Entertainment

IRRRB to Privatize Skiing Operations

Much of Facility Already Privately Run

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A private management firm will take over skiing operations at Giants Ridge. The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board approved that plan on a 5-4 vote today in St. Paul. Much of the Biwabik resort is already privatized, including the golf course. IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips believes some employees will now take an early retirement option. Giants Ridge…

Amazon Server Failure Causing Website Errors and Outages

Noticing a slow down with your internet? Web pages not loading? Photos or videos not loading? Apps on your phone not working? As you can see with our website, we’re experiencing it here at FOX 21 too. Amazon’s S3 web-based storage service is experience widespread issues, which is affecting services across the globe, causing errors in websites, apps, and devices…

Bush Promotes New Book, Reflects on Painting and the Press

  NEW YORK (AP) – Former President George W. Bush says he didn’t intend to criticize President Donald Trump when he recently said that a free press is essential to democracy. Speaking by telephone Tuesday with The Associated Press, Bush said he was simply responding to a reporter’s question about the role of journalism. Trump has referred to the press…

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…

Fat Tire Bike Festival Back for Second Year

Coffee Conversation: Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend winter sport enthusiasts will be filling the hills at Spirit Mountain. It’s all for the 2nd Annual Frosted Fatty Fat Bike Festival. Competitors from around the country will be coming into town on March 4 and 5 for two days of fat bike races, events, silent auction and more with over 300 participants expected. New…

Despite Cancelled Race, Businesses In Hayward Still Saw Revenue

Birkebeiner May Have Been Cancelled But People Still Supported Local Businesses

This year’s Birkebeiner was different, due to the race being cancelled. With the race being cancelled for only the 2nd time in 44 years, many were celebrating. ‘Birkie Fever’ is what they call and some businesses say this weekend was one of the best. The Birkebeiner brings thousands of people to the small town of Hayward every year. Birkie or…

Birkebeiner Shortened To 5K Of Trail

Birkebeiner May Have Been Cancelled But The Party Wasn't

CABLE, Wis. – This year’s 44th annual Birkebeiner will be known to those who attended as “Birkiefest 2017”. The race being cancelled didn’t take away from the spirit of having fun. The normal distance for the North American Birkebeiner is 51 kilometers, this year Mother Nature decided otherwise, shortening the race to a 5 kilometer fun run. Some embraced the…

American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Prince Haakon Races Cancelled

  HAYWARD, Wis. – After unseasonably warm weather and rain, and the predicted snow missing the Hayward and Cable area, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation announces the cancellation of the 2017 American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon cross-country ski races. Instead, BirkieStock 2017 will take place as an inaugural celebration of the American Birkebeiner Trialhead and start area. Skiers, spectators,…

UMD Students Act in Magical and Funny Drama

School of Fine Arts Presents Marvin's Room

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota – Duluth School of Fine Arts is opening up a new show next week. “Marvin’s Room” features the character Bessie coping with her biggest challenge yet, exploring how and who we love, especially when aging and sickness get in the way. The show will be performed March 2-4 & 14-18 at 7:30pm and March…

Mont du Lac Still Open Despite Warm Weather

Could go to Weekend-Only Schedule Soon

MONT DU LAC, Wis.-Despite the recent string of rain and warm temperatures, Mont du Lac is still buzzing along with many winter sports enthusiasts enjoying the hills. Preparation are key this year for outlasting an unusually warm trend. Management of the resort told us that current conditions are “variable,” as the weather is acting more like spring then winter. “Winter…

Barkie Birkie Skijor Race Took Place As A Running Race

American Birkibeiner Events Kicked Off Today

HAYWARD, Wisc. – Today was an opportunity for dogs to show off their “barkie fever” this morning, as the American Birkibeiner events kicked off today in Hayward Wisconsin. Despite the lack of snow cover on the ground this year, it didn’t stop the Barkie Birkie Canicross that is usually a skijor race from competing. Today it was turned into a running…

Birkie Trail and Race Updates

Snow Is In The Forecast

HAYWARD, Wisc. – Over 40,000 people are expected to arrive in the Northland tonight in anticipation for the 2017 American Birkibeiner Race. With the recent warm week melting nearly all of the snow pack from this winter, trail conditions are on everyone’s mind. Right now only the north half of the trail from Cable, Wisconsin to Trailhead OO is possibly ski-able on…

‘She Persisted’ Phrase Inked on Dozens of Minneapolis Women

A fresh “nevertheless, she persisted” tattoo is wiped clean inside Brass Knuckle Tattoo Shop. Evan Frost | MPR NewsMINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Women have packed at least one tattoo studio in Minneapolis to get a permanent reminder that there’s solidarity in ink. Minnesota Public Radio reports Minneapolis residents Chelsea Brink, Nora McInerny and Kate O’Reilly started a fundraiser in which people…

All-Girls Camp Takes over Animal Allies Humane Society

During Winter Break, A Group of Eight Girls Have the Chance to Learn and Have Fun at the Local Shelter

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though it’s beginning to feel like spring across the Northland, Duluth School District students are enjoying winter break this week. A group of eight girls, ages 10 to 14, are taking part in the first even all-girls camp at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. It’s a chance for the girls to engage in art projects,…

Another Catch-and-Release Season Expected on Mille Lacs Lake

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Walleye anglers face another year of catch-and-release fishing on Mille Lacs Lake. The Star Tribune reports that the Department of Natural Resources officials told the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee last week to expect a second consecutive catch-and-release season as it tries to rebuild the popular lake’s struggling walleye population. Central region fisheries manager Brad Parsons says…

Choice Unlimited Masquerade Ball Set for Thursday

"A Royal Affair" Celebrates People and the Art They Produce

DULUTH, Minn. – Dust off your best mask because there’s a masquerade ball Thursday night in Duluth. “A Royal Affair” is this year’s theme for Choice Unlimited’s 4th annual fundraising gala, celebrating the talents of people with disabilities and the art they produce. Organizers say the fundraiser helps bring people together. “People get to know people,” said Annie Roseen, Arts…

Event Changes Announced for the Birkie

HAYWARD, Wis. – With the unseasonably warm temperatures, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that Birkie Week events scheduled for Friday, February 24, have been moved to Saturday, February 25. These events include the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races. In addition, ABSF officials have determined there are three possible scenarios for Saturday events. SCENARIO 1: With some snow…

Sticky Bun Fun With Lake Superior Bakehouse

On Tuesday, February 21, We Celebrate National Sticky Buns Day!

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a lot to celebrate in the bakery world on Tuesday, February 21, 2017! The staff at Lake Superior Bakehouse stopped by the FOX 21 Tuesday morning with a few special treats to help celebrate. They say their fresh, homemade sticky buns are a top seller at the bakehouse, located at 102 West Superior Street in Duluth. National…

Change of Course for the Birkebeiner

Due to warm weather conditions, Lake Hayward is no longer safe for skiers

HAYWARD, Wisc. – With warm weather conditions throughout the state, along with a forecast of rain Monday, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that an adjustment to the overall race course for Birkie Week events is required. After warm weather over the weekend, Lake Hayward is no longer a viable option for racers. As part of a normal…

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…

Northland Beer Lovers to fill Brewer’s Row

Brewer's Row Poker Pub Crawl

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the 1st Annual Brewer’s Row Poker Pub Crawl is taking place. Brewer’s Row recognizes craft beer establishments along Superior St. in downtown Duluth. The crawl begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Blind Pig where participants will receive a glass to bring to each bar. Then, participants will drink one beer from each location, starting with…

Damage Days Hosts Snowboarders at Spirit Mountain

Party in the Pipe & After Hours Rope Tow

DULUTH, Minn. – Damage Days is taking place at Spirit Mountain once again. The annual snowboarding event is being held this weekend. Tonight, February 17th they’re holding the Party in the Pipe from 6-8 p.m. On Saturday, February 18th Damage Days is featuring an after hours rope tow session from 9:30 p.m. – midnight. Additionally, their will be product giveaways,…

Adolf Hitler’s Personal Traveling Phone for Sale

CHESAPEAKE CITY, Md. (AP) – A Maryland auction house is selling Adolf Hitler’s personal traveling telephone. Bill Panagopulos of Alexander Historical Auctions in Chesapeake City says occupying Russian officers gave the phone to Brig. Sir Ralph Rayner during a visit to Hitler’s Berlin bunker. Rayner’s son is now selling the red phone with a Nazi party symbol and Hitler’s name…

Anglers Can Fish Without a Michigan License this Weekend

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Want to go fishing but don’t have a license? No problem, but just for a couple of days. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has scheduled its Winter Free Fishing Weekend for Saturday and Sunday. No license is required, although other fishing regulations will remain in force. The free weekend is held each year to promote…

Mountain Faith Band Performs on FOX 21

Musical Group to Headline Duluth Boat, Sport, Travel & RV Show

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show starts up tonight. The headlining musical group, Mountain Faith, is in town. Mountain Faith is based in Western North Carolina and work together at a local tire shop. They are described as fresh, pure and upbeat with Modern Americana-Roots. The group appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2015 ….

Historical Exhibit Honors Minnesota Ballet

Costumes Displayed at St. Louis County Historical Society

DULUTH, Minn. – The stories of the Minnesota Ballet are on display at the St. Louis County Historical Society, along with the corresponding costume. The exhibit called, “Once upon a Ballet,” features costumes and props from Minnesota Ballet official productions of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and 1997-2008 The Nutcracker. The exhibit is located in the Small Fesler Gallery on the main…

‘Crooked Pint’ Construction Underway

Pub And Restaurant Expected To Open In May

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction is now fully on for Duluth’s newest pub and restaurant, which is scheduled to open in just month’s in a neighborhood that’s starving for this type of flavor. The Crooked Pint Ale House is set to open in early May on the corner of Kenwood Avenue and Arrowhead Road. The business will be on the lower…

Figure Skating Club Offers Valentine’s Ice Show

UMD Figure Skaters Perform Annual Valentine's Show

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students showed off their figure skating skills today at the Mars Lakeview Arena. The UMD Figure Skating Club presented their annual Valentine Ice Show, which featured members of the club performing solo routines and in small groups. The whole show was underscored by popular love songs to get everyone in the Valentine’s Day spirit. The show…

Love Your Local Artist

Local Artist Show Off Their Art Work

Superior, Northland artists showed off their talents tonight in Superior. The Superior Public Library hosted the 7th annual love your local artist fundraiser. It’s a popular even which gives artists a chance to sell their one of a kind piece. “I think this community loves local art, we love our artist. We’re looking for creative things, new things, we love…

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…

Chocolate After Dark

Many Local Restuarnats Come Up With Chocolate Creation For Good Cause

Duluth, Minn The 20th annual chocolate after dark was tonight. You could find almost any type of food covered in chocolate. Valentine’s Day must be around the corner so it makes since to talk some chocolate. Some interesting combinations were chocolate covered bacon and chocolate covered sushi. The annual fundraiser raises awareness for those with a disability. “All of our…

2017 Two Harbors Winter Frolic Begins

Events will be Happening Friday and Saturday in the North Shore Community

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Starting Friday, one community along the North Shore will be celebrating the winter season as temperatures begin to climb. Hundreds are expected to take part in the annual Two Harbors Winter Frolic. The two-day event kicks off Friday evening with a chili cook-off challenge and a community curling challenge. Sliding, skating, and snow sculptures are also…

Local Non-Profit Sets Goal to Make Prom More Affordable

If the Dress Fits Collects Used Prom Dresses

DULUTH, Minn. – Finding the perfect prom dress can be a fun experience, but it can also put a strain on the pocketbook. One Northland non-profit is hoping to change that for high school girls. Ashleigh Arntson is the co-founder of If the Dress Fits. The organization allows girls and their families to donate current, previously worn or brand new…

Valentine’s Fun for the Family

Duluth KidsClub 3rd Annual Valentine's Extravaganza

DULUTH, Minn. – Family fun will be had this weekend as the Duluth KidsClub hosts the 3rd Annual Valentine’s Extravaganza. There will be singing, dancing, bouncing, sliding, crafting, printing photo booth keepsakes, playing games and winning prizes, indulging in sweets and treats, and meeting costumed characters. This is taking place Saturday, February 11th at the Clyde Iron in Duluth. Event…

Canadian Forces Snowbirds Make Visit to Cirrus Aircraft

The Snowbirds are Preparing for the Upcoming 2017 Duluth Air and Aviation Expo Presented by St. Luke's

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the frigid cold we experienced in the Northland Wednesday, it didn’t stop the Canadian Forces Snowbirds from flocking into Cirrus Aviation earlier in the day. The visit by the military flight demonstration team is in preparation for their longer visit this summer when they will be performing at the 2017 Duluth Air and Aviation Expo presented…

Night Out with Chocolate Supports Arc Northland

20th Annual Chocolate After Dark

DULUTH, Minn. – Local chefs are getting creative by combining chocolate with courses of a meal. The 20th Annual Chocolate After Dark event will include chocolate creations from featured local chefs, a silent auction, a wine wall, and a cash bar. All proceeds from the event go to supporting and expanding Arc Northland’s core services. Here’s a preview of what…

Douglas County Historical Society Brings History to Life through Theater

Northland Uncovered: Mary Todd Lincoln

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Historical Society is hosting the first production of the 2017 History Theater season with Jessica Michna as “Mary Todd Lincoln”. There will be two different performances, the first Saturday, Feb. 11th at 7:00 p.m. and the second show Sunday, Feb. 12th at 2:00 p.m. The first performance, “Preserve the Union,” is based on her…

National Fettuccine Alfredo Day

Never Ending Classics at Olive Garden

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is National Fettuccine Alfredo Day. Alfredo Di Lelio created the dish in 1908. Di Lelio created the dish of noodles, cheese and butter when his wife had no appetite after giving birth to their son. This morning, Olive Garden visited FOX 21 to chat about all they have to offer on this special day. Olive Garden…

Best Grocery Bagger in Minnesota On to National Competition

Sandstone College Student Has Chance to Be Bagging Champion in Las Vegas

SANDSTONE, Minn. – A grocery bagger recently won the state bagging competition and will now compete for the national title in Las Vegas. Seth Allen has been bagging groceries for more than three years at Chris’ Food Center in Sandstone. “I never thought I would be a professional bagger per se, it’s not something that as a kid you think…

UPS Store Owner Returns Package Misplaced for 4 Years

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (AP) – The owner of a UPS store in Golden Valley has found the intended recipient of a packaged that has been misplaced for four years. The package ended up at Randy Holst’s UPS store after several failed attempts to deliver it. The box contained a framed military flag, spent shell casings, newspaper clippings, and other momentos….

Snow Ball Gala to Benefit Duluth Cross Country Ski Club

Final Push to Support Cross Country Ski Projects

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, The Duluth Cross Country Ski Club (DXC) is hosting the Second Annual Snow Ball Gala. The gala is being held Saturday, February 11 at Greysolon Ballroom. This is a fundraiser for their capital campaign. The campaign focuses on ensuring the future of cross country skiing in the area by building snowmaking trails at the Grand…

Local Authors Featured at Barnes and Noble

Good Reads for Cold Weather

DULUTH, Minn. – Local authors were featured in this week’s Coffee Conversation. Shari Illig, Community Business Development Manager for Barnes & Noble, brought in four books to feature. The first is “Locally Laid” by, Lucie B. Amundsen. This book has been chosen as the One Book Northland for the community read. It’s coming out in paperback on February 28. Illig…