Maria Vollom, Author at Fox21Online

Coffee Conversation: DSA Community Foundation Scholarship Opportunities

November 29, 2023

Maria Vollom,

TWIN PORTS — Beginning on December 1, the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation will have $800,000 available for scholarships across the Northland. Community Impact Specialist Amber Burns joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about scholarship opportunities and the application process. Scholarships support students and job seekers who are pursuing post-secondary education throughout the region. High school seniors…

Coffee Conversation: AICHO’s Upcoming Biboon Bimaadizimin (Winter Good Life) Market

November 22, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — AICHO’s Biboon Bimaadizimin (Winter Good Life) Market will return on Saturday, November 25 (10 am – 2 pm) at 212 W. 2nd Street in Duluth. Indigenous First Coordinator Khayman Goodsky joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about the event. The event feature over 30 vendors (artists, authors, entrepreneurs) – most come from Indigenous, BIPOC backgrounds…

Three-Vehicle Crash on the Corner of 21st Ave. E and London Rd

November 22, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — A three-vehicle accident took place on the corner of 21st Ave. E and London Rd in the early morning hours Wednesday, November 22. No injuries reported. According to the Duluth Police Department, officers responded at approximately 5:20 am to the report of a three-vehicle pileup crash. Initial investigation showed an individual failed to stop at a traffic…

Coffee Conversation: St. Luke’s on the Importance of Foot Care as a Diabetic

November 20, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. More than 37 million Americans live with diabetes, which is nearly 1 in 4 adults. One of the conditions that can occur because of diabetes is foot ulcers. That’s where St. Lukes Hospital in Duluth comes into play. St. Luke’s Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center can help with the wound-healing…

Local Boutiques Participate in Pink Friday to Support Small First

November 17, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Local shops in the northland took part in Pink Friday on November 17, a spin on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience, reminding people to shop small this holiday season. Liila Boutique, a women’s clothing and gift store located in the Lincoln Park Craft District, was one of the shops apart of the national trend. Each year,…

HIBBING: One Dead After Fatal Car Accident on Highway 169

November 17, 2023

Maria Vollom,

HIBBING, Minn. — One person is dead after a fatal car accident Thursday night on Highway 169 in Hibbing. According to Minnesota State Patrol, a 2022 International Straight Truck was traveling East on Grace Road across the Southbound lanes of Highway 169. A 2007 Toyota Prius was traveling South on Highway 169 when it came into contact with the straight…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Fiber Guild Annual Fiber Fair & Sale

November 16, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Fiber Guild’s Annual Fiber Fair & Sale will return on November 18 to the First United Methodist Church (The Coppertop) in Duluth. Duluth Fiber Guild President Kit Sitter joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the event. The sale will feature items such as handwoven scarves, jewelry, garments, fiber for spinning, handspun yarn, holiday…

Coffee Conversation: Christner and Roufs of Denfeld Girls Swim & Dive to Compete at State

November 15, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Two competitors from Denfeld High School Girls Swim & Dive will compete in Class A of the 2023 State Tournament November 16-18 at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center. In the Section 7A standings, senior Liv Christner took 2nd place and will compete at state for the second year. Meanwhile, 10th grader Claire Roufs came in 4th…

AURORA: Structure Fire Claims Life of Adult Male & Three Dogs

November 10, 2023

Maria Vollom,

AURORA, Minn. — A house fire in Aurora Thursday night has claimed the lives of one man and three dogs. According to a press release, the blaze was reported around 6:30 at 17 West 6th Avenue North. Firefighters arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames. Before fire crews arrived on scene, a nearby neighbor tried to enter the…

Coffee Conversation: Rubber Chicken Theater Presents “What the Constitution Means to Me”

November 3, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Just in time for election season, the Rubber Chicken Theater presents “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Spirit of the North Theater this weekend. Director Ian Wallin and Performer Cheryl Skafte joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Friday ahead of the show opener. What the Constitution Means to Me is the autobiographical tale of playwright Heidi Schreck…

Coffee Conversation: 40 Years of Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation

October 30, 2023

Maria Vollom,

TWIN PORTS — As the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation begins it’s 40th year of existence, it also looks to shift and expand its focus. Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation CEO Shaun Floerke joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Monday to talk about the future vision of the foundation. Floerke also emphasized the importance of upstream work in ensuring opportunities,…

Maine Mass Killing Suspect Found Dead, Associated Press Reports

October 27, 2023

Maria Vollom,

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — The man suspected of fatally shooting 18 people and wounding 13 in Maine has been found dead, authorities said Friday. Robert Card, who was wanted in connection with the shootings at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston, is believed to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a law enforcement…

Falls Elementary School Community Service Learning Day

October 27, 2023

Maria Vollom,

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — Students at Falls Elementary School spent the day on Thursday giving back to the local community. It was community service learning day Thursday (10/27) at the elementary school in International Falls. Each grade was involved in a different volunteering project. Third grade students were at the Borderland Humane Society. They made pet toys and baked homemade treats…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Chamber 153rd Annual Meeting & Dinner Celebration

October 25, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing to host its 153rd Annual Meeting & Dinner Celebration on November 2. Vice President of Strategy & Policy Dan Fanning joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about the annual event and its purpose. This year’s event will be a celebration of membership, leadership and community progress….

Coffee Conversation: Getting to Know FOX21 Sports Anchor/Reporter Ben Burns

October 24, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Ben Burns joined the FOX21 team in August 2023 as a Weekend Anchor / Sports Reporter. Burns came on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about how he got his start in Wisconsin, his role in sports broadcasting today, and the latest headlines in Northland athletics. If you have a sports inquiry, email bburns@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

Coffee Conversation: Family Freedom Center/NYS Annual Trunk-Or-Treat Event

October 24, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — With Halloween just around the corner, the Family Freedom Center: Neighborhood Youth Services is preparing to host its fourth annual Trunk-Or-Treat event. Operations Director Pez Davila joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about this years event and how its grown. Trunk-Or-Treat is taking place on October 28 from 12-4 pm at the Lake City Parking…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Public Schools Future Forward Referendum Vote

October 23, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — On Monday, Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas joined FOX21 on the morning newscast ahead of the Future Forward 709 Referendum vote on 11/7. The referendum vote is in regards to a $7.9 million plan to protect and progress mental and academic support for students, the ability to offer a diverse range of class options and access…

Coffee Conversation: Northern Spotlight Theatre Presents “Zombies from the Beyond”

October 23, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northern Spotlight Theatre presents musical comedy “Zombies from the Beyond” at the Denfeld High School Lecture Hall, October 26-28. Music Director Steve Solkela, Director Miranda Stachowtcz and Performer Keely Waechter joined FOX21 live on the morning newscast ahead of the showcase. Zombies from the Beyond is a tribute to the cheap, 1950s sci-fi movies with tongue-in-cheek…

The Great Pumpkin Train Returns to Duluth

October 20, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Nothing says fall quite like a pumpkin patch, and for some people in Duluth Friday, they had quite the ride to the field of picking. The Great Pumpkin Train is back in Duluth for this weekend only. The fall tradition, put on by the North Shore Scenic Railroad, features a 90-minute ride from the depot to and…

Coffee Conversation: UMD to hold Climate Change Conference

October 19, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of MN Duluth, Institute on the Environment and Office of Sustainability are hosting a two day, in person conference, Our Climate Futures, October 23-24, 2023, at the UMD Kirby Student Center. Institute on the Environment Director Julie Etterson and Office of Sustainability Director Jonna Korpi joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about…

Coffee Conversation: North End Nightmare 5K Returns to Superior

October 17, 2023

Maria Vollom,

SUPERIOR, WI. — The North End Nightmare 5K is set to take place on October 28 at 11:00 am in Superior. Grandma’s Marathon Marketing & Public Relations Director Zach Schneider joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the event. In coordination with the annual Superior Spooktacular, this event offers participants a mix of scary surprises and haunted…

Coffee Conversation: Chum’s Golden Gala Commemorating 50th Anniversary

October 6, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Chum will host a Golden Gala on Tuesday, October 17 at the DECC commemorating 50 years of assisting those experiencing homelessness. Chum Director of Communications and Marketing Bradley Zwagerman joined FOX21 live on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. There will be a gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, inspiring stories, and…

Coffee Conversation: North of Nashville Fall Festival

October 6, 2023

Maria Vollom,

SILVER BAY, Minn. — North of Nashville is coming to the Silver Bay Reunion Hall on Friday, October 13 for a Country Music Fall Festival. Musician Bo Allen joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the event and play some tunes live in-studio. North of Nashville is the Midwest’s connection to premier country music, talent, and entertainment….

UMD Faculty Union Rallies Amid Contract Negotiations

October 5, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Job security, research restrictions and increased teacher workload among concerns voiced Thursday (Oct 5) at a rally held by University of Minnesota Duluth union faculty members. This as contract negotiations continue with UMD administration. Duluth members of the University Education Association (UEA-Duluth) along with staff, students and a few city representatives rallied at UMD’s Kirby Plaza Bus…

Coffee Conversation: Bill Hinden Presents “The Great Jewish American Songbook” at Temple Israel

October 5, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Temple Israel will host a live presentation and performance by Bill Hindin of Songs and Stories of the Jewish Composers of Popular Music of the 20th Century. Temple Israel Board Member Jack Seiler joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the event and its purpose. Hindin uses multi-media, jokes, piano playing and song to…

Coffee Conversation: Animal Allies Fur Ball Fundraiser

October 3, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Animal Allies 2023 Fur Ball Gala is taking place on Saturday, October 14 at Northland Country Club. The purpose of the event is to raise funds to help take care of the animals. This year’s event will feature mingling, eating, gaming and winning. Fundraising goal is set at $100,000.00. Click here for ticket information. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota,…

Homecoming Week at UMD Features Bulldog Country Fair

September 29, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The weather may have impacted some events on Friday, but it did not dampen the homecoming spirit at UMD’s Bulldog Country Fair. Three food trucks lined Ordean Court, including; Oasis, The Iron Waffle and Johnny B’s. Other outdoor activities were cancelled due to rain. This event is a part of UMD’s homecoming week celebrations. The purpose is…

Coffee Conversation: St. Luke’s Discusses Importance of Healthy Aging

September 28, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — September is healthy aging month, a nationwide observance dedicated to empowering older adults by promoting the positive features of aging. St. Luke’s Family Medicine Physician Dr. Addie Vittorio joined FOX21 on the newscast on Thursday to talk about the importance of people taking control of their health as they age. A few things Dr. Vittorio highlighted include; prioritizing a…

Coffee Conversation: 24th Annual Lester River Rendezvous in Duluth

September 27, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The 24th Annual Lester River Rendezvous will take place this weekend (9/30) in the heart of Lester Park. Committee Chair Lindsey Whitlinger joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Wednesday to talk about the event and its purpose. The fall festival will feature a range of vendor booths, food, fun and a rewarding school program that offers a…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Cider’s 5th Annual Big Bad Apple Bash

September 26, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Cider is cheers-ing to five years of cider making with its Annual Big Bad Apple Bash of Saturday, September 30. Duluth Cider Owner Jake Scott joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the celebration and its purpose. Bring your apples and your appetite, your friends and your family, your doggo and your dancing…

Coffee Conversation: ‘Ready North’ Helps Homeowners/Renters Prepare in Case of Disaster

September 26, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. –With the recent rain and flooding in Duluth and surrounding areas, the Ready North network is reminding renters and homeowners to be prepared in case of disaster. Members Karen Sunderman and Dan Williams joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the mission and purpose of Ready North. September also marks National Disaster Preparedness month, coinciding…

Viewing Fall Colors in Duluth from a Bird’s-Eye Point of View

September 22, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — You may have noticed the leaves already starting to change, painting the northland landscape in vibrant colors. While there are many ways to view the hues, FOX21 had the chance to do so from the sky with Lake Superior Helicopters, a local flight school that also does tours. Sometimes you have to take a step away, or…

POLICE: Shots Fired in Superior, No Threat To Public

September 22, 2023

Maria Vollom,

UPDATE (September 22, 9:10 a.m.) — The Superior Police Department says they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. At 6 a.m. Friday the Emergency Response Team completed their tasks and cleared the area. Authorities say there will be a police presence in the area Friday as the incident is investigated. Superior Police ask anyone with…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Playhouse Kicks Off New Season with ‘Young Frankenstein’

September 21, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Playhouse is launching its 2023 – 2024 season with the musical comedy Young Frankenstein, running September 15 to October 1 at the historic NorShor Theatre. Duluth Playhouse Executive Director Wes Drummond joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the spooky, funny show and the rest of the season. Young Frankenstein is filled with…

Coffee Conversation: Local Authors to Participate in Discussions at Twin Ports Libraries

September 20, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Twin Ports Perceptions project will host panel discussions with six local authors at Superior Public Library on September 26 and Duluth Public Library on October 10. Superior Public Library Programming and Partnerships Manager Leslie Mehle and Featured Author Jayson Iwen joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Wednesday, September 20 to talk about the upcoming events and their…

Coffee Conversation: Brain Injury Survivor Shares Story in Honor of ‘Walk for Thought’

September 15, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance will host its annual Walk for Thought event on Saturday, Sept. 16 in Duluth and in the Twin Cities/New Brighton. Brain Injury Survivor and Walk for Thought Honoree Jon Wiggins shared his story of recovery on the FOX21 morning newscast. St. Luke’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit Admissions Coordinator Amanda Johnson also weighed in…

Coffee Conversation: Return of the 38th Annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest

September 14, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The 38th Annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with a rain date of Sunday, Sept. 17. Chester Bowl Improvement Club Executive Director Dave Schaeffer joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Fall Fest is a regional…

One Dead After Car/Motorcycle Crash in Mahtowa Township

September 14, 2023

Maria Vollom,

MAHTOWA TOWNSHIP — One person is dead after a two-vehicle crash between a motorcycle and a car Wednesday night in Mahtowa Township. According to a press release, on Wednesday, September 13 at 9:10 PM, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a two-vehicle crash between a motorcycle and a passenger car at the intersection of County Road 61…

Coffee Conversation: Zeitgeist ‘Spirit of the Times’ Annual Fundraiser

September 13, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Zeitgeist will hold its annual Spirit of the Times fundraiser on Superior Street in the form of a block-style party on Friday, September 15. Zeitgeist Executive Director Tony Cuneo joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Onsite will be live music and entertainment, local creative talent throughout the evening, unique…

Coffee Conversation: 10th Annual Light Duluth Teal Gala

September 12, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance is holding its 10th annual Light Duluth Teal Gala on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. Ovarian Cancer Survivor and Light Duluth Teal Gala Chair Kristine Greer joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the gala. The event also marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and will benefit MOCA’s ovarian cancer research and…

Duluth & MN DNR Urging Residents to Conserve Water, Under Drought Warning

September 8, 2023

Maria Vollom,

NORTHLAND — The City of Duluth and state DNR officials are urging residents to practice water conservation measures due to drought warning. The Lake Superior Watershed, which includes Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor and Rice Lake areas have entered the Drought Warning response phase, as described in the Minnesota Statewide Drought Plan. Residents are encouraged to be mindful of their water use…

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Harvest Festival at Bayfront Park

September 8, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The 2023 Lake Superior Harvest Festival returns on Saturday, Sept. 9 to Bayfront Festival Park. The Harvest Festival is a project of the Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association, and was founded as an educational outreach program aimed to showcase the local agricultural production of food throughout the Lake Superior region of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Festival…

Coffee Conversation: 17th Annual Minnesota Mile Friday in Duluth

September 7, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The 17th Annual Minnesota Mile will take participants on a 1-mile course along the scenic Skyline Parkway in Duluth on Friday, September 8. Grandma’s Marathon Public Relations & Marketing Director Zach Schneider joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and the fall running season. The race is an excellent option for participants of all…

Coffee Conversation: UMD’s NRRI to hold Open House Focused on the Future

September 6, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — University of Minnesota Duluth’s Natural Resources Research Institute is opening its doors to the public (Sept. 16) to highlight research focused on the future. NRRI Marketing & Communications Manager June Breneman joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to discuss current areas of integrated research aimed at challenges today. The open house is taking place Saturday, Sept.16 from…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Bethel Celebrates 150 Years, Concert for Recovery Returns

September 6, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Bethel is celebrating 150 years with a two-day event, featuring the third annual Concert for Recovery. Executive Director Dennis Cummings joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the gathering and its purpose. This event is in celebration of mental health and recovery from substance abuse disorders sponsored by the Bethel and supporters. It’s free…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Couple Publishes Two Children’s Books

September 5, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Local couple Isaac and Jennifer Hunt joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the making of two children’s books recently launched. “Snowy Halloween” and “The Yellow Dragon” are now available on Amazon & Barnes and Noble. The two have been working on a 3rd book which they plan to release in November. It’s called “The…

Abandoned Structure Deemed Total Loss After Fire Broke Out Sunday

September 4, 2023

Maria Vollom,

EAGLE TOWNSHIP, Minn. — An abandoned structure is a total loss after fire broke out Sunday evening. At 10:36 p.m. on Sunday, September 3, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a structure fire at 1743 Kalli Road in Eagle Township. Carlton County Sheriff’s Office responded and found the structure to be fully engulfed. Cromwell-Wright Fire Department was…

One dead, Two Hospitalized after Two-Vehicle Accident in Taconite

September 4, 2023

Maria Vollom,

TACONITE, Minn. — One person is dead and two others are hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a two-vehicle accident Sunday night in Itasca County. According to Minnesota State Patrol, the Honda Civic was southbound County Road 7, attempting to turn northbound on Highway 169 in Taconite. The Chevrolet Silverado, hauling a fifth-wheel camper, was southbound on Highway 169 approaching County…

St. Louis County: Two Juveniles Hospitalized after Separate ATV Accidents

September 3, 2023

Maria Vollom,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Two juveniles were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries in St. Louis County this weekend after two separate ATV accidents. The first accident happened on Saturday, Sept. 2 just before 4 pm on Randa road, which is on the north side of Lake Vermillion. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, a side-by-side ATV was being…

Great Northern Classic Rodeo Returns to Superior

September 1, 2023

Maria Vollom,

SUPERIOR, WI. — Back for its 32nd year, the Great Northern Classic Rodeo returned on Friday, Sept. 1 to Superior. The event features everything from bull riding to calf roping and steer wrestling. Plus, mutton busting and other fun activities for the little ones. The first rodeo was hosted back in 1991 in Duluth. Two years later, it moved across…

Author: Maria Vollom

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