Author: Maria Vollom

Coffee Conversation: Fundraiser for Family of 15-Year-Old Boy Battling Cancer

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The 4th annual Greg Freese Memorial Cancer Fundraiser is set to take place on Saturday, August 17, at the Harley-Davidson Sport Center from 12 to 3 pm. This year’s event will benefit the family of a 15-year-old boy who is currently fighting cancer. Troy Fralich, known as Tig, appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast to discuss the…

Coffee Conversation: Neighborhood Youth Services Annual Backpack Drive

DULUTH, Minn. — Backpacks are all set for the Neighborhood Youth Services’ annual drive at Bayfront Park on Monday, August 19, from 4 to 7 pm. Pez Davila, Executive Director of Community Outreach, appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast Wednesday to discuss the event.   Alongside ISD 709 and various vendors, NYS will be distributing backpacks loaded with school supplies…

Duluth City Hall Encampment Cleared out, Two Arrested

DULUTH, Minn. — The three-month encampment outside Duluth City Hall has been officially cleared out as of Wednesday, August 7. Two individuals were arrested for the charge of obstructing. As reported earlier this week, the encampment was given a seven-day notice to vacate after the area was declared a public health and safety risk. Tuesday marked the seventh day, but…

Falastin to reopen after Temporary Closing due to Anti-Palestinian Graffiti

DULUTH, Minn. — A local Palestinian market and deli will reopen this weekend after threatening graffiti last week lead to a temporary closure. The “derogatory anti-Palestinian” message occurred at Falastin on the 4700 block of E Superior Street sometime between Thursday or Friday of last week. The owners, writing in a Facebook post, “Thanks to the overwhelming support of our…

Coffee Conversation: Zenith City Press Unveils New Book Detailing Twin Ports Trains History

TWIN PORTS. — To commemorate the 145th anniversary of the inaugural train arrival in the Twin Ports, Zenith City Press will unveil “Twin Ports Trains: The Historic Railroads of Duluth & Superior” on August 1 at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The book, written by Historian Tony Dierckins and Duluth/Superior Railroad Expert Jeff Lemke, covers railroad history in the region…

Duluth City Council Passes Amended Public Camping Ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. — After 7 hours of deliberation at Monday night’s City Council meeting, a verdict was reached. Councilors passed a measure extending the ban on outdoor camping to include all city properties. They did however amend this ordinance reducing the penalty from a misdemeanor to a fine. “The garbage, the drug use, the drinking are an insult to all…

Coffee Conversation: 15th Annual Battle of the Badges Charity Softball Game

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday, August 1, Duluth Police and Fire Departments will go head-to-head in the 15th annual Battle of the Badges Charity Softball Game. All proceeds will benefit the Northern Lights Foundation. Christy Strohm with the Northern Lights Foundation and Heath Wiersma with the Duluth Fire Department joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk more…

8-Year-Old Boy Struck by a Truck in Ely

ELY, Minn. — An 8-year-old boy was struck by a truck while crossing the street in Ely. His injuries are non-life-threatening. The Minnesota State Patrol reported that the boy was in the crosswalk at the intersection of Highway 169 and N Central Avenue at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Thursday when he was hit by a pickup truck driven by a…

Two Separate Fires Thursday in the City of Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — On July 25th, the Superior Fire Department responded to two separate fires in the City of Superior. At 11:26 pm, crews were dispatched to a large commercial building at 5401 Oakes Ave, according to a press release. Upon arrival, they found heavy fire that quickly caused the roof to collapse, making an interior attack impossible. Firefighters fought the…

Coffee Conversation: Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival Returns July 25-28

HOYT LAKES. Minn. — The 69th annual Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival will take place Thursday, July 25, through Sunday, July 28. Organizers Nikki Swanson and Cherie Grams, Queen Allie Lamppa, and Splash the new mascot joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday ahead of the event. The 4-day festival will include softball, volleyball and bean bag tournaments, 5K race,…

Int’l Falls: Widespread Vandalism at Forest Hill Cemetery

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — Vandalism at Forest Hill Cemetery has left widespread damage to several gravesites across the burial ground. Over 30 headstones were tipped over and multiple statues and other items damaged or destroyed. The vandalism happened sometime between Sunday, July 14th, and Tuesday, July 16th. Authorities are investigating and working to identify the person or people responsible. A…

Coffee Conversation: Father/Son Duo Visit Uganda for a Music Cultural Exchange

SUPERIOR, Wisconsin/UGANDA, East Africa. — Father-son duo travel to Uganda for four weeks of cultural exchange through music and dance experiences. University of Wisconsin-Superior Student Seth Gudmunsen and his father Shawn Gudmunsen, who is the architect of the project and a teacher himself, joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Monday to share more about the Pamoja Project. More information…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Community Service Centers Speak On Proposed Ordinance Plan

DULUTH, Minn. — Community service centers weigh-in on the recently proposed ordinance amendments to curb non-violent crimes in the City of Duluth. Damiano Center Executive Director Seth Currier and Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Katie Hagglund joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Monday to talk more about the proposed ordinances. Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and the Chiefs of Police…

MN Power Now Estimates 5.5M Gallons of Ash Wastewater Leaked at Boswell Energy Center

COHASSET, Minn. — Minnesota Power now estimates 5.5 million gallons of ash wastewater leaked at the Boswell Energy Center. That’s over five times the initial estimate of 1 million gallons discovered on July 16. The update released on Friday, July 19, confirmed the jump in numbers. The company says, the leak could have an unknown but potentially significant portion of…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse Presents 9-5, The Musical at the NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Playhouse will close out its Main Stage production season with 9-5, The Musical running July 12 – 28 at the NorShor Theatre. Cast Members Haley Methner and Ole Dack joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the production, which is based on the classic movie and incorporates songs by the legendary Dolly Parton….

71-Year-Old Barnes Man Drowns in Red Lake

WASCOTT, WI. — A 71-year-old Barnes man died after falling off a boat into Red Lake on Friday, July 12, 2024. The call for help came in around 7:22 pm. According to a press release, authorities responded to the scene at 10428E Red Lake Drive. The victim, identified as Michael Andersen of Barnes, WI, was fishing with a 92-year-old Hayward…

Coffee Conversation: Brantley Gilbert, Rafe Carlson & Elvie Shane at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. — Country Artist Brantley Gilbert will perform at Bayfront Festival Park on Thursday, July 18, as part of his Off the Rails Tour. Local Musician Rafe Carlson is one of the opening acts. He joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast to talk more about the concert and his upcoming summer performances. He also played some tunes live…

Celebrating Independence Day with Red, White and Boom

SOUTH RANGE, WI. — With the Fourth of July near fireworks will soon be, if not already, in the air. It’s an American tradition symbolizing pride and patriotism. Independence Day is a time for celebration; sparking joy for friends, family and communities across the nation. “We’re celebrating our independence, we’re celebrating our freedoms and we’re celebrating with a bang and…

Coffee Conversation: Annual Gordon Good Neighbor Days 2024

DULUTH, Minn. — Gordon goes big for its annual Gordon Good Neighbor Days on July 5, 6, & 7 of 2024. Gordon Good Neighbor Days Chair Erik Finstad and Committee Member Dave Hodek joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the festivities. Huge fireworks display, mud volleyball, 5k, duck races, pancake breakfast, classic car show, parade,…

Coffee Conversation: Second Annual Under The Big Top Concert in Ely Benefits Veterans

ELY, Minn. — The Spiritwood Foundation presents the second annual Under The Big Top Concert at Veterans On The Lake on Saturday, July 13 at 7:00 pm. Pat and Donna Surface from the Spiritwood Foundation joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Monday to talk about the success of last year’s inaugural event and the hopes for year two. The…

Coffee Conversation: “Is This Magic?” Experimental Dance Solo at the NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. — Two Harbors Dance Artist Kayla Schiltgen will perform experimental dance solo “Is This Magic?” on Saturday, June 29 at The Lab at NorShor Theatre. Schiltgen joined FOX 21 live on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the performance. “Is This Magic?” will have two showings at The Lab on Saturday, June 29 at 4:00pm & 7:00pm. Performances…

Coffee Conversation: One Roof Community Housing talks Homeownership

DULUTH, Minn. — June is National Homeownership Month, and with increased home prices and higher interest rates the U.S. housing market can be intimidating. Enter One Roof Community Housing. One Roof Senior Director of Community Land Trust Jim Philbin and Housing Services Manager Niki Kolodge joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday with information about homeownership locally. The two…

Coffee Conversation: Local Band to Release New Music Video Filmed at Duluth Armory

DULUTH, Minn. — Local band Indecent Proposal will release a music video for their new song “Albright” on Tuesday, June 25, filmed in the Historic Duluth Armory on London Road. The band joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Monday to talk about the production. The crew also played a sneak peak of original song “Glow” that has yet to…

Coffee Conversation: FundRacers Running for a Reason at Grandma’s Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. — Mile in My Shoes FundRacers will take part in Grandma’s Marathon this weekend, including Resident Members (people experiencing homelessness, exiting incarceration, in recovery and transitioning post-military service) and volunteer Run Mentors. Two FundRacers with MiMS, Ruth Sorenson and Darren Reed, joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday ahead of Grandma’s Marathon. Ruth is a current Run…

Coffee Conversation: Marathon Runner Seeks Redemption at Grandma’s Marathon after Injury

DULUTH, Minn. — Tony Loyd is an avid runner, and Grandma’s Marathon is one race he annually takes part in. Last year, injury prevented him from competing. Now that he is healthy and uninjured, Tony is registered and ready for his 2024 redemption race in Duluth. Tony was on the morning newscast last year, and returned Friday to talk about…

Michipicoten Returns to the Duluth/Superior Harbor

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday, June 20, the 689-foot Michipicoten safely arrived back to the Twin Ports after spending nearly two weeks in Thunder Bay, Ontario for temporary repair. The vessel suffered a crack to its hull on June 8, taking on significant water near Isle Royale on Lake Superior. Thursday night, the ship was escorted 180 miles by the…

UPDATE: Two Juveniles Arrested in Robbery and Assault of 75-year-old Man

DULUTH, Minn. — Two male juveniles, a 14-year-old and 16-year-old, were arrested Wednesday, June 19 in the assault and robbery of a 75-year-old man in the DECC parking ramp. UPDATE (6/20): The juveniles are facing pending charges of Aid and Abet 1st Aggravated Robbery and 3rd Degree Riot charges. They were detained at about 10:30 pm on Wednesday, June 19…

Coffee Conversation: Super Rhubarb Festival 2024 Preview

DULUTH, Minn. — The Super Rhubarb Festival will return to Duluth on Saturday, June 29, commemorating Chum’s 50th Anniversary. CHUM Director of Communications and Marketing Bradley Zwagerman and Rhubarbara joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the event. The festival is taking place on Saturday, June 29, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at Stella Maris Academy Holy…

Coffee Conversation: What Runners Should Know Ahead of Grandma’s Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. — The final sprint is on to Grandma’s Marathon. Here’s what runners should know before race day. Essentia Health Athletic Trainer Christina Nistler, who has also ran 10 marathons, joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about how runners can stay healthy before and after a big race like Grandma’s Marathon. Nistler also talked about…

Neighbor’s “Quick Action” Saves Three and a House from Overnight Fire

DULUTH, Minn. — A neighbor is being credited for their “quick response” in saving three people and a house from fire early Tuesday morning. According to the Duluth Fire Department, fire broke out at a house on West 6th street at about 12:12 Tuesday morning. Upon arrival, crews discovered the front steps and porch engulfed in flames. Officers made sure…

Coffee Conversation: Two One-Act Murder Mysteries at Time Arc Theatre

SUPERIOR, WI. — Two one-act murder mysteries, Murder in Poplar and Heartbreak, will take the stage at Time Arc Theatre June 21 – June 30. Director of Murder in Poplar Kathleen Laakso and Director of Heartbreak Rob Larson joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Monday ahead of opening night. The Time Arc Theatre is located in the Old Post…

Cenovus Energy Rolls Out 50 new scholarships for Engineering Students

DULUTH, Minn. — The Swenson School of Engineering is rolling out 50 new scholarship opportunities for students. The announcement coming Thursday outside of UMD. A total of 50 engineering scholarships will be provided over the next five years. Dr. Wendy Reed, the Dean of the Swenson School of Engineering, has a goal for every UMD engineering student to receive a…

Coffee Conversation: Rubber Chicken Theater Presents, “The Chicken Hat Plays”

DULUTH, Minn. — Rubber Chicken Theater will present eight plays all created in the span of 24 hours on Saturday, June 15 at 7:30pm at Harbor City International School Theater. Brian Matuszak joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about The Chicken Hat Plays. Seating is general and admission is $20 per person. Email brian@rubberchickentheater.com for tickets…

Coffee Conversation: Locally Sourced Flowers at Grandma’s Marathon Finish Line

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Flower Farm in collaboration with Farmer Doug will be the official supplier of this year’s finish line flowers at Grandma’s Marathon. Lois Hoffbauer with Farmer Doug and Derek Hoffbauer with Duluth Flower Farm joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the opportunity. This is the first time there will be local flower…

Coffee Conversation: Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital Cancer Lecture Series

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday, June 11, Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital will host a cancer lecture series at the Depot from 5:30-7 pm. One of the panelists, St. Luke’s Genetic Counselor Delaney Pease, joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday to discuss the lecture and the field of genetics. The series will focus on the role of genetics in…

Coffee Conversation: Final Countdown to Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Runners, spectators, and the Twin Ports community are gearing up for the 2024 Grandma’s Marathon weekend June 22. Grandma’s Marathon Marketing & Public Relations Director Zach Schneider joined FOX 21 on the newscast Wednesday morning to talk about race weekend plans and preparations. Beyond the marathon, the weekend features a multitude of other events. The annual spaghetti…

Coffee Conversation: ‘The Great American Trailer Park Musical’ at Fitger’s

DULUTH, Minn. — Boat Club Productions presents ‘The Great American Trailer Park Musical’ at Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theatre June 7-16, 2024. Boat Club Productions Producer Jason Vincent joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday ahead of opening night. The show is about rising above our impulses, mistakes and surroundings to make a future. Showtimes include June 7-8…

New Check-In System Coming to Essentia Health Clinic Locations

DULUTH, Minnesota. — Essentia Health is rolling out a new check-in system at all of its clinic locations with electronic kiosks and other mobile options to assist patients in the process. “Healthcare is a technology driven, innovative industry. We’re always looking for those updates, and those technologies that can make the patient experience better,” said Essentia Health Community Relations Director…

Coffee Conversation: Blue Star Museums Supports Military Families with Free Admission

DULUTH, Minn. — Participating Blue Star Museums look to support active military personnel and families with free admission. There are four Blue Star Museums in Duluth; William A. Irvin, Glensheen, Children’s Museum, and the Lake Superior Zoo. Lucie Amundsen with the DECC joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast to talk about the importance of supporting military families through gestures…