Features

Animal Allies Educating Northland Youth

For Over 25 Years, Animal Allies Has Been Making Way Into Northland Classrooms

DULUTH, Minn. – Some say seeing is believing. Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth is looking to educate Northland youth by making way into classrooms, to teach hands-on. Twenty-five years later, these visits still have a lasting effect on local students. “I had twelve dollars and the ropes we bought, I think were .95 cents,” said Isabella, 2nd grade student…

Gordy’s Hosts Charity Fundraiser Before Opening

Restaurant Offers Special Meal to Customers Who Bid the Highest on Local Charities

CLOQUET, Minn. – Gordy’s Hi-Hat in Cloquet opens for the season tomorrrow. The restaurant hosted a fundraiser tonight, allowing the highest bidders to enjoy a private party at the famous diner, all while giving to charity. The night before they open for their 47th season, the grills were frying up burgers, fries, and onion rings at Gordy’s. But only the customers…

Group Seeks New Purpose for Old Jail

Northland Uncovered: Old St. Louis County Jail

DULUTH, Minn. – The historic Zenith city has several landmarks within its borders. Some of these historic staples are quickly losing their shine. That’s why the Duluth Preservation alliance has made a list of 10 endangered properties in town. The old St. Louis County Jail is one of them. It was built in 1924 to complement the Civic Center. The…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Benoit Cheese Haus

Store Has More Than 150 Kinds of Cheese

BENOIT, Wis. — Jill Jones is a true Wisconsinite. As the newest owner of Benoit Cheese Haus in Benoit, Wisconsin, she knows her home state loves its cheese. “I couldn’t imagine a world without cheese,” she says with a wry smile. From Havarti, to Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Gouda, and Cheddar, Benoit Cheese Haus in Bayfield County boasts that…

Wellness Advocate Promotes Essential Oils

Coffee Conversation: Doterra Essential Oils

DULUTH, Minn. – For thousands of years, people have healed with nature’s touch. Essential oils are used around the world and found in the seeds, bark, stems roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They have been used historically for food preparation, beauty treatment, and healthcare practices. This morning, doTERRA Wellness Advocate, Linda Carrillo, explained how essential oils have changed…

Meet Esko’s Senior Core Of Four

Eskomos' Long Running Success Starts With Seniors

The defining aspect of any high school team is its senior leadership, and out at Esko High School that responsibility falls with four young athletes. “Ben Fisher, forward.” “Stone DeLeon, guard.” “Bryce Bottila, shooting guard.” “Isaak Blue, forward.” These four Eskomos have been playing together for years. Bottila says, “Yeah, I’ve been playing with them since kindergarten, we’ve been to…

St. Urho’s Day Celebration Returning to Finland, MN

Town Will Honor the Fictional Saint for the 42nd Straight Year

FINLAND, Minn. – Finns across the Northland and beyond observed St. Urho’s Day yesterday. St. Urho’s celebrates the man who chased the grasshoppers out of Finland. Finland, Minnesota holds an annual festival celebrating the fictional saint. The event returns this weekend for its 42nd straight year. This year’s celebration features a musical theme called Urho–Palooza, including a parade, talent show,…

Veteran Celebrates 102nd Birthday

Rogenald Keller Showed Family and Friends Why He's Going Strong at 102

SILVER BAY, Minn. – One hundred years is a milestone most of us will never reach. Rogenald Keller celebrated his centennial two years ago and today showed why he’s still going strong at 102. There was quite the celebration at the Silver Bay veteran’s home Friday, and the party wasn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day. “Dad’s 102nd birthday and the…

Texas Roadhouse Offering Options for Those Recognizing Lent

Cooking Connection: Norwegian Salmon

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders are currently recognizing Lent and Texas Roadhouse wants these folks to know the restaurant is not just a steakhouse. Jeff Fort, Managing Partner at Texas Roadhouse, says there are many other options if someone is trying to avoid red meat. The restaurant is offering an entire Dockside Favorites menu. For this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s William…

Over Fifty Cats Taken from Superior Home

Douglas County Humane Society is Now Seeking the Public's Help

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Douglas County Humane Society is staying busy these days. An animal hoarding case in the City of Superior is creating an overflow of feline friends at the shelter. Now, they need your help in finding nearly 60 cats a new place to call home. “It can be quite emotional, it can be really sad,” said Sheila…

Great Outdoors – St. Louis River Offers Many Opportunities to Get Outside

Summit at UW-Superior Addressed How Northlanders Can Improve and Protect River Corridor

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The St. Louis River Summit is happening at UW-Superior. We’ll take a look at how important the St. Louis River is to our region and how Northlanders use it for all kinds of outdoor recreation. “Once I was out kayaking in the St. Louis River on opening day of fishing.” says Deanna Erickson, the Education Coordinator for…

Maritime Museum Prepares for Spring

Northland Uncovered: Spring Cleaning at Lake Superior Maritime Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is just days away and a local museum is preparing for tourism season. The Lake Superior Marine Museum Association is looking for volunteers for the Annual Spring Cleaning Day at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor. This annual Spring Cleaning Day is Wednesday, March 15 at the Visitor Center at 600 South Lake Avenue in Canal Park in Duluth,…

Over Fifty Cats Rescued from Superior Residence

Officials with Douglas County Humane Society are Working to Clean, Vaccinate, and Find Homes for the Cats

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Douglas County Humane Society is seeing an influx of cats calling the shelter home recently. First discovered by authorities in December, a Superior residence was housing dozens of cats. Officials say the owner eventually agreed to surrender the animals. Staff at the Humane Society say they have rescued more than 50 feline friends since the middle…

Samberg Makes Dreams Come True Through Hermantown Hockey

Dylan Samberg won his second state championship with the Hawks Saturday.

Dylan Samberg grew up wanting to be a Hermantown Hawk. “He’s our captain, he’s our best player, he’s a great skilled guy, good kid tough kid,” said Hermantown Head Coach Bruce Plante. Samberg ended his career at Hermantown Saturday at the State Championship, where he scored the winning goal. Now, Samberg is on to conquer another one of his other…

Sign-Up Date Approaches to Invest in CSA Farming

On Sunday, March 19, the 5th Annual Local Community Supported Agriculture Farm (CSA) Open House will Take Place

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Sunday, March 19, from 2:00 – 5:00p.m., more than 200 people will be gathering in Duluth to choose a local farm to grow their vegetables this summer. Event organizers are hoping more Northlanders will choose to invest and buy local in 2017. The 5th Annual Local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Open House will take place…

Baking Pavlova with The Exchange

Cooking Connection: The Exchange Deli, Bakery & Catering

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection Lisa Quarles, the pastry chef at The Exchange Bakery, showed the FOX 21 crew the ropes in the kitchen. Quarles showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make pavlova. The Exchange Bakery is located at 301 West 1st Street, Duluth, MN 55802. Their phone number is 218-727-8836. Find them online at www.theexchangecateringanddeli.com….

Animal Allies to Host Nibbles and Networking Event

Staff at Animal Allies Hope to Reach out and Connect with Local Veterinarians in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies will be hosting their first ever Nibbles and Networking event Wednesday evening, starting at 5:30p.m. The social opportunity will allow local veterinarians to connect with each other, while getting a chance to tour and speak with the medical staff from Animal Allies. Veterinarians, Vet Technicians, and Staff are welcome to attend. Animal Allies offers a…

Local Musicians Perform at Glensheen this March

Northland Uncovered: Glensheen Unplugged

DULUTH, Minn. – Music will soon be filling the halls of Glensheen Mansion. Local musicians will be performing inside the historic estate for their Glensheen Unplugged concert series. Marketing Manager Jane Pederson tells FOX 21 museum officials have been working on this project for more than a year. The performances will be on the lower level of Glensheen from 7-9…

Women’s Expo Returns to DECC

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Women's Expo

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Women’s Expo is back in Duluth. The annual event will be taking place Saturday, March 11 at the DECC. This year there will be more than 100 exhibitors. Women Rock, a fundraising organization benefiting breast cancer, will also have a presence at the event this year. Doors will be open for the expo from 9…

Crafting Cream Puffs with The Exchange

Cooking Connection: The Exchange Deli, Bakery & Catering

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection Lisa Quarles, the pastry chef at The Exchange Bakery, showed the FOX 21 crew the ropes in the kitchen. Quarles showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make cream puffs. Quarles says these are perfect sweets to impress your friends with at parties. Cream Puffs: Add 1 cup of water to pan on…

Animal Answers: Honey Bear Heads Home

The 9-Year-Old American Staffordshire Terrier Mix Spent Nearly Seven Months at Animal Allies

DULUTH, Minn. – You might recall hearing about a certain dog featured as Pet of The Week on FOX 21 Local News over many months. After a long journey from the streets, to the shelter, Honey Bear is home. “He’s a big love bug, he’s honey, but he’s also a bear,” said Josh Klimek. “I kind of fell in love…

Local Business Remains Family-Owned for Decades

Northland Uncovered: Dee Independent Launders and Cleaners

DULUTH, Minn. – Family businesses fill the Northland and inside the doors of one Duluth business everyone is family. Driving down Superior Street it’s hard to miss the vintage sign marking Dee Independent Launders and Cleaners. The business has been owned by this family for 37 years and the previous owner had the business for 40 years. “We have a…

Grand Portage Lodge Gets Makeover

The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Finished with Phase Two Renovations

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – One popular place along the North Shore is now prepared for played to try their luck once again. The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino is undergoing a three-phase project, opening a fresh chapter for its guests. It’s a popular place for thousands of visitors each year, no matter what season it is. Now, visitors will have…

Duluth Police Department Growing Mounted Patrol Unit

Four officers are training to hit the streets with their horses downtown in May

ESKO, Minn. – For years, the Duluth Police Department’s mounted patrol protected the street’s downtown during the busy summer months. After a 10 year absence, visitors and residents were excited to see the officers and their horses brought back in 2014. The safety to visitors downtown Duluth is one of the main priorities to the police department, so when it…

LaPorte Leads the Spartans On and Off the Ice

Braden LaPorte is this week's Northern Star

SUPERIOR, WIS.- Superior Senior Braden LaPorte is everything you could want in a Captain. “He’s a nice young man, he’s always polite, saying please and thank you, opening doors. He leads my team in that regard. Always makes sure when we walk into a building hats are off,” said Head Coach Jason Kalin. A four-year starter LaPorte was an obvious…

2017 American Birkebeiner Cancelled

Birkie Fever Continues Despite the Cancellation

For only the second time in 44 years all ski races set for this weekend’s Annual American Birkebeiner have been cancelled. The only other time this happened was in 2000. Organizers for North America’s largest cross country ski race held out hope for this weekend as a potential snow storm was on the horizon. Last minute efforts started early as…

Josh Emerson Continuing Elite Tradition

LCA Sophomore Cracks 1000 Point Milestone

DULUTH, Minn- The Lakeview Christian Academy boy’s basketball team has had no shortage of 1000 point scorers, and his past Friday they added one more to the club. “Josh Emerson, sophomore, shooting guard.” Josh has been a varsity contributor since 7th grade and has always had a deep appreciation for basketball. Now in just his sophomore year he’s already reached…

A Long Wait: Untested Sexual Assault Kits Part 1

Duluth Ranks No. 1 in the State for Untested Sexual Assault Kits

DULUTH, Minn. – In 2015 Duluth earned a notorious title, one that put a dark spot on hope for sexual assault survivors. Out of the entire state, the city is No. 1 in the amount of untested rape kits sitting shelved in the evidence room, 578 kits to be exact and some 23 years old. The information came out after…

Animal Answers: Microchipping Month

One in Three Animals Will Go Missing at Some Point, Animal Allies is Looking to Help

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Animal Answers, FOX 21’s Brett Scott took a trip to Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth to find out more about a helpful event happening during the month of February. Statistics show one in three animals will go missing at some point in the life, leading to an array of problems. To celebrate Micro…

Native American History on Display in Superior

New Exhibit Opens at Douglas County Historical Society

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new exhibit is opening up at the Douglas County Historical Society highlighting Native American culture in our area. The planning for this exhibit began when a Dugout Canoe was discovered in storage in 2015. The canoe was actually donated in 1939 and was found to be authentic Dakota. On Saturday, February 25th at 11 a.m. the…

SPECIAL REPORT: A Long Wait, Rape Kits Unprocessed

Join us for Part One, Wednesday after Star and Part Two, Thursday after My Kitchen Rules

There’s a major backlog when it comes to processing rape kits in St. Louis County. It’s a problem throughout the state, but the number of pending kits is the highest, right here, in St. Louis County. Approximately one of every five untested kits is waiting in St. Louis County; some of them dating back to the 1980s. We’ll discover the…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Furniture Express

Three friends began selling furniture on social media. They grew the business enough to open a storefront in Hermantown.

  DULUTH, Minn. – Three friends, all under the age of thirty, have put their business savvy to the test. They started selling furniture on social media sites, which led them to open a storefront. They have some of the comfiest furniture around, but you won’t catch these entrepreneurs sitting down for too long. They’re busy growing and changing an…

Minnesota Grocery Bagging Champion Competes at Nationals

Sandstone Native Finishes Just Outside of Top Five at National Competition

LAS VEGAS, NV. – Two weeks ago, we told you about Minnesota grocery bagging champion Seth Allen as he was preparing to compete in the national competition in Las Vegas. The competition is now over, and the Sandstone native fared well, finishing just outside the top five baggers, and narrowly missing out on winning a cash prize and competing in…

Abraham Lincoln, Civil War Reenactors Perform for President’s Day

Coffee Conversation: President's Day at Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. – In celebration of President’s Day, the Duluth Depot is welcoming a famous guest. Abraham Lincoln, played by Fritz Klein, is making an appearance today. Klein will be performing the “Last Full Measure” which chronicles the time between when he was shot and when he died. Additionally, Klein will give “Lincoln Talks” throughout the day. The Lincoln Funeral…

Cooking Connection: Bread Making With Great Harvest

The Staff at Great Harvest Bread Company in Duluth Show How to Prepare Bread, Granola and More

DULUTH, Minn. – The FOX 21 Morning Crew hit the road for this week’s Cooking Connection, stopping by Great Harvest Bread Co. in Duluth. Lee Davidson, Co-Owner of Great Harvest, gave Brett Scott a tour of the facility, while employees were hard at work shaping fresh baguettes. The team typically gets to work around 3:45a.m., with one baker sponging breads, while…

Animal Answers: Providing Dental Care at Lake Superior Zoo

A Recent Grant of $9,500 is Making it Easier for Zoo Staff to Once Again Provide Dependable Dental Care

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to dental diligence, we often forget to think about our pets. Whether it be dogs, cats, lions, or tigers, veterinarians say all teeth need to be touched up. “Animals have absolutely no way to tell us when they have dental pain,” said Dr. Michael Overend, Owner of Lake County Veterinary Clinics. When it comes…

Dating Dangers: Online Dating in the Northland

Special Report: Avoiding Internet Scams

DULUTH, Minn. – Finding the love of your life and being part of a happy, lasting relationship is a reason many head online to connect with someone special. “I was attracted to online dating because it kind of narrows the playing field a little bit,” said a Minnesota man looking for love, “the idea of like going out to a…

Valentine’s Day Glass Blowing

Couples Could Take Two Person Class to Make Pendants or Wine Goblets

DULUTH, Minn. – Another way Northlanders could celebrate Valentine’s Day was with a glass blowing class for two. Lake Superior Art Glass offered 60-90 minute classes where people could make pendants or wine goblets with their valentine. “I think it’s a pretty unusual date but I think it’s a good unusual, so it’s different, it’s fun, it’s been getting a…

Cast Iron Bar & Grill

This Weeks Knowing Your Neighbor

PIKE LAKE, Minn. – Fresh never frozen burgers and steaks, daily specials behind the bar and in the kitchen and a crazy fun atmosphere that will make you want to come back. If you’ve ever been there you’ll know I’m talking about the Cast Iron Bar and Grill. If you haven’t, that’s where we’re headed for this week’s knowing you…

SPECIAL REPORT: Dating Dangers

Join us for our Special Report: Dating Dangers, Tuesday after Bones

Join us Tuesday, February 14 after Bones, for our special report, Dating Dangers. While online dating has worked for many, there are some who have fallen victim to con artists looking to steal their possessions and even their identities. FOX 21’s Natalie Froistad will look at how people can avoid becoming a victim of potential scams associated with online dating….

Buzz Frenzy Software Promotes Local Businesses on Facebook

Coffee Conversation: Buzz Frenzy

DULUTH, Minn. – A new tech company, Buzz Frenzy, is offering a software to help small businesses propel their marketing on Facebook. This new tool Buzz Frenzy created allows businesses to add a specific hashtag anywhere in their Facebook post and when posted, the post will spread over Facebook. Founder and CEO, Dan Stocke, came up with the idea to…

Hoff Doesn’t Miss a Beat in Return

Callie Hoff was out for 11 games and has since been leading the Mirage's offense.

Callie Hoff’s senior season has been full of high and lows. The lowest point coming before the season even started. “It was our preseason scrimmages in forest lake… about half way through almost, I was taking a face off and the girl put her stick in between my skates and kind of flipped me and as I fell I tore…

Humane Happy Hour

Animal Allies Hosts Adult Happy Hour

Duluth, Animal Allies in Duluth held their first ever educational happy hour for adults tonight. They say the typical interaction they have is with children, so this was a good way to get to know the adults. People that came were also able to receive an exclusive after hours tour to see some areas of the shelter normally reserved for…