Maria Vollom joining FOX 21 evening team

1 hour ago

Matt McConico,

DULUTH, Minn. – An exciting new chapter has begun at FOX 21 Local News. Morning anchor Maria Vollom has been promoted to evening co-anchor with Dan Hanger, Rusty Mehlberg on weather and Neil Vierzba on sports at 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
on the evening newscasts.

After waking-up early for FOX 21 Local News from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m. for nearly four years, Maria is excited to sleep in and make the switch to nightside.

Dan Hanger and Maria Vollom

“The Northland is home to me, from my hometown of International Falls to the Iron Range and rural areas of northwestern Wisconsin. Joining the evening newscasts is an honor, and I’m proud to represent our region and do not take lightly the trust our communities place in us,” Maria said.

As for Dan, he’s thrilled to have a co-anchor again. “After three years solo at the anchor desk, I’m more than excited to have Maria join the evening news team. She’s local, she cares about journalism and brings another voice to the table to help make our product the best it can be. Here’s to the next chapter at FOX 21!”

Rusty is energized to have an additional journalist on the evening team. “Maria did an amazing job making our morning newscast informative with her local perspective, as well as fun with her featured stories and banter. I’m excited to see how her knowledge and journalism skills make our evening newscasts ones not to miss. We all want to make the Northland as informed as possible, and she will help us do that,” Rusty said.

Neil said Maria it perfect for the local news brand: ‘I’m very excited to add a local product to our news team.”

News Director Matt McConico said Maria brings a strong balance of personality and knowledge to the evening team. “You could instantly see the on-air chemistry between Maria and Dan co-anchoring the Superior Independence Day Parade over the last few years. I expect it to continue at 5:30 and 9.”

FOX 21 is the only local news option on television Monday through Friday at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Maria is also published author with her children’s book The Great Sheep Escape: Brad’s Big Adventure.

Dan Hanger won the 2025 Duluth News Tribune Best of the Best Award for Best TV Anchor.