Features

Coffee Conversation: Twin Ports Fire Vs. Police Softball Charity Game

DULUTH, Minn. – The 14th Annual Northern Lights Badges & Ball Charity Softball Game is set to take place on Wed. August 9 at Wade Stadium in Duluth. The game features both Duluth and Superior Police & Fire Departments playing to raise funds for the Northern Lights Foundation, a charity organization that provides financial support to families with children who…

Coffee Conversation: 9th Annual Operation K-9 Returns to Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — On Thursday, August 10, Operation K-9 returns to Superior for its ninth year to raise funds for the Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation and shed light on the work these animals do with local law enforcement agencies. Board Member of the Northland K-9 Foundation Dana Kazel joined FOX21 live on the morning newscast Fri. August 4 to…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth TMS Treatment for Depression

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth TMS offers an FDA approved, non-invasive way to treat depression when medications fall short. Firstly, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS therapy uses strong, magnetic pulses to stimulate a localized region of the brain. According to Duluth TMS, this creates a clinical benefit without medication side-effects. As Duluth TMS explained, healthy brain function then returns over the…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Duluth Driftwood Art

DULUTH, Minn. — By taking a casual stroll down Greysolon Ave. there’s a yard filled with sculptures that draw the eyes of neighbors and passersby.Behind these intricate sculptures, lies an artist who’s journey into the art world is anything other than ordinary. “Sometimes it’s like magic,” said Wilmer Roballo, the artist behind Duluth Driftwood Art. “Sometimes I feel the attraction…

Coffee Conversation: The Loneliness Epidemic Among Young People

DULUTH, Minn. — In a world of 8 billion people, the epidemic of loneliness continues to expand with, especially, young adults in its path. Dr. Jack Stoltzfus joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the causes of loneliness along with the role parents and society plays in a person’s experience with it. Stoltzfus further explained the importance of…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Loch Café and Games

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluthian, Erin Glesner has a passion for baking and creating delicious treats, “I love food, I had my own cottage food bakery since 2015, “said Glesner. Her husband Matt has a passion for tabletop games, “My husband actually grew up going to game shops,” said Glesner. Together they decided to combine their two hobbies to create Loch…

Coffee Conversation: Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival

DULUTH, Minn. — The 17th Annual Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival is returning Sat. July 15 to Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. Janna Dreher with the Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival along with Performer Luciano from Jamaica joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Luciano gave a live in-studio performance. For…

Coffee Conversation: Spiritwood Foundation Concert at Veterans on the Lake

ELY, Minn. — Veterans on the Lake will host the Spiritwood Foundation’s first-ever Concert and 40th Anniversary of Veterans on the Lake Sat. July 15 starting at 7:00 pm. The event, ‘Under The Big Top,’ features the musical talent of Monroe Crossing, Ely Ledgerockin’ Chorus, Pat and Donna Surface by 7-time Minnesota State Fiddle Champion Mary LaPlant, Marina Whight, and Butch Schmidt….

Two Harbors Heritage Days Draw Crowds

Food, gift vendors, entertainment and the dunk tank all have their fans.

TWO HARBORS, MINN. – There are countless reasons to head up the North Shore, and Two Harbor SHeritage Days is certainly one of them. The streets and sidewalks were filled with people out enjoying a Friday in July. There was a mix of street vendors, and various booths and displays. You couldn’t walk far without seeing something to eat, or…

Coffee Conversation: Overcoming Social Isolation Post-Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn — As we know, the pandemic disrupted “normal” living for everyone, but one group in Duluth is working on a new project to help people overcome social isolation post-pandemic, specifically, aging individuals and/or those living with disability, Social Worker Jessica Marquardt with Lighthouse Center for Vital Living, a disability/aging non-profit, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk…

Coffee Conversation: ‘Visit Cook County’ Natural Attractions

COOK COUNTY, Minn. — FOX21 explored Cook County throughout this past waterfalls season, but wanted to dive deeper into the many natural attractions the North Shore has in the heart of summer. Visit Cook County Executive Director Linda Jurek joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about Cook County and its current happenings. Being that the area is stomping…

Coffee Conversation: Benefits of Summer Scheduling & Routine for Kids

DULUTH, Minn. — On the morning show Friday, Essentia Health Pediatrician Dr. Marit Knutson sat down live with FOX21 to talk about the importance of summer schedules for kids and how they benefit from some level of structure. Knutson discussed the things parents can do to help implement structure within a flexible summer schedule for their kids, all the while navigating…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Junior’s Backyard Grill

CLOQUET, Minn. –There’s a new food truck in the Northland and it’s bringing some home cooked meals on wheels to the Cloquet area. Junior’s backyard grill had their grand opening June 13th, and it came after a long time in the making. The team originally planned on opening a traditional restaurant, but eventually found themselves running one on wheels. “It’s…

Motorcycle Crashes Near Ely

ELY, MINN. — First responders and law enforcement responded to a motorcycle crash just north of Ely on Friday. The 65-year-old driver reported that he lost control of the bike while he was trying to make a turn. The man was taken by ambulance to Bloomenseon Community Hospital before being transported to a Duluth hospital. While authorities were investigating that…

Spaghetti and Other Motivations Fuel Grandma’s Runners

Memories, health and family are among the reasons people run.

Something that always goes well before twenty-six miles of running, is twenty-six miles of spaghetti noodles. Visitors could start slurping their noodles and sauce at the DECC beginning at eleven Friday morning. There are many traditions associated with Grandma’s, and the pasta feed is just one of them.  Meaghan Burns and her husband from Lino Lakes will be running. This…

Coffee Conversation: Runner, Author, and Activist — Alison Mariella Désir

DULUTH, Minn. — Runner, Author, and Activist Alison Mariella Désir made the trek to Duluth from Seattle this weekend for Grandma’s Marathon, but her mission here runs much deeper than the physical race. Her book, ‘Running While Black’, is one avenue she’s used to shed light on people not traditionally included in the world of running. Désir joined FOX21 on…

Fox Along the North Shore: Cascade River State Park

LUTSEN, Minn. — Now that summer weather is here and the kids are out of school, the North Shore is starting to see more visitors.  We recently stopped at Cascade River State Park and met a few people from across the country. “It’s amazing.  Absolutely breathtaking. Beautiful. I haven’t seen anything like it,” said park visitor Benjamin Boucherle. The reputation…

Coffee Conversation: Summer Opportunities at GND Rec Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The heart of summer is on the horizon and many are itching to stay busy and fend off any summer boredom. The Gary New Duluth Recreation Area functions as a catalyst for community members of all ages to engage in programming, entertainment, exercise, group events, and more. ISD 709 Principal Nathan Glockle joined FOX21 on the morning…

Coffee Conversation: Summer Programming at Duluth Public Library

DULUTH, Minn. — As schools let out for the summer, some parents look to bridge the learning gap that many kids experience while on break; the library can be a a great, free option to assist with that. Duluth Library Services Supervisor Brianna Belanger joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about a range of programs and learning opportunities…

Coffee Conversation: Mental Health Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing

DULUTH, Minn. — The act of breathing is a natural process of the human body, but implementing diaphragmatic breathing with a focus on deep, controlled breaths, can help relax the mind and body in times of tension or crisis. Owner and Coach at Klear Water Coaching & Wellness Stacy Crawford joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk more about…

Coffee Conversation: Musician Rafe Carlson Embarks on Tour in Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Musician Rafe Carlson is back in the Northland, after spending time in Nashville for the past several months furthering his career in music. He’s set to take the stage at multiple venues across the region as part of his June tour. Carlson joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about his time in Nashville and…

The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

DULUTH, Minn. — The deep sea of social media is vast and ever-evolving; and as experts report, it continues to impact the mental health of kids and teens. This leaving parents with one question: what to do next? Boundary-setting, balance, & mindfulness are potent to manage and combat the negative effects technology can have on its users, according to Licensed…

Connecting Principles: The Importance of Youth Programming Options in the Summer

DULUTH, Minn. — As the 2023 school year comes to a close, kids are gearing up for summer break. However, most parents continue working through the summer months, and some families turn to youth programming options to help keep kids entertained, engaged, and in a structured environment at little-to-no costs. The Family Freedom Center / Neighborhood Youth Services is a…

Fox Along the North Shore: Tettegouche State Park

SILVER BAY, Minn. — After a long winter with several areas seeing record snowfall, there was plenty of snow to keep the waterfalls roaring this spring.  With the spring melt over, rivers are now relying on other sources to fuel the waterfalls. We recently ventured up to Tettegouche State Park where some of the last remaining snow in the Northland…

Connecting Principles: Post-Pandemic Mental Health Impacts on Students and Staff

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Connecting Principles segment, we take a look at the increased trend of mental health effects post-pandemic on students and staff. Being an educator goes beyond just teaching academics. Educators play a vital role in student development and, right now, there’s a heightened need to connect and address student social, emotional, and behavioral needs post-pandemic….

Coffee Conversation: Growing Up Chester Fundraising Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. —  Chester Bowl is looking to expand and renovate its outdated Thom Storm Chalet by raising funds through the “Growing Up Chester” campaign. Chester Bowl exists to build community by helping people recreate outside in Chester Park. The Thom Storm Chalet is one of the necessary tools to put this mission into action. Unfortunately, the Chalet is outdated…

Coffee Conversation: Upcoming Flag Retirement Ceremony in Superior, WI

SUPERIOR, WI. — A flag retirement event will be held on June 10 at the Richard I. Bong Veteran’s Memorial Center featuring a flag exhibit, flag education, and a flag burning ceremony. The event will be hosted by the Lake Superior Chapter-Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Legion Post #435. Group leaders, Mary Houk and Glen Erickson, joined…

Coffee Conversation: ‘EarthKry’ Jamaican Reggae Band Performs in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — EarthKry, a reggae band from Kingston, Jamaica, stopped by Duluth to perform while on their international “Dandy Shandy Tour.” Keyboard Player Philip Mcfarlane and Vocalist/Guitarist Aldayne Haughton stopped by the morning newscast to talk about reggae music and its impact. The Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival 2023 is coming to Duluth Saturday, July 15 2023. Categories: Coffee…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Dylan Fest Returns to Northland

DULUTH / HIBBING, Minn. — In honor of Minnesota born-and-raised Novel prize winner Bob Dylan, the 2023 Duluth Dylan Festival is set to return to Duluth and Hibbing on Saturday, May 20 through Sunday, May 28. Festival Volunteer Laura Whitney joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event + Bob Dylan’s impact. The festival will feature a…

Coffee Conversation: Denfeld Theater Presents First Production in 5 Years, “Chicago”

DULUTH, Minn. — After a five-year hiatus, the Duluth Denfeld High School Theater Dept. is back in the limelight; presenting a rendition of the classic musical “Chicago” (May 18-20.) Cast members Reagan Kern (Roxie) and Madi Watts (Velma) joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the departments renewed momentum + the upcoming performance. The storyline of Chicago is…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Honor Flight Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — After 14 years, the Northland Honor Flight is still remembering and honoring the sacrifice of veterans by bringing them on a meaningful journey to the nation’s Capital. 93 veterans along with family members and volunteers left from the Duluth Airport and traveled to Washington D.C Saturday  May 13 to visit memorials dedicated to their service. “Everything was…

Lake Superior College Graduates Celebrate

Commencement marks next stage in many lives

There was no shortage of gowns, tassels and mortar boards Monday at the DECC’s Symphony Hall. It was a day for students from Lake Superior College to celebrate and go through their commencement ceremonies. Almost eight hundred students graduated. Their accomplishments included certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. Their studies covered 67 different program areas. The emotions included a mixed bag…

Coffee Conversation: Leadership Duluth Launches “Just Breathe 988” Awareness Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2023 Leadership Duluth class has launched an area-wide campaign called “just breathe 988” to bring awareness to the new nation-wide 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. Campaign Leader Jerry Thoreson and Klear Water Coaching & Wellness Owner Stacy Crawford joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the campaign and its mission. Thoreson says, the goal…

On the Menu: Mother’s Day Buffets

Lincoln Park restaurant hopes its barbeque and more will give moms a break.

DULUTH, Minn. — The day for celebrating and showing love for your mom is coming up on Sunday. Many restaurants across the region are getting ready for their Mother’s Day Buffet. One of those is Howard’s Que in Lincoln Park. Friday, owner Howard Ross and his crew were fine-tuning things for another year. He gets a lot of joy seeing…

Fox Along the North Shore; Waterfalls and More

Area photographer helps Meteorologist Ken Slama get started behind the lens.

This week for Fox Along the North Shore: Waterfalls and More, Fox21 Meteorologist Ken Slama was at the falls and river at Lester Park with photographer Joe Polecheck. They talked about tips and advice on how to photograph waterfalls. There are dozens of waterfalls to choose from. Starting in Duluth and heading all the way to the northeastern tip of…

Northern Star: The Haugens

The Haugens and the Eskomos will look to extend an 11 game win streak, on the road this Friday against Roseau.

ESKO, Minn.- In baseball everything starts at home. and in the Haugen household two brothers and their father get to share their love of the game, all on the same Diamond. “Kind of have a built-in friend, I guess, as your brother. You come to the field together, go play catch together. If we’re at home we can say, ‘let’s…

Connecting Principles: Purposeful Parenting & the Healthy Launch of a Young Adult

Minn. — In this week’s Connecting Principles segment, we checked in with Minnesota-based Dr. Jack Stotlzfus to discuss what constitutes the healthy launch of a young adult transitioning out of the home. Stoltzfus connects the principles of purposeful parenting, whereupon parents can purposefully prepare their kids to enter into adulthood. Take a listen. For more information, resources, or to read…