Author: Maria Vollom

Coffee Conversation: Final Performance Nears for UMD Percussion

DULUTH, Minn. — April is here, and that means the school year is coming to a close — but not before one final performance. That includes the talented musicians of the UMD Percussion Ensemble. Students from the University of Minnesota Duluth, along with Assistant Professor of Percussion Ryan Loken, were on Fox 21’s morning newscast Monday for an interview and…

Duluth City Councilor Mike Mayou Will Not Seek Reelection

DULUTH, Minn. — ​Duluth’s Second District City Councilor, Mike Mayou, has announced he will not seek reelection this November. Mayou explained his decision to not seek reelection, citing the need to focus on his family, including his wife, recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and their infant child. Elected in 2021 at age 23, Mayou has served on multiple commissions, including…

Coffee Conversation: UMD Planetarium Debuting New Projector at Astronomy Day Event

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth Planetarium is getting ready to debut its brand-new projector—and it’s all taking place during their Astronomy Day event this Saturday, April 12. Planetarium Director Jessica Rogers joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Friday with the details. The family-friendly event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature hands-on activities indoors, free…

Coffee Conversation: Festival of History & Veterans Memorial Hall Re-Opening

DULUTH, Minn. — The Twin Ports Festival of History will be held on Tuesday evening, featuring a celebration of the grand re-opening of the restored Veterans Memorial Hall at the St. Louis County Depot. Veterans Memorial Hall Program Assistant Jay Hagen joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the event and its significance. The staff and…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Ballet Closes 60th Season with Romeo and Juliet

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ballet is preparing to wrap up its 60th season with a final production of Romeo and Juliet. Dancer Karl von Rabenau appeared on Monday’s morning newscast to share more details about the performance. You can see the show on April 10, 11, and 12 at 7:00 PM, with an additional matinee on April 13 at…

Coffee Conversation: TLC’s Trading Spaces Star Laurie Smith at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The Arrowhead Home and Builder’s Four-Day Showcase kicked off Thursday at the DECC, featuring interior designer Laurie Smith, known for her role on TLC’s Trading Spaces. Smith joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Friday to share more about her experience and offer design advice. Smith will host seminars offering design tips for attendees, with a chance to…

Coffee Conversation: Midwest Garden Gal Classes at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Midwest Garden Gal Lisa Howard will be hosting classes throughout the Arrowhead Home & Builders Show at the DECC from Thursday, April 3 to Sunday, April 6. On Thursday, Howard appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast to share budget-friendly gardening tips and advice for gardening in every season. Click here for the Home Show schedule and here…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Financial Expert Offers Tips for Big Spring Purchases

DULUTH, Minn. — Amanda Bruggman, a financial expert from Affinity Plus, joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast to share tips for navigating big purchases this spring. For first-time homebuyers, she emphasized getting pre-approved for a mortgage and setting a realistic budget. Bruggman also discussed how Duluth’s market trends could affect buyers’ decisions. When it comes to cars, she explained…

Coffee Conversation: UW-Superior Theatre Presents Unique Twelfth Night Production

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Wisconsin-Superior Theatre Department is bringing a modern twist to Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Twelfth Night. Joining the production are Hailey Bault, who plays Olivia, and Elle Evenson, who portrays Maria. The two actors recently shared their excitement about the show on Fox 21’s morning newscast. This production marks the department’s first performance of the spring. The…

Coffee Conversation: 9th Annual Cabin Fever Reliever Returns to Two Harbors

DULUTH, Minn. — The 9th Annual Cabin Fever Reliever is back in Two Harbors this weekend, bringing together regional talent and community spirit. On Thursday, Two Harbors Community Radio spokesperson John Krengel and performer Steve Solkela appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast to discuss the upcoming event. Hosted by Two Harbors Community Radio (KTWH-LP), the event will take place on…

Coffee Conversation: Essentia Health Raises Awareness for Colorectal Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. — March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. On Tuesday, March 25, Dr. Jon Reich from Essentia Health highlighted the signs, symptoms, and treatment options. With over 100,000 expected diagnoses in 2025, Dr. Reich spoke on the importance of early detection and regular screenings. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, but with proper care…

Coffee Conversation: Time Arc Theater Presents “12 Angry Men” in Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — Time Arc Theater is bringing the powerful drama 12 Angry Men to the stage, starting this weekend. Cast members Rob Larson, Jerry Bacon, and Ben LaBerge joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of opening night. The play explores the complex dynamics of a jury deliberating the fate of a 19-year-old boy accused of murder….

Coffee Conversation: Motorhead Madness Returns to the DECC This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The highly anticipated Hunt Electric Motorhead Madness is cruising back to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) this weekend, March 22 and 23, 2025. Co-Owner Mike Podgornik joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk more about the event’s history and significance. The northland’s biggest indoor custom car show promises to be a thrilling event…

Coffee Conversation: The Northland’s First Mock Wedding at Norway Hall

DULUTH, Minn. — Wild Rose Company invites the community to The Northland’s First Mock Wedding on Sunday, March 23rd, at Norway Hall Event Center (upstairs). Amber Brostrom and Maggie McLeod-Shovein from Wild Rose Company appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast to talk about the event. The venue, located on the second floor of historic downtown, is accessible by stairs or…

‘Metamodernity’ by Local Filmmaker at Ely Festival

DULUTH, Minn. — The 3rd Annual Ely Film Festival will take place from Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 16, at the Historic State Theatre. Local filmmaker Drew Kerner appeared on the Fox 21 morning newscast to talk about his film Metamodernity, which will be featured at the festival. Kerner’s short film is an experimental documentary that tells its story…

Coffee Conversation: Spruce Budworm Outbreak Raises Wildfire Risks

DULUTH, Minn. — A spruce budworm outbreak is damaging trees across Northern Minnesota, raising concerns over increased wildfire risks as a dry spring approaches. In a live interview on Fox 21 Morning News, Sean Klongerbo of Red Beard Cutting & Clearing urged homeowners to clear dead trees and create defensible spaces to prevent a repeat of the 2021 Greenwood Fire….

Garage Destroyed in Fire in Grand Lake Township

Grand Lake Township — A detached garage was completely destroyed in a fire on March 3, 2025, in Grand Lake Township, likely caused by a diesel heater. At approximately 8:30 PM, deputies were called to the 5900 block of Old Miller Trunk Hwy for a report of a detached garage fire. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the…

72-Year-Old Killed in Crane Lake Snowmobile Crash

CRANE LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A 72-year-old man from Glenville, MN, has died after a snowmobile crash in Crane Lake Township. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews responded at 9:15 P.M. on February 20th, 2025, after reports of an injured rider. The man, who was riding with friends, veered off the trail and struck a tree….

Coffee Conversation: UMD’s Feast of Nations Celebrates Global Cultures

DULUTH, Minn. — On Saturday, February 22, UMD will host its annual Feast of Nations event, celebrating cultural expressions from around the world. Yagna Manasa Boyapati, Graduate Student Representative of the IC Club, and Harika Yarlagadda, Treasurer of the IC Club, appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast to preview the event. The Feast of Nations will be held from 4:30…

Coffee Conversation: Chum Duluth Mardi Gras Fundraiser for Shelter Expansion

DULUTH, Minn. — Chum Duluth is gearing up for a Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser to support its shelter expansion, set for February 27th. Bradley Zwagerman, Director of Communications and Marketing at Chum Duluth, joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast to talk more about it. The event, known as the Expansion Extravaganza, aims to raise critical funds to expand the shelter…

Fire Destroys Vacant Duluth Duplex on W. First Street

DULUTH, Minn. — A massive fire destroyed a vacant duplex at 2226 W. First Street in Duluth late last night.   According to a press release, firefighters responded around 10:20 PM and found heavy flames spreading through the two-and-a-half-story building. They called for extra help before even arriving, due to the intensity of the smoke. The fire, which had spread…

Boat Club Productions Debuts New Show, The Last 5 Years

DULUTH, Minn. — Boat Club Productions presents The Last 5 Years, debuting Thursday, Feb. 13, at Spirit of the North Theatre. This emotional musical by Jason Robert Brown tells the story of a marriage in reverse and chronological order, starring Stuart Gordon as Jamie. Gordon joined Fox 21’s morning newscast Thursday to share more about the show. Performances run through…

“Love, Judy” Brings Valentine’s Joy to Senior Residents

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — This Valentine’s Day, local teacher Karla Line is honoring her late mother with a heartfelt project titled “Love, Judy.” Students of Karla, a teacher in International Falls, have been crafting sweet Valentine’s cards for residents of a nursing home. Karla started this project last year in memory of her mother, Judy, who passed away in 2023,…

Coffee Conversation: 218 Days Winter Celebration Returns Bigger Than Ever

DULUTH, Minn. — Northern Minnesota’s biggest winter event, 218 Days, kicks off this Friday, marking its third year with expanded festivities. Vice President of Marketing at Odyssey Resorts, Aaron Bosanko, joined Wednesday’s morning newscast to share the exciting news. The five-day celebration will run through the weekend and includes a full slate of new events, activities, and dozens of participating local…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth & St. Louis County Capitol Days

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol Days will be held on February 12-13, 2025, to advocate for key legislative priorities that will benefit Northeastern Minnesota, including housing, economic development, workforce support, and local projects. Daniel Fanning, Duluth Area VP of Strategy & Policy and Executive Director of the Chamber Foundation, joined Fox 21 on the…

Walz Announces $6 Million in Child Care Grants

MINNESOTA — On Thursday, January 6, Governor Tim Walz announced $6 million in new grants to expand child care access for working families statewide. This follows record funding announced in May, expected to create thousands of new child care slots. In a press release, Governor Walz stressed that affordable child care is key for parents to return to work, benefiting…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Ballet Presents “Harvest Moon” Performance

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday, dancers Juliana DeBellis and Karl Von Rabenau joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast to discuss the upcoming Harvest Moon performance, presented by the Minnesota Ballet. The story follows the adventures of three WW2 servicemen enjoying their last night out before being deployed. The performance will also include original works by Minnesota Ballet company members….

Coffee Conversation: NYS Black History Month Brunch & BIPOC Business Showcase

DULUTH, Minn. — Neighborhood Youth Services presents a Black History Month Brunch and BIPOC Business Showcase this weekend. Pez Davila from NYS joined Fox 21 Local News on Monday morning to chat more about the brunch and business event. The brunch will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 300 E. 2nd St., Duluth,…

Coffee Conversation: Cold Front Winter Celebration at Bayfront Park This Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Megan Lidd, Recreation Specialist with Duluth Parks and Rec, joined us on the FOX 21 morning newscast to preview the Cold Front event happening this Saturday, February 1, from noon to 6 p.m. at Bayfront Park. This free, family-friendly event will feature snow play, dog sled rides, curling, ice skating, sledding, fat biking, and more. Categories: Coffee…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse to Stage One-Act Play That Goes Wrong

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse is gearing up for an upcoming showcase of The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong at the Northshore Theatre. Stars Dan Prevette, who plays Robert portraying Thomas Colleymoore, and Alyson Enderle, who brings Annie the Stage Manager to life, joined the morning show to discuss the production. The comedy will be running from January 31…

Coffee Conversation: Dr. Swiston Highlights Glaucoma Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn. — January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Nearly 4 million Americans are affected by glaucoma, but shockingly, half of them don’t even know they have it. Dr. Cole Swiston, an ophthalmologist at Essentia Health, has devoted his career to glaucoma care and appeared on the Fox 21 morning show Friday to share more about the condition.   Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

Coffee Conversation: DSA Community Foundation Awards $1 Million in Grants

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday’s Fox 21 Morning Show, Shaun Floerke, CEO of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, and Mike Waldron, Executive Director of 23rd Veteran, discussed the Foundation’s recent $1 million grant distribution to 51 local organizations, including 23rd Veteran. Waldron shared how the grants help 23rd Veteran’s programs, which support veterans transitioning to civilian life. Floerke highlighted…

Coffee Conversation: LOON Gears Up for “The Radio Hour” in 20th Anniversary Season

DULUTH, Minn. — Lyric Opera of the North (LOON) is kicking off another exciting chapter in its 20th Anniversary Season with the upcoming production of The Radio Hour. The performance will feature a talented cast, including Chorus Director Michael Fuchs and his wife, Jennifer Fuchs, who is making her debut with LOON. The couple joined FOX 21 on the morning…

Coffee Conversation: Time Arc Theatre Presents ‘Sentimental Journey: 1945 Musical Revue’

SUPERIOR, WI. — Time Arc Theatre is set to present a special musical event, Sentimental Journey: 1945 Musical Revue, on Sunday, January 19th at 2:00 PM. Cheri Tesarek, the show’s director, joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday ahead of the event. The performance, held in the Third Floor Ballroom of the Old Post Office, will celebrate the 80th…

Coffee Conversation: Nate Knutson Talks First-Ever Hockey Day Cloquet

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday, January 9, Nate Knutson was live on Fox 21’s morning show to talk about the inaugural Hockey Day Cloquet. A regulation-size outdoor hockey rink has been set up at Veterans Park for Cloquet’s first-ever outdoor hockey celebration, featuring local teams in a weeklong tribute to the sport. The event will conclude with four exciting Lumberjacks’…

Coffee Conversation: Mindfulness and Mental Well-Being in 2025

DULUTH, Minn. — As we step into 2025, it’s important to reflect and set intentions for the months ahead. To kick off the year, Clinical Counselor Lindsey Martinson joined Fox 21’s morning newscast, offering expert advice on cultivating a positive and mindful approach to the year ahead. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Armory Renovation Updates & Buddy Holly Tribute Preview

DULUTH, Minn. — Michelle Miller, Co-Executive Director of the Armory Arts and Music Center, appeared on the morning show Tuesday, Dec. 31, to share updates on the ongoing renovation of the historic Duluth Armory and preview the upcoming Buddy Holly Dance Party. The annual Buddy Holly Dance Party fundraiser is set for Sunday, Jan. 26th, at Clyde Iron Works. The…

Former Minnesota Rep. Mary Murphy Dies Christmas Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Former Minnesota Representative Mary Murphy died on Christmas morning. Mary Murphy recently suffered a stroke, which led to several complications. She was preparing to enter hospice care. Murphy was a longtime DFL member and made history as Minnesota’s longest-serving female lawmaker and the second-longest serving lawmaker overall. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar shared her thoughts on Twitter last…

Coffee Conversation: Classic Christmas Tales at Glensheen Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. — The holiday season is officially underway at Glensheen Mansion, and this year, visitors can immerse themselves in a magical experience as they explore the grounds with the new theme, Classic Christmas Tales at Glensheen. Director Dustin Heckman was on the morning newscast to talk more about it. Twelve rooms within the historic mansion are transformed, each beautifully…

Coffee Conversation: “The Parents Launch Code” with Dr. Jack Stoltzfus

DULUTH, Minn. — Launch coach and author Dr. Jack Stoltzfus appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast Tuesday to discuss his book, The Parents Launch Code, and the issue of estrangement between young adults and their parents. To learn more about Dr. Stoltzfus, his work, and his latest book, click here. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show Returns to the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — The highly anticipated Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show is back this weekend at the DECC, presented by Eskimo. Shamrock Production President Chris Navratil and Eskimo Representative Matt Halverson joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the event. Among the highlights is the popular Sea Lion Splash, where attendees can enjoy a show and…

Coffee Conversation: MN Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale”

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ballet will showcase The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale at the DECC Symphony Hall from December 13 to 15, with performances starting at 7:00 PM. Minnesota Ballet Dancers Juliana DeBellis and Isaac Sharratt joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday ahead of opening night. You can get tickets at Ticketmaster, or by calling the box…