Author: Maria Vollom

Coffee Conversation: “Angel Of Hope” Memorial Happening Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — A vigil will be held Sunday for grieving parents who have lost a child. The annual “Angel of Hope” vigil honors the lives of children who have died, and the event gives their loved ones the opportunity to grieve together as a community. The vigil is normally held in December for worldwide candle lighting day, which remembers…

Glenwood Street Roundabout Intersection to Open Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Glenwood Street roundabout almost complete; intersection to open Saturday. The intersection of Glenwood Street and Snively Road has been covered with construction workers and cranes for months. Now, it’s starting to clear out and when it opens back up Saturday, October 15, a new roundabout will be in it’s place. “It looks like it’s ready to open….

UMD Gives Tips During “Protect Your Hearing Month”

DULUTH, Minn. — October is “Protect Your Hearing Month” and while we typically bind hearing loss with aging, young people can also be affected. Fox 21 checked in with UMD’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic to see what people can do to maintain healthy hearing. Almost everywhere you look, young people have headphones plugged in their ears… often times, listening…

Coffee Conversations: “Boo at the Zoo” Halloween Event

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo will transform into Halloween madness for its annual Boo at the Zoo event. On Wednesday, the LSZ Chief Executive Officer, Haley Hedstrom was live on FOX21’s morning show talking about the highly-anticipated event. Inside and out, the zoo will be packed with trick-or-treating stations, a Boo-tique, special Halloween-themed animal treats, food trucks, games/activities,…

Coffee Conversations: Lyric Opera of the North Season-Opener, “As One”

DULUTH, Minn. — Lyric Opera of the North (LOON)  kicks off its 2022-23 season with As One. Guest Conductor, Alexis Enyart and LOON Board Member, Mark Hakes talked about the production on Monday’s morning show. As One is a a chamber opera for two voices and String Quartet. The two voices – Hannah before (baritone) and Hannah after (mezzo-soprano) – share…

Coffee Conversation: Singer-Songwriter Luke Leblanc Previews New Album

DULUTH, Minn. — Minneapolis Singer-Songwriter Luke Leblanc previews new album — Fugue State. You can hear Leblanc live: Friday, October 7 — 7:00pm at Wussow’s Concert Cafe. The full album will be out October 25. “Fugue State, lyrically and musically, sets out to take a step back before looking for hope or solutions,” says LeBlanc. “Instead, the album offers an…

Coffee Conversation: The Fabulous Dik Presents New Comedy Segment

DULUTH, Minn. — The Fabulous Dik promotes next installment of comedy series: A Series of Unfortunate Specials. This one is called Falling Forward and Cracking Up. The show is a mix of Sketch Comedy, funny videos, improvisation and other shenanigans. The Fabulous Dik (Deek) is the cultural attaché to The Mustachios, a group of international supervillains. You can check out…

Red Cross And CSS Students Team Up To Thank Local Service Members, Veterans

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s not the holidays just yet, but Santa’s workshop was busy as members of the CSS cheer team prepared some special holiday cards. The cheer squad joined local members of the Red Cross in supporting service to the Armed Forces. Writing and sorting through hundreds of holiday cards all to give thanks to active members or veterans…

Coffee Conversation: Tony Dierckins Presents New Book

DULUTH, Minn. — Tony Dierckins launches new book, Duluth’s Grand Old Architecture. Dierckins is a local Duluth Author and Zenith City Press Publisher. His latest book is co-authored by Maryanne C. Norton. It explores the first 70 years of Duluth’s rich tradition of creating architectural statements. A book launch will take place Thursday, October 13, 7—8:30, Glensheen, Free and open…

Hermantown Police Investigate Possible Fraud With Member Of Parent Teacher Organization

The possible fraud case involves funds meant for students in Hermantown.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown Police Department is investigating a possible fraud case. The claim coming from the President of a non-profit school fundraising group, and it’s against a group member. The Parent Teacher Organization, or PTO, raises money for Hermantown Elementary teachers and their students. Now, police are investigating allegations that thousands of those funds may have been taken…

Coffee Conversation: “Nunsense, the Musical” with Jason Vincent

DULUTH, Minn. — Jason Vincent stopped by the studio to talk about ‘Nunsense, the Musical.’ Nunsense is a musical comedy. It takes center stage this weekend in the Spirit of the North Theatre at Fitger’s. Don’t miss out on this hilarious hit musical showcasing an amazing cast of local actresses! Show dates and times: October 7, 8, 13, 14 @…

HERMANTOWN: Three Dead After Plane/Home Crash, Investigation Begins

Hermantown, Minn. — Three people are dead after their plane crashed into a Hermantown home. Now, the investigation begins into what led to this tragic collision. It was just before midnight Saturday when a Cessna 172 plane disappeared from radar and surged through the second floor of a home, just inches from homeowner Jason Hoffman and his wife. Miraculously, the…

Hoops Brewing Holds German Oktoberfest Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. — Kicking off October, Hoops Brewing held their Oktoberfest celebration with polka, sauerkraut, and a special beer — all on tap. From open to close on Saturday, Hoops was transformed with a traditionally Bavarian feel. Duluth Dawgs and Polkarobics both made an appearance bringing hot dogs and live music to the beer hall. That wasn’t all, traditional German…

Catalyst Content Festival Wraps Up in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn — Today was the last day to get a taste of Hollywood right here in Duluth. The world of potential new television programming continues to make its mark in the Northland. That’s why the Catalyst Content Festival is such a prominent event for the area. It brings local content creators out to develop their work while networking with…

IRON RANGE: Volunteers Needed to Serve as Mentors for School Children

IRON RANGE, Minn. — A local nonprofit organization is looking for volunteers to serve as mentors for school children. The United Way of Northeastern Minnesota’s Lunch Buddies mentoring program matches elementary kids with adult mentors. The pairs  play games, do crafts, and just chat during one lunch break each week at school. Program leaders say the goal is for children…

Survivor of Parkland Shooting Speaks on Minnesota Gun Legislature

DULUTH, Minn. — One survivor of the 2018 fatal mass shooting in Parkland, Florida spoke out at a Rally For Peace held in Duluth. Following the parkland massacre, David Hogg became a gun control activist and co-found the March For Our Lives organization, which supports gun control legislation. “I see myself as one voice of unfortunately thousands that have become…

MN Power Crews No Longer Needed in Florida Assistance

MINNESOTA / FLORIDA — After getting called-out to Florida for assistance, Minnesota Power crews are already returning home. Florida Public Utilities, located near Jacksonville, requested the assistance of MN Power to help with restoring what was lost after the hurricane. The area ultimately suffered far less damage than expected and they’ve been able to manage outages in their area with…

Northland Based Red Cross Volunteers Land in Florida

NORTHLAND / FLORIDA — Thousands of crisis response workers from many states are working to restore Florida, including over 50 Red Cross volunteers who are Minnesota based. 12 people from the northland landed in Orlando on Friday, and an additional volunteer from Duluth was deployed Friday morning. The crew is ready to help residents revive after the category four hurricane….

Fond Du Lac Tribal Band Burial Site Restored After MnDOT Disturbance

DULUTH, Minn. — Burial Site Restored to the Fond Du Lac Tribal Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The minnesota department of transportation (MnDOT) said that they accidentally unearthed the site in 2017, while working to replace the Highway 23 bridge over Mission Creek. On Friday, the band gathered for closure and healing to celebrate the restoration of the ancestors who…

Wisconsin Tree Service Company Responds to Hurricane Ian

WISCONSIN / FLORIDA — Crews with a Wisconsin tree service company are heading South to aid with Hurricane Ian cleanup efforts. Trees have been batted down from Hurricane Ian, landing on cars, homes, and power lines. While work has begun to clear the trees out, there are just not enough hands on deck. That’s why Zielies Tree Service Company is…

MN Red Cross Volunteers Respond to Hurricane Ian

DULUTH, Minn. — Thousands of crisis response workers from many states are heading to Florida, including Red Cross volunteers who are based in Minnesota. 12 people from the northland are already in Florida, bringing three emergency response vehicles with them. 40 more minnesota-based red cross volunteers are there as well. They will be ready to help residents survive the category…

Minnesota Power Assists Florida in Power Restoration

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota power has stepped up to help bring light to Florida’s darkness. While Hurricane Ian destroys powerlines and causes power outages everywhere, there just are not enough local repair crews. On Wednesday, 25 workers with Minnesota Power packed up all of their gear and began the nearly 24 hour drive to Fernandina Beach. They will work alongside…

DECC Announces New Lineup of Concession Stand Food

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday, the Duluth Entertainment Center (DECC) served up a feast of new concession food. People were able to taste test the grub before the bulldog hockey team hits the ice this weekend. There are many creative additions in this seasons lineup. Everything from themed pizzas to a sirloin stacker sandwich. If you’re feeling cold, you might…

Hospitals in St. Louis County to Continue Masking

DULUTH, Minn. — The CDC announced that some hospitals and healthcare facilities no longer need to require universal masking, so how will that affect hospitals in St. Louis County? Since early on in the pandemic, the agency had urged everyone to wear face masks while in healthcare settings. Now, the CDC says facilities in just over a quarter of counties,…

Flu Vaccine Now Available at Twin Port Hospitals

DULUTH, Minn. — Each year, about one in five people get the flu and more than 200 thousand people are hospitalized, in part of flu-related complications. Both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are now offering vaccines for the flu season, in hopes of reducing potential outbreaks and its effects. St. Luke’s Dr. Andrew Thompson said, in part of masking and…

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory Celebrates 50 Years

DULUTH, Minn. — Despite the hazy day, bird watchers flew over to Hawk Ridge to celebrate 50 years of the observatory. Every fall, a staggering amount of nearly 100 thousand birds funnel through Duluth for their yearly migration. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory has kept its eyes to the sky since 1972, collecting data and information on what flies over the…

Lester Park holds 23rd Annual Lester River Rendezvous

DULUTH, Minn. — On Saturday, Lester Park was swarming with folk lovers for the 23rd annual Lester River Rendezvous. The event is a voyageur reenactment and educational festival. More than 50 food and craft vendors were up for grabs, along with the sound of musical talent. Reenactors were also onsite, dressed-up to portray life in the voyageur village amidst early…

Corrections Center Opens New Meat Processing Facility

SAGINAW, Minn. — On Friday, the Northeast Regional Corrections Center, or NERCC, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its brand new meat processing facility, which will serve as trade work for inmates. NERCC is Minnesota’s only correctional work farm. Meaning those onsite are required to perform daily work tasks. Corrections leaders say the intent is to increase job opportunities and…

Lake Superior Zoomobile Takes a Trip to UWS Library

SUPERIOR, Minn. — The UWS Jim Dan Hill Library was full of stories, students, and zoo animals? Every fall, the Lake Superior Zoomobile takes a trip to the UWS campus. Students are able to touch and hold the animals, while also learning about the fascinating creatures with an educator. On Thursday, the Zoomobile brought over a snake, tarantella, and a…

Old Central High School To Become Apartment Complex With Historical Elements

DULUTH, Minn. — The Historic Old Central High School of Duluth is under restoration and the once classrooms will become into 122 apartment units. The building was originally built in the 1890’s and has since undergone multiple renovations. Now for the first time, it will be an apartment complex — and so much more. “It is being completely gutted, but…

Bentleyville Prepares for 5 Million Light Village

DULUTH, Minn. — Bentleyville is gearing up for the holidays and preparations are taking place at Bayfront Festival Park. 17 semi trailers currently fill the lot, holding lights and display pieces that will make the 5 million light show come to life in just a few short months. Bentleyville draws in thousands of people from all over and has a…

Bus Driver Shortage Reaches Northland Schools

DULUTH, Minn. — Millions of parents count on the yellow bus to get their kids to and from school everyday. So what happens when there are not enough drivers to match the demand? Some bigger school districts in the northland, like Duluth and Superior, say they’re fully staffed behind the wheel. Meanwhile, other schools are struggling to recruit and retain…

Northshore Inline Marathon and Skate Fest Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — Skaters are rolling in to the northland for this weekends 26th annual Northshore Inline Marathon and Skate Fest. It’s known as the nations largest skating race, with over 2,000 people competing in the many rollerblading, roller skiing, and running events. The full-marathon race is more than a glide, racers will straight-line 26.2 miles by the end of…

Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch Opens for Fall

DULUTH, Minn. — How do you fix a broken pumpkin? With a pumpkin patch. Despite the rainy weather, Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch officially opened for picking. From short and round to tall and lean, there is a pumpkin for everyone in the greens. In addition, you can also find smaller, decorative pumpkins, winter squash, and even some veggies. So whether…

One Building Deemed Total Loss after Duluth Fire

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday, downtown Duluth was smoke-filled after a building caught fire in the Central Hillside neighborhood. According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, a fire was reported on 522 East Fourth Street at 5:37pm. Engulfed in the flames was the Lake Superior Medical Equipment building and four apartment units above it. 38 Duluth firefighters worked to distinguish…

Uncle Loui’s Café Survives Next-Door Building Fire

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday, one building was engulfed in flames in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood and many expressed concern for Uncle Loui’s, a beloved Café next door. Uncle Loui’s Café has been around Duluth since 1993. It’s a fan favorite brunch hub, and it wouldn’t be the first time Loui’s had faced fire. In April of 2007, the café…

Nearly 15,000 Nurses Return to Hospitals after MNA Strike

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday, nearly 15,000 nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association returned to work after their historic three-day strike. The strike came after months of unresolved contract negotiations between the MNA and 15 minnesota hospitals, with nurses expressing frustration over what they say are unsafe staffing levels and not enough pay. Here in the Twin Ports, St. Luke’s…

Mixed Income Cottage Rentals Coming to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A new option for rental housing is coming to the northland, and it’s not one size fits all. Cottage villas will be up for rent, priced for mixed income households. Tucked within the trees of a West Duluth neighborhood, the Fairmount Cottage Development is planting multiple new housing seeds. “There’s one word that I know that we…

Final Day of MNA Nurse Strike: What Next?

DULUTH, Minn. — For the past two days, nearly 15,000 nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association have been on strike. The strike comes after months of unresolved contract negotiations between the MNA and 16 minnesota hospitals, with nurses expressing frustration over staffing levels and not enough pay. Here in the Twin Ports, S. Luke’s and Essentia Health say MNA nurses…