Author: Maria Vollom

International Falls: Future of The River Golf Course Uncertain

Citizens and city officials say efforts to buy or re-open the course have been unsuccessful.

The golf season is in full swing, but the future of the only golf course in the city of International Falls remains uncertain. The privately owned course has not opened yet, and community members searching for answers say they are concerned. Nestled along the Rainy River in International Falls sits the 18-hole River Golf Course, used by longtime golfers, athletic…

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…

ALS Fishing Tournament: Casting for a Cure

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday’s forecast made for mint fishing conditions, but over at Island Lake, fisherman were reeling for a much deeper purpose. The Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament overtook the waters, competitors there casting for a cure. The event is held to benefit individuals living with ALS and their families. ALS is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease that affects the…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Coffee Conversation: Matrescence & The Evolution of Motherhood

DULUTH, Minn. — While Mother’s Day quickly approaches, the entire month of May is dedicated toward Maternal Mental Health Awareness. FOX21 caught up with a local Perinatal Mental Health Specialist to talk about matrescence — or the physical, mental, emotional, and social transitions a person goes through when becoming a mother. The term matrescence was first coined by Dana Raphael…

Connecting Principles: SmartLab Coming Soon to Chisholm Public Schools

CHISHOLM, Minn. — In this week’s Connecting Principle’s segment, we checked in with Chisholm Public Schools as they gear up to add a new SmartLab class to school grounds. Principal Mark Morrison and English Teacher Brady Boehm joined FOX21 via zoom on the morning newscast to talk about the project plan and its purpose. While it’s not ready just yet,…

Coffee Conversation: New Wine Ministries Presents “The Sound Of Music”

CLOQUET, Minn. — Zion Lutheran’s New Wine Ministries group presents a classical rendition of “The Sound Of Music.” The performance is held to raise funds for the groups annual tour, this year to Washington D.C., in June. Group members Ben Meysembourg and Rebecca Nyberg joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about the upcoming showcase. Meysembourg gave a…

Coffee Conversation: Bike Duluth Festival 2023

DULUTH, Minn. — The 9th annual Bike Duluth Festival will return to Spirit Mountain this summer (2023) at an earlier date, July 7 – 9. The festival draws in hundreds of mountain bikers of all skill levels for three days of races, non-competitive ride events, bike and equipment demonstrations, and family activities. Bike Duluth Chairperson Jeremy Jeannette joined FOX21 on the…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Lions Club’s 64th Annual Pancake Day

DULUTH, Minn. — How high can you stack ’em? The Duluth Lions Club community-favorite fundraiser, Pancake Day, is back for its 64th year at the DECC on Thursday, May 4. Pancake Day is a major fundraising event for the Duluth Lions Club. In 2022 over $50,000.00 was returned to the community to help fund programs for youth and people who…

Coffee Conversation: Law Day 5K Fundraiser in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (LASNEM) is holding a Law Day 5K on April 30 to raise funds for its mission; providing civil legal services to low-income individuals and families. Nate Grizzle with LASNEM joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. It’s a family-friendly run/walk event open to…

Coffee Conversation: UMD Students Look for Support of Humanitarian Project in Kenya

DULUTH, Minn. — Students of UMD’s Engineers Without Borders chapter turn to community members for support of their well and water distribution system project in Nyansakia, Kenya. Alison Olson-Enamorado, Cody Barrett, Yohanis Hundessa, and Allicia Petrich joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the project and its purpose, along with an upcoming fundraiser. The well and water distribution…

Coffee Conversation: Local Musicians Austin Castle & Cole Mikel

DULUTH, Minn. — Two local musicians, Austin Castle and Cole Mikel, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast (Friday, April 21) to talk about an upcoming album release and play some tunes live in-studio. Castle was on the morning show back in November 2022 to talk about his album, “Northwoods.” This time around, Castle enlisted the help of his friend and…

Coffee Conversation: California Musician Jonathan Foster Performs in Northland

NORTHLAND — Award-winning songwriter Jonathan Foster from Redding, California is currently on his Ten Year Sabbatical Tour and made two stops in Minnesota. Foster joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Thursday to chat about his career and give the northland a live TV performance. The artist performed in Grand Rapids, MN on April 19 and will take the stage next…

Coffee Conversation: Maryland Musician to Perform at Sir Ben’s in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Musician Eli Lev from Boonsboro, Maryland joined FOX21 on the morning newscast ahead of his performance at Sir Benedict’s Tavern on Saturday, April 22 in Duluth. The artist has just completed his Four Directions Project (2021) which includes four EPs that were inspired by indigenous traditions he learned while teaching on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona. His…

Voyageurs National Park Maintenance Team Receives Award Post 2022 Flood

INT’L FALLS, Minn. — Following a summer of massive flooding on the outskirts of International Falls, the Voyageur National Park maintenance team has been recognized for their contributions to protect and preserve park grounds and beyond. The park, located just outside of International Falls overcame a range of challenges amidst a record-setting flood. This leading the Midwest Regional Office of…

Vikre Distillery Breaks Down the Non-Alcohol Cocktail Trend

DULUTH, Minn. — Non-alcohol cocktails are making their way more and more into the booze industry, as places like Vikre Distillery offer a range of “zero-proof” drinks with all the flavor and artisanship of a classic cocktail. Owner Emily Vikre joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Friday morning to talk about why she finds it important to offer non-alcohol concoctions…

MN Film Festival to Feature Actress/Comedian Mary Lynn Rajskub

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Film Festival to feature popular actress and comedian, Mary Lynn Rajskub, at Zeitgeist in Duluth. Rajskub, who you may know from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “24,” joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about her role in a local film along with her comedy show at the festival. The actress stars in…

Public Works Building Roof Shows “Signs of Distress” ahead of another Snow Storm

DULUTH, Minn. — Officials respond to Public Works Maintenance Facility on Jean Duluth Road whose roof was showing signs of distress Thursday morning following heavy snowfall, ahead of another winter snow storm. The Rice Lake Fire Department and Minnesota Power arrived on scene around 11 am to access the building after they say reports came in that the roof was…

Connecting Principles: Duluth Public Schools Current Happenings

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Connecting Principles segment, Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas stopped by the morning newscast to talk about all things happening in the district. Magas highlighted current successes and challenges at hand, along with steps moving toward the end of the school year and into next. Categories: Connecting Principles, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

School Closures, Delays, E-Learning (Monday, March 13)

Barnum Public Schools – 2-hour Delay Cloquet School District – 2-hour Delay Duluth Edison Charter Schools – Closed Duluth Public Schools – Closed Duluth Public Library – Opening at Noon Esko Public Schools – 2-hour Delay Montessori School – Closed Senior Connections – Closed South Shore Schools: 2-hour Delay Summit School Duluth – Closed Stella Maris Academy – Closed University…