Features

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,…

Grandma’s Boxcar Open for the Season

Canal Park Favorite Serves Ice Cream, Hot Dogs, Sandwiches

DULUTH, Minn. – Another sign of summer: In Canal Park, the Boxcar Ice Cream Machine is back open for the season. You probably recognize the small business. It’s right next to the historic Grandma’s Restaurant. Ice cream, hot dogs, popcorn, and sandwiches bought right out the doors of this old boxcar. “I mean, it’s just kind of unique,” says Max…

In the Kitchen with FOX 21 Meteorologist Gino Recchia

Cooking Connection: Italian Sausage Rigatoni in a Red Wine Tomato Sauce

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection the FOX 21 morning crew welcomed Chief Meteorologist Gino Recchia to the kitchen. Gino grew up around good food as his father owns a prominent restaurant in Chicago near Wrigley Field, Calo Ristorante. For the segment, Gino whipped up an easy, yet flavorful, rigatoni dish. Italian Sausage Rigatoni in a Red Wine…

Wish Babies Bringing Happiness to Homes

Carol Pederson Has Dealt With the Loss of Her Daughter, a Cancer Diagnosis, and Life's Unforgettable Lessons

DULUTH, Minn. – One Duluth woman, living through a roller coaster of unfortunate events, is now looking to brighten her mood by bringing smiles to others’ faces. Wish Babies were born, after one life was lost. New Jersey Native turned Florida girl, Carol Pederson has dealt with a strong dose of reality over her lifetime. “My husband, Greg, was diagnosed…

Duluth Car is a Finalist in National TV Contest

Michael Janousek's Modified 1988 Mazda is in Discovery Channel's Motor Mayhem

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man had his car selected to be a finalist in a Discovery Channel Contest. Duluth’s own Michael Janousek bought a 1988 Mazda from his dad about 17 years ago. Now, the car he has worked hard to modify and make his own could win a national competition. Michael’s car is one of sixteen finalists in…

Donation to Lake Superior Zoo Benefits Animal Health

X-ray Machine Donated by St. Luke's Hospital

DULUTH, Minn. – As many of us know, dealing with a broken bone can be difficult. When it comes to animals, chances are the diagnosis is even harder to pinpoint. Now, thanks to generous donors in the Northland, the Lake Superior Zoo is now equipped with the latest and greatest X-ray technology. “Monty is the kind of snake that doesn’t strike,…

Carpet Removed to Reveal Original Wood Floors at Glensheen

Red Carpet Had Been in Place for 40 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen Mansion is revealing some old floors that look brand new. The red carpet has been removed from the basement to unveil the original woods floors throughout the level. The work was done throughout the month of April. The wood was refinished with a natural stain. This is the first time since the 1970s that this basement…

40 Years of Paint Removed from Glensheen Room

Stenciling Unveiled in Alfred's Room

DULUTH, Minn. – History is being revealed at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. Hard work is bringing life back to the walls of Alfred’s room. After 40 years in hiding the original stenciling in Alfred’s room is on full display at the mansion. “We really strive to make it feel like it was in 1910,” said Jane Pederson, Marketing Manager for Glensheen….

Knowing Your Neighbor, Buffalo Valley Campground

Campground Has Many Amenities

It’s almost time to get the kids, load up the camper and head to your favorite camp ground. The family could be sitting around a campfire, eating s’mores and not having a care in the world. Sound nice? In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbor, we take you to Buffalo Valley Campground that sits just miles from Duluth. Buffalo Valley campground has…

New X-Ray Lab Helps Enhance Animal Health

The Lake Superior Zoo Recently Received Updated X-Ray Equipment, an Upgrade from the 1970s

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo spent their Monday morning working with new equipment donated to them. The Zoo’s Burmese Python, Monty, was lucky number one to receive routine X-rays thanks to St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. St. Luke’s recently donated a $50,000 dollar machine to the Zoo after replacing it with newer diagnostic equipment in their…

Book Options for Spring Reading

Coffee Conversation: Books Sparking Discussions

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation we’re highlighting some books perfect for Spring reading. Shari Illig, Community Business Development Manager for Barnes and Noble, gave a couple recommendations. Illig says both books would make great book club books because they spark conversations. The first recommendation is titled, “The Stranger in the Woods” by, Michael Finkel. This…

Yoga Train Offers Unique Ride Along the North Shore

Special Ride Will Be Offered for the Next Four Sundays

DULUTH, Minn. – For anyone looking to find inner peace in a unique place, you now have the chance to do yoga on a moving train. A trip along Lake Superior’s North Shore is just the thing some people need to cool down, especially when they take a ride on the yoga train. It may sound like a crazy idea,…

Iron River Woman Celebrates 100th Birthday

Dorothy Kangas Was a Teacher for More Than 30 Years

IRON RIVER, Wis. – Dorothy Kangas celebrated her 100th birthday today. She was a teacher in Northern Wisconsin for 32 years. Today, hundreds of friends, family, and former students wished her well on her centennial birthday. “Been a friend to all and she’s still active at 100 years old and gets out in the community and does her thing,” said Dorothy’s…

Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Home Opener

Anglers headed out to their favorite fishing spot on Saturday morning

It’s that time of year again when anglers are arriving in schools, launching their boats at Lake Namakagon. Motors tilt into the water for the first time of 2017 as anglers headed out to their favorite fishing spot on Saturday morning. “It’s always fun to get out fishing it doesn’t matter if it’s cold or warm or whatever any day…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Opens for the Season

100,000 Riders Are Expected on the Rails This Year

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting today, the North Shore Scenic Railroad invites families to ride the rails along Lake Superior. Today was opening day for the railroad. There are plenty of options as far as experiences go this year. Officials say they expect more than 100,000 people to take a train ride this season. “It’s really fun to finally see people…

Measles Outbreak in Minnesota

Experts Say Vaccination is the Only Real Way to Prevent Measles

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota is seeing the state’s biggest measles outbreak since 1990. As of Thursday, 44 cases of the measles had been confirmed statewide. There have been no confirmed cases of the measles in the Northland as of Thursday, but experts are warning parents: If you haven’t already, Get your Kids Vaccinated. Measles Symptoms start as fevers, coughs, sore throat…

Aimee Tischer Performs on FOX 21 for Duluth Homegrown Music Festival

Tischer's Full Performance Takes Place Tonight

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is filling the town with some beautiful sounds and it’s continuing through the weekend. This morning, Aimee Tischer performed on FOX 21 Local News at Eight ahead of her show tonight. Tischer is playing at Blacklist Artisan Ales tonight, Friday, May 5 at 8:00 p.m. For more on Tischer’s music and future…

Denfeld Releases 2017 Lip Dub Video

Denfeld Students Have Made Videos Since 2014 to Promote School Pride

DULUTH, Minn. – Denfeld High School released their annual lib dub video today. The videos have become somewhat of a tradition. Since 2014, students have put the work in each year, showcasing their video production and lip synching skills to show hunter pride for their school. Each of the last four years, Denfeld High School students have produced and choreographed…

How Northland Photographers Share Their Art in the Digital Age

Special Report: Top Photographers, Part Two

EVELETH, Minn. – With just a gentle breeze blowing through newly-budding trees, we are walking a trail around Fayal Pond near the town of Eveleth. There are turtles mating on logs near the edge of the pond. We’re walking toward a bridge that Paul Pluskwik has taken photos near many times. This is just one of the places in northern…

Mario-Themed Chalk Art in Canal Park

Artists Drew Mario, Princess Peach, and a Whole Level From the Game

DULUTH, Minn. – Anyone who walked along the lakewalk the last couple days may have noticed some Mario-themed chalk art. The mural depicts Mario himself, Princess Peach, and a whole level of the game, including fish and lava. Two artists made the chalk sketch on Wednesday to give lake walkers something fun to do while enjoying the beautiful weather. “We’ve…

UMD Chef Heads to National Competition

Cooking Connection: UMD Chef Conor Maki

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota Duluth chef is heading to a national competition, the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) regional conference. Conor Maki will be competing against six other chefs from across the country. Maki won the gold medal at the NACUFS culinary competition in Fargo, N.D. on February 21, 2017. Conor’s winning dish was…

Sharing the Beauty of the Northland One Photo at a Time

Special Report: Top photographers give an inside look at how they capture stunning scenes throughout northern Minnesota

NORTH SHORE, Minn. – It’s an absolutely perfect sunny day on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Just a day shy of a major storm, the wind is calm but the waves are crashing against the rocks on the shoreline. “It’s just raw beauty,” says Christian Dalbec, clad in a wet suit and a pair of pants he shyly admits…

Battling Tick Bites with Essential Prevention

Experts are Warning of a Severe Tick Season Across Much of the Country

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a new report, tick-borne diseases are on the rise across much of the country. With that being said, it’s important to remain cautious, especially when pets are added into your daily life. Northland veterinarians are seeing a spike in cases already this spring, raising concern to get your pets vaccinated, and checked regularly for ticks….

Battle Flag from Spanish-American War in Superior

Northland Uncovered: Company I Flag Lives On

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An American flag is displayed proudly in Superior as military history lives within its fibers. This flag is owned by Dr. Jim Hoeffling of Twin Ports Chiropractic. His dad found this flag while tearing down a house and brought it home when Hoeffling was a child. After a little research, Hoeffling was able to get to the bottom…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Zen House

Resturant Offers Authentic Japanese Food

DULUTH, Minn.- From curry to noodle dishes, and an assortment of rice bowls the Zen House in Duluth offers Authentic Japanese food, and dishes that are considered comfort foods for people who have actually lived in the Land of the Rising Sun. “The people who were in Japan come to my restaurant compliment how authentic they are, so they just…