Features

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…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. – “Tonight, our community has come together between two great rivals, between Hermantown and Duluth East,” Duluth East Pee Wee AA Coach, Dave Mclean says. A bout at the Heritage Center, Rival hockey teams, Duluth East and Hermantown, came together to benefit the lives of others in the fight against cancer. The event included three matchups between the…

Coffee Conversation: ‘Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer’ at Heritage Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Local youth hockey teams join in on the fight against cancer with fundraising games. Teams with Duluth Amateur Hockey Association (DAHA) and Hermantown will play at the Heritage Center on Monday night in honor of Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer. Brant Nicklin joined FOX21 on the morning show to chat about the event. There will be chuck-a-puck, raffles,…

Coffee Conversation: Women’s Night Fat Biking and Nordic Skiing

DULUTH, Minn. — Every Thursday, women in the Northland are welcome to gather at the Lester-Amity Chalet for Fat Bike Riding, Skate Skiing or Classic Skiing. The reoccurring event is a joint collaboration between women representing SkiHut, Continental Bikes & Ski, COGGS and DXC. Bobblie Larson with Ski Hut joined FOX21 on the morning show to chat about all that Women’s…

Coffee Conversation: Boat Club Productions Celebrates Success with Theatre Gala

DULUTH, Minn. — Boat Club Productions to hold Theatre Gala in celebration of its first season as a Theatre Company, and to highlight upcoming productions in 2023. The newly-founded BCP has blossomed over its 2022 season, with shows like “Nunsense” and “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol” ringing in ticket sales. Founder Jason Vincent shared with FOX21 the meaning behind…

Coffee Conversation: Rubber Chicken Theater Presents Comedy Show at the Aquarium

DULUTH, Minn. — The Rubber Chicken Theater kicks off 2023 with ‘Christmas Aquarium in January, or, Jokin’ in a Fishy Wonderland.’ Director Brian Matuszak joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to preview the comedy show. You can check out the show January 20-21 and 27-28 at 7:30pm at the Great Lakes Aquarium.  Tickets are $20 per person. There is an additional…

Coffee Conversation: How To Brew Kombucha with Mix Cosmetiques

DULUTH, Minn. —  Founder of Mix Cosmetiques, Lanae Rhoads, showcased kombucha tea brewing on FOX21’s morning show on Thursday. Mix Cosmetiques is offering kombucha brewing classes Wednesday, January 11 through Saturday, January 14: 3-4 pm 4-5 pm 5-6 pm 6-7 pm. It’s an hour-long class class and will cover ingredient selection, brewing, fermenting, bottling, flavoring and tasting. You will go…

Coffee Conversation: Sunrise Coffee Thursday’s in January at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Hot coffee, stellar views, and good company; the trio is taking over the DECC every Thursday morning in January, free of cost. DECC Communications Director, Lucie Amundsen, was on Monday’s morning show to chat about the (January) reoccurring Sunrise Coffee event. You can catch a glimpse and a drink Thursday’s from 7-9am in the DECC’s Symphony Hall…

Coffee Conversation: Benefit For Duluth Armory Arts And Music Center Jan. 29

Fox 21's Dan Hanger will be the MC.

DULUTH, Minn. — A big fundraiser is taking place at the end of January to benefit the Duluth Armory Arts and Music Center. A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Holly and the late 50’s will be at Clyde Iron Works Event Center in Duluth from 6-9 p.m. on January 29. Todd Eckart will be performing as well as the…

Coffee Conversation: Vitta Pizza Brings Fresh Pizza On Morning Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Vitta Pizza Co-owner Christie Erickson brought fresh pizzas on the morning show Friday. Vitta Pizza recently expanded in November with a second location on Central Entrance, the first being in Canal Park. The Neapolitan style pizza is made with fresh ingredients, and everything is homemade including the red sauce and Caesar salad dressing. Watch the videos below…

Coffee Conversation: Alworth Scholarship Deadline January 15

DULUTH, Minn. — The Executive Director, Patty Salo Downs, of the Alworth Memorial Fund came on the morning show to spread the word encouraging students to apply for the Alworth Scholarship. The scholarship is $20,000 and the deadline to apply is January 15. To be considered you need to have an interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in studies related…

Coffee Conversation: Folk and Jazz Musician Skarlett Woods Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — Skarlett Woods, a swing, jazz, and folk singer/songwriter stopped by the morning show to perform a few songs. This was Woods’ first time on live television. Woods will be releasing a new single, “Close To You” from her Sophomore album. Watch the videos below to listen and click the link here to keep up to date with…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Police Chief Highlights Top Priorities in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. — Chief of Police for the City of Duluth, Mike Ceynowa, joined FOX21 on the morning show to highlight the departments top priorities heading into the New Year. Recruiting and retaining officers continues to be a top challenge for the department — and departments nationwide. The DPD recently swore in 8 new officers to the department, but is…

Coffee Conversation: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn – The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Duluth on January 6 & 7 of 2023 at the DECC Symphony Hall. AMSOIL Staff Product Development Engineer and Mechanical R&D Manager, Mark Nyholm, joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the event. The Banff World Tour showcases outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide. The Duluth Cross Country Ski…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Globe News

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Globe News has been a staple in Superior Wisconsin for several decades. It’s a one-stop-shop with a nostalgic feel making it a collectors dream. The historical building sits on the corner of Belknap Street and Tower Avenue, displaying its iconic signature sign. Now after 40 years, owner Tom Unterberger is retiring, passing the store into new hands. “The…

Coffee Conversation: “Overpopulated” One-Man Band Rings in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. — Steve Solkela’s “Overpopulated” One-Man Band joined FOX21 on the morning show on Friday to ring in the New Year. Solkela made a surprise appearance as Santa and played a tune on the accordion. You can check out the One-Man Band at a few spots this weekend. Rubber Chicken’s New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve / Fitger’s Inn / Sat,…

Coffee Conversation: Endangered Animals of MN Paintings on Display at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Artist, Adam Swanson, presents a collection of the federal and state listed Endangered Animals in Minnesota. Swanson hopes to use his art to bring awareness to endangered wildlife species. Here’s a clip of his interview on the FOX21 morning show on Thursday. You can check out his 8 Endangered Animals of MN paintings on display at…

New Café Brings Familiar Taste Back to International Falls

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — The beloved Sandy’s Place to reopen under new ownership as ‘On The Way Café’ in January. Sandy’s Place was the brunch hub of International Falls for nearly 25 years. That is until, Owners Sandy and Sandy retired and closed the restaurant last year. “It felt kind of empty around here without Sandy’s Place, as weird as…

Coffee Conversation: Glitterati Events to hold New Year’s Eve Bash

DULUTH, Minn. — Glitterati Events presents New Year’s Eve Bash at the DECC. Ring in the New Year with food, fun, and friends at the DECC’s Harborside Ballroom, Dec. 31 6:00 pm – 12:00 am. Amber Brostrom with Glitterati Events joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the gala.   Brostrom says the night also serves as a way to…

Is Fruitcake Getting a Bad Rap?

DULUTH, Minn. —  A 2016 online article has the headline “7 Reasons you should never eat Fruitcake” And the sub head that reads Throw it in the Trash.” That’s a pretty harsh sentiment for a traditional Christmas Sweet. ” Do you like Fruit cake – no, not a fan” Scott Johnson of Johnson’s Bakery says he generally makes two batches…

Coffee Conversation: New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve Returns to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Rubber Chicken Theater presents ‘New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve’ at Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theater. Ring in the New Year with comedy, sketches, prize giveaways, live music, and more. Brian Matuszak joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the one-night-only gala. The event is taking place Saturday, Dec. 31from 7:30-9:00 pm. Tickets are $25. Categories:…

Coffee Conversation: CHUM Homeless Community Vigil / Warming Center

DULUTH, Minn. — CHUM to hold Homeless Community Vigil on the steps of Duluth City Hall, Christmas Eve. It’s an effort to remember and honor the lives that have been lost in the homeless community, while also drawing attention to the ongoing homelessness crisis. CHUM Street Outreach Worker, Deb Holman, joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the…

Lester Park Elementary Students Deliver Holiday Joy

20th Year of The Giving Tree Project

DULUTH, Minn. — Sue Baker is a Kindergarten teacher from Duluth’s Lester Park Elementary School and she can tell you how the tradition of students delivering trees to hospital patients and others began. It was an idea her son had come up with 2o years ago. “He  (Robbie) was the one who came up with the project’ said Sue Baker.”…

Coffee Conversation: Final Stretch of ‘Zoo Lights’ at the Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. — The ‘Zoo Lights’ holiday event is back for a 2nd year at the Lake Superior Zoo. On Tuesday, Caroline Routley joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the festive event. A glimpse of what you might find onsite: an expanded light display, Santa, free s’mores, hot cocoa, and giant inflatable animals. Not to mention, its…

Coffee Conversation: Family Freedom Center to hold ‘Christmas at the Farm’

DULUTH, Minn — The Family Freedom Center and Neighborhood Youth Services prepares to hold its first-ever ‘Christmas at the Farm’ event on December 22. Pez Davila with the Family Freedom Center joined us on the morning show to talk about the holiday gathering. The event will be held in the Washington Center Gym (310 N. 1st Ave W. Duluth, MN)…

Coffee Conversation: The Gift of Local Publishing’s / Zenith Bookstore

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re looking for a special, local gift this Christmas.. Zenith Bookstore has a big case of pickings. Co-Owner, Bob Dobrow, joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the busy holiday season and local finds in store. Some northland authors you can find at Zenith include; Tony dierckins, Linda Legarde Grover, Leif Enger, Chris Monroe,…

Northern Star: Zak McPhee

McPhee holds almost every category in Proctor/Hermantown wrestling history.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Zak McPhee, of the Proctor/Hermantown wrestling team, looks to build on an already historic career, having surpassed 150 career wins. Setting a new program record and having done so by his junior season. Wrestling is a family affair for the McPhee boys. Zak and his older brother Alex took to the sport in pre-school, after their father, a…

Coffee Conversation: Heidi Pack & Whiskey Trail Perform Live On Morning Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Heidi Pack and Ryan Holte from the band “Heidi Pack & Whiskey Trail” came on the morning show to perform a few songs. Pack released her first single “Cowgirl” this year and it hit almost 100,000 streams in 3 months. She will be moving to Nashville in January. To learn more about Heidi Pack & Whiskey Trail,…

Coffee Conversation: Andy Peterson Quartet Performing Holiday Show December 16

DULUTH, Minn. — The Andy Peterson Quartet came on the morning show to preview their “Swingin’ into the Season” holiday show coming up December 16. The local jazz ensemble will be playing at the Amazing Grace Cafe and Grocery at 6 p.m. for an all-ages show with a $10 cover charge. “We hear everywhere, Christmas jazz music, or holiday jazz…

Coffee Conversation: ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’ in Virginia, MN

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Lyric Center for the Arts presents: ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical,’ debuting Thursday at the Minn. North College Mesabi Range Virginia Campus. Steve Solkela joined FOX21 on the morning show to chat about the upcoming performance. The show dates and times are listed below. Dec. 8 & 9 at 7pm. Dec. 11 at 2pm. Dec. 16 &…

Coffee Conversation: ‘A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol’ in Duluth, MN

DULUTH, Minn. — The Boat Club and St. Luke’s present Minnesota spoof, ‘A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol.’ Inspiration for the musical stems from Charles Dickens’ famous “A Christmas Carol.” Boat Club Restaurant Owner, Jason Vincent joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the upcoming performance. It’s taking place throughout Dec. 9-18 at Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theater….

‘Lake Effect Restaurant & Bar’ To Open On Island Lake

ISLAND LAKE, Minn. — The co-owners of Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar in Duluth’s Canal Park are expanding with a new restaurant on Island Lake called Lake Effect Restaurant & Bar.  The menu will be similar to Lake Ave.’s, but the vibe will be centered around the Northwoods.  Click the video above to see the progress of the new location,…

Northern Star: Tieryn Plasch

Tiryn Plasch and the Tigers tip-off their season on November 29 against Hayward. 

MAPLE, Wis.- Northwestern high school’s Tieryn Plasch will soon be crowned the girl’s basketball team’s All-time Leading Scorer. “When I was in 7th grade, I set some goals for high school. One of them was to be on varsity my freshman year, and then another was to reach a thousand points, so just to be able to do it and…

Coffee Conversation: Vineyard Church to hold Blue Christmas Service

DULUTH, Minn. — The Vineyard Church to hold a Blue Christmas Service for those dealing with loss and grief this holiday season. Associate Pastors, Brian Brinkert and Becca Eastvold, joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the meaning behind this service. The event will be held Sunday, December 4 at 6pm at their Arrowhead location at 1533 W….

Coffee Conversation: Rafe Carlson Presents Veterans Tribute Song

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Musician Rafe Carlson tributes his new song, A Place To Fall, to veterans and service members. Carlson played his new song live at FOX21 and talked about the meaning behind it. Carlson is a Duluth/Hermantown native. He went on to talk about growing up in the community and his plans moving forward. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota,…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Casino Pizza & Subs Shop Under New Ownership

CLOQUET, Minn. – “Casino Pizza is about reaching the community, giving them what they had before, but improving it,” said Casino Pizza & Subs Shop Co-Owner, Tyrell Beckom. The Casino Pizza and Subs Shop in Cloquet, an establishment that has been around since 1983, is now under new ownership after business partners Lamont Hines and Tyrell Beckom took it over…