Author: Maria Vollom

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 —  Chester Bowl is looking to expand and renovate its outdated Thom Storm Chalet by raising funds through the “Growing Up Chester” campaign.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 Unfortunately, the Chalet is outdated…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: 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…

Coffee Conversation: The Postpartum Period for News Moms and Spouses

DULUTH, Minn. — A deep-dive into perinatal mental health during the postpartum period for new moms and spouses. New moms experience a blend of physical, hormonal and emotional changes both during pregnancy and postpartum. Founder of Duluth Perinatal / Perinatal Mental Health Specialist / and new mom herself, Celleste Schnellbach, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about postpartum…

Coffee Conversation: Local Author Presents Transformational Memoir

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Author Heather Wilde shared her personal story, “Tumbled: A Memoir of Perseverance, Personal Growth, and Magical Transformation,” on the morning newscast. The book features a collection of memories about codependency, budding sexuality, abuse, abandonment, introspection and the need for a new identity, according to Wilde. “I’ve learned that vulnerability is a superpower,” a quote from Wilde…

Coffee Conversation: DPD to hold Women in Law Enforcement Open House

DULUTH, Minn. — In efforts to draw in more women to the workforce, the Duluth Police Department is holding a Women in Law Enforcement Open House event on Saturday, March 18. DPD Public Information Officer Mattie Hjelseth joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the event and its purpose. The event is taking place Saturday, March 18 from…

Lone Movie Theatre in International Falls to Close

INT’L FALLS, Minn. — The only movie Theatre within a 60-mile radius of International Falls, Cine 5, announced plans to shut down due to a pipe issue following Tuesday, Feb. 28. The announcement came as multiple Facebook posts on Thursday. Owners stated that an ongoing pipe problem has prompted the closure. “Yes we are closing due to the pipe issue….

Minnesota Celebrates 7th Annual School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

MINNESOTA — Wednesday is all about our school bus drivers here in Minnesota as it’s School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. The day is held in hopes of drawing attention to these dedicated professionals and the statewide bus driver shortage. Governor Tim Walz proclaimed the day in the State of Minnesota saying: “Minnesota’s school bus drivers are in the fabric of…

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Modern Quilt Guild to hold Inaugural Quilt Show

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Modern Quilt Guild (LSMQG) invites the public to its first ever quilt show to be held throughout the month of March in the Lincoln Park Craft District. LSMQG Leadership Team Members, Heidi Foltz and Jen Gustafson, joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the event. The LSMQG’s Modern Quilt Walkabout quilt show…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Women’s Expo to Return for 14th Year

DULUTH, Minn. — The 14th annual Duluth Women’s Expo will return to the DECC Pioneer Hall on Saturday (2/25) showcasing more than 100 vendors and a range of offerings. The Lundeen Group Vice President Kynze Lundeen joined the FOX21 morning newscast on Monday to preview the event. Onsite you can expect to find food and drinks, shopping, activities, pampering, a…

Coffee Conversation: Ojibwe Winter Games Returns to UMD

DULUTH, Minn. — Ojibwe Winter Games returns to UMD for second year, displaying traditional Ojibwe games and experiences for students and community members. Iris Carufel, Assistant Director of UMD’s American Indian Learning Resource Center, joined FOX21 on Friday’s morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. The event is taking place from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Bagley Nature Area. People can…