Features

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…

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…