Features

MN Film Festival Kicks Off With Duluth Screenwriter’s Film With The Late Bob Saget

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Film Festival opens Wednesday at Zeitgeist in downtown Duluth featuring independent films from our region and even around the world. On the FOX 21 morning show Tuesday, Duluth screenwriter Matthew Dressel gave us the lowdown on the festival and the festival’s opening film “Daniel’s Gotta Die,” which Dressel is the screenwriter for. The film features…

Coffee Conversation: Minnesota Film Festival Starts Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Film Festival is starting Wednesday at Zeitgeist in Duluth. A feature film from Duluth screenwriter Matthew Dressel with its Always Sunny in Philadelphia actress, Mary Lynn Rajskub in attendance will be played to kick off the event. The feature film is called Daniel’s Gotta Die and includes actor Bob Saget from Full House who passed away…

Never Dry: The Rise of Prohibition on the Iron Range

CHISOLM, Minn. – “I honestly think history is always directly relevant to the lives that we are living today. You carry history with you no matter what you do even if you don’t know it,” Minnesota Discovery Center Curator, Allyse Freeman says. In Chisolm, history runs deeper than the mine pits that tattoo the land. And at the Minnesota Discovery…

Coffee Conversation: The Postpartum Period for News Moms and Spouses

DULUTH, Minn. — A deep-dive into perinatal mental health during the postpartum period for new moms and spouses. New moms experience a blend of physical, hormonal and emotional changes both during pregnancy and postpartum. Founder of Duluth Perinatal / Perinatal Mental Health Specialist / and new mom herself, Celleste Schnellbach, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about postpartum…

Coffee Conversation: Local Author Presents Transformational Memoir

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Author Heather Wilde shared her personal story, “Tumbled: A Memoir of Perseverance, Personal Growth, and Magical Transformation,” on the morning newscast. The book features a collection of memories about codependency, budding sexuality, abuse, abandonment, introspection and the need for a new identity, according to Wilde. “I’ve learned that vulnerability is a superpower,” a quote from Wilde…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Exploratorium in the Works

HIBBING, Minn. – “Anything that you could possibly imagine of why or how, we like to explore. The world is an endless supply of curiosity,” Electrified Imagination Co-Founder, Steven Sanders says. Why is the sky blue and the grass green? Why do lizards crawl and birds sing? Entrepreneurs in Hibbing are laying the groundwork to find all the answers of…

Robotics and the Brains Behind Them at the DECC

Multi-State High School Competition Brings Out the Best

If you’ve ever wondered who all the smart people are who design the machines around us…they are at the DECC for the next two days. One hundred and twenty teams have gathered for an electronic gladiator competition of sorts. It is called the FIRST Robotics Regional Competition and it is part of an international program involving high school students. This…

Coffee Conversation: DPD to hold Women in Law Enforcement Open House

DULUTH, Minn. — In efforts to draw in more women to the workforce, the Duluth Police Department is holding a Women in Law Enforcement Open House event on Saturday, March 18. DPD Public Information Officer Mattie Hjelseth joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the event and its purpose. The event is taking place Saturday, March 18 from…

Northern Star: St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey

The Saints will face off with Augsburg for the MIAC title, at Mars Lakeview Arena, Saturday at 7 PM. 

DULUTH, Minn.- From day one of practice on, teams work tirelessly to raise that trophy at the end of the season. For the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team, the chance to do just that is one game away. After years of falling short in the conference tournament, the Saints enter this weekend with an opportunity to make their mark on…

Knowing Your Neighbors: David Austin Gallery

DULUTH, Minn.–“It was the next day,” said Marketing Director for David Austin Gallery and wife, Kristen Austin. “Was it the nest day? We’re coming across the bridge from Wisconsin and I think we look at each other and said we’re going to move here,” said Artist David Austin. Originally from Boyne City, David Austin didn’t feel like Michigan fit into…

Coffee Conversation: Singing With The Stars Happening Friday

DULUTH, Minn. — A one-night event is happening this Friday at the NorShor Theatre to raise money for the Duluth Playhouse. It’s called “Singing with the Stars” and Wes Drummond, Executive Director of the Duluth Playhouse came on the morning show to talk about it. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger will be kicking off the show with a song from Disney’s…

Northern Star: Will Peterson

Peterson has become the voice of the Hermantown Hawks boys hockey team.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In this week’s Northern Star, we’re taking a step off the ice and going behind the scenes. Where we’ll meet a senior at Hermantown high school who has become the voice of the Hawks boys hockey team. Will Peterson, a Hermantown native who over the past few years found a passion for calling play by play for the…

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Modern Quilt Guild to hold Inaugural Quilt Show

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lake Superior Modern Quilt Guild (LSMQG) invites the public to its first ever quilt show to be held throughout the month of March in the Lincoln Park Craft District. LSMQG Leadership Team Members, Heidi Foltz and Jen Gustafson, joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the event. The LSMQG’s Modern Quilt Walkabout quilt show…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Women’s Expo to Return for 14th Year

DULUTH, Minn. — The 14th annual Duluth Women’s Expo will return to the DECC Pioneer Hall on Saturday (2/25) showcasing more than 100 vendors and a range of offerings. The Lundeen Group Vice President Kynze Lundeen joined the FOX21 morning newscast on Monday to preview the event. Onsite you can expect to find food and drinks, shopping, activities, pampering, a…

Coffee Conversation: Ojibwe Winter Games Returns to UMD

DULUTH, Minn. — Ojibwe Winter Games returns to UMD for second year, displaying traditional Ojibwe games and experiences for students and community members. Iris Carufel, Assistant Director of UMD’s American Indian Learning Resource Center, joined FOX21 on Friday’s morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. The event is taking place from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Bagley Nature Area. People can…

Coffee Conversation: Sibling Duo to take on Northern Pines Sled Dog Race

IRON RIVER, WI. — The Iron River Chamber of Commerce presents Northern Pines Sled Dog Race at the at the Northern Pines Golf Course and Event Center on Feb. 18, 2023. Musher siblings Talia (22) and Morgan Martens (16), along with sled dog Keisha, joined FOX21 on the morning show ahead of the race. There will be sprint and mid-distance races,…

Coffee Conversation: “Duluth Loves Local” Utilizes Social Media to Connect Small Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Loves Local is a social media platform built on supporting and promoting local businesses one post at a time. Duluth Loves Local Team Member Mallory Moore and Dream Cloud Coffee Co-Owner Emily Comnick joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about social media and small businesses. To stay up to date, visit Duluth Loves Local’s…

Coffee Conversation: Valentine’s Weekend Lake Superior Helicopters Tours

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior Helicopter’s is offering a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s weekend from the skies above Duluth’s historical landmarks. You can spend Valentine’s weekend sipping champagne and taking flight over sites such as the Aerial Lift Bridge, Enger Tower, Glensheen Mansion, and more with LSH’s romantic tours. LSH’s Marketing Director Arron Martin joined FOX21 on the morning…

Coffee Conversation: Roses and Rosé Valentine’s Day Dinner at New London Cafe

DULUTH, Minn. — New London Café presents “Roses and Rosé” Valentine’s Day Dinner. New London Café Owner John Jenkins and Chef Sarah Severson joined FOX21 on the morning to preview the romantic event. Tickets include a four-course menu, four full pours to pair, a 2023 wooden keepsake, gratuity and live music from Gavin St. Clair. Tue, Feb 14, 4:30 pm to 9:30…

Northern Star: Jobe Juenemann

Juenemann is averaging almost 24 points per game, nearly doubling his numbers from last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- This past Saturday, Duluth East’s senior guard Jobe Juenemann, had a career day on his home court, finishing with 32 points in the Greyhounds dominating 81-68 win over Coon Rapids. “Just feeling a little bit more comfortable, I mean it’s passed mid-season, really getting in the groove of working with everyone, shots are starting to fall. I think…

Coffee Conversation: Denfeld Theater Students’ Present “I Hate Valentine’s Day” Production

DULUTH, Minn. — Whether you love or hate Valentine’s Day, you’ll find comedic relief at Denfeld High School’s short production, “I hate Valentine’s Day,” this February. Cast members Madeline Juntunen and Reggie Frederick joined FOX21 on the morning newscast ahead of the show’s debut. “I Hate Valentine’s Day” will take place Feb. 10 at the Denfeld Auditorium, 7:00 pm. It’s…

Coffee Conversation: 26th Annual Duluth and St. Louis County Days at the Capitol

DULUTH, Minn. —  The 26th Annual Duluth and St. Louis County Days at the Capitol will be held Wednesday, Feb. 8, and Thursday, Feb. 9, in Saint Paul. Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President Daniel Fanning joined FOX21 on the morning show on Tuesday to talk about the top priorities at hand. The 2023 legislative priorities of the chamber…

Coffee Conversation: 3rd Annual BIPOC Business Showcase Returns to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The 3rd Annual Northland BIPOC Business Showcase to take place Feb. 11 at the St. Louis County Depot on Michigan Street. Family Freedom Center Youth Services Operations Director Pez Davila joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the event and its purpose. The showcase is held to highlight local, diverse artists and business owners while…

Coffee Conversation: Shakespeare Production of Twelfth Night takes to UMD’s Stage

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth Theatre Department presents “Twelfth Night,” a production by William Shakespeare at the Marshall Performing Arts Center. Cast member Mackenzie Ammon and Theatre Department Head Mark Harvey joined FOX21 on the morning newscast ahead of opening night. This Shakespeare comedy will take place from Feb. 7-12. For ticket information, click here. Free admission…

Coffee Conversation: Heart Health / National Wear Red Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Friday, Feb. 3 is National Wear Red Day, held to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease in women. More than 44% of women aged 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. St. Luke’s Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Mary Boylan joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk heart health…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Fat-Tire Bicyclist to Tackle Alaskan Iditarod

DULUTH, Minn. — Local fat-tire bicyclist Leah Gruhn gears up for Alaskan Iditarod 1,000-mile race, becoming the first person from Minnesota to do so on the Southern Route. Gruhn joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about race preparations and prior success. The Iditarod Trail Invitational will feature qualified athletes and adventurers from around the world in late February….

Northern Star: Ben Steeves

Steeves leads the team with 16 goals through 27 games.

DULUTH, Minn.- When you hear the name Ben Steeves, it’s often associated with his knack for finding the net. The freshman accounts for almost a quarter of the Bulldogs goals so far this season. Steeves, a freshman out of Bedford, New Hampshire, has taken the ice for UMD and made an immediate impact, leading the team with 16 goals through…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Haulin’ Hotdish Food Truck

DULUTH, Minn. — “Hotdish has everything that you need as far as hitting all the food groups and also like I feel like hotdish is so Minnesota. And it’s cold and it’s comforting,” said Rachael Morris, customer of Haulin’ Hotdish. The Haulin’ Hotdish Food Truck is officially in business after deciding winter would be the perfect time to open. Haulin’…

Coffee Conversation: AICHO to Host Concert Fundraiser For DV Shelter Expansion

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) presents concert fundraiser for its domestic violence shelter expansion project. AICHO is expanding its DV shelter Dabinoo’Igan to increase resources and capacity to help more victims of domestic and sexual violence. A fundraiser concert will take place on April 6 at the NorShore Theater. AICHO Legal Advocate, Deanna Reder joined…

Northern Star: Hermantown Boys Hockey to Play in Hockey Day Minnesota

The Hawks will face off in a state tournament rematch Mahtomedi, Saturday for a 1 PM puck drop, in White Bear Lake. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hockey culture in Minnesota runs deep, after all it is the state of hockey, with the countries most elite high school and college programs around. So, what better way to celebrate the sport, than an entire weekend dedicated to it. The 16th annual Hockey Day Minnesota kicks off this weekend and one of the states best will take…

Coffee Conversation: Two Harbors Musher Gears Up for Beargrease Race

DULUTH, Minn. — Two Harbors Musher Colleen Wallin and sled dog Maple joined FOX21 on the morning show ahead of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon this weekend. The Beargrease Marathon starts at 10:00 am Sunday, Jan. 29 at Billy’s Bar in Duluth and will finish around 5:00 pm Tuesday, Jan. 31 at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino. This…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Clyde Brewing

DULUTH, Minn. – “People have been asking, “When’s the beer going to come? When’s the beer going to come?” for the last almost two years. So, the day is finally here,” Clyde Brewing Head Brewer, Dale Kleinschmidt says. Clyde Brewing officially opened its taps on January 16th in the Clyde building in Lincoln Park. The kick-off had taste testings of…

Coffee Conversation: Steppers Dance Show Returns Post-Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. — Local dance groups are teaming up to present Steppers Dance Show for the first time since 2019. 13 different teams/studios will perform 30 routines at the Duluth East Gym on January 24 at 6:30 pm. Duluth East Coach Kimberly Chick Joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the event. Special performances by both the CSS and UMD…

Coffee Conversation: Riverside Soy Candles and For Floral Sake Host DIY Winter Workshop

DULUTH, Minn. — Riverside Soy Candles and For Floral Sake team-up to hold DIY Winter Workshop. Create your own soy candle and build a colorful bouquet while sipping on morning mimosas at Riverside Soy Candles. Beth Hanson from For Floral Sake and Danette Thacker from Riverside Soy Candles previewed the workshop on FOX21’s morning newscast. The event is taking place…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Fiber Guild Celebrates 50 Years with Exhibition

DULUTH, Minn. —  Opening Tuesday, January 24, “The Duluth Fiber Handcrafters Guild” exhibition at the Tweed Museum of Art. For fifty years, the Duluth Fiber Guild has been gathering in fellowship around an appreciation of textile arts, sharing traditions and exploring the creative limits of the medium. Curator Annie Dugan and Fiber Artist Louise Young joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the…

Coffee Conversation: Realtor Tom Acton Talks Current State of Housing Market

DULUTH, Minn. — Some good news for those looking to buy or sell their homes, the red-hot housing market is starting to cool. However, high demand and limited selection still remains relevant. RE/MAX Realtor Tom “Action” Acton joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the current state of the housing market. For more information on RE/MAX Results or…

Northern Star: Red the Rink by Carson Gotelaere and Caden Lia

It was only fitting that the Spartans first two goals were scored by Gotelaere just seconds in, followed by a power play goal by Lia later in the first period.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Last Friday, the Superior boys hockey team traded their blue jerseys for red ones, and packed the stands for a cause bigger than hockey. An event led by seniors Caden Lia and Carson Gotelaere. “I just wanted to because I had a personal connection, with my Grandpa and seeing everything he went through and just wanting to…

Coffee Conversation: MN Schools Seek Extended Covid-19 Relief Funds

DULUTH, Minn. — While the brunt of Covid clears out, so does its funding relief. However, there may be some hope for schools in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday plans for a $12 billion budget proposal focusing on kids and families — with a big portion on the education front. We caught up with Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John…

Coffee Conversation: “Best Date Ever” at Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. — In celebration of Valentines Day, Best Date Ever is returning to the Lake Superior Zoo on select dates in February. Zoo-goers and their dates will get to create a valentine’s themed enrichment for an animal of their choice, while also enjoying dessert and toasting champagne (or non-alcohol drinks.) Marketing Coordinator Caroline Routley talked about the fun event…