Coffee Conversation

Coffee Conversation: Music Video for ‘Indecent Proposal’ Shot Aboard the William A. Irvin

DULUTH, Minn. — Local band Indecent Proposal drops a new song and music video filmed aboard the William A. Irvin, also known as the “Haunted Ship.” The band appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast Tuesday to discuss “The Cage” and its music video. Indecent Proposal will release an alternate version of their music video in October to promote alongside the…

Coffee Conversation: Hunt Family Celebrates Publishing Milestone and Inspires Young Minds

DULUTH, Minn. — Children’s book authors Jenn and Isaac Hunt are celebrating the one-year anniversary of their publishing debut. In just a year, the Hunts have expanded their literary portfolio with four additional books. Their collection now includes: Snowy Halloween, The Yellow Dragon, The Blue Fox, The Wheels on the Ram, The Little Skunk that Didn’t Stink, The Purple Kangaroo, and Donut Man. Two…

Coffee Conversation: Inspirational Speaker Brian Alementi Shares His Passion

DULUTH, Minn. — Inspirational Keynote Speaker and the founder of Alementi Elevates, Brian Alementi, joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Monday to talk about his career journey and motivational practice. With over thirty years of public speaking experience, Brian is a certified Master Trainer and an award-winning leader. He has a background working with companies of all sizes, and…

Coffee Conversation: The Tribute Fest Returns to Raise Funds for Veterans

DULUTH, Minn. — A musical event to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans in the state of Minnesota will take place at Bayfront Festival Park Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23. Organizer Lou Campbell joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast to talk about this year’s Tribute Fest fundraiser celebration. Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is a…

Coffee Conversation: Preparing Students for Financial Independence

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD students start classes next week, and it’s important to prepare kids for everything they need to live independently, including their finances. Amanda Bruggman from Affinity Plus was on the morning newscast to share tips for helping college students build healthy financial habits. Click here for more information. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coffee Conversation: Art in Bayfront Park Returns This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — Art in Bayfront Park is scheduled for August 17 and 18, featuring the work of local and regional artists. A highlight of the festival is the Culinary Arts Market, curated and managed by Stephanie Hansen. She appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast on Friday to discuss the event. Art in Bayfront Park will feature over 150 artists,…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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….

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…

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: 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…

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…

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: ‘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…

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…

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…

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: 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…

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…

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,…

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…