Features

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…

Heading into the Kitchen with the A.G. Thomson House

Cooking Connection: Cranberry Wild Rice Strata

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. Angie makes a several breakfast dishes and showed FOX 21 how to make a Cranberry…

Pet Insurance Increasing in Popularity

Local Farmers Insurance Agent Shares Importance of Pet Policies

DULUTH, Minn. – Health insurance has been a hot topic for months now as lawmakers look to improve our healthcare system. But, what about our furry friends? We often forget about the possibilities of dreaded medical bills when taking our pets to the veterinarian. “I don’t think people know about it yet,” said Patrick Shelton, Farmers Insurance Agent in Duluth, Minnesota….

Class Offers Glimpse into Carlton County Past

Northland Uncovered: Carlton County Historical Society

CLOQUET, Minn. – Many people like to know how the area they live in came to be. Some folks in Cloquet are helping make that happen. The Carlton County Historical Society is hosting a five-week course on the history of the county. Museum Director Rachael Martin will conduct the classes based on archival materials from the historical society’s collection. This…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Gabriel’s Bookstore

Cultivating a Love of Reading by Making Books as Affordable as Possible

DULUTH, Minn. — Gabriel’s Bookstore is a second hand store, but the folks that keep it running have firsthand knowledge of why books are so important. “I think it builds family because you read to your kids, you talk to your kids about what you’ve read, and they’ve read together,” said store manager Mary Orman. Orman’s been working here for…

Summer Camps Educate Children as School Closes for Season

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Children's Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – The end of the school year is nearing and many children will soon be home for the summer. The Duluth Children’s Museum is hosting several summer camps to keep children busy throughout the season. These camps aim to educate children without them realizing as they have fun with friends and activities. Topics will cover STEM, art, and history…

Rails’ Senior Duo Has Sights Set On State

Aase & Morin Have High Hopes For Final Season

PROCTOR, Minn- Proctor’s John Aase has been making plays on the diamond for years. Last season, along with senior catcher Jake Malec, the rails southpaw helped lead the team to a perfect section record and an appearance in the state tourney he won’t soon forget. Aase remembers, “Just one pitch I wish I could take back, it wasn’t even a…

Cloquet Animal Shelter Has New Facility

Shelter is Still Looking for Donations

CLOQUET, Minn.-The Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet is enjoying new digs after moving into its new locale at the beginning of this month. Staff told us the new place is 7,000 square-feet bigger than its previous location, making it one of the biggest shelters in the state. It includes many new amenities such as medical suites where the…

Wine Tasting: Behind the Scenes at Chalk Hill Estate

SONOMA, Cal. – A wine producing company in California is selling their wines across the United States and that includes right here in the Northland. Several times Regional Sales Manager Marc Carrigan has visited FOX 21 on the morning show for wine tasting and this morning he took us to California. Carrigan and Master Sommelier, Robert Smith, gave the background of…

Duluth School District Awards Gold Star Teacher

Troy Erie, 4th Grade Teacher at Lowell Elementary, Received the Award

DULUTH, Minn. – The Goldfine Gold Star Teacher Award is given every year to a deserving Duluth teacher. This year’s recipient is Troy Erie. Mr. Erie teaches 4th Grade at Lowell Elementary. He was one of nine teachers nominated, one from each Duluth elementary school. At the ceremony tonight, the Lowell principal shared some of the reasons Mr. Erie is…

Chipotle Teams Up With Animal Allies Humane Society

50 Percent of all Fundraiser Sales to be Given to Animal Allies Humane Society

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Wednesday only, Chipotle lovers across the Northland have the chance to make their purchase go a long way in the community. Chipotle recently contacted Animal Allies Humane Society with a fundraising offer. Wednesday from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Duluth Chipotle Mexican Grill will donate 50 percent of all fundraiser sales to the Animal Allies Humane…

Great Outdoors: Minnesota Fishing Opener

Northland Youth Learns The Lure of The Lake

ISLAND LAKE, Minn- It’s the pursuit of the catch, that has so many of Minnesota’s anxious anglers up well before dawn and hitting the water at first light. Youth Angler, Keegan Charnley says, “We had to wake up pretty early to get here, but, well we’ve had a few bites.” For Keegan Charnley and is father Richie, they look forward…

Special Report: The Toxic Chemicals In Modern-Day Fires

Firefighters Need Funding For Equipment to Limit Exposure

They risk their lives to save ours every day, but as time passes we’re losing a lot of firefighters to the invisible danger of cancer. According to a study from the CDC, about 68 percent of firefighters end up getting cancer compared to around 22 percent of the general public. At this point there isn’t a lot of information yet…

Superior Once Predicted to be “Next Chicago”

Northland Uncovered: Superior the Boom Town?

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Today, the Twin Ports is a thriving harbor, but years ago the city of Superior was predicted to be the “next Chicago.” Executive Director of the Douglas County Historical Society, Tony Tracy, says the population was once even at 40,000 compared to the nearly 27,000 today. Tracy says the enthusiasm for the city started back in the 1600s….

Essentia-St. Mary’s Rolls Out NICU Innovation

"Roo-Wraps" Help Parents Have Skin to Skin Contact with NICU Infants

DULUTH, Minn. – For mothers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, bonding with baby can be overwhelming. “The mom would sit down, we would all come at her with her baby and all sorts of wires and equipment,” said Angela Follin, a Registered Nurse in Essentia-St. Mary’s NICU.  “It would be a little intimidating.” But a new innovation, called Roo-Wraps…

Special Report: What’s Killing Our Firefighters

Duluth Firefighters Remember The Ones Lost To Cancer

It takes a certain kind of person to run toward a fire, to answer a stranger’s call for help. Firefighters spend their lives putting themselves in harm’s way, and to the general public they almost seem invincible. They come back out of burning buildings seemingly unscathed time and time again. Fairly new information now suggests the real danger for firefighters…

Promotion Aims to Support Downtown Local Businesses

Coffee Conversation: Get Downtown Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring tourism season is starting and more folks will be heading to downtown to get some shopping done. Get Downtown Week, put on by the Greater Downtown Council, is running through May 20. More than 30 businesses are teaming up to offer special BOGO deals this week. This is the second year for this promotion and it’s a…

Duluth Mother Gives Back to Essentia NICU

Amanda Mallinson Had Two Babies in the NICU, Now She Works There

DULUTH, Minn. – Beth Hall has seen many patients in her 34 years at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s, but remembers the first time she met Amanda Mallinson well. “I remember her being a young, vulnerable, new mom who was scared to death,” said Hall. Amanda just gave birth to her son, Riley. However, Riley was premature and needed a lengthy stay at…

From Greyhound to Saint, Zwak Stays All Duluth

CSS Freshman Joey Zwak is finding a place on his new team.

DULUTH, MN- Duluth East fans know the name Joey Zwak well but this season St. Scholastica is enjoying the second baseman’s presence on their team. “I love it in Duluth, I’m happy to stay,” said Zwak. “We were excited about him coming on board, what we didn’t know is how good the kid could be,” said CSS head coach Corey…

North Shore Tourism Season Begins

Officials Are Expecting Busiest Summer Ever

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Once summer weather arrives, the tourism rush is on along Lake Superior’s North Shore. If the recent trend continues, this could be some destinations’ busiest season yet. The North Shore has always been a favorite Minnesota vacation spot. “When the sun is shining, people like to take rides up from the Twin Cities and see the…

Mother’s Day Tea Served to Chris Jensen Residents

Health and Rehabilitation Center Treated Mothers and Families to Roses and Tea

DULUTH, Minn. – In honor of Mother’s Day today, residents at Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center in Duluth were treated to a special Mother’s Day tea. Everyone got free soaps donated by North Star Academy, and mothers and their family members were each given a rose. “Some people have expressed that their family members live out of town so,…