Author: Maria Vollom

Two Women Critically Injured in Car Crash, International Falls

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — Two women are hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a single-vehicle accident Tuesday evening. According to Minnesota State Patrol, the Alfa SUV was traveling eastbound on Highway 11 near MP209, lost control on a corner, hit a pontoon trailer and rolled into a tree. The driver is identified as 18-year-old Kaylee Rae Scholler of International Falls. The…

Coffee Conversation: Bayfront Festival Park Ramps Up for Summer

DULUTH, Minn. — Tis the season of outdoor concerts, events and recreation. Bayfront Festival Park is a hot-spot to be for all of the above. Winterfell Management now oversees Bayfront operations. President & Managing Partner Jeff Stark joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about summer events at the park. For a full list of events, click…

Coffee Conversation: St. Luke’s Highlights Stroke Signs & Treatments

DULUTH, Minn. — May is Stroke Awareness Month. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the number 5 cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. St. Luke’s Neurologist Siddhart Mehta joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday to discuss stroke awareness, and how to recognize and act on stroke symptoms. Mehta also…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse Main Stage Production, Peter and the Starcatcher

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Playhouse presents a theatrical prequel to Peter Pan, Peter and the Starcatcher, running May 24 – June 2 at the NorShor Theatre. Evan Kelly, who is playing the role of Black Stache (aka Captain Hook), and Jake Mathey, who is played the role of the Boy (or Peter Pan), joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast…

Coffee Conversation: YWCA Duluth To Host Annual Mission Soirée Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — In celebration of 130 years of serving the northland, YWCA Duluth will hold its annual Mission Soirée on Thursday, May 30 to raise funds to continue its programs. YWCA Operations and Communication Manager Asin Biiwaash-Smith joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Monday to talk about the event and its purpose. The Mission Soirée will take place…

Coffee Conversation: Tutors Needed in Duluth and Across Minnesota Fall 2024

DULUTH, Minn. — Americorps is looking for 45 tutors to help students with reading and math this coming Fall. A total of 1,700 tutors are needed across the state of Minnesota. Early Learning Tutor Paige Blosberg and Duluth Tutor Recruiter Mikayla Karels joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday to highlight the need and provide additionally information. No teaching…

Coffee Conversation: Musicians/Venues Wanted for Make Music Day Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — Community members will fill the streets with the sound of music for the third annual Make Music Day Superior on Friday, June 21st, from 11am to 9pm. Siggy’s Musical Garden Executive Director Cheryl Finkbeiner, SMG Board President Scott Lillo, and local Musician Shane Nelson joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the purpose…

Coffee Conversation: Local Faith-Based Pop Band Releases New Single, Signs New Deals

DULUTH, Minn. — Faith-based pop band Presence Music finds recent success after releasing their latest single Down in the River. Members of the group joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday, where they announced they’ve signed a development deal with Mcglaughlin Music Group and radio promotion deal with Compass Artist Management. They also played their new hit live in-studio. More…

Coffee Conversation: Mix Cosmetiques DIY Mother’s Day Bonding Bliss Workshop

DULUTH, Minn. — Mix Cosmetiques presents a DIY Mother’s Day bonding class where attendees will craft lip gloss, lip polish and perfume using only plant-based ingredients. Owner of Mix Cosmetiques Lanae Rhoads joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday with more information. Rhoads helped FOX 21’s Maria Vollom make a lip polish live in-studio. DIY Mother’s Day Bonding Bliss…

Cloquet Students Compete in 7th Annual Battle of the Books

CLOQUET, Minn. — Students faced-off Tuesday in the 7th annual Battle of the Books competition at the Cloquet Senior High Auditorium. The quiz bowl style event featured students from Churchill Elementary, Washington Elementary and Cloquet Middle School. The kids read 12 different books this year and answered questions Tuesday about the authors, characters, themes and settings. Event Coordinator Jessica Gagne…

Hibbing Woman Dead After Single Vehicle Crash

HIBBING, Minn. — A 30-year-old female from Hibbing is dead after a single vehicle crash on Thursday. The GMC was traveling northbound on Highway 73 at Gilboe Road when it ran off the right-side of the road right and struck a guard rail, according to Minnesota State Patrol. The driver identified as a 30-year-old female of Hibbing, MN. No further…

Coffee Conversation: Northspan to host Business Succession Planning Summit

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Northspan will host a succession planning summit, Succession Strategies, on May 23 at Iron Trail Motors Event Center from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. Northspan Group Consultant & Finance Manage Zack Filipovich joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the event. The Northspan Group provides business development and community development consulting services to clients in…

Coffee Conversation: “Todd Oliver, The Funniest Night Of Your Life” at West Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. — Ventriloquist and Comedian Todd Oliver and his talking dog Irving will take the state at the West Theatre on Sunday May 5 at 2pm. The duo has starred on the Today Show, the Late Show with David Letterman, the Tonight Show and America’s Got Talent. They joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday. For tickets to…

Volunteer Sandra Nutt Sheds Light on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Ashland

ASHLAND, WI. — April is National Volunteer Month, and community members like Sandra Nutt are busy preparing for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Ashland. Sandra is a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association. She has helped put on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for the past 10 years. Meanwhile, her daughter currently works at the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Research Center. Like…

Coffee Conversation: Local Musician from Carlton Wins Competition with Original Song

CARLTON, Minn. — A local musician from Carlton will receive a close to $10,000 prize after winning a national contest for her original song. Abrianna Schmidt is an 18-year-old high school senior. She recently found out that she won the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Journey of a Song contest. She joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to…

Coffee Conversation: Denfeld Theater Presents The Outsiders Play, April 25-27

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Denfeld High School presents a theater performance of The Outsiders based on the popular novel at Lincoln Park Middle School from April 25-27. Duluth Denfeld senior students, Kai Smith and Ayden Cavanaugh, are both playing the role of Johnny Cade in the play. They joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about it…

Coffee Conversation: TNT Timber on Firewise Treatments, Fuels Reduction & Fire Mitigation

DULUTH, Minn. — Two brothers conduct sustainable forest management projects, all the while helping Northlanders protect their homes and structures. Tucker and Tyler Masseth are the Owners of TNT Timber. They joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about Firewise treatments, fuels reduction and fire mitigation. In recent years, a Spruce Budworm outbreak in the Northland region…

Coffee Conversation: UMD Graphic Design Students Fundraising for Nonprofits

DULUTH, Minn. — Two groups of UMD senior graphic design students are competing to raise funds for local nonprofits, Companies to Classrooms and Northwood’s Children Services (NCS). Meaghan Carlson, Marketing Lead of the Classmates to Classrooms exhibition for Companies to Classrooms, and Zach Audette of Protect Play for NCS joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Monday ahead of the…

Coffee Conversation: Local Artist Hosts Beach Sand Necklace Making Classes

DULUTH, Minn. — A local jewelry artist gives sand new life by placing it inside the pendant of a handmade necklace, and she’s hosting classes to teach you how to make your own, too. Barb Owen-Boerger will teach class attendees how to make beach sand necklaces, using UV resin and sand from beaches in the northland. She joined Fox 21…

The Lakeview Apartment Complex Breaks Ground Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for The Lakeview apartments on East Superior Street in Duluth. The Lakeview apartment complex sits at the intersection of Duluth’s Historic Arts & Theater District and Medical District. It includes 210 multi-family units with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom options available. The Lakeview also has direct access to the Lakewalk along Lake…

Federal Funding Awarded to Fix a Portion of Highway 11 Along the Rainy River

LOMAN, Minn. — A portion of Highway 11 between International Falls and Baudette is getting a facelift of sorts thanks to recent federal funding. The U.S Department of Transportation has awarded $2.5 million dollars to address two critical slope failures along the Rainy River. The project will realign 1.2 miles of highway in the City of Loman, removing the roadway…

Coffee Conversation: Lodge 9 Spring Fundraiser for Local Law Enforcement

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Lake Superior Lodge 9 Fraternal Order of Police is preparing to hold its annual Spring Fundraiser to raise money in support of local law enforcement. Troy “Tig” Fralich is President of the Lake Superior Lodge 9 FOP. He along with Amber Brostrom, Fundraiser Organizer, joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Film Festival Brings Creatives Together at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds will gather for the Minnesota Film Festival at Zeitgeist Center for Arts and elsewhere Downtown Duluth on April 3-7. Minnesota Film Festival Director Vera Bianchini and Local Filmmaker Megan McGarvey joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday ahead of the showcase. The 5-day event is in celebration of visual artistry from coast-to-coast. It will feature…

Coffee Conversation: Early Voting Begins for Duluth Public Schools’ Spring Referendum

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday, May 14, residents in the Duluth Public Schools district will vote for the second time on a technology referendum. If approved, the annual $5.2 million capital projects levy will support upgraded classroom technology and curricula, digital infrastructure, and cyber and physical security throughout the schools. Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas joined FOX 21 live…

Easter Eggstravaganza at Marcus Lakes Cinema

HERMANTOWN, Minn.  — On Saturday, March 30, Marcus Lakes Cinema will transform into an Easter  eggstravaganza. Hop on over to the family-fun event, featuring an Easter egg hunt, crafts and activities, and movies, including the films Migration and Hop. The keynote speaker, excuse me, the keynote carrot eater is none other than the Easter bunny (available for photo opportunities). “The…

Coffee Conversation: Local Author Debuts New Book, The Mermaid of Lake Superior

MINN. — Barnum-raised author puts out a new book called The Mermaid of Lake Superior, full of  shipwrecks and history, engaging characters, and a magical Mermaid in northland waters. Author Aurora Lothbrok grew up in Barnum, MN, but now lives in Anchorage, AK. She joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the book and its storyline….

Coffee Conversation: Car Fanatics Gear up for Motorhead Madness

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northland’s largest indoor custom car show Motorhead Madness will return to the DECC on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. Co-Owner of Motorhead Madness Mike Podgornik joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday ahead of the event. Four arenas will overflow with 150 one-of-a-kind customs, trucks, 4x4s, street rods, race cars, cycles, rat rods,…

Coffee Conversation: 17-Year-Old Belle Modeen Pursues Dream in Music

SUPERIOR, WI. — In honor of Thursday, March 21 being National Absolutely Incredible Kid Day, a local musician of Superior High School showcased her talent on the FOX21 morning newscast. 17-year-old Belle Modeen joined Fox 21 Thursday morning to talk about her passion for music, past accomplishments and future goals. Modeen played a cover of What Was I Made For? By…

Int’l Falls & Grand Portage Entry Points to Receive Federal Funding

Minn. — International Falls and Grand Portage will be getting federal funding for their Land Port of Entry projects. International Falls will receive $86 million and Grand Portage $27 million. The funds will go toward improving manufacturing and technologies by utilizing American-made, lower-carbon construction materials. It’s all apart of President Biden’s investing in America agenda. The ports in minnesota are two…

Coffee Conversation: 18th Annual Mojakka Cook-Off at Northeastern Hotel & Saloon

CLOQUET, Minn. — The 18th annual Mojakka Cook-Off returns to the Northeastern Hotel and Saloon in Cloquet this weekend. Owner of the Northeastern Hotel Bert Whittington and Sweet Exchange Owner Lisa Quarles, who is also a cook-off participant, joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the event. The cook-off is a fundraiser for the Carlton County Historical…

Fire Shuts Down Split Rock Lighthouse Tuesday

COOK COUNTY, Minn. — A fire in the woods near Split Rock Lighthouse caused the entire historic site to shut down and evacuate on Tuesday. This was the fiery scene surrounding the landmark, captured and shared by Split Rock Lighthouse on Facebook. Acting in caution, all guests were evacuated at around 2:30 pm, according to the Facebook post. Crews were…

Coffee Conversation: A+ Garden Center Prepares for Spring Planting

DULTUH, Minn. — With sunshine and 60 degrees in the northland, many are planning and preparing their spring gardens. FOX 21 checked in with Tabatha Beier, owner of A+ Garden Center, to see how they’re getting ready for the spring planting season. A+ Garden Center will open its Kenwood location on May 3. Click here for more information. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

87-Year-Old Taconite Woman Dead After Fatal Crash

TACONITE, Minn. — An 87-year-old woman from Taconite is dead after a fatal crash last night on Highway 169. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, it was a two vehicle accident in Taconite. The other driver was a 16-year-old man from Nashwauk. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The state patrol reports, the teen was driving a sports car northbound on Highway…

Transition Conference held for Secondary Students with Disabilities

CLOQUET, Minn. — Mentoring day, a transition conference for secondary students with disabilities, was held on Monday at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College. Roughly 300 students from 14 school districts gathered for the event. The day was comprised of break-out sessions, exhibitors, and a keynote speaker. The purpose is to help students with disabilities starting thinking about employment,…

Applications Now Open for Community Funding Grant Awards

DULUTH, Minn. — The Junior League of Duluth is now accepting applications for the 2024 community funding grant awards for local non-profits. Junior League of Duluth President Angela Engblom and Community Council Director Patty Salo Downs joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the grant opportunities. In the past several years, JLD has awarded over $68,000 to local non-profit…

Coffee Conversation: Northwood Children’s Services Celebrates 141 years with Fundraising Gala

DULUTH Minn. — The Northwood Children’s Services is celebrating 141 years of serving kids and families with its third annual Northwood Night Out fundraising gala. Northwood Children’s Services Director of Resource Development Morgana Kolenda and Program Supervisor Amanda Ross joined FOX 21 live on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the purpose of the event. The gala is taking…

Coffee Conversation: Kicking off Spring Racing Season with the Saint Fennessy 4K

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — With temperatures on the rise, it’s time to slip the running shoes back on and kick off the spring racing season. Enter the Saint Fennessy 4K on Saturday, March 16. Zach Schneider is the Marketing and Public Relations Director with the Young Athletes Foundation. He joined FOX 21 live on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about…

Cloquet Police: Meth in Super 8 Motel Shooter; Did Not Know Victims

At one time told co-worker he was dealing with "monsters."

Cloquet, Minn. — In what they describe as their “final” update Monday, the Cloquet Police Department said that the suspect behind the fatal shooting at the Super 8 Motel on January 9 had meth in his system at the time of the incident and was unknown to the victims. The two victims of the shooting were 22-year-old Shellby Trettel of…

Coffee Conversation: Addressing Health Needs Beyond the Clinical Space

DULUTH, Minn. — Addressing health needs goes beyond medicinal support; often times it’s rooted in the basics like access to transportation, food security and more. Essentia Health has 10 community health workers (CHW) who work to ensure that individuals are supported inside and outside of the hospital. CHW Sam Eades with Essentia Health joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast…