Author: Maria Vollom

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

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

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

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

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…

POLICE: Shots Fired in Superior, No Threat To Public

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’

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

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’

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: Zeitgeist ‘Spirit of the Times’ Annual Fundraiser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

Structure Fire in Duluth, No Injuries Reported

DULUTH, Minn. — Structure fire in Duluth on Friday, Sept. 1 causes $120,000 in damages to building, and damage to the building’s contents is estimated at $150,000. No one was injured. Duluth Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire at 3:15 pm on Friday at 4121 N 81st Avenue W. According to a press release, officers from the…

Coffee Conversation: 19th Annual Cornucopia Art Crawl

Cornucopia, WI — The Cornucopia Art Crawl is returning to the charming town for its 19th year on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10. On Tuesday, Aug. 29, Art Crawl Committee Members Nancy Moye and Dorothy Hoffman joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Over 40 artists are taking part, and that includes photographers,…

Back-to-School Shopping at Ivy Moon in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The crisp, fall season is about to make landfall in the northland, but before students head back-to-class and hit the textbooks, many are hitting the stores for school shopping; that includes at Ivy Moon Boutique. The shop is located on 1501 East Superior Street in Duluth. It serves as a hot-spot for all ages in women’s clothing,…

Local Woman Practices Alternative Forms of Medicine

DULUTH, Minn. — Most healthcare systems utilize western (conventional) medicine with pharmaceutical drugs, radiation and surgery treatments. However, holistic medicine, which takes a more natural, whole-body approach is gaining recent momentum, according to the National Institutes of Health. A local Holistic Practitioner, who is also a retired Occupational Therapist, explained how the contrasting forms of medicine can co-exist successfully. “I…

Gov. Walz, Gov. Evers Seek Federal Funds for Blatnik Bridge Project

TWIN PORTS — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced on Monday that their departments of transportation will seek over $1 billion in federal funding to rebuild the Blatnik Bridge between Duluth and Superior. A statement from Walz said in part, “the Blatnik Bridge connects the Twin Ports communities and economies of Duluth and Superior – it…

Canal Bark Welcomes Dogs “Back-to-School” too!

DULUTH, Minn. — When you typically think of back-to-school, you might think of kids, teachers, and college-aged students. However, the UMD Bulldog’s aren’t the only “canines” in Duluth gearing up for this academic school year. Dogs are back to play, run, and most importantly, eat some good treats at Canal Bark’s day camp — while their humans head back to…

Coffee Conversation: Backpack Drive at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. — School is right around the corner, and the Family Freedom Center: Neighborhood Youth Services will be giving out over 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies at “Unity In Our Community,” a back-to-school event held by Duluth Public Schools on August 21. Operations Director Pez Davila joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the backpack drive…

Coffee Conversation: Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ Third Annual Cancer Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ is preparing to hold its third annual cancer fundraiser to raise money for a Two Harbors woman, Tammy Churness, who is currently battling cancer. Owner Troy Fralich (Tig) and friend of Tammy, Brooke, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the fundraiser and its purpose. The benefit is taking place on…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Public Schools Back-to-School Event

DULUTH, Minn. — For the second year, Duluth Public Schools will host “Unity in Our Community,” a back-to-school event at Bayfront Festival Park on Mon. August 21 from 4-7 pm. On Mon. August 14, Assistant Superintendent Anthony Bonds joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Food, entertainment, vendors, and a large backpack giveaway…

Coffee Conversation: Twin Ports Fire Vs. Police Softball Charity Game

DULUTH, Minn. – The 14th Annual Northern Lights Badges & Ball Charity Softball Game is set to take place on Wed. August 9 at Wade Stadium in Duluth. The game features both Duluth and Superior Police & Fire Departments playing to raise funds for the Northern Lights Foundation, a charity organization that provides financial support to families with children who…

Apricot Lane Boutique to Relocate in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Heads up shoppers, locally owned Apricot Lane Boutique in the Miller Hill Mall will be moving to a new location in Duluth. The clothing store announced the move via social media on Monday. Apricot Lane’s last day at the mall will be August 23, but the store may be closed sooner to prepare for the move. New…

Coffee Conversation: 9th Annual Operation K-9 Returns to Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — On Thursday, August 10, Operation K-9 returns to Superior for its ninth year to raise funds for the Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation and shed light on the work these animals do with local law enforcement agencies. Board Member of the Northland K-9 Foundation Dana Kazel joined FOX21 live on the morning newscast Fri. August 4 to…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth TMS Treatment for Depression

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth TMS offers an FDA approved, non-invasive way to treat depression when medications fall short. Firstly, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS therapy uses strong, magnetic pulses to stimulate a localized region of the brain. According to Duluth TMS, this creates a clinical benefit without medication side-effects. As Duluth TMS explained, healthy brain function then returns over the…

Coffee Conversation: Tori Finnish Marketplace & Music Fest / Duluth Goat Yoga

FINLAND, Minn. — The Tori Finnish Marketplace & Music Fest is set to return to Finland MN Heritage Site on Sat. August 12 (10:00 am – 5:00 pm.) Finland MN Historical Society Executive Director Julie Luchsinger and featured event Duluth Goat Yoga Owner Angela Abernathy, along with her crew, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event…

Bowfest 2023 at Mont Du Lac Resort in Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — Bowfest 2023 is back in action at Mont Du Lac Resort in Superior. It’s the world’s largest outdoor archery & music festival, featuring; 3d archery, live music, a range of vendors, and the chance to meet hunting celebrities. The annual event brings in bow enthusiasts near and far. “if you like to shoot bow, whether you’re just…

Coffee Conversation: The Loneliness Epidemic Among Young People

DULUTH, Minn. — In a world of 8 billion people, the epidemic of loneliness continues to expand with, especially, young adults in its path. Dr. Jack Stoltzfus joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the causes of loneliness along with the role parents and society plays in a person’s experience with it. Stoltzfus further explained the importance of…

Coffee Conversation: Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival

DULUTH, Minn. — The 17th Annual Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival is returning Sat. July 15 to Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. Janna Dreher with the Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival along with Performer Luciano from Jamaica joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. Luciano gave a live in-studio performance. For…