Features

Special Report: The Science, Madness Behind Potholes

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the same old problem that plagues the Northland year after year – those tire- eating, car-breaking potholes. In a special report, FOX 21’s Dan Hanger introduces you to MnDOT workers who work tirelessly to prevent and patch our crumbling roads.  And you’ll also get an inside look at the science behind this type of never ending…

Spicy Pulled Pork Carnitas with Cast Iron Bar and Grill

Cooking Connection: Sweet and Spicy Appetizer

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth bar and grill has a new chef and recently updated its menu. Cast Iron Bar and Grill has kept the staples, but added a few new options as well. Chef Mike from Cast Iron Bar and Grill cooked with the FOX 21 morning crew for this week’s Cooking Connection. FOX 21’s William Seay learned how…

Community Forum Raises Opioid Awareness In St. Louis County

Some Call It An Epidemic

Hibbing, Minn. The Hibbing community is doing their part to combat the opioid and meth problem in St. Louis County. Hundreds came out to hear from multiple agencies that deal with the problem head on. A panel consisting of representatives from St. Louis county public health, local law enforcement, attorney’s and even addiction survivors were on hand tonight. The panel…

Surviving The Boundary Waters Severe Weather

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Takes Us Deep Into The Vast Wilderness When The Weather Turns Severe.

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot takes us back into some remote Boundary Waters locations that were in the direct path of severe weather. While talking to two survivors of the 1999 and 2016 blow down that brought 70-80mph winds through the wilderness and how they survived. “On my way to the lake a very large trees went over and it went over…

Summer Training with Endurance Kennels

Summer Conditioning with Sprint Sled Dogs Before Snow Starts to Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re still months away from popular sled dog marathons such as John Beargrease and the Iditarod, but it doesn’t mean time off for the animal athletes. “They’re athletes, they’re extreme athletes,” said Tone Coughlin, Owner of Endurance Kennels. With any sports, many say practice makes perfect. “There’s nothing more that they like to do than run with…

Inside the Boundary Waters

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Takes Us Deep Into The Vast Wilderness To Prepare For All Types Of Weather.

The vast wilderness of the Boundary Waters  is in our backyard with thousands of visitors a year. It has the highest point in Minnesota and some of the oldest rock on Earth. But what about the weather when you head into the wilderness? How can you prepare? Our very own Meteorologist Brittney Merlot recently spent a lot of time in…

Great Outdoors: Lake Superior Sea Kayaking

Guided Trips All Around the Lake Offer Many Chances to Give Sea Kayaking a Try

BAYFIELD, Wis. – What better way to get outside than paddling in a boat just inches above the world’s biggest freshwater lake? In this week’s Great Outdoors, we take you sea kayaking on Lake Superior. “Kayaking is just a really neat adventure with getting to actually use your own body to propel yourself across the water,” says sea kayaker Molly…

Newly Restored Dome Car Gives Unique View on North Shore Scenic Railroad

Northland Uncovered: Silver Club Dome Car

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a common occurance to see the North Shore Scenic Railroad trains chugging along the tracks in Summer months. This year, a new dome car was added to that train. “247 of these cars were eventually built with the dome on the top for seating and they became exceedingly popular,” said Ken Buehler, Executive Director for the…

St. Louis River Alliance Celebrates River Restoration Funding

DULUTH, Minn. – In May the Minnesota Legislature passed their $988 million bonding bill Among the projects included in the bill is $25.4 million in funding for the St. Louis River Estuary Restoration Project. These funds will trigger $47.2 million in federal funds made available through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to accelerate the cleanup efforts of the St. Louis…

Local Doctor Speaks on Benefits of Physical Therapy

Active Adventures: In Motion Therapy

DULUTH, Minn. – Through many different instances, one can become injured. A local doctor is looking to educate those injured about proper healing methods. For some, an injury could be so serious they require surgery, but according to Annita Winkels, DPT, for others, physical therapy is the answer. Dr. Winkels, Founder of In Motion Therapy says the goal is to…

Wine Tasting in Mendoza, Argentina

Foley Family Wines Travels to Argentina

MENDOZA, Argentina – You may remember a wine specialist featured on FOX 21 previously. Marc Carrigan, Regional Sales Manager of Foley Family Wines, has held wine tastings on FOX 21 Local News at 7 several times. Carrigan recently traveled to Argentina for work and sent back information on how wine is grown there. Carrigan spoke with the wine maker for…

Summer Pet Apparel with A Place for Fido

Local Pet Store Offers Summer Safety Tips for Your Furry Friends

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re tackling summertime apparel for your pets. It’s something many of us often forget about when in the water, on the sidewalk or even lounging at home. “Animals can sense the drop of the barometric pressure and we don’t even feel it,” said Ben Parents, Co-owner of A Place for Fido. Thunderstorms…

Minnesota’s Oldest Craft Co-op Celebrates 45 Years

Northland Uncovered: Northwoods Pioneer Gallery and Gifts

CASTLE DANGER, Minn. – In a little shop along the North Shore dozens of Northland artists and crafters display their passions. “There are some forms that are kind of lost. Like, we have a lady that does tatting. Most people don’t even know what tatting is,” said Mabel Tarlton, President of the Board for Northwoods Pioneer Gallery and Gifts. Northwoods…

New Café Brings Year-Round Jobs, Revitalization to Gary New Duluth

The Trophy Café is locally owned and operated by Mont du Lac Resort

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – Gary New Duluth has lived through decades of history. Buildings have changed ownership and new beginnings have come and gone. Now, one local resort is expanding into the neighborhood, inviting you to stop by for a fresh home cooked meal. “When you make an order, a chef in the back is going to make it…

NRRI Receives Recurring Funding

Coffee Conversation: Natural Resources Research Institute

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s big news and big funding for the Natural Resources Research Institute. The institute was granted an additional $2 million in recurring funding from the Minnesota State Legislature. This almost doubles the previous state funding they were receiving and was the first funding increase since the 1980s. According to June Breneman, External Affairs Manager for the NRRI,…

Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Washburn County

WASHBURN COUNTY, Wis. – A dead raven has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Washburn County, according to the Washburn County Health Department. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. “Finding the virus in birds indicates that West Nile virus may be present…

Applebee’s: Big and Bold for the Summer

Cooking Connection: Grilling Favorites with Applebee's

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is beginning to feel the heat of Summer and many people are also heating up their grills. Applebee’s is doing just that as well. The restaurant has introduced its new Big and Bold Grill Combos at its locations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. The New Big and Bold Grill Combos include: Grilled Shrimp Skewer with lemon…

Canal Bark Expanding to Michigan Street Location

Locally Owned Canal Bark will be Opening a Facility for Dogs Early Fall of 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Bark is set to open their second location in Fall 2017. The local company will be expanding to a second location in the heart of downtown Duluth. Located at 211 West Michigan Street, the downtown location will offer day care and training opportunities, making caring for pets easier for downtown residents and workers. The new spot will…

New Fairlawn Exhibit Features Servants’ Quarters

The Fairlawn Mansion in Superior Will Now Host Tours of the Servants' Quarters

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Most Northlanders have heard the name Martin Pattison and understand the incredible impact he had on the City of Superior any beyond. But what about another group of about a dozen who lived at his mansion as well? In this week’s Northland Uncovered, we learn a little about them and the new way they’re being honored on…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Fine Edge Custom Framing

Virginia Business Can Add a Special Frame to Any Piece

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A custom frame can add a special finishing touch to any display in your home. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we take you to Fine Edge Custom Framing in Virginia, where they specialize in giving an edge to your favorite piece. “We do custom framing of all types of artwork, collectibles, jerseys, clothing, anything that you…

Movies in the Park to Start Friday

It's Going to be a Wild Summer at Movies in the Park, Hosted by the Greater Downtown Council

DULUTH, Minn. -The Greater Downtown Council along with other fine sponsors are excited to invite the community to Leif Erikson Park for the 2017 Movies in the Park series. Every Friday evening from July 7 to August 4, gather the family and head to the park for free featured films. Darlene Marshall with the Greater Downtown Council stopped by FOX 21 to chat with…

Special Report: Setting Sail with Superior Pursuits

For Captain Parker Bambenek, it took a tragedy to realize what he wanted as a summer career

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year thousands of people, whether local or visiting, love to fish in the Northland. However, adventure seekers are now taking to the big lake more than ever before, boosting the local economy. One Captain we caught up with says it’s not always easy for charter fishing companies to make a go of it in a competitive…

Gallery Hop Brings Artists Together in Hibbing

Now In Its 25th Year, Festival Gets Bigger Every Summer

HIBBING, Minn. – Businesses in Downtown Hibbing became art galleries for a day at the annual Gallery Hop. The Hibbing Gallery Hop has been showcasing the work of local artists for twenty-five years, and every summer the celebration gets bigger and bigger. “It’s kind of a festival of people,” says Joan Cotton, an artist showcasing her work. “There’s a lot…

Making a Shake with Cold Fusion

Cooking Connection: Cold Fusion and Fit Lab

DULUTH, Minn. – A local nutrition club is keeping folks healthy downtown. The owner of Cold Fusion, Annie Call, tells us the goal of the business is to bring a healthy, active lifestyle to the community. Call described the business as “healthy fast food.” While there customers get a shot of aloe to help with disgestion, a 16 oz. energy…

Gordon Good Neighbor Days Kicks Off this Friday

GORDON, Wis. – As Summer starts to officially get underway, festivals are beginning to pop up around the Northland. This weekend, Gordon Good Neighbor Days will take place. The annual event, attracting folks from around the state, is June 30, July 1 and July 2. There will be a car show, vendors, crafts, parade, fireworks, bands, mud volleyball, a rubber…

Animal Allies Humane Society Seeking Foster Families

Animal Allies has Reduced the Fostering Age Requirement to 18-Years-Old

DULUTH, Minn. – Adopting an animal comes with long term responsibility. For some, the commitment could stop an animal from finding a forever home. That’s why Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth is looking for your help in the form of foster care. “We’re really looking to get our college aged people involved,” said Emily Aldritt, Volunteer Coordinator at Animal…

Douglas County History: The Story Behind Charles Starkweather

Former Superior Mayor Impeached Just to Become Mayor Again

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A one-time mayor of Superior, Wisconsin had an unlikely path to the mayor’s office and an uncommon exit as well. Charles Starkweather, originally from Vermont, moved to Superior in 1889. He was elected to the common council in 1893 and became the city’s mayor two years later. Starkweather was impeached because he allowed salloons to have unlicensed…

New “Taste of Duluth” Festival to Provide Local Entertainment

Festival Encourages Family-Fun

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend a first-of-its-kind festival is coming to Bayfront Festival Park. The Taste of Duluth is Saturday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be more than 60 vendors of food, beer, crafts and more. There will also be live music throughout the entire festival. The event is aimed at highlighting all the great…

Finnish Holiday Juhannus Celebrated in the Northland

Traditional Holiday Celebrates the Beginning of Summer

SAGINAW, Minn. – Juhannus is a traditional Finnish holiday that celebrates the beginning of summer. The festivities came to Minnesota, where the Finlandia Foundation Northland held their annual Juhannus celebration in Saginaw. This year, the holiday is especially big because Finland is celebrating one hundred years as a country on December 6th. Categories: Community, Features, Minnesota, News, News – Latest…

Beatrice Ojakangas Displays Many Uses of Rhubarb Juice

Cooking Connection: CHUM Rhubarb Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend rhubarb will be filling Duluth for an annual festival. CHUM’s Rhubarb Festival is Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m There will be everything rhubarb from pies and jams to sausage and juice. There will also be games, crafts, music, auctions and stage shows. This is all taking place at 11th Ave. E….

Special Olympics Torch Passes Through the Northland

Law Enforcement Officers Are Escorting the Flame of Hope to the Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games

DULUTH, Minn. – The Flame of Hope is on its way to the Minnesota Special Olympic Games. As it travels from Thunder Bay, Canada to Apple Valley, Minnesota, the torch made some stops in the Northland. Law enforcement officers from across Minnesota are escorting the torch through the state to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics. “Communities have…

Contented Critters Continues Despite Loss of Founder

After Nearly Four Decades, Founder Faye Walters Passed Away in April; Friends Rally to Continue Legacy

MAKINEN, Minn. – In this week’s Animal Answers we took a trip to the Iron Range to a place looking to cater to Contented Critters. After a devastating loss just months ago, one woman’s life is now helping to create an ongoing legacy. Animal shelters are common commodities in cities across the Northland. Along Highway 16 in Makinen, Minnesota, you’ll…

Health Professionals Discuss Rural Care Options

More Than 600 Groups Attended Rural Health Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Quality health care can be tough to find for many rural Minnesotans.  So the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care and the Minnesota Rural Health Association joined forces with the Duluth–based National Rural Health Resource Center to find solutions. “We’re working in approaches to provide resources for rural health communities and providers,” said Sally Buck, CEO,…

Railroad Museum to Celebrate Locomotive #28 with “Steam Weekend”

Northland Uncovered: Lake Superior Railroad Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northlanders and tourists will have the chance to hit the rails of the North Shore Scenic Railroad with a very special locomotive in charge. Steam power is back in the Northland with the restoration of locomotive #28. The train will take passengers to Two Harbors and will stay in town for about two hours. Passengers will…

CHUM Rhubarb Festival Happening Saturday

Thousands will Crowd London Road in Duluth on Saturday, June 24

DULUTH, Minn. – Come for the food, stay for the fun this Saturday, June 24 as CHUM hosts the 2017 Rhubarb Festival from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. The festival will take place at 1100 London Road and inside First Lutheran Church. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Plenty of tasty rhubarb treats will be offered…

Fans Cheer Grandma’s Marathon Runners to the Finish Line

Thousands of Spectators Come Every Year to Root for Their Favorite Marathoners

DULUTH, Minn. – As runners raced through Grandma’s Marathon, a sideline chorus cheered them to the finish line. “We expect Eric to come in soon and then we’ll be cheering for Jill. Yay Jill!” cheered Rhende Hagemeister, who made signs to cheer on runners. The fans gave words, and other sounds, of encouragement. “We just wanted to push people,” said Bianca,…

Rails On Target

Proctor Competes In Worlds Largest Trap Shoot

ALEXANDRIA, Minn- The Proctor Rails had a lot of success this week at the worlds largest trap shooting competition at Alexandria Shooting Park. Though the team fell short of state, Proctor’s Zack Ciurleo claimed the Class 3A High gun overall, shooting 50 straight in afternoon competition for a total of 98 out of 100.   Categories: Community, Features, Friday Night…