Features

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…

Running Tips from Austin-Jarrow

Active Adventures: Training Tips

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon is just one day away and it’s inspiring some folks to get off the couch and try running. For this week’s Active Adventures we visited Austin-Jarrow to get some running tips for beginners. Jarrow Wahman, co-owner of Austin-Jarrow, says the most important piece of equipment is shoes. There are several types of shoes and many…

Every Grandma’s Marathon Runner Has a Story

Runners and Families Create Their Own Unique Traditions Around the Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. – As racers move into place for Grandma’s Marathon, we’re learning about their stories and how they got there. For everybody who will line the streets on Saturday, Grandma’s Marathon has a different meaning. Each family walking through Canal Park has their own unique way of celebrating what has become a holiday weekend in Duluth. “This weekend, I’m…

Fall-off-the-bone Ribs with Texas Roadhouse

Cooking Connection: Texas Roadhouse

DULUTH, Minn. – The weather is warming up and summer celebrations are beginning to take place. Barbecue ribs are a staple at many gatherings. For this week’s Cooking Connection we make some smoked, fall-off-the-bone ribs with Texas Roadhouse. Season pork ribs on both sides, rub it in Add liquid smoke and water to bottom of pan with drainer grate in place Transfer…

Lake Superior Zoo: Five Years After the Flood

Zoo Officials Hope to Downsize, Restructure Space and Offer New Exhibits

DULUTH, Minn. – Five years have passed since major flooding washed away years of hard work and dedication at the Lake Superior Zoo. Millions of dollars are still being spent to repair and rebuild what was lost during those overnight hours. “My first response is we had a problem, we had to get things done, my staff is amazing,” said…

Group Works to Preserve Gravestones

Northland Uncovered: Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps

DULUTH, Minn. – A local preservation corps is expanding their knowledge of gravesite conservation. The Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps is training at Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth. Nationally recognized gravestone conservator, Jonathan Appell is leading the training, “It empowers people to have the knowledge and skills to go on and work themselves and make a difference in their region, their…

Business Booming at Beaver Bay Sports

For Nearly Four Decades, Beaver Bay Sports Shop Has Offered Locals and Tourists Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

BEAVER BAY, Minn. – Summer is officially here which means business is starting to boom along Lake Superior’s North Shore. Many businesses rely on a summer rush while others have found opportunities to evolve, catering to customers year round. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, FOX 21’s Brett Scott stopped by one shop doing just that. “Everybody’s getting their boats…

One-Woman Show Remembers Laura Ingalls Wilder

Coffee Conversation: Douglas County Historical Society History Theatre

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend a famous pioneer is being remembered through a one-woman show. The Douglas County Historical Society History Theatre is presenting “Laura Ingalls Wilder.” Jessica Michna is starring in the play. “Laura Ingalls Wilder” will be presented for one performance only; Saturday, June 17 at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 and are now on sale, by phone…

April Larson, Running The Table

Minnesota Standout Making A Name For Herself

DULUTH, Minn- The City of Duluth found itself in the corner pocket this June, with the 2nd Annual Eight Ball Classic at the Break Room. The local event is attended by some of the best pool players in the world, including, Minnesota native and rising star on the national scene, 17–year–old April Larson. The familiar image of a pool room…

Duluth and Superior mayors perform “Love Letters”

Emily Larson and Jim Paine take to the stage

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Duluth mayor Emily Larson and Superior mayor Jim Paine teamed up for a special performance Thursday night. The mayors performed a play called “Love Letters,” by A.R, Gurnery. Tickets and donations from the performance will benefit the non–profit theater and arts company, Twin Ports Stage. The performance was held at the Manion Theater at the University of Superior…

Grilling a Steak with Texas Roadhouse

Cooking Connection: Preparing for Grilling Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Summertime is nearly here and that means it’s time for grilling. Texas Roadhouse in Duluth features grilled hand-cut steaks the meat cutters carve fresh every day. For this week’s Cooking Connection kitchen manager Justin Beacom described the differences between several cuts of meat. The three main cuts of meat are sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon. Grilling a…

Friends of Animals Now Open, Seeking Donations in New Location

Donations Highly Encouraged at Friends of Animals as Humane Society Starts Fresh in New Location

CLOQUET, Minn. – After being closed for nearly one month, staff and volunteers at Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet are opening up the doors to a new location. While the excitement is high, funding is still needed to reach the final goal. Right now, there’s a kingdom of condos being built; condos housing herds of cute kittens. “We…

Going Inside the Old Cloquet Middle School

Northland Uncovered: Nearly 100 Years of Cloquet Middle School

CLOQUET, Minn. – School memories last forever, but some Northlanders are now having to say goodbye to the place those memories were formed. Cloquet Middle School is closing and moving to a new location. So, former and current students said goodbye and took last tours of the school. “The last month has been real bittersweet,” said Cloquet Middle School Principal Tom…

Superior Downtown Farmer’s Market Opens for Season

Farmer's Market Moves Location Due to Construction

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Spring is here, Summer is around the corner and farmer’s markets are back in the Northland! The 2017 Superior Downtown Farmers Market is every Wednesday through October 25, 2017. The market will be open from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Downtown Market has moved due to Belknap Construction. The market is in the 1200 block of…

Coaches Corner: Breanna Colbenson & Joanna Warmington

UMD Track Talks NCAA II Outdoor Track Championships

DULUTH, Minn- After returning victorious from the NCAA DII Outdoor Track Championships, Breanna Colbenson and Head Coach Joanna Warmington talk results, experiences and the future of the Bulldogs’ track program. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Features, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Baking a Roasted Pear with Salted Caramel Sauce

Cooking Connection: A.G. Thomson House

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection we cooked with the A.G. Thomson House. The A.G. Thomson House was built in 1909 in Duluth and now serves as a Bed and Breakfast. Tim and Angie Allen own the establishment and do all the cooking for guests. For this week’s Cooking Connection we made a Roasted Pear with a Salted Caramel Sauce….

Strength in the Community Scholarship Winner, Emily Jacobsen

Meet Emily Jacobsen, one of 12 winners of the FOX 21 Strength in the Community Scholarship. The Strength in the Community Scholarship was created to help students reach their goals to pursue higher education in a time of rising tuition costs. Twelve finalists will receive $1,000, but one will trade in their $1,000 for a $10,000 check. Emily is a…

Pond Scientists on the Rise at Hartley Nature Center

Many Student Groups Flocking for Field Trips to Northland Educational Hub

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Animal Answers we’re taking you on a field trip! For some, it may be a trip to the park, museum or movie theater. However, many groups of Northland students are becoming seasoned pond scientists. “I think if you start kids at an early enough age they’ll have an appreciation for the outdoors,” said Matt…

Uncovering Logging and Lumberjack History

Northland Uncovered: Tom's Logging Camp

DULUTH, Minn. – Shipping and mining are a couple of the industries many think of when picturing the beginnings of this region, but another profession also kept thousands of men employed. In this week’s Northland Uncovered we head to Tom’s Logging Camp just up Highway 61. “There was almost no protections. If you got hurt you were kind of out…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Paul’s Market

Pasties are the Specialty at this Iron Range Staple

EVELETH, Minn – Locals say in Eveleth there’s only one place to get a pasty. Paul’s Market. Owner Paul Nemanick sells so many pasties he can’t put a number on it. “I don’t know, lots of them,” said Nemanick. “We started out just Wednesdays and Fridays, and people would come in Tuesdays and turn around walk out the door because we…

Veterans’ Garden Revamped at Local Cemetery

Garden Revitalized by Local Volunteers

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Veterans’ Garden at Sunrise Cemetery has been around for quite a while, but in recent years, the monument fell on disrepair. Now, thanks to a local organization, the garden has been revitalized. “My friend and I walked the cemetery, visit our husbands’ graves, and then we happened to come down this way and it was very…