Business

At Least 50 Employees Fired From Essentia For Not Getting Flu Shot

99.5 Percent of Employees Got Flu Shot

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth based Essentia Health has fired nearly 50 workers w ho did not get a shot and now union leaders are fighting back. When asked what the next steps for these 50 some fired workers are? An Essentia Health representative said the now former employees have no next step with the company. Also stating this is only…

FCC Chairman Sets Out to Repeal ‘Net Neutrality’ Rules

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai is following through on his pledge to repeal 2015 regulations designed to ensure that internet service providers treat all online content and apps equally. The concept, known as net neutrality, imposed utility-style regulation on ISPs such as Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon to prevent them from favoring their own digital services over…

How Sweet It Is Back Open for Business

Two local businesses team up to keep staple eats in the Twin Ports available

DULUTH, Minn.- A popular sweets shop that was forced to close last month after 20 years of business has officially made an unexpected comeback. How Sweet It Is Cakes has re–opened a revised business model inside the Duluth Grill in Lincoln Park. The owner of How Sweet It Is closed in October because of declining sales, after moving into the Holiday…

Packed Council Chambers Discusses Paid Sick And Safe Time

Task Force Gives Two Recommendations To City Council

DULUTH, Minn- The Earned Sick and Safe Time Task Force recommended the Duluth City Council adopt an ordinance that would provide two alternatives for businesses to give paid time off to workers who don’t currently get any. In a survey conducted by the task force, data shows that 46% of workers within the Duluth currently aren’t getting any sick and…

Justice Dept. Sues to Stop AT&T’s $85B Time Warner Deal

NEW YORK (AP) – The Justice Department is suing AT&T to stop its $85 billion purchase of Time Warner, setting the stage for an epic legal battle with the telecom giant. The government claims that consume cable bills will rise if the merger goes through, saying the deal would “substantially lessen competition, resulting in higher prices and less innovation for…

Technology Tips to Help with Holiday Travels

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders will be taking to the skies and the roads to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to give tips for keeping the home and vehicle safe during these trips. Some technology that can be picked up at Verizon Wireless includes: Arlo Cam: Protect your home…

Local Farmers Prepare for Holiday Decor Sales

DULUTH, Minn. – With Thanksgiving just next week, many Northlanders are close to purchasing their fresh Christmas tree. Derek Hoffbauer, Owner of the Duluth Flower Farm, says they have been busy preparing for the holiday season. Already they’ve received several orders online for wreaths, garland and more. Their products can be picked up in person at Dan’s Feed Bin in…

City of Duluth hosts open house to discuss Superior Street reconstruction

The Superior Street reconstruction project is set to begin in early 2018

DULUTH, Minn. -Plans for the major Superior Street reconstruction project in the Duluth is one step closer to being finalized. The city held an open house on Thursday for the public to see the plans for the downtown project. Residents, Superior Street business owners were on hand to share their input about the upcoming transformation. “This is the transition from…

Lincoln Park Business Business Group hosts annual Turkey Bingo

It was the 69th annual Turkey Bingo

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park community came together a the VFW for the annual Turkey Bingo. It was the 69th year for the Turkey Bingo. The event is put on by the Lincoln Park Business Group as a way to bring people together, share some laughs, and hear about all the ways Lincoln Park is growing. “We got some…

Johnson’s Bakery Prepares for Busy Holiday Season

Manager Megan Spitzley says Orders Should be Placed This Week or Early Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders looking for fresh bakery items are being advised by Johnson’s Bakery in Duluth to pre-order bakery items now before the big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Megan Spitzley, Manager Johnson’s Lakeside Bakery, stopped by FOX 21 Local News at 7 Thursday morning to chat about how busy the business gets once the holidays arrive. Spitzley says Wednesday before Thanksgiving is…

Consumer Safety Group Unveils Its ‘Worst Toys’ List

(AP) BOSTON (AP) – Fidget spinners, a plastic Wonder Woman battle sword and a remote-controlled Spider-Man drone are among the toys topping a consumer safety group’s annual list of worst toys for the holiday. World Against Toys Causing Harm, or WATCH, unveiled the top 10 list Tuesday at a Boston children’s hospital. The nonprofit organization has been releasing the lists…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Hemlocks Leatherworks

DULUTH, Minn. – A business in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District makes custom built shoes and other leather goods for people across the Northland. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we take you to Hemlocks Leatherworks. Candace Lacosse apprenticed with shoemakers, learning how to craft her own creations. “I love working with leather,” said Lacosse. “It’s very tactile and it’s…

Newer, bigger coffee roaster arrives at Duluth Coffee Company

Duluth Coffee Company's new roaster will substantially increase output

DULUTH, Minn. –  It was an exciting day for Duluth Coffee Company on Monday. A custom built coffee roaster arrived at the Duluth Coffee Company’s new second location on Superior Street. Owner Eric Faust said the big new roaster is in response to the community embracing the local coffee company, and this new addition is going to expand their reach…

New Escape Room Coming to Zero Hour

Enchanted Forest: A Fairytale Adventure Expected to Open in December

DULUTH, Minn. – A brand new escape room experience is coming to Zero Hour Escape Rooms. Enchanted Forest: A Fairytale Adventure is the new family friendly game. Players will figure out how to lift a curse on a forest using clues and puzzles and their knowledge of classic fairytales. Zero Hour will still offer their other escape rooms; Prison Break,…

Wizard of Oz Auditions Bringing Play To Life

It's Been 20 Years Since Duluth Playhouse Has Done The Play

DULUTH, Minn- The cast is beginning to come together for one of the most renounced plays to hit the stage, the Wizard of Oz! For the first time in 20 years the Duluth Playhouse is hosting auditions for the play. Kids ranging from 10 to 18 came out to show their talents to the casting director. After auditions wrap up…

Wisconsin Muskies Bring Hockey Back to Spooner

Junior League Team Playing Inaugural Season in Front of Thousands of Fans

SPOONER, Wis. – A new junior hockey team is playing their first season on the ice in Spooner, and the Wisconsin Muskies have proven that hockey means a lot to Northern Wisconsin. After four long years without a team or an arena, hockey is back in Spooner, Wisconsin. It was once a hockey town with a youth program and a…

Local Craft Festival Gives Back to Northland

The Festival of Trees gives Northland shoppers an opportunity to donate.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The Festival of Trees offers something for everyone. It has become a staple holiday event in the Northland. The event gives many local artists a place to show off and sell crafts. The Festival of Trees is the largest fundraiser for a local non–profit, the Junior League of Duluth. Fox21 spoke to one vendor, with a similar business plan…

Superior’s Midwest Energy Fire Could Cost Company Nearly A Million Dollars

Fire On Belt System Has Shut Down Ability To Obtain Coal

SUPERIOR, Wis. Press Release Below: Members of the media: this is to inform you of a fire this morning in Superior. At 0530 all three engine companies, Battalion Chief and Gold Cross Ambulance were called for a fire at 2400 Winter street which is Midwest Energy. Once on scene crews found fire in the belt system used to move coal…

Santa Claus Arrives at the Miller Hill Mall in Style

It was the 5th annual Santa Slumber Party

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of Northland kids were at the Miller Hill Mall this evening to see Santa Claus arrive. It is the 5th annual Santa Slumber Party at the mall. Santa arrived in style in a decorated trolley thanks to the Duluth Transit Authority. “We just dropped Santa Claus off, and now all the boys and girls of the…

Husky Energy Finalizes Deal for Calumet in Superior

Workers Will be Retained at the Refinery

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Husky Energy has closed its purchase of the Calumet Oil Refinery in Superior. That facility produces 50,000 barrels of oil-based products a day. The new purchase for the Alberta-based company, will increase its crude oil processing capacity. “The Superior Refinery increases Husky’s downstream crude processing capacity, in line with the company’s growing production,” the company said in a prepared…

St. Luke’s Showcases Traveling Art Show

Art Can Be Seen On Third Floor

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s hospital is adding some new art to their hallways for a short period of time. The hospital is hosting the traveling, community focused art exhibit known as, to really see. The exhibit focuses on the display of creative medication use stories that users, artist, and participants want to express and share. “I would like this…

Special Report: Early Education

State Funding Sends Thousands of Young Minnesotans to Preschool

MINNESOTA – More than 20,000 of  Minnesota’s 4-year-olds are heading to preschool this year because of state funding. This has been great news for some rural Northland areas. However, it is having an impact on area child care centers. As a result of the 2017 Legislative Session, Minnesota lawmakers are providing $50 million in new, one-time funding to 59 school…

Local Businesses Highlighted at Woodland Block Party

Annual Open House Gives Opportunity to Shop Local for Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses showed off some of their best products tonight at the Woodland Block Party. The annual open house kicks off the holiday shopping season and gives people a great selection of products to choose from. The artwork, jewelry, and clothing on sale is all unique to the Northland. “It’s always really fun to just kind of…

Duluth School Board Releases Numbers

Outperformed National Average On ACT Test

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board released its annual education report for the district. Parents, Teachers and Students were all on hand Thursday night. Among the report reading and math proficiency increased district wide by 8.2% compared to the 2012 / 2013 school year. The district out performed state and national averages for their scores on the ACT test….

Foxconn Looks Forward to Wisconsin Plant After Contract

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Foxconn Technology Group officials say they look forward to building a plant in Mount Pleasant after the state’s economic development board signed off on a contract handing the company up to $3 billion in incentives. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s board approved the deal Wednesday. Gov. Scott Walker and company officials plan to sign the…

Veteran Unemployment Rates Fall to Record Low in October

(FOX NEWS) – The unemployment rate for military veterans in October reached a low of just 2.7 percent, continuing a long-term downward trend in unemployment among members of the U.S. Armed Services. Mirroring October’s overall drop in unemployment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the improved numbers offset a decline in September that largely reflected the impact of Hurricanes…

Duluth Train Depot Celebrates 125 Years

Free Tours Were Given At The Event

DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth Train Depot celebrated another milestone Wednesday. Many came out to the celebration marking 125 years in existence. The Depot along with the St. Louis county heritage and arts center wanted to celebrate the arts culture and history that made their way to the region starting in 1892 via the Duluth Union Depot. “The immigrants that came…

Healthy Duluth Ideas Fest

Zeitgeist Hosts 3rd Annual Event

DULUTH, Minn- 4 local organizations competed Wednesday night for their share of a $10,000 prize. The night marks the 3rd annual Healthy Duluth Ideas Fest. Hosted by Zeitgeist, the Fest celebrates work organizations have already put in to making the community healthier while also trying to find new ways to meet the needs of the city. After 23 submissions only…

Mobile Wellness Clinic Offers At-Home Pet Care

For the Past Five Years, Dr. Michael Hargrove and His Team Have Looked to Provide Care to Animals at Home

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Veterinary Hospital in Duluth is looking to bring wellness on wheels to your doorstep this winter. For the past five years, Dr. Michael Hargrove and his team of talented veterinarians have worked to offer at-home wellness to clients. Hargrove and his team often travel in the Duluth, Proctor and Hermantown areas to provide routine…

One Arrested at Enbridge Protest in Superior

Most Protesters Appear to be From Out-of-State

SUPERIOR, Wis.-A 22-year-old woman was arrested earlier today at an Enrbridge pipeline protest in Superior. The incident happened at the 500 block of 58th Street at about 6:30 a.m. at the Enbridge line 3 site. Two protesters locked themselves inside a pipe that was sitting above the ground, which led to police being called. Police say most of the protesters…

Career Fair and Veterans Day Coincide at Lake Superior College

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday was a busy day at Lake Superior College – especially for job seekers and veterans. Career day at the Duluth community college involved more than 60 employers eager to meet those seeking a new job. The event featured job openings in healthcare, business, aviation, and technical trades and was open to the public. It coincided with…

Local Leaders to Share Insight at Annual Summit

Thursday: 3rd Annual Professional Development Summit

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, November 9, local leaders are stepping up to share their secrets to success. They’ll be giving tips on becoming an expert at your trade. It’s all for the 3rd Annual Professional Development Summit being held at Greysolon Ballroom. The conference begins at 7:30 a.m. with registration, breakfast and networking and then is followed by several…

Minnesota Liquor Stores See Drop in Profits, Record Sales

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A new analysis shows municipally operated liquor stores in Minnesota saw a drop in profits in 2016 despite record sales. The state Auditor’s Office reports that the 228 stores had more than $344 million in sales last year, a more than 2 percent increase from 2015. The Star Tribune reports that the combined net profit statewide dropped…

Snow Is Flying At Mont du Lac Ski Resort

This Weeks Great Outdoors

  Just last year on this date, temperatures were soaring 20 to 30 degrees above normal. For the ski hills making snow was weeks away. In this week’s great outdoors we head to Mont du Lac Ski Resort in superior where the snow is already flying. “The last two years, everybody had a tough time getting open before Christmas,” says…

“Window to the West” on Display in Lincoln Park

Art Exhibit is in Empty Storefront Windows on West Superior Street

DULUTH, Minn. – A new art exhibit is now on display in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. Window to the West is in empty storefront windows on the 2000 block of West Superior Street. It features photos of the people and places of Lincoln Park and original paintings by a neighborhood artist. Categories: Business, Community, News, News – Latest News

22-Year-Old Convenience Store Owner Expanding His Chain

Derek Medved Owns Gary Milkhouse and Two Former Lakehead Oil Locations

DULUTH, Minn. – A 22 year old entrepreneur is expanding his business. Derek Medved has owned the Gary Milkhouse for the last three and a half years and he just bought two more convenience stores to add to his chain. The former Lakehead Oil locations in Hermantown and Chisholm will now become his own “Korner Stores.” “We’re a locally owned…

Anthem Picks Former UnitedHealth Executive to Become CEO

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer Anthem has picked a former top executive from its biggest competitor to replace Joseph Swedish as its next CEO. Anthem said Monday that Gail K. Boudreaux will start Nov. 20 Swedish will serve as executive chairman until May and then as senior adviser for a couple more years. A statement Monday from Indianapolis-based…

Target Adjusting Thanksgiving Hours

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota-based Target, has announced Black Friday specials, as well as new hours for Thanksgiving Day. In a press release Monday, Target announced that stores will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 23. Typically, the retailer is open through the night into Black Friday, but this year, stores will close at midnight. Stores will reopen Friday…

Minnesota-Made Gift Options for the Holiday Season

EDINA, Minn. – We’re entering the gift buying season and this year you can find those perfect presents in Minnesota. Shelly Loberg with Explore Edina stopped by FOX 21 to discuss some of the gifts made in the state. That includes products from Loll Designs which has expanded to the Twin Cities area. Loll Designs makes durable, outdoor furniture that…

How Technology Can Help You Have a Good Night’s Sleep

DULUTH, Minn. – As we experienced the “Fall Back” of Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, the Northland is going to be seeing less daylight. This can affect mood and sleep cycle. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis visited FOX 21 to describe technology that can help with the sleep cycle. The Fitbit Charge 2 can help monitor how much light,…

Congdon Students Enjoy Science Night

UMD Science Department Puts On Science Fair

DULUTH, Minn- Congdon Elementary School was full of students being inspired by science Friday evening. 45 students from UMD’s biology, chemistry, engineering and physics departments presented science related demonstrations and activities for the students and their families. One student says being a college student at UMD means you are a part of the Duluth community and it’s fun to get…

Language and Literacy at Duluth Children’s Museum

UMD's Communication Sciences and Disorder Department Put On Event

DULUTH, Minn- Language and literacy was another component kids could learn about at the Duluth Children’s Museum Friday. UMD’s Communication Sciences and Disorder Department teamed up with the museum for a dragons, queens, kings and castles themed event to raise awareness about literacy, language, and speech. Organizers looked to identify and address unmet needs in the community. “It’s a great…