Features

Duluth Library Summer Reading Program Starts Today

DULUTH, Minn. – The summer reading program at the Duluth Public Library is beginning today. Kids and teens can log reading time to earn small prizes and a free book of their choice at the 20-hour mark. They may also be entered into grand prize drawings for Barnes & Noble or Visa gift cards. Participating adults will be entered into…

Families Race Through Morgan Park in Annual 5K

Event raises funds for programs at United Protestant Church

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of Duluthians ran and walked through Morgan Park for a good cause. The annual Morgan Park 5K run and 2.5K walk is open for kids and adults of all abilities. The race course winds through Morgan Park, passing by two city parks, historic buildings, and views of the St. Louis River. Eve Graves has been organizing…

Glensheen Launches ‘Sunday Funday’ Program

Historic estate staff hope the events will bring more kids and families to the mansion

DULUTH, Minn. – The historic Glensheen estate has launched a new program for kids. The free Sunday Funday events aim to bring kids to the mansion where they can learn about Glensheen’s history in a hands-on way. In its first week, families make origami and learned about the Japanese and Chinese influences at the historic estate. “Glensheen’s the perfect place…

Piedmont Panthers Receive Graduation Surprise from Overseas

Piedmont Kindergartener Zach Ault Dealt with Emotional Struggles After His Mom was Deployed in January, 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s estimated more than 1.3 million children in the United States are currently living with a parent who is serving overseas in the military. Everyday events happen, memories are made and often one parent is forced to miss out. But thanks to today’s technology, three students at Piedmont Elementary in Duluth has the surprise of a lifetime…

Professional Hockey Players to Coach Young Athletes at Annual Camp

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp is Back for Third Year

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some local students are going to be coached by the pros this summer as they strap on their skates for another year of the Twin Ports Pro Development Camp. The camp was co-founded by professional hockey players and Northland natives Brett Olson and Mike Sislo. “I’m just excited to get on the ice with the kids. I…

St. Luke’s Hospital Supports Cancer Patients and Survivors with Lecture Series

Cancer Survivorship: Managing Legal and Financial Aspects of Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital is working to educate cancer patients about managing the legal and financial aspects of cancer. This morning, Manager of the Regional Cancer Center at St. Luke’s, Stacy Sandberg stopped by FOX 21 to give details of the lecture. It’s happening Tuesday, June 12 at Marshall School and the deadline to register is Tuesday, June…

Duluth Hosts First Paddlers and Rowers Week

DULUTH, Minn. – With seemingly endless fresh water available throughout the state of Minnesota, several Northlanders are passionate about human-powered watercraft sports. This morning we learned more about the newly established Paddlers and Rowers Week. It’s all to celebrate human-powered watercraft. The fun starts on Saturday, June 2 with a “learn to row” event. On Sunday, June 3 there will…

Lake Superior College Offers Free Education Camps

Summer Camps and Academies Run Throughout June

DULUTH, Minn. – The school year may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean learning has to stop. Lake Superior College is once again helping with that this summer. This morning, Kirsten Bowman, the Assistant to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, stopped by FOX 21 to discuss the free Career Exploration Academies and Camps for…

Wisconsin Students Grow Spinach in High Tunnel Greenhouse

UW-Extension Offers Opportunity For Learning and Job Experience

WASHBURN, Wis. – For the past two years, the UW-Extension has been working with Washburn High School to see how high tunnel to see how high tunnel greenhouses can help with growing produce all year. “I’ve learned that spinach is pretty hearty,” said ninth-grade student Seth Johnson, “we’ve been testing different heats, different soils, to see what makes it grow…

Oat Groat Risotto and Ramp Pesto

Cooking Connection: At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection we were back in the kitchen with At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe. The restaurant hosts a locally-sourced, from scratch kitchen. This week we made risotto with pesto and steak and mushrooms. The restaurant is located at 1902 E 8th St, Duluth, MN 55812. For more information head to www.astccc.net. Pesto 1…

Local Authors, Characters, to Read to Kids to Encourage Educational Success

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northland children will get to hear from local authors and characters as part of a “Super Sweet Story Time.” This is a day-long reading event hosted by A Sweet Event and Legacy Toys. According to the owner of A Sweet Event, Peter Cpin, reading is the single most significant factor to influence a child’s early…

Duluth Brothers Donate Allowance to Bear Country Exhibit

Winter Brothers Choose to Donate Their "Giving" Allowance to Future Bear Country Exhibit at Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. – If you ask any child what they’d like to spend an allowance on, chances are it’ll most likely be toys, but one family in the Northland has come up with a solution which is also spreading future financial knowledge. “I’m going to be really excited probably,” said Elijah Winter. A trip to the zoo can be wild…

Garden House Transforms into Wedding Venue

They're already taking wedding reservations for next summer and envisioning the redesigned space.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The Garden House is transforming into a wedding venue, hear the goodbye from the current owners and see who’s taking over. Since 1995 the sisters Lisa and Kristi Reque have been helping the Garden House blossom, but now they’re selling the shop to help pay for their mother’s assisted living care. “And honestly this is a rough…

Professional Hockey Players to Host Development Camp for Young Athletes

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Starts June 25

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Young hockey players in the Northland will once again get the chance to skate with and learn from professional hockey players. The Third Annual Twin Ports Pro Development Camp is coming up June 25-29 and online registration is now open. The camp is for boys and girls playing at the peewee, bantam and high school level at…

Northland Uncovered: Shipping History in the Twin Ports

A look at the Start of Shipping in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s hard to imagine Duluth and Superior without shipping, but at one time we didn’t have the Aerial Lift Bridge with thousand foot ships moving underneath. “Really the history of the Port of Duluth-Superior is reflective of the history of this whole region,” explained Adele Yorde, the Public Relations Director for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. Ships…

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

Captain of Duluth Honor Guard, John Marshall, Shares the Importance of Memorial Day, West Duluth Memorial Day Parade

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a holiday many use to grill, connect with family and friends or travel to kick off the summer season. But for Captain of the Duluth Honor Guard John Marshall, Memorial Day is a time to educate and share knowledge of why we honor the day annually. Marshall says it’s important to honor Memorial Day every day, not…

Northern Star: Duluth Marshall Baseball Pitcher Ben Pederson

The force of nature junior dominate on the mound, at the plate, and in the dugout.

DULUTH, Minn.- Ben Pedersen is a junior pitcher for Duluth Marshall baseball. Standing at 6 foot 5 and weighing in at 235, there’s no question that this guy is a force to be reckoned with in every aspect of the game. “Ben is probably the most important player in our program in terms of his athletic ability on the mound…

Memorial Day Weekend Brings Summer Fun to Spirit Mountain

Memorial Day Weekend Serves as the Official Start to the Summer Activity Season at Spirit Mountain in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The summer season is officially underway in the Northland, at least according to the staff at Spirit Mountain in Duluth. “It’s hard to believe, we just closed the ski season down at the middle of April,” said Brandy Ream, Executive Director at Spirit Mountain. In the blink of an eye, Mother Nature is transforming Spirit Mountain into…

Local Businesses to be Featured at Duluth Made Pop-up Market

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, you’ll have the chance to find a locally-made treasure at an annual pop-up market in Duluth. The Duluth Made Pop-up Market will be Sunday, May 27th at Evolve Duluth from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. List of vendors: Pretty Gritty DU Stuff Wilderness Wellness Chiropractic Atelier and Stone Clover + Cotton Harmonic Goods Crave by…

Fast-Paced Fitness with Destination Fitness

Active Adventures: Destination Fitness

DULUTH, Minn. –  Destination Fitness is a one-stop shop for fitness. The workouts can be done at home, in the office, outdoors or the studio. Destination Fitness offers programs for all ages and fitness levels. If you would like more information call (218) 260-6562. For more information head to www.destinationfitnessmn.com. Destination Fitness is located at 4966 Rice Lake Road, Duluth,…

“Our Town” to Open at NorShor Theatre Tonight

Play Follows Lives of Residents in Small-Town America

DULUTH, Minn. – The latest production put on by the Duluth Playhouse is opening Thursday evening at the NorShor Theatre. The director of “Our Town”, Sean Byrd, stopped by FOX 21 to discuss the play. It was written by Thornton Wilder and follows the lives of residents in small-town America. The plot takes the audience through ups and downs in…

Foraged Spring Greens and Fresh Pasta

Cooking Connection: At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe

DULUTH, Minn. – Greens are beginning to pop up as Spring makes an appearance in the Northland. For this week’s Cooking Connection we took advantage of the fresh veggies for a dish with Jillian Forte, the Executive Chef and General Manager of At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe. The restaurant is located at 1902 E 8th St, Duluth, MN 55812….

Animals to Fill Lakewalk Wednesday for New Pet Walk

Bus Bike Walk Duluth Adds Event for Pets

DULUTH, Minn. – This month the Zeitgeist Community is celebrating Bus Bike Walk Duluth and they’re hoping you and your pets get involved. As part of the month-long event, the group is hosting Bark Bike Walk on Wednesday, May 23. They will be walking with their dogs along the Lakewalk to encourage community interaction and activity. The group will start…

Nice Pitbull Looks to Help Open People’s Eyes

Duluthian Jesse Hakala Started Nice Pitbull Seven Years Ago to Raise Awareness and Stomp the Stigma of Pit Bull Aggression

DULUTH, Minn. – Through the power of social media and people coming together, one Northland man is looking to spread H.O.P.E, helping open people’s eyes. “I love all dogs, but pit bull’s are the ones that I chose,” said Jesse Hakala, a pit bull owner. For Hakala, a walk in the park or down a sidewalk comes with pride. “They…

Two Superior Women Celebrate Their 100th Birthday

Anne Snyder and Marie Haynes have known each other since grade school

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Two women celebrated their one-hundredth birthday together. Anne Snyder was born May 18, 1918, and Marie Haynes was born on May 24th, 1918. They’ve known each other for a very long time. They went to first through eighth grade at the same time at St. Albert’s School in Superior. “I thank God almighty for being so wonderful…

Duluth Festival Features Female Talent

What She Said Festival Kicks Off Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, a festival in Duluth is featuring women playwrights, directors and actresses. The festival is a series of one-act plays that have been written by women from all over the world and directed by women from the Twin Ports area. The pieces highlight the female voice. The festival runs May 24-26 at The Underground Theatre which…

Bong Center Ramps Up Memorial Day Events for 2018

Northland Uncovered: Memorial Day at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Memorial Day Weekend is just a few days away and next Monday thousands around the country will be honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, Hayes Scriven, stopped by FOX 21 to talk about the events added to the center’s plans for the holiday weekend. On…

Northern Star: Esko softball pitcher Emilee Wilson

The Eskomos senior has her team poised for a deep run in the sectional tournament

ESKO, Minn.- From the mound, to the plate, to the dugout, Emilee Wilson is performing at her highest level. The Esko senior takes on every task with the people she cares about in mind. “Just giving my team the best chance to win and just working ahead and just kind of playing my level of softball. And it usually has good…

Local Art Gallery Prepares for New Exhibition, Collaboration with Arts District

Coffee Conversation: Joseph Nease Gallery

DULUTH, Minn. – The Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth is gearing up for Summer with several new exhibitions and a new collaborative effort for the arts. The exhibition “Sweep,” along with a photography exhibit by Tim White and an art installation by Allen-Killian-Moore will be on display at the gallery for the next two weeks, until the end of May….

Sitting Down with Chmielewski Family as Polkafest Begins

Polkafest Celebrates 40 Years

HINCKLEY, Minn – The 40th Annual Chmielewski Polkafest started up Friday and the fun lasts through the weekend. Florian Chmielewski has played the accordion for decades, 73 years in fact. “I’ve been all over the world. I’ve been to Germany, and France and Acapulco,” Florian said. The International Polka Hall of Fame member is known around the world for his…

Boat Safety Week Kicks Off with Life Jacket Reminder

DULUTH, Minn. -As the weather warms and more folks hit the water, several officials are reminding Northlanders to be cautious on the lake. This coming week is all about safety on the water as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marks National Safe Boating Week. National Safe Boating Week is being held from May 20-26. The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor…

Electronics Recycling Event to Take Over Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend you have the chance to get rid of old electronics in a way that’s healthy for the environment. Global Ewaste Solutions is hosting the 2nd Annual Electronic Collection Event in the Bayfront Festival Parking Lot. The event will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Community members can bring cords, laptops, tv’s, and more. The…

Duluth to Celebrate Music and Passions of Bob Dylan

Duluth Dylan Fest to Kick-Off Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Saturday and lasting through the following week, Bob Dylan and his music will be the talk of the town. It’s all part of the Annual Duluth Dylan Fest. The week-long celebration honors Bob Dylan’s music, passions and influence on the Northland. Events will be taking place throughout the Northland May 19 – 27 in conjunction with…

Adding Heat to Your Salad with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm there are more and more vegetables available to take advantage of in the kitchen. For this week’s cooking connection Robert Boyd, the Director of Food and Beverage for JJ Astor, showed William Seay how to make a warm salad using those vegetable options. JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge is located in…

FOX 21 to Host Blood Drive Inspired by Young Boy’s Cancer Battle

Bennett's Blood Drive to be Held at FOX 21 on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Everyday patients at local hospitals rely on donated blood, but blood doesn’t last forever. Donated red cells last only 42 days. That’s why FOX 21 is partnering with Memorial Blood Centers to host a blood drive this weekend. Bennett’s Blood Drive is being held on Saturday, May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at FOX 21….

Time to Register for Summer Camp at Animal Allies

Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society Advise Signing up for Summer Camp Sooner Rather than Later

DULUTH, Minn. – Just a few days remain before summer camp will be full at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. Humane Education Manager Shawna Weaver stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about what your child will take part in during camp. Aside from getting to pet animals and work to make sure they’re happy and healthy on…

Lake Nebagamon Man Creates Custom Rides

Walt Moss Shares Passion for Custom Vehicles

LAKE NEBAGAMON, Wis. – A Wisconsin man is known around his small town for his custom creations. They’re vehicles not seen before, because they’re creations Walt Moss has come up with himself. Moss is the owner of Walt Moss Trucking, Inc., but his obsession with going fast started many years ago. “Probably when I was about 12 years old when…

National Bank of Commerce & FOX 21 to Award $10,000 to Northland Student

Strength in Community Scholarship to be Awarded in June

DULUTH, Minn. – With the help of the National Bank of Commerce and other sponsors, FOX 21 is giving away several scholarships to help local students afford the cost of college. Ten students throughout the Northland have been chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship. At a banquet on June 12, one of those winners will find out they’ve won the…

International Music History Can be Found in Superior Museum

A World of Accordions Museum Displays Evolution of Instrument

SUPERIOR, Wis. – International music history is alive in the Twin Ports. Some refer to the Harrington Arts Center as a hidden gem. The center has featured musicians from all over the world and the World of Accordions Museum also has international flair through their instruments that are on display. “They’re all individual personalities. They play, they handle differently, but…

Duluth Woman Looks to Perfect Beauty Sleep

DeBora Rachelle is a Native Duluth Resident Looking to Keep Health, Wellness and Comfort in Mind While You Sleep

DULUTH, Minn. – Do you toss and turn all night long or wake up drenched in sweat? If so, one Duluthian is looking to make a difference in your life. “I may not be walking the red carpets in California and Hollywood anymore but I’ll be the hottest chick at a toga party,” said DeBora Rachelle, Founder, DeBora Rachelle Inc….

Verizon Wireless Devices to Support Training Goals for Athletes

Verizon Wireless Recommends Spring Activity Devices

DULUTH, Minn. – As Spring fully gets underway people are getting outside to exercise. With Grandma’s Marathon just over a month away, many runners are also taking advantage of this time to get active. This morning, Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to talk through gadgets that can be helpful during this training period. Bose Soundsport…

Twin Ports Walleye Association Promotes Fishing & River Restoration Through Tournament

Coffee Conversation: Walleye Fishing Tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener just took place this past weekend and thousands of fishermen and women took to the lakes to reel in a big one. A group of walleye lovers is also feeling that enthusiasm. The Twin Ports Walleye Association (TPWA) will be hosting its 6th Annual Walleye Fishing Tournament on the St. Louis River May…

From A Spartan to a Bearcat

Superior softball pitcher, Mady Stariha, verbally commits to Binghampton University's Division I program

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Mady Stariha is a junior member of the Superior softball team serving as the star pitcher for the Spartans, dominating the mound any chance she gets. But getting to this point didn’t come easy. Before this season, Stariha had barely seen any playing time. “The first two years were an adjusting period coming in as a freshman and having…

Theater Group Brings Dark Comedy to Life at The Underground

Rubber Chicken Theater to Perform "Dr. Strangelove" Live Read

DULUTH, Minn. – Rubber Chicken Theater is bringing the laughs this weekend as they perform another Live Read. The groups stages readings of classic movie scripts and this year they’re presenting the dark comedy, Dr. Strangelove. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at The Underground, 506 West Michigan Street, in downtown Duluth. Tickets are $10….

Climbing Ely’s Peak with Vertical Endeavors

Active Adventures: Rock Climbing

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm Northlanders are venturing outside to enjoy the nature and all the activities that come with it. For this week’s Active Adventures FOX 21 went rock climbing with Vertical Endeavors at Ely’s Peak. Vertical Endeavors offers several outdoor climbing options and can be reached at (218) 279-9980, or www.verticalendeavors.com/outdoor. The Duluth Climbers…

Congdon Students Continue Getting in Gear

Rainy Weather Postponed Bike, Walk to School Day for Students at Congdon Park Elementary; Event Continues to Grow

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 1997 students, staff and parent organizers took part in the first ever National Walk to School Day. In 2012, National Bike to School Day became a reality. The day technically happened on Wednesday, May 9 this year, but due to rainy, cold weather in the Northland, students held off to celebrate until the following day….

SLRA Seeks Volunteers for River Clean-up

St. Louis River Alliance to Host Annual Event on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend several Northlanders are stepping up once again to keep the St. Louis River clean. The St. Louis River Alliance is looking for volunteers to take part in their annual river clean-up event. It’s taking place on Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interested individuals and organizations may contact the St. Louis River…

Making a Fresh Appetizer with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: Bruschetta

DULUTH, Minn. – When entertaining guests it’s always tough to come up with a dish everyone will enjoy eating. A commonly-liked appetizer is actually much easier to put together than may be expected. For this week’s Cooking Connection Robert Boyd, the Director of Food and Beverage for JJ Astor, showed FOX  21’s William Seay how to make Bruschetta. BRUSCHETTA Remove…