Features

Matilda’s Dog Bakery to Host Bark-tober Fest

On Saturday, October 28, Matilda's Dog Bakery in Duluth's Lakeside Neighborhood will Host a Bark-tober Fest and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling all dogs, cats and owners! Matilda’s Dog Bakery in Duluth’s Lakeside Neighborhood will host their 2nd Annual Bark-tober Festival and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest Saturday, October 28. The event will start at 10 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. Owner Joanne Elliot says the event last year was a hit for many pet owners and their companions….

City Snow Plow Training Underway

The city is prepping workers for the winter months during snow plow training.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday city workers in Duluth prepared for the upcoming snow during a training session at Spirit Mountain. The course gives workers an opportunity to operate the machinery, before work will be in full swing during winter in the Northland.  City employees are practicing maneuvering graters and plows for snow removal.  “What we do here is we get them…

Grounds Crew at Glensheen Prepares for First Snow

Northland Uncovered: Prepping Plants for Winter Freeze

DULUTH, Minn. – The grounds crew at Glensheen Mansion is preparing for the upcoming freeze. It’s big undertaking as the workers winterize the fountain in the formal garden by draining and scrubbing it, then covering it in plastic. They also harvest the rest of the vegetables and rake leaves. “The changing of the season always happens at different times this…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Prepares Trains for Winter

Northland Uncovered: Transitioning Trains for Cold Months

DULUTH, Minn. – As the leaves continue to fall of trees and temperatures stay chilly, many of us are getting ready for winter. Some museums in town are also making a transition for the cold months. North Shore Scenic Railroad officials tell us they need to use several hundred gallons of antifreeze to get all the radiators ready for winter….

Best Christmas Ever is Seeking Family Nominations

Group Looks to Provide Families with Surprise Gifts

DULUTH, Minn. – This year Best Christmas Ever has a goal of blessing 100 families with a perfect Christmas. BCE is a group dedicated to providing families who have fallen on hard times with a surprise delivery of Christmas presents and money that are used for the family’s specific needs. Right now, BCE is in need of family nominations. If…

Beastie Bash Expected to Bring Big Bucks for Friends of Animals Humane Society

Event to Include Silent Auction and Raffle

CLOQUET, Minn. – This weekend many Northlanders will be supporting shelter animals from Friends of Animals Humane Society. The Annual Beastie Bash is being held at the Black Bear Otter Creek Event Center on Saturday, October 28. There are advance ticket sales only and the sales end on Wednesday, October 25. Tickets can be purchased at the humane society, or…

New Shop in Carlton Offers Handcrafted Goods and Gifts

Gateway Goods Offers a Variety of Handmade Goods and Gifts for Everyone to Enjoy

CARLTON, Minn. – As the season of gift giving soon returns, many of us may think of big box stores for the latest and greatest gadgets and goods. However, one dynamic sister duo in Carlton is looking to shine a spotlight on local businesses. If you get a chance to take a break along Chestnut Avenue in Carlton, chances are…

Wisconsin Man Claims to Have Made World’s Largest Ball of Twine

James Frank Kotera (JFK) Has Been Working on the Ball for 38 Years

HIGHLAND, Wis. – A Highland man claims to have made the world’s largest ball of twine. He’s been working on it for thirty-eight years and says the twine ball now weighs more than eleven tons. James Frank Kotera, or JFK as he calls himself, is one of a kind. “I was born February 2nd, 1947. Groundhog’s day. The world’s walking…

Douglas County Historical Society Celebrates Halloween with Movies and Play

Historical Society Hosts Vintage Movie Night and One-Woman Show

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Halloween is just about a week away and the Douglas County Historical Society is celebrating with two fun events. The first is the Annual Monsterrific Halloween Movie Night being held Wednesday, October 25 at 6:30 p.m. The vintage movie night will feature popcorn, punch, cookies and candy. All of this is free to attend. Second, the historical…

Hartley Nature Center Hosts Outdoor Halloween Event for Families

Coffee Conversation: Howl-O-Ween

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend superheroes, cartoon characters, witches and many more costumed kiddos will be filling Hartley Park. It’s all for the nature center’s annual Howl-O-Ween event. Families will look for animals along the trails on Saturday, October 28. There are two sessions for fun. The first is from 10 a.m. to noon and the second is from 1:00…

Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet unveils new clinic

The Advanced Wound Clinic treats patients with wounds that won't heal

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Community Memorial Hospital is celebrating new ways to help patients. The Advanced Wound Clinic opened in September, and on Thursday, it hosted an open house for the community. The clinic specializes in treating patients with wounds that are not healing or responding to traditional treatment. Clinic officials say it’s important to have facilities like this in…

Cancer researchers at Essentia Health share work with community

Northlanders gathered at Clyde Iron Works to hear from healthcare professionals on cancer research

DULUTH, Minn. – Health professionals from Essentia Health hosted a gathering at Clyde Iron Works on Thursday to share with the public ways in which local researchers are studying cancer and treatments. Researchers there say it’s less about finding an all–out cure, and more focused on reducing deaths from cancer, improving the lives of those living with it. “Research is…

Tech Gadgets for a Fun and Safe Halloween

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween is just around the corner and homes and yards are decorated all across the Northland. This morning, Rachel Agurkis, a Solutions Specialist for Verizon Wireless, visited FOX 21 to chat about some gadgets perfect for the spooky season. Ghoulish lighting – With Philips Hue Lights, you can put the haunt in your house. Turn the lights…

Homemade Salsa with FOX 21’s William Seay

Cooking Connection: Fresh Salsa Recipe

DULUTH, Minn. -As football season continues, and hockey and basketball season begin, it’s the perfect time of year to make recipes many folks can munch on. So, for this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s William Seay made his homemade salsa. Necessary Ingredients: 1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes, peeled, unsalted 1/2 red onion, roughly chopped 3 jalapenos, sliced (no seeds…

Pet Photographer Looks to Capture More Clients

Pupparazzi Companion Pet Photography Started After Owner Lisa Johsnon Volunteered at Animal Allies Humane Society

DULUTH, Minn. – With the power of social media, animal pictures find a way to make many of us sink into our screens, begging for more. Now, more and more pet parents are looking for more professional options to capture breathtaking images of their furry companions. Fall is a typical time for scenic shots or graduation images. “It’s always been…

Superior Spartans Fight Cancer On and Off the Court

Head Coach Brenda Pluntz was diagnosed with a form of breast cancer in July.

SUPERIOR, WIS.- For the sixth-year the Superior Spartans joined the fight against breast cancer, hosting the “Dig for Pink” game, but this season the game took on a new meaning for the team. Head Coach Brenda Pluntz was diagnosed with breast cancer in July but decided to coach through her treatments.   “I didn’t want it to effect the team…

Group Focuses on Bridging Gap Between East and West Duluth

Soup & Civility: Bridging Duluth's West-East Divide

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, some Duluthians will be working together to bring unity to the city. It’s all part of Speak Your Peace: The Civility Project. On October 18, from 5:45-7:45 p.m., the group will be addressing ways to bridge the gap between East and West Duluth. This will be a workshop to talk about issues and voice concerns…

Duluth Bed and Breakfast was Once Home to Barnum Family

Northland Uncovered: The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – In the early 1900s several business tycoons filled Duluth as champions of their industry. One of those men was George Barnum. He built a home in Duluth that now serves visitors from around the world. “Mr. Barnum was known as the “Grand Old Man of the Board of Trade.” His Barnum grain company was one of the…

Success Continues for Designer Dogs

Designer Dogs Opened Over 35 Years Ago, Now They Continue to Stay Busy Year-Round

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer is winding down which means many animal lovers are spending more time inside with their furry friends. Many local groomers are seeing an increase of business as clients look to freshen up their pets before a long winter indoors. “Nobody wants a stinky dog. You’re in the house with them, they’re on the furniture, they’re on…

Volunteers Pick Apples for Northern Lakes Food Bank

Bayfield Apple Trees are Still Full and Erickson Orchards Is Donating Their Extra Apples

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Apple Fest has come and gone, but now it’s apple overload. Trees are still full. One orchard is finding a way to help out families in need with the extra apples. Each year, the apple harvest brings thousands to Bayfield. “Well, they are literally falling off the tree,” said Gene Lemmenes while picking apples. “It’s almost a…

Train Ride Leads to Hidden Pumpkin Patch

Coffee Conversation: Pumpkin Patch Express

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the Pumpkin Patch Express at the North Shore Scenic Railroad will be bringing families to a secret field to find the perfect pumpkin. There will be narration during the train ride and a chance to pick out a pumpkin at the destination. At the depot there will be magic shows, coloring, movies, bounce houses and…

Matteen, Eskomos Freezing Out Competition

Esko Senior Making Major Impact

ESKO, Minn- Ground and pound offenses are typical for many northland high school football teams. However, for the Eskomos of Esko, it’s all about the big air. Which is just fine for senior wide-receiver Branden Matteen. After a setback in 2016, Esko looks back to from this season, boasting an undefeated conference record and just a single loss all year. That’s…

Klockow Brewery Brings Local Craft Beer To Grand Rapids

A New Brew Pub Is Set To Open Saturday, October 28th, 2017.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — Kegs are tapped as brand new Klockow Brewery will begin pouring on Saturday, October 28th. The idea for this brewery came about when the Klockow family kept visiting family in Grand Rapids, with no other local brew pub in the area, they decided that that they needed one and they were going to open it. The owner…

Duluth’s Best Bread Shares Story of Success After Two Years of Business

Cooking Connection: Duluth's Best Bread

DULUTH, Minn. – A local bread company that opened in Duluth in 2015 is sharing some of their secrets to success this weekend. Duluth’s Best Bread provides bread, croissants, cinnamon rolls, and more baked goods to the Duluth community. On Saturday, October 14, one of the company’s founders will speak about how they got started, and what has inspired their…

Tickets On Sale for Fur Ball Gala

Animal Allies Humane Society Will Host Their Annual Fur Ball Fundraiser Saturday, October 14

DULUTH, Minn. – The countdown is on as cats and dogs prepare to let their owners have a night on the town Saturday, October 14. Animal Allies Humane Society will once again host their annual Fur Ball Gala from 5:00 until 11:00 p.m. The event is the shelter’s larges fundraiser of the year. Marketing and Communications manager Michelle Sternberg says…

Animal Answers: Fur Ball Gala to Support Shelter’s Foster Program

Animal Allies Will Host Their Annual Fur Ball Fundraiser Saturday, October 14

DULUTH, Minn. – The countdown is on as cats and dogs prepare to let their owners have a night on the town Saturday, October 14. Animal Allies Humane Society will once again host their annual Fur Ball Gala from 5:00 until 11:00 p.m. The event is the shelter’s larges fundraiser of the year. Marketing and Communications manager Michelle Sternberg says…

Today: Support Homeless Through Community Drive

"Keep Everyone Warm" Holds First Annual Community Drive

DULUTH, Minn. – Today the community will be giving back to support the homeless in Duluth for the First Annual Keep Everyone Warm Drive. The event organizer, Mike Letica, says he’s done something similar to this for years, but wanted to include the whole community this year. Volunteers will collect a variety of items including tents, tarps, sleeping bags, canned…

Zoo Receives Tourism Tax Fund Grant

A Tourism Tax Fund Grant of up to $200,000 will Help Keep the Zoo's Doors Open Through the End of 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday evening the Duluth City Council voted to once again help financially keep the doors open at the Lake Superior Zoo. The City approved a Tourism Tax Fund up to $200,000 dollars to help cover operational costs at the facility through the end of 2017. The Zoo’s CEO Erik Simonson says the facility is now in a…

Masquerade Ball Supports Harbor House Crisis Shelters

Saturday: Angels and Demons Masquerade Ball

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend some folks in the Twin Ports will be dressing up for Halloween and a good cause. Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner visited FOX 21 to chat about the upcoming Angels and Demons Masquerade Ball. The night of music and fun benefits the Harbor House Crisis Shelters. The event is taking place on Saturday, October 14 at 6:30…

Local Preservation Corps Works Life Back into Historic Log Church

Northland Uncovered: Sts. Mary and Joseph Church

SAWYER, Minn. – A church in Sawyer on the Minnesota Registry of Historic Places has been under construction for about a year as a preservation corps puts life into the structure. Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps members are working to restore the Saints Mary and Joseph Church which was built in 1884. The goal was to provide a place of…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Vikre Distillery

DULUTH, Minn. — Crafting spirits starts with water. According to Vikre Distillery co-founder Joel Vikre, distilled liquors are “800% water.” And at Vikre, it starts with the pure fresh water of Lake Superior. “The lake is such a defining feature of life here,” says Emily Vikre, Joel’s wife and the other co-founder of their eponymous business.  “Everything is kind of…

Local Businesses Offer Specials for “Get Downtown Week”

Coffee Conversation: Get Downtown Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Local business owners are hoping patrons shop local this week for Get Downtown Week in Duluth. It’s a week developed to highlight the shops in Duluth’s downtown waterfront area. The participating stores will be featuring specials and Buy One Get One deals. More than 30 businesses are taking part in the bi-annual event. Get Downtown Week specials…

German Wirehaired Pointers Compete in Solon Springs

National Specialty Show and Field Events Being Held This Week

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – Seventy-five dogs and their owners are in Solon Springs this week for the National German Wirehaired Pointer Show and Field Events. The national specialty show has brought hundreds of dog owners from across the country to Solon Springs to show off what their dogs can do. “I love their temperament, their personalities, their go lucky attitudes…

UMD Continues Homegrown Captains Trend with Kuhlman

Karson Kuhlman is the fourth UMD captain in a row to be from the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn- For the past four years, UMD’s captains have been home grown right here in the Northland and this season there will be no change to that as Esko native Karson Kuhlman takes over. “He’s had votes for three years, certainly a very deserving leader for us and the guys have a lot of respect for him,” said Head…

Horror Play Premieres at Zeigeist Arts

Cooking Connection: Recipe for Edible Blood

DULUTH, Minn. – Renegade Theater’s latest production is starting up, and the horror-themed play is sure to bring a fright. Halloween decorations are starting to pop up at homes across the Northland and the theater is making something scary a little tasty. “Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage” opens on Thursday, October 5th. This show is a horror-western featuring comic…

Zookeepers Help Animals Prepare for Colder Months Ahead

In This Week's Animal Answers, Lead Zookeeper Emily Perala Talks Winter Preparation for the Animals

DULUTH, Minn. – Colder temperatures are sinking in across much of the Northland. As humans begin bundling up, it’s also time for animals to do the same. While many of them grow thicker coats of fur, some aren’t able to adapt as quickly as others. Zookeepers at the Lake Superior Zoo tell FOX 21’s Brett Scott they’re working to ensure…

Expert Advice On Coping During Tragedies

DULUTH, Minn. – While the country mourns and tries to make the slightest sense of the mass shooting in Las Vegas, mental health experts are speaking out. Extreme tragedies can take a toll on one’s mental health, according to Kelly Chaudoin-Patzoldt, a mental health professional at St. Luke’s. She says it’s important to talk to other about your feelings and also…

Knowing Your Neighbors: The Rambler Food Truck

DULUTH, Minn. — Wherever it’s parked for the day, there’s always a line outside The Rambler, a food truck in Duluth. Rambler owner Jonathan Reznick describes the experience from inside the kitchen: “You’re always on the go,” Reznick says. “You’re always thinking about the next move. You are in a normal kitchen as well, but there’s always places to go;…

Fairlawn Mansion Goes Dark for October Tours; Closes Seasonal Museums

SS Meteor and Police and Fire Museum to Close for Season on Sunday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A couple tourist attractions are closing up for the season in Superior. This coming weekend will be the last chance to tour the SS Meteor and Firehouse Museum before they close for the winter. The museums will close their doors following tours on Sunday, October 8. In turn, tours at Fairlawn Mansion are ramping up for the…

Duluthians Share First Hand Experience During Vegas Shooting

LAS VEGAS, NV- FOX 21 sat down with two Duluthians via Facebook messenger earlier this afternoon, who described first hand the horrible events from last night’s attack. 28-year-old Briana Hess and 32-year-old Jolene Luczak share their story. “It started again, da da da da da da da and Jason Aldean, he kind of hesitated and then he turned around and…

Lake Superior Research Institute Celebrates 50 Years at UW-Superior

Coffee Conversation: 50 Years of LSRI

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Research Institute is honoring 50 years at UW-Superior. They are celebrating with a free conference open to the public featuring keynote speaker Alexandra Cousteau. The LSRI was created in 1967 and formally recognized by the University of Wisconsin’s Board of Regents in 1969. LSRI’s mission is to conduct environmental research and provide services that…

Johnson Helping Cardinals Fly to State

Cromwell-Wright Sets Sights On U.S. Bank Stadium

CROMWELL, Minn- If speed kills you might call Cromwell–Wright’s Nic Johnson an assassin. Originally from St.Cloud, Nic showed promise from a young age, and had a breakout season as a high school junior, becoming one of the Cardinals deadliest offensive receiving weapons. In 2016 along with standout QB Zion Smith, Nic helped lead last year’s Cardinals through the gates of U.S….

Duluth Flower Farm Offers Fall Canning Tips

In This Week's Cooking Connection, The Duluth Flower Farm Visited FOX 21 Local News

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Flower Farm visited Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay on FOX 21 Local News Thursday morning. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Owner Derek Hoffbauer offered tips on canning produce fresh from the garden this fall. The Duluth Flower Farm will be selling fresh produce and flower arrangements Saturday, September 30 at the Lester River Rendezvous…

Caring Corner Cube Gives Back To Those In Need

Food And Daily Esentails Loaded Inside For The Taking

DULUTH, Minn. A West Duluth resident has started a new way to give back to her neighbors. It’s called the “caring corner cube” and it’s located at the intersection of 8th St. and North Central Ave in West Duluth, the caring corner cube is full of nonperishable food items and daily essentials like shampoo and soap. The idea is for…