Features

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…

Coffee Conversation: Musician Gina Lee Performs New Song, Covers

DULUTH, Minn. — Local musician Gina Lee stopped by the morning show Monday to play one of her newest songs and a couple of covers. Check them out below!   You may have seen Lee featured on the morning show in the past because FOX 21’s Dan Hanger enjoys her tunes! Song 1 Song 2 Song 3 Categories: Coffee Conversation, Entertainment,…

Bluebird Foundation To Host ‘Christmas By The Lake’ Concert Dec. 1

DULUTH, Minn. — Tracy Lundeen, founder of the Bluebird Foundation, stopped by the morning show Monday to talk about the annual Christmas by the Lake Scholarship, Christmas by the Lake Concert and this year’s Christmas by the Lake music album.  Click the video above for more, and check out the Bluebird Foundation’s website. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Community, Minnesota, News, News…

Coffee Conversation: “Drinksgiving Returns” Comedy Show at Zeitgeist

DULTUH, Minn. — Renegade Improv’s “Drinksgiving Returns” will take place at Zeitgeist November 23. The show is a mix of live and filmed sketch comedy, improvisation, and special guests that tell a new story each time. The Fabulous Dik and Flip the turkey joined FOX21 on Friday’s morning newscast. Local performers will take stage at Zeitgeist’s Teatro Zuccone, November 23…

Coffee Conversation: Victory Chorus to hold “Celebration of Song”

DULUTH, Minn —  The Victory Chorus is having its “Celebration of Song” to recognize the completion of its first session for 2022. The Victory Chorus is a dementia-friendly choir made up of people living with memory loss, their care partners or loved ones, and volunteer singers from the community. On Thursday, Victory Chorus Music Director, Beth Kaiser, joined FOX21 on the morning…

Coffee Conversation: Hermantown High School Presents “Elf the Musical”

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Based on the beloved holiday film, Elf the Musical takes the stage at Hermantown High School. Two performers, Lily Meichsner and Jillian Jaros of Hermantown, joined FOX21 on Thursday to preview the show. You can see it live at Hermantown High School November 17 & 19, 2022 – 7pm.       Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News,…

Coffee Conversation: West Duluth Business Club Seeks More Advancement

DULUTH, Minn — The West Duluth Business Club is a private non-profit club, consisting of business/commercial interests, community organizations, and area citizens who have an interest in focusing on the western area of Duluth, MN. The group holds monthly speaker meetings and is currently setting up a vision for the Western Business district which includes a strategic plan for advancement…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Winter Village to Return to DECC in December

DULUTH, Minn. —  The 2022 Duluth Winter Village will be back at the DECC this December. It’s an outdoor village with festive greens, local shops, hot drinks, and fire pits — overlooking Lake Superior and the Lift Bridge. On Tuesday, Lucie Amundsen with the DECC previewed the event on FOX21’s morning show. The Winter Village is taking place December 3…

Coffee Conversation: UMD Students Share Experiences of Studying Abroad

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s International Education Week and the University of Minnesota Duluth is holding a range of events, one being a study abroad informative panel. On Monday, UMD students Amy Diedrich and Issac Conrad joined FOX21 live in-studio to talk about their time spent abroad. Diedrich participated in the University College Dublin program in Dublin, Ireland. Conrad participated in…

Northern Star: Isaiah Watts

If you're looking to refresh your shoes, follow Bless Your Soles on Instagram, @blessyoursolesss.

DULUTH, Minn.- As if being a student-athlete wasn’t enough already, try adding entrepreneur to the list. UMD men’s basketball’s Isaiah Watts does that and then some. “I got a bottle of shoe cleaner, started cleaning shoes and just got better at it. I started offering to do it for free for my friends and as I got better and better…

Coffee Conversation: Marshall School Presents “Seussical the Musical”

DULUTH, Minn — Marshall School presents, “Seussical the Musical,” based on the many children’s stories of Dr. Seuss. Two students apart of the production, Faith Hoffman and Sophie Haug, joined FOX21 Wednesday on the morning show. It’s taking place at Marshall School, November 10-12 at 7pm and Sunday November 13th at 2pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students,…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. — It has been part of our community for almost 100 years, and it has rebounded from some big challenges over the years. But it has come roaring back. We’re talking about the Lake Superior Zoo. “We get a lot of positive feedback. We’re having homeschoolers coming back. We had our summer schools full every summer. We have…

Coffee Conversation: The American Red Cross / Veterans Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Dan Williams and Jeff Kazel with the American Red Cross joined FOX21 in-studio to preview upcoming happenings around Veteran’s Day. Here’s a rundown of the work that the Red Cross will be doing within the community: On Monday, November 7th, the Red Cross is teaming up with the UMD men’s and women’s hockey teams to write out…

Coffee Conversation: Local Hiker Encourages People to Explore the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Local hiker, Sandi Larson, hits the many trails of Duluth every day. She posts a photo of each journey on social media and is apart of Women Hike Duluth. Larson joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to showcase her hikes and experiences. Her goal is to encourage people to get outside, explore the northland and the many…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Fiber Guild Holiday Sale Nov. 19

DULUTH, Minn. — Kit Sitter from Duluth Fiber Guild came on the morning show to talk about an upcoming event. The Duluth Fiber Guild is putting on a holiday sale November 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (The Coppertop) in Duluth. The free event features gifts created by local artists, demonstrations of weaving, spinning,…

Coffee Conversation: Singer/Songwriter Austin Castle Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota native and country artist, Austin Castle, performed live on the FOX21 morning show. You’ll have a chance to hear him play at Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth on November 12. His latest album, “Northwoods,” is available for streaming on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Music. Castle plans on releasing an EP and another album in 2023 but…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Junk Hunt Returns for 10th Year Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Junk Hunt is a three-day indoor market filled with vintage goodness. This year, it’s celebrating 10 years of success. Event organizer, Emily Broman, joined FOX21 in studio to preview the event. There will be over 100 booths and vendors from across the state. It’s taking place at the DECC on November 3 (4-7pm) and November…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth East Presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth East presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid performance. Greyson Holste (Prince Eric) and Mia Patronas (Skuttle) joined FOX21 in-studio to preview their upcoming show. The show is taking place at Duluth East High School; November 3-5 at 7pm and Nov 6 Sunday at 1 pm. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults Ticket Sales are at the…

Coffee Conversations: Sweet Exchange Donates Treats to Northwood Children’s Services

DULUTH, Minn. — Sweet Exchange Owner Lisa Quarles, along with Morgana Kolenda of Northwood Children’s Services, joined FOX21 live in-studio for caramel apple making. That’s not the sweetest part — Quarles is donating the caramel apples to the Northwood kids for Halloween. Quarles says its important to give back to the community, especially the kids. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News,…

Northern Star: Nolan Witt

Witt has compiled over 500 yards on the ground, averaging 12 yards per carry with 10 touchdowns in his senior season.

ESKO, Minn.- Nolan Witt has been a huge part of the success Esko’s football program has seen in recent years. During his senior season, he has tallied over 500 yards, averaging 12 yards per carry, with ten touchdowns, an achievement Witt has earned simply by putting in the work. “I’ve been playing a long time, I have a lot of…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Chamber Works to Move Business Forward

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President, Daniel Fanning, joined FOX21 in studio talking all things happening for the business community. We discussed several things that the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is working on, including the 152nd Annual Dinner taking place Wednesday, November 2. Along with the chamber’s work regarding policy and advocacy at the city,…

Coffee Conversation: Musical Artist Todd Eckart Previews Halloween Performance

DULUTH, Minn. — Musical Artist Todd Eckart joined FOX21 live in studio to preview his upcoming Halloween performance. The event kicks off Tuesday, October 26 (7-11pm) at the West Theatre in Duluth. Tickets are $15 and you can purchase them at readertix.com. Jim Cooper, George Ellsworth, and Matthew Groom will also be performing.   Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News…

Coffee Conversation: Local Singer-Songwriter Preston Gunderson Previews New Album

DULUTH, Minn. — Preston Gunderson came by the morning show to play a few tunes and talk about his new album “Fall.” Gunderson has an album release show coming up Saturday, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and he’ll be on at 8:30 p.m. at The Southern Theater in Minneapolis. His appearances include being on The Voice and American Idol. Watch…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Positively 3rd Street Bakery

DULUTH, MN – Positively 3rd Street Bakery has been providing baked from scratch products in Duluth since 1983.  They use organic, local ingredients from local vendors and are partnered with several community businesses.  As a worker-owned cooperative with 18 bakers, they do a lot of collaborating with a focus on the community. “We work on consensus based decision making.  We’ve…

Coffee Conversation: “Angel Of Hope” Memorial Happening Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — A vigil will be held Sunday for grieving parents who have lost a child. The annual “Angel of Hope” vigil honors the lives of children who have died, and the event gives their loved ones the opportunity to grieve together as a community. The vigil is normally held in December for worldwide candle lighting day, which remembers…

Northern Star: Kamryn Hill

In the last three games, Hill has scored five foals and leads the team in scoring.

SUPERIOR, Minn.- Kamryn Hill, is a 2022 graduate of Duluth Denfeld high school and a freshman on the UW-Superior women’s soccer team, who has quickly earned a spot on the starting eleven on game day. “‘My first few games I was like, ‘Wow this is really different,’ but just practicing with my teammates, has gotten me really prepared and made…

Coffee Conversations: “Boo at the Zoo” Halloween Event

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo will transform into Halloween madness for its annual Boo at the Zoo event. On Wednesday, the LSZ Chief Executive Officer, Haley Hedstrom was live on FOX21’s morning show talking about the highly-anticipated event. Inside and out, the zoo will be packed with trick-or-treating stations, a Boo-tique, special Halloween-themed animal treats, food trucks, games/activities,…

Coffee Conversations: Lyric Opera of the North Season-Opener, “As One”

DULUTH, Minn. — Lyric Opera of the North (LOON)  kicks off its 2022-23 season with As One. Guest Conductor, Alexis Enyart and LOON Board Member, Mark Hakes talked about the production on Monday’s morning show. As One is a a chamber opera for two voices and String Quartet. The two voices – Hannah before (baritone) and Hannah after (mezzo-soprano) – share…

Coffee Conversation: Singer-Songwriter Luke Leblanc Previews New Album

DULUTH, Minn. — Minneapolis Singer-Songwriter Luke Leblanc previews new album — Fugue State. You can hear Leblanc live: Friday, October 7 — 7:00pm at Wussow’s Concert Cafe. The full album will be out October 25. “Fugue State, lyrically and musically, sets out to take a step back before looking for hope or solutions,” says LeBlanc. “Instead, the album offers an…

Coffee Conversation: The Fabulous Dik Presents New Comedy Segment

DULUTH, Minn. — The Fabulous Dik promotes next installment of comedy series: A Series of Unfortunate Specials. This one is called Falling Forward and Cracking Up. The show is a mix of Sketch Comedy, funny videos, improvisation and other shenanigans. The Fabulous Dik (Deek) is the cultural attaché to The Mustachios, a group of international supervillains. You can check out…

Northern Star: Sydney Lanoue

Lanoue and the Bulldogs are hoping to make a post season run, but first they'll have to face-off  with two NSIC opponents at home, Friday at 6 PM and Saturday at 4 PM. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Being a part of the UMD volleyball team is no small task. Just ask the team’s super senior, Sydney Lanoue, who has found herself pretty much everywhere on the floor. Lanoue saw quite a bit of playing time in her freshman and sophomore seasons. Then, 2020 hit and Lanoue, along with athletes across the country were forced to…