northern Star: Brandon Myer

For this week's segment, we talk with the UMD junior forward who takes his preparation very seriously.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the middle of the Northland’s first winter storm of the season, Brandon Myer is still at practice one hour early. “Like all the greats that play in the NBA, they say confidence comes with preparation. If you out-prepare the people you play against, then you’re more likely to do better,” said Myer. Myer says it’s just…

Cooking Connection: Corktown Deli’s ‘Hot Mess’ Breakfast

Corktown Deli and Brews in the Duluth Lincoln Park Neighborhood is Now Serving a Breakfast Menu

DULUTH, Minn. – Just months after opening, Corktown Deli and Brews is expanding their menu to include breakfast items. The menu ranges from hot items, to gourmet bagels and breakfast bruschetta. For this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brittney Merlot had the chance to cook up the ‘Hot Mess’ as it’s called with chef Conor Maki. This breakfast item includes deli…

Officials with the Saints of Mary and Joseph Church Make Final Stretch to Completing Years Long Project

Northland Uncovered: Historic log church in Sawyer is close to being completely renovated.

SAWYER, Minn.- A historic log church in Sawyer is close to being completely renovated. “Most of the people that use to go to this church love this slamming of the…church door. They love the screen door. That’s what they remembered about this church, the screen door,” said deacon Bryan Bassa. Through that door, 134 years of history- memories from the…

What is Minnesota Nice?

An In-Depth Look into the Concept, Where It Came From, and its Effects

MINNESOTA – At stop signs, in lines, in traffic, everyone is kind. You may think Minnesota Nice is a *nice* quality to have, but could it have unwanted events, if taken to extremes? Moreover, what do non-Minnesota-locals think of our undying need to be friendly? “Somebody from outside of MN would be able to recognize it and be more sensitive…

Northern Star: Ryan Gray

The Proctor/Hermantown goalie has been a key part of the program for the past six years.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Ryan Gray has given Proctor/Hermantown a sense of security in net for the past six years, as she’s climbed from a middle school player on junior varsity to the senior starting goalie. “So she started out, I think in seventh grade, as a JV goalie and played for a few years there and then slowly moved her…

Balsam Bough Harvesting: Make Your Own Wreath!

Active Adventures: Harvesting Boughs And Assembling A Holiday Wreath

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us deep into the woods to collect balsam boughs! Then we head inside to learn how to assemble your own wreath! A permit is required for collecting balsam boughs and can picked up at the district DNR offices for $25. Minnesota is a leader in…

Holiday Cranberry Chutney, Quick & Easy Appetizer

Cooking Connection: Regional Cooking Instructor Teaches Us How To Make A Holiday Appetizer Friends & Family Will Devour!

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we are joined by Regional Cooking Instructor Arlene Coco and we are baking a holiday appetizer, Cranberry Chutney! It’s a perfect dish to bring for the holidays and bursting with flavor. RECIPE: Holiday Cranberry Chutney (Makes 12 Servings) Canned cranberries; can be substituted for fresh when they are not in season, just…

Animal Answers: Give the Gift of Adventure this Holiday Season

Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo Invite You to Purchase a Zoo Membership for a Family Member this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to picking out the perfect gift this holiday season, more and more people are picking experiences or adventures, creating memories to last a lifetime. Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo are inviting folks to think about purchasing a Zoo membership this holiday season. Details: A Zoo membership pays for itself in two times, and with…

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree!

Active Adventures: Hike Into The Superior National Forest For A Family Tradiation!

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Coffee Conversation: Staying Heart Healthy this Winter

Dr. Leif Christianson, St. Luke's Cardiologist, Offers Tips to Stay Heart Healthy this Winter Season

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation, St. Luke’s Cardiologist, Dr. Leif Christianson, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about ways to stay heart healthy this winter. The Northland is suffering a lack of snowfall so far this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make up for it as the season goes on. Christianson wants to…

Northland Uncovered: Bentleyville Grows Over 15 Years

Take a look at the history of Bentleyville.

DULUTH, Minn.- The story of Bentleyville Tour of Lights started long before it became a holiday attraction. In 2001, Nathan Bentley and his family were inspired to hang lights on their home in Esko after seeing their neighbors do the same. “The next year I thought I should put up a few more lights and then after the front yard…

Knowing Your Neighbors: City Girl Coffee

Alafek Coffee Roasters developed a coffee company with a mission to source exclusively from women owned and managed farms and cooperatives.

DULUTH, Minn.- Located on Superior Street in Duluth is Alakef Coffee Roasters. “I grew up in this my parents started this in 1990. When I came back and expressed interest in taking over the business I didn’t want to just run their company… I wanted to create something that was representative of me and also that allowed our company to continue…

Iron Mug Arranges Gifts for Christmas Giveaway

Mike Letica Hosting Toy Giveaway

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holidays fast approach, many families are forced to sit with the realization that they can’t afford to buy Christmas presents. Well, Mike Letica and his team at Iron Mug Coffehouse is trying to change that again this year. They’re currently sorting through $10,000 worth of toys, to hand out to families in need this Christmas. The…

Unseasonable Warmth Brings Duluth Outside

High Temps Mean Comfortable Outdoor Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite how the song goes, it’s beginning to look anything but like a White Christmas. Unseasonably warm weather is gripping the Northland, with temperatures reaching nearly 50  degrees today. Quite a few spots around Duluth were bustling with folks living it up in the hot winter sun. If you took a look at the thermometer in your car,…

Northern Star: Cole Koepke & Jesse Jacques

This week's segment features two former Hermantown teammates who now take the ice for UMD.

DULUTH, Minn. – Seems like it was just yesterday that we saw Cole Koepke and Jesse Jacques bring state titles to Hermantown. Now their mission is to do the same not too far from home with the UMD bulldogs. “When I saw that he was coming to Duluth, I was excited. And I didn’t even know it was initially this…

Cooking Connection: Baked Brie with Spicy Pecans

For This Week's Cooking Connection, FOX 21 Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Steps into the Kitchen with Professional Cooking Instructor Arlene Coco

DULUTH, Minn. – With the holidays right around the corner, it’s important to pick out the best recipes that won’t have you stuck in the kitchen for hours before your party begins. Professional Cooking Instructor Arlene Cocoa stepped into the kitchen with FOX 21 Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for this week’s Cooking Connection. The duo prepared a Baked Brie Cheese with…

Protect Your Paws from Holiday Regret

Animal Allies Wants to Remind Potential Pet Owners in the Northland to Think Twice Before Adding to Your Family this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Tis the season for gift giving! From the latest electronics, to an adorable kitten or puppy, staff at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth want to remind all potential pet owners to think twice before adopting and adding to your family, especially over the holiday season. Michelle Sternberg with Animal Allies says potential adopters often stop by…

Northland Uncovered: Marcia Hales’ Park Point Home of Lights

Hales says this really is her last year of decorating for the holidays.

DULUTH, Minn.- The lights first turned on in 1998 when Marcia Hales and her husband Alan entered a city lighting competition. “We won second place that year. He did… Although i did most of the work,” Hales said. Aiming for a first place win, the couple started planning their decorations for the following year. But in April of ’99, Alan…

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree From The Superior National Forest!

Great Outdoors Holiday Tradition

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Great Outdoors we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Seven African Lions Relocated to Sandstone’s Wildcat Sanctuary

The Final Two Lions Arrived Tuesday Morning

Sandstone, Minn. – Sandstone now has seven African Lions, they’ve been re-homed inside the Wildcat Sanctuary. The big cats have come a long way, they’re from Argentina. The final two cats arrived Tuesday to start a new life after the country decided to close its government-funded zoos. The pair named Leo and Mansa made it through a 26-hour car trip…

Handmade in the Northland: Harmonic Goods

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Brad Bergslien is the creator of Harmonic Goods….

Independent Television Festival Finds New Home in Duluth

City Announces Festival Coming Next October

DULUTH, Minn.- Big things are in store for the city of Duluth, as it’s the new home of the Independent Television, or ITV, Festival. It started in Los Angeles then moved to Vermont – and is now on its way to make Duluth a TV star. It’s also expected to pump $1.5 million into the city’s economy. This adds to…

Coffee Conversation: Renegade Theater Presents ‘Dear Elizabeth’

The Renegade Theater Company is Proud to Present 'Dear Elizabeth' at Zeitgeist in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday morning on FOX 21 Local News, Mary Fox with Renegade Theater stopped by to chat about their latest production of ‘Dear Elizabeth’ now playing at Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone. The show already wowed audiences for one weekend, but if you missed your chance to see the compelling performance, there are three more showings! Synopsis: From 1947 to…

Handmade in the Northland: White Spruce Market

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Bailey Hutchence, owner of White Spruce Market, handcrafts…

Northern Star: Mac Reykdal

For this week's segment, we sit down with one Wisconsin-Superior basketball player who aims to make a difference on and off the court.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mac Reykdal is having a breakout year on the court this season; he scored a career–high 27 points in the Yellowjackets loss on Saturday at Minnesota Morris. But Reykdal’s work off the court is standing out more. “Really takes a lot of pride in what he does, both on the court and off the court. It’s something he’s…

Latte Art, Warming The Heart!

Cooking Connection: Duluth Coffee Company Teaches Brittney Merlot Latte Art & Barista Training

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are warming your heart with a little latte art! Latte art is a method of preparing coffee created by pouring microfoam into a shot of espresso and resulting in a pattern or design on the surface of the latte. It can also be created or embellished by simply “drawing” in the…

Cruisin’ The Gunflint Trail

Active Adventures: Winter Wilderness

GUNFLINT TRAIL, Minn. —  In this weeks Active Adventures we are taking you through 57 miles of wilderness that you can drive on! It’s part of the Superior Scenic Byway in Cook County. The road passes through the Superior National Forest and borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Canada’s Quetico National Park. Snowshoeing, skiing, mushing and snowmobiling trails…

Meet “Tug” the Pier B Ambassador!

Tugboat or "Tug" Goes to Work with His Owner, Nikki Anderson, Five Days a Week at Pier B Resort in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Can you believe it? Tugboat or “Tug” the Pier B Ambassador is already seven months old! Tug’s owner, Nikki Anderson, works as Director of Operations at Pier B Resort in Duluth. Anderson was asked by the folks at Pier B a few months ago if she would be interested in getting another puppy, having him trained and…

How Many Steps Does It Take? Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Fox 21's Brittney Merlot Takes Us Through Bentleyville For A Beautiful & Bright Active Adventures

DULUTH, Minn. — Looking for ways to get those extra steps in during the holiday season? Take a walk through Bentleyville! In this weeks Active Adventures, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us through the tour of lights – joined by Mayor Bentleyville’s daughter, underneath the 128-foot tree! We chat about what it takes to put on the big light show,…

Spice Up Your Shrimp!

Make Your Own Shrimp Glaze In Minutes With Barkers Island Waterfront Grille In This Weeks Cooking Connection

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Cooking Connection, we are spicing up your home cooked shrimp with this simple glaze recipe from Barkers Island Waterfront Grille. All it takes is 2 part jalapeno brine and 1 part honey, whahlah! Enjoy! Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Entertainment, Features, News, News – Latest News, Wisconsin Tags: Barker’s Island, Barkers Island Food

Curling, Beer and Pizza- Oh My!

The Duluth Experience's newest tour includes two monumental pieces of the Northland's history.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the perfect time to launch The Duluth Experience’s newest tour after all the curling hype from the Winter Olympics. “People really want to get out and curl…there’s a lot of interest,” Duluth Experience co-founder and CEO Dave Grandmaison said. At one point, Duluth had the largest indoor curling facility, known as the Duluth Curling Club… Located…

Coffee Conversation: Shop with a Hero Impacting North Shore Families

Silver Bay Police Chief Doug Frericks Started Shop with a Hero During His Time with the Mankato Police Department

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Thousands of communities across the nation take part in special “Shop with a Cop” events during the holiday season. But for the community of Silver Bay, “Shop with a Hero” means so much more for nearly 40 residents this year who will be impacted by generosity Saturday, December 8. Silver Bay Police Chief Doug Frericks stopped by FOX 21…

Northern Star: Alexia Klaas

For this week's segment, we talk to the St. Scholastica women's hockey senior captain who said her family on and off the ice has made her the player she is.

DULUTH, Minn. – After transferring from Minnesota Duluth after her freshman year, Alexia Klaas has been a key part of the St. Scholastica women’s hockey program for the past three years. The senior is currently tied for the most goals on the team and is second with 12 points, and has helped lead the Saints to a 7-3-1 record. But…

Duluth Apartment Complex Takes on Poo-Petrators

Management at Endi Apartments in Duluth Announce Animal Owners Who Don't Pick up Poop will now Pay a Fine

DULUTH, Minn. – Turds are now the talk of the town, at least at Endi Apartment complex on London Road in Duluth. A new policy in effect will enforce residents to think twice after their furry friend leaves something on the ground that’s not so nice. “It’s not an option, it’s a requirement in our building,” said Peggy Walsh, Property…

More Than Just a Tree: Emmanuel Evergreens

Meet the family who wanted to bring the Christmas spirit back to West Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- “Christmas is more than just the day. It’s like a whole season,” Kimberly Powell said. “Picking out the tree for most people is like the paramount… The big thing of all the Christmas celebration, aside from that time with family and friends around an amazing meal and giving gifts.” That’s why Powell wanted to bring the magic of…

Animal Allies Encourages Support on “Giving Tuesday”

A Generous Couple in the Northland Commits to Matching Donations for Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, November 27 is the final day to make a huge impact with Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. Duluth residents Bob and Diane Meierhoff have been long time supporters of animal welfare efforts in the Northland. The Meierhoff’s are excited to announce a matching donation of up to $10,000 if Animal Allies is able to raise…

Northern Star: Makayla Suominen

The senior swimmer signed her National Letter of Intent on Monday for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Makayla Suominen has been a standout on the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton high school swim team for six years, swimming in five state meets, earning eight medals, countless top–five finishes, and even a state title her sophomore year. “Coming in, I knew it was my senior year and taking all of the other years into account and I was pretty…

BRAPP! BRAPP! Snocross Rips Through Duluth This Weekend

Active Adventures: Brittney Merlot Chats With The Pro's As They Practice For Snocross Opening Weekend & Takes The Sled Out For A Spin!

AURORA, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures, Brittney Merlot takes us to a small Minnesota town to a practice track made for Snocross Pro’s! We caught up with Corin Todd to chat about this weekends Amsoil Championship Snocross Opener and he even let Brittney take the sled out for a spin. Check it out! Categories: Active Adventures, Community, Entertainment,…

Spice Up Your Sweet Potatoes This Thanksgiving!

Cooking Connection: Barker's Island Thanksgiving Buffet

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Cooking Connection, Brittney Merlot takes us to Barker’s Island’s Thanksgiving Buffet! The head Chef teaches us at home, how to spice up our sweet potatoes on this Thanksgiving. With a new flavor, might as well give them a new look too! Check it out! Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Features, News, News – Latest News,…