Features

Coffee Conversation: ShelterBox Highlights the Urgency of Disaster Planning

DULUTH, Minn. — September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, a timely reminder of the importance of having a plan in place. Bill Tobin with ShelterBox, a global non-profit dedicated to providing aid to those displaced by disasters and conflicts, joined Fox 21 live in-studio Thursday to talk about being prepared. ShelterBox’s mission is to ensure that no one is left…

Northern Star: Addison Sandman

Co-Captain for Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team

CLOQUET, Minn.- As the Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team hunts for its fourth-straight Section 7AA title, Addison Sandman has become a critical part of the Lumberjackets’ success at midfield. “In my opinion, without the midfield, there wouldn’t be a soccer team,” says Sandman, who’s a co-captain in her senior season. “(Addison)’s the best, my favorite person to play with,” says junior…

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…

Northern Star: Tate Nelson

Two Harbors senior to play for UMD in 2025

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- As a high school senior at Two Harbors, Tate Nelson will soon achieve his dreams of playing for the UMD football team. “It’s a place that I’ve been cheering for all my life, going to games almost every weekend, just growing up around the team,” says Nelson. “It’s kind of been a spot that I’ve always been…

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…

Wis. Farming Family’s Dog Killed By Wolves; Congressmen Tiffany, Stauber Talk Wolf Hunt

MASON, Wis. – Living up north means living with some of America’s most beautiful creatures, like gray wolves, which are on the endangered species list. But for a farming family in Mason, Wis., they say the growing wolf population has become a serious problem for their livestock and even their beloved pets, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. Growing up…

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: FundRacers Running for a Reason at Grandma’s Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. — Mile in My Shoes FundRacers will take part in Grandma’s Marathon this weekend, including Resident Members (people experiencing homelessness, exiting incarceration, in recovery and transitioning post-military service) and volunteer Run Mentors. Two FundRacers with MiMS, Ruth Sorenson and Darren Reed, joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday ahead of Grandma’s Marathon. Ruth is a current Run…

Coffee Conversation: Marathon Runner Seeks Redemption at Grandma’s Marathon after Injury

DULUTH, Minn. — Tony Loyd is an avid runner, and Grandma’s Marathon is one race he annually takes part in. Last year, injury prevented him from competing. Now that he is healthy and uninjured, Tony is registered and ready for his 2024 redemption race in Duluth. Tony was on the morning newscast last year, and returned Friday to talk about…

Coffee Conversation: Super Rhubarb Festival 2024 Preview

DULUTH, Minn. — The Super Rhubarb Festival will return to Duluth on Saturday, June 29, commemorating Chum’s 50th Anniversary. CHUM Director of Communications and Marketing Bradley Zwagerman and Rhubarbara joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the event. The festival is taking place on Saturday, June 29, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at Stella Maris Academy Holy…

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: Locally Sourced Flowers at Grandma’s Marathon Finish Line

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Flower Farm in collaboration with Farmer Doug will be the official supplier of this year’s finish line flowers at Grandma’s Marathon. Lois Hoffbauer with Farmer Doug and Derek Hoffbauer with Duluth Flower Farm joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the opportunity. This is the first time there will be local flower…

Coffee Conversation: Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital Cancer Lecture Series

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday, June 11, Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital will host a cancer lecture series at the Depot from 5:30-7 pm. One of the panelists, St. Luke’s Genetic Counselor Delaney Pease, joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday to discuss the lecture and the field of genetics. The series will focus on the role of genetics in…

Coffee Conversation: Final Countdown to Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Runners, spectators, and the Twin Ports community are gearing up for the 2024 Grandma’s Marathon weekend June 22. Grandma’s Marathon Marketing & Public Relations Director Zach Schneider joined FOX 21 on the newscast Wednesday morning to talk about race weekend plans and preparations. Beyond the marathon, the weekend features a multitude of other events. The annual spaghetti…

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…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Anne Labovitz

DULUTH, Minn. — For the past 30 years, one Duluth native has been making a name for herself in the international art community.  Last month she brought some of that artistic skill back home for all visitors of Downtown Duluth to see. “I love Duluth and I love Lake Superior. I really wanted to tell my stories, and memories,” said…

Northern Star: Finn Furcht

Esko ace aiming for return to state tournament

ESKO, Minn.- As the Esko baseball team defends its 2023 section and state titles, Finn Furcht will no doubt do his part on the mound. “I’ve been pitching probably since about third grade. I got into it, then I just loved it ever since,” smiled Furcht. “The fastball is my go-to pitch, but I overlay it with the curveball a…

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: Bayfront Festival Park Ramps Up for Summer

DULUTH, Minn. — Tis the season of outdoor concerts, events and recreation. Bayfront Festival Park is a hot-spot to be for all of the above. Winterfell Management now oversees Bayfront operations. President & Managing Partner Jeff Stark joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about summer events at the park. For a full list of events, click…