Maria Vollom, Author at Fox21Online

Hermantown Police Investigate Possible Fraud With Member Of Parent Teacher Organization

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

October 4, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

October 4, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

October 3, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

October 1, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

October 1, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

October 1, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

October 1, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 30, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 30, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 30, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 29, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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…

St. Louis County Prohibits the Development of New Cervid Farms

September 29, 2022

Maria Vollom,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY — The St. Louis County Board has voted to prohibit new cervid farms from being made, in an effort to stop the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. The deadly disease has been around for more than 50 years and it continues to spread through deer, elk, and other members of the cervidae family. Over the past year,…

Duluth Born/Florida Family Persists Through Hurricane Ian

September 29, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH / FLORIDA — Hurricane Ian has viciously made its way through Florida, affecting many people, homes, and businesses in its wake. One Minnesota family, who now lives on the east coast, has been hunkered down and powerless since Wednesday afternoon. Josh Buck says his family has faced a few hurricanes before, but never a category four, and never this…

MN Red Cross Volunteers Respond to Hurricane Ian

September 28, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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 Family Now Living in the Wrath of Hurricane Ian

September 28, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH / FLORIDA — “Like we talked about earlier, at any minute we could just lose everything. Here we are, we just lost everything.” A family from Minnesota, now living in the wrath of Hurricane Ian. The Buck family traded in the snow for sand 20 years ago. Now they live in Bonita Springs, just South of Fort Myers —…

Minnesota Power Assists Florida in Power Restoration

September 28, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 27, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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…

24-Year Duluth Police Officer Tackles New Role as Chief

September 27, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — On Monday, the City Council voted unanimously to appoint Mike Ceynowa as the new Police Chief of Duluth. Ceynowa has 24 years of Duluth police work under his belt. Now, he’s tackling year 25 as a very visible leader. While it might be his first run as chief, Ceynowa has played similar roles before. “It’s a heavy…

Hospitals in St. Louis County to Continue Masking

September 26, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 26, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 24, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 24, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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…

“Tacos Tacos Tacos” holds Taco Eating Contest

September 24, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Hot dog eating contests are pretty well known, but have you ever seen a taco eating contest? Tacos Tacos Tacos held their 2nd annual Taco Eating Contest at Blacklist Brewing Company. 10 contestants lined up to see if they could eat all 20 tacos in 30 minutes. “As people watched it, they realized how much 20 tacos…

Corrections Center Opens New Meat Processing Facility

September 23, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 23, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 23, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 21, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 21, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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…

Duluth Chamber Announces Daniel Fanning as Vice President

September 20, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce announced Daniel Fanning as the new V.P.. Fanning has taken on the role of Vice President of Strategy and the Executive Director of the Chamber Foundation. He’s been apart of the chamber board for several years and has 20 years of work experience at the local, state, and federal level. Including his…

MnDOT Manages Homeless Encampment with Fencing and Cleanup Efforts

September 20, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — More than 600 people are experiencing homelessness in St. Louis County this year. That number is up by 20% from five years ago. For Taylor Longrie, home is not a house, but rather a tent beneath the i-35 ramp in Duluth. “I’ve traveled 35 states in 10 months and this is the last state that I’ve posted…

Northshore Inline Marathon and Skate Fest Weekend

September 16, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 16, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 15, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 15, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 15, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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

September 14, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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?

September 14, 2022

Maria Vollom,

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…

Cycling Grandma Rides through Duluth to Break World Record

September 13, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — While most people her age gear-up for retirement, 67-year-old Cindy Norris has put her tires to the cement. Norris calls herself the cycling grandma from Nevada, riding coast to coast across America on Highway 2. The trek started back in July in Washington. Norris says she’s cycling to raise money for the Children of Fallen Special Operations…

KOOCHICHING CTY: FEMA Denies Individual Flood Help / SBA Offers Loans

September 13, 2022

Maria Vollom,

KOOCHICHING COUNTY — After months of historic flooding near International Falls, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, says it will not be assisting individual residents in fixing the damage. Koochiching County Emergency Management says FEMA found not enough individual property damage to qualify for the assistance program. County Sheriff Perryn Hedlund says, they were told the protective measures put…

Inside the Hospital amidst MNA Nurse Strike

September 13, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — As thousands of nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association walked out and hit the picket lines, many are left wondering what’s going on inside of the hospitals now. Tuesday was day two of the three-day MNA nurse strike. The strike comes after months of contract negotiations between the MNA and 16 Minnesota hospitals, with nurses expressing frustration…

Thousands of MNA Nurses Strike Across Minnesota

September 12, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — On Monday, nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association went on strike at hospitals across the Twin Cities and Twin Ports. The MNA and the hospitals have spent more than five months in contract negotiations, with nurses complaining of low wages and understaffing. The two groups have yet to reach an agreement. 10 days ago, nurses at 16…

Garden Shop Prepares for the Fall Season

September 7, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Despite the summer season coming to an end, one garden center is still green and blooming. A+ Garden Center has two locations; one at Duluth’s Kenwood Super One Plaza, and their main spot in Pike Lake. Owners have been transitioning both shops from summer to fall sales, meaning gardeners are leaving with more trees, shrubs, and fan-favorite…

Essentia Files Unfair Labor Charge Following MNA’s Call to Strike

September 7, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health has filed an unfair labor practice charge after the Minnesota Nurses Association failed to include them in their strike notice. The filing comes after MNA nurses at 16 different hospitals in the Twin Cities, Twin Ports, and Moose Lake announced a three-day strike, starting on September 12th. The MNA and the hospitals have spent more…

Peace of Mind Duluth holds Hiring Event

September 7, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Peace of Mind Duluth is looking to add more staff to its team. On Wednesday, they held a hiring event for people to walk-in and get interviewed on the spot. Peace of Mind describes themselves as a supportive living service, assisting people with a range of treatments and mental health support. They are hoping to fill a…

Free Access to Twin Port YMCA’s for Welcome Week

September 6, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’ve ever thought about getting a membership at the YMCA, now is the time to try before you buy. It’s Welcome Week at the Twin Port YMCA locations. In other words, you can try out the facilities for free. Group classes, the fitness room, gymnasium, and pool are all open to the public. The Hermantown and…

Stella Maris Academy Opens New High School

September 6, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Tuesday was the first day of school for many students, and some stepped foot inside Stella Maris Academy’s new High School for the first time. Nestled away in the woodland neighborhood, sits a new Stella Maris Academy High School. About 5 years ago, all of the Catholic Schools in the Duluth area decided to combine, resulting in…

Dangers of Back-to-School Posts on Social Media

September 6, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Posting back-to-school photos is a tradition for many parents, but the harmless act can have harmful results if too much information is shared. The Duluth Police Department is reminding parents to be cautious with what they post online. It can be common to upload a first day of school picture with your child’s name, age, and fun…

Update on the Chisholm Officer-Involved Shooting Resulting in Death

September 2, 2022

Maria Vollom,

CHISHOLM, Minn. — Update on the April 2022 officer-involved shooting that occurred in Chisholm and resulted in the death of Michael David Johnson. On April 20th, law enforcement officers had shown up at a house in Chisholm, trying to arrest Michael David Johnson on stalking charges in another county. Investigators said that when efforts to communicate with Johnson were unsuccessful,…

Teachers Prepare their Classrooms for Students to Return

September 1, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn, — Teachers are prepping their classrooms and patiently waiting for the school year to start, including those at Lester Park Elementary. Kindergarten teacher, Sara Hill’s classroom is vibrant and splashed with colors of the rainbow. Anticipation is creeping in, but Hill says all of the work spent prepping will be worth it when the students arrive. “I think…

LSC Health Center Holds Free Narcan Training Event

August 31, 2022

Maria Vollom,

SUPERIOR, WI. — In honor of Overdose Awareness Day, the Lake Superior Community Health Center held a free Narcan training event. The event was open to the public, free of cost. Registered nurse, Jessica Campbell, taught people how to administer nasal Narcan. Which she says is the easiest form of Narcan to administer. “So typically, first responders aren’t the ones…

Author: Maria Vollom

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

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