Features

Northern Star: Bjorn Lind

Duluth East senior to play college baseball at Augustana

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth East’s baseball team is chock full of returning starters in their lineup, including Augustana-commit and versatile defender Bjorn Lind. “I’m definitely a lot stronger, faster, more physical and (I’ve) grown a couple inches.” says Lind, who has a lot of reasons to why he loves baseball. “I would say going into the field every day with your…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Ritual Salad

A new restaurant has opened up in Lincoln Park that serves a healthier option to the community. Ritual Salad offers salad, bowls and occasionally soup.  The owner hopes that your experience there will be a magical one. “There’s a lot of delicious salads and bowls in the area, but there wasn’t just a place that focused on that. And so…

Coffee Conversation: Lodge 9 Spring Fundraiser for Local Law Enforcement

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Lake Superior Lodge 9 Fraternal Order of Police is preparing to hold its annual Spring Fundraiser to raise money in support of local law enforcement. Troy “Tig” Fralich is President of the Lake Superior Lodge 9 FOP. He along with Amber Brostrom, Fundraiser Organizer, joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the…

Northern Star: Aidan Altona

Denfeld senior returns to court after severe knee injury

DULUTH, Minn.- After suffering a torn meniscus and a partial ACL tear in December, Duluth Denfeld’s Aidan Altona returned to the court in last week’s Iron Range Senior All-Star Game. Altona was set to have an earth-shaking season with the Hunters in 2023-24. But after going up for a shot block in their season opener, everything changed when he landed…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Film Festival Brings Creatives Together at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds will gather for the Minnesota Film Festival at Zeitgeist Center for Arts and elsewhere Downtown Duluth on April 3-7. Minnesota Film Festival Director Vera Bianchini and Local Filmmaker Megan McGarvey joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday ahead of the showcase. The 5-day event is in celebration of visual artistry from coast-to-coast. It will feature…

Coffee Conversation: Early Voting Begins for Duluth Public Schools’ Spring Referendum

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday, May 14, residents in the Duluth Public Schools district will vote for the second time on a technology referendum. If approved, the annual $5.2 million capital projects levy will support upgraded classroom technology and curricula, digital infrastructure, and cyber and physical security throughout the schools. Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas joined FOX 21 live…

Coffee Conversation: Local Author Debuts New Book, The Mermaid of Lake Superior

MINN. — Barnum-raised author puts out a new book called The Mermaid of Lake Superior, full of  shipwrecks and history, engaging characters, and a magical Mermaid in northland waters. Author Aurora Lothbrok grew up in Barnum, MN, but now lives in Anchorage, AK. She joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the book and its storyline….

Northern Star: Kloe Zentkowski and Eva Peterson

Spartans' duo both named to Lake Superior All-Conference Team

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls basketball team know they have two giant holes to fill next season with Kloe Zentkowski and Eva Peterson graduating in May. It’s now been over one month since Superior had their season come to an end in WIAA Regionals on their home court. Since then, Zentkowski and Peterson have gained some perspective on their last…

Coffee Conversation: Car Fanatics Gear up for Motorhead Madness

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northland’s largest indoor custom car show Motorhead Madness will return to the DECC on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. Co-Owner of Motorhead Madness Mike Podgornik joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday ahead of the event. Four arenas will overflow with 150 one-of-a-kind customs, trucks, 4x4s, street rods, race cars, cycles, rat rods,…

Coffee Conversation: 17-Year-Old Belle Modeen Pursues Dream in Music

SUPERIOR, WI. — In honor of Thursday, March 21 being National Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, a local musician of Superior High School showcased her talent on the FOX21 morning newscast. 17-year-old Belle Modeen joined Fox 21 Thursday morning to talk about her passion for music, past accomplishments and future goals. Modeen played a cover of What Was I Made For? By…

Northern Star: Will Esterbrooks

Senior reached State Tournament in all three years with Hawks

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Will Esterbrooks of the Hermantown truly put it all on the line in his three years playing for the Hawks’ boys hockey team. It’s now been over a week since Hermantown suffered a 3-1 loss to St. Cloud Cathedral in the 3-1 Class A State Championship. Following the game, Head Coach Patrick Andrew acknowledged they wouldn’t have made…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Damage Boardshop

DULUTH, Minn. — The hill that Duluth is built on provides a natural landscape for a variety of downhill sports. Once local shop that has been around for nearly 20 years has been watching and helping two sports in particular grow in popularity. “We carry snowboards, the snowboarding boots, bindings, jackets, snow pants, goggles, helmets, mittens, beanies, you name it,”…

Coffee Conversation: 18th Annual Mojakka Cook-Off at Northeastern Hotel & Saloon

CLOQUET, Minn. — The 18th annual Mojakka Cook-Off returns to the Northeastern Hotel and Saloon in Cloquet this weekend. Owner of the Northeastern Hotel Bert Whittington and Sweet Exchange Owner Lisa Quarles, who is also a cook-off participant, joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the event. The cook-off is a fundraiser for the Carlton County Historical…

Northern Star: Drew Blair

Holds UMD's all-time scoring record

DULUTH, Minn.- 5 seasons, 141 games, and 4,719 minutes. Entering the NCAA Division II Tournament, that’s how long Drew Blair has played in a UMD uniform. “Hopefully, I still have a little bit more left in the tank here as we go on the stretch and can keep playing better,” says Blair, who recently turned 24 years old. After proving…

Mayor Reinert Asks For Communication From Kathy Cargill After Park Point Home Purchases

Reinert said Kathy Cargill has purchased at least 20 properties so far.

DULUTH, Minn. — The future of Park Point’s landscape is uncertain.  Mayor Roger Reinert said  more than 20 properties on the world’s longest freshwater sandbar have been purchased by a member of the Cargill family. North Shore LS is the company behind the purchases. The LLC is owned by Kathy Cargill, who is married to one of the heirs to…

Coffee Conversation: A+ Garden Center Prepares for Spring Planting

DULTUH, Minn. — With sunshine and 60 degrees in the northland, many are planning and preparing their spring gardens. FOX 21 checked in with Tabatha Beier, owner of A+ Garden Center, to see how they’re getting ready for the spring planting season. A+ Garden Center will open its Kenwood location on May 3. Click here for more information. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

Twin Ports Women’s Invitational Hockey Tournament Begins

24 teams come together for meaningful 30-year tradition that may come to an end.

The Twin Ports Women’s Invitational begins this weekend. The games started over 30 years ago and attracts women hockey players all around the state from ages 18 to 80. Like so many players at the invitational, Angie Hugdahl began playing hockey as a little girl. In college she says hockey changed her life. It was the sense of belonging that…

Applications Now Open for Community Funding Grant Awards

DULUTH, Minn. — The Junior League of Duluth is now accepting applications for the 2024 community funding grant awards for local non-profits. Junior League of Duluth President Angela Engblom and Community Council Director Patty Salo Downs joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the grant opportunities. In the past several years, JLD has awarded over $68,000 to local non-profit…

Coffee Conversation: Northwood Children’s Services Celebrates 141 years with Fundraising Gala

DULUTH Minn. — The Northwood Children’s Services is celebrating 141 years of serving kids and families with its third annual Northwood Night Out fundraising gala. Northwood Children’s Services Director of Resource Development Morgana Kolenda and Program Supervisor Amanda Ross joined FOX 21 live on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the purpose of the event. The gala is taking…

Northern Star: Isaiah Kastern

Solon Springs senior to play for Bemidji State in 2024-25

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The Solon Springs boys basketball team is fueled by a senior class that have run up the ranks sharing the rock. “We’ve been playing together since like fifth grade, so chemistry probably for sure would be our strong suit,” says Dylan Taggart, who recently scored his 1,000th career point. “Since they’ve been little kids, they’ve been on…

Coffee Conversation: Kicking off Spring Racing Season with the Saint Fennessy 4K

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — With temperatures on the rise, it’s time to slip the running shoes back on and kick off the spring racing season. Enter the Saint Fennessy 4K on Saturday, March 16. Zach Schneider is the Marketing and Public Relations Director with the Young Athletes Foundation. He joined FOX 21 live on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about…

Hermantown’s Cyndi Lewis Paves the Way for Others in the Community

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — There are only so many hours in a day, and one local woman likes to make the most of them as she finds herself giving back to the community through various organizations. Hermantown mom Cyndi Lewis wears many hats throughout her day-to-day life. One is her role as the Director of Development at Duluth’s Salvation Army. “When…

Coffee Conversation: Addressing Health Needs Beyond the Clinical Space

DULUTH, Minn. — Addressing health needs goes beyond medicinal support; often times it’s rooted in the basics like access to transportation, food security and more. Essentia Health has 10 community health workers (CHW) who work to ensure that individuals are supported inside and outside of the hospital. CHW Sam Eades with Essentia Health joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast…

Wheels Turning as NextGen Robotics Creators Compete

110 high school teams at DECC reveal creative minds, imaginations and know-how for the future.

Football may have its Super Bowl Week, but it is not alone. The countdown is on in Duluth for super clashes between mechanical beings. The floor of the DECC Thursday was a sea of metal frames, wheels, mechanical limbs and electricity. It’s officially known as a FIRST Robotics competition. One hundred and ten high school teams are competing to make…

Coffee Conversation: Zenith Digital Marketing Conference in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Marketing agency Aimclear and young professionals networking group Fuse Duluth will host the Zenith Digital Marketing Conference on Thursday, April 11. Lea Scudamore with Aimclear and Aubrey Hagen with Fuse Duluth joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the event and its purpose. The conference is designed for marketing pros of all levels…

Northern Star: Abe Soumis

Senior holds Hermantown's all-time scoring record

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- On Monday, Abe Soumis broke the all-time scoring record for the Hermantown boys’ basketball team when he put up 48 points against Chisago Lakes. For anyone who has watched the Hawks in the last two seasons, this didn’t come as a surprise. “You know, the thing about Abe is that he’s that kind of kid that every coach…

Art Mural Gets Students Thinking and Asking Questions

Native artist combines tangible images with scenes intended to trigger imaginations.

Some Duluth students will now have a lot to ponder as they walk through their school and look up. What they are going to see is art. Not just any art, but a mural. It now adorns Raleigh Edison Charter School and was done by local native artist Jonathan Thunder. Thunder was on hand to talk to the kids Wednesday….

Coffee Conversation: Miel Duluth Prepares for Busy Bee Season

DULUTH, Minn. — As spring nears and buds begin to bloom, bees will come out to forage nectar and pollen. Local honey and beeswax-based products business Miel Duluth is ready for the busy bee season. Owner of Miel Duluth Vanessa Roers joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about the upcoming bee season and preparation. Roers also…

Young Student on a Mission to Give Back to Teachers

One young student has continued her mission to spread joy to her teachers through something many enjoy--snacks!

DULUTH, Minn. –It all started with a single dollar and a challenge from a teacher. How can you use that dollar to spread compassion? “In 3rd grade, my teacher gave us $1 and said do something great with it,” said Amelia Hanson, 5th Grade Student. “So, Amelia took that dollar and decided to use it to raise additional money, and…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Scottish Heritage Association Spring Concert

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Scottish Heritage Association Spring Concert is taking place on Saturday, March 2 at the Proctor High School Auditorium. Member of the Duluth Scottish Heritage Pipes and Drums group Jason Reid joined FOX 21 on the morning Tuesday to talk about the event and its purpose. Reid also piped some tunes live in-studio. The evening begins…

Coffee Conversation: UW-Superior Spring Career and Internship Fair

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin Superior is preparing to host a Spring Career and Internship Fair on Thursday, February 29 from 1 pm to 4 pm. UW-Superior Interim Senior Partnerships Officer Ilsa Hoeschen and UWS Career Development Manager Liza Shelquist joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Monday ahead of the event. The fair is taking place at…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Band “Fish Heads” Play for Food Shelf

DULUTH, Minn. — The Fish Heads, a husband and wife duo band, host virtual concerts every other Friday evening to help raise money for the food shelf. Band Members Mike and Kim Monson joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the concerts and play some tunes live in-studio. The band has raised about $8,000 since beginning the…

Drone Helps Find Missing Pine County Man

A new technology involving drones helped find the body of a missing Pine County man with dementia. The 86-year-old man was last seen near the Nemadji State Forest, which is a vast area over 92,000 acres. Earl Bakke is retired from law enforcement and started a drone business that helps to locate missing people. He reached out the Pine County…

Northern Star: Justin Jobe

Jobe will have a chance to qualify for his third individual state tournament.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- “Pull the rope” is a mantra often used by the Grand Rapids’ high school wrestlers. It’s part of the reason why Justin Jobe treats wrestling as a team sport. “Just because it sucks so much,” Jobe smiles, alluding to the hard work required to be great on the mats. “You know, it sucks, but it’s awesome at…

Coffee Conversation: Big Donation Drive to Benefit Local Outreach Organizations

SUPERIOR, WI. — A big donation drive hosted through the Lenroot-Maetzold and Downs-Lesage Funeral Homes is taking place this weekend to benefit local outreach organizations. Donation Drive Coordinator RaeAnn Sojka joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday with more information. The Donation Drive is taking place on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday, Feb….

Coffee Conversation: Importance of Exercise to Maintain Good Heart Health

DULUTH, Minn. — February is American Heart Month, a time to encourage people to focus on their cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association says only one in five adults get enough exercise to maintain good health. Planet Fitness weighed in on the conversation Tuesday. Bailey Romans from Planet Fitness joined FOX 21 live on the morning newscast to talk more…

Martens, Owls, Ermine, the Unexpected

Sax-Zim Bog wildlife attracts amateurs and pros, big lenses and small.

“Not only are you able to actually see nature. There’s a lot of travels I do, and I don’t see any animals, hardly any birds, and to be able to have this in our backyard is awesome,” said local photographer, Amber Nichols. “There are people that come here from all over the world, to see owls in particular, and the…

Coffee Conversation: Family Freedom Center to hold Black History Brunch

DULUTH, Minn. — In honor of Black History Month, the Family Freedom Center will hold a Black History Month Brunch at the Washington Center on Saturday, Feb. 16. Family Freedom Center Director of Teen Engagement Pez Davila joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the event and its purpose. The brunch will take place from 11 am…

Northern Star: Mannon McMahon

10 goals, 15 assists through 30 games in 2023-24 season

DULUTH, Minn.- Entering this season, the UMD women had some huge skates to fill following the departure of their three captains. With the postseason in sight, it’s now clear that Mannon McMahon was the right woman for the job. “It definitely was a little daunting, just knowing that it is such a big role and such a big opportunity,” says…

Coffee Conversation: 218 Days Northland Celebration Returns

NORTHLAND — 218 Days returns for year two to northland communities this weekend, featuring live music along with art and local food. It runs Feb. 16-18. Director of Sales at Odyssey Resorts Sara Zeleznikar and Hakkon Nelson with Vikre Distillery joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the event and its purpose. A collection of events and…

Celebrating 3 Years of Duluth Ronald McDonald House Helping Families

Anniversary a time to reflect and be thankful.

There is nothing like an anniversary party to brighten up a gray February day. And Friday people were celebrating a place that has brightened up the day of many families. The Ronald McDonald House in Duluth has been a welcome landing place for three years. Friday, Essentia Health medical staff and others gathered to think about the resource it has…

Northern Star: AJ Reyelts

Finishing high school career with 1,000+ saves

PROCTOR, Minn.- Last week, Proctor’s AJ Reyelts put himself in rare company for high school goaltenders when he recorded his 1,000th save. “Ever since the Christmas tournament, we’ve been firing,” says Reyelts. “The team feels great. I mean, we’ve been winning a lot, so that’s always fun.” When Reyelts is in front of the net, life is good for the…

Zoo Animals Entertained by Duluth Fire Hoses

Firefighters reuse old hoses to create fun and challenge for the critters.

Many of us have kicked around in the garage and found that old garden hose that isn’t any good anymore. But what if you’re in the local fire station and it’s fire hose you’re talking about? Well, you take it to the zoo–of course! At least that’s what Duluth firefighters were doing Wednesday. Unique items and play toys–often known in…

Electric Vehicles Are On the Move In The Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Jonathan Thornton has been fascinated by the electric vehicle industry for many years. He is a recent owner of an electric vehicle buying his sedan just a few years ago. Thornton says his parent’s sensibility around environmental issues provided the foundation for his interest in getting his first electric car. And when his kids bought one, he…

Northern Star: Madison Burns

Ashland wrestler coming off undefeated season

ASHLAND, Wis.- Madison Burns may get pre-match jitters, but once the clock begins to tick, her opponents are the ones who start to get nervous. “She gets mad at me because sometimes I don’t let her pin girls right away…I make her wrestle a little bit.” Ashland Wrestling Head Coach Joe Hasskamp has mentored Burns throughout her burgeoning career, including…

Coffee Conversation: New Series Highlights the Impact of Aging Loved Ones on Duluth Families

DULUTH, Minn. — Local families in Duluth are the subject of a new television series, Inside Senior Living, taking viewers on an intimate journey into the lives of seniors and their loves ones as they navigate the process of aging and make decisions about living arrangements. Creator and Executive Director Melissa Fritz joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk…

Coffee Conversation: AICHO Hosts Love-Themed Market Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Indian Community Housing Organization is hosting its first-ever love-themed market on Saturday. The Zaagi’idiwin Tour 2024 will include 22 vendors offering love-themed art, merchandise, and pastries. The market is all about making Valentine’s Day gift shopping easy and less stressful. It’s all taking place at the Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 W. 2nd Street,…