Business

Northern Regional Safety Day Trains Local Professionals

Conference Educates Business Leaders on Health and Safety Solutions

DULUTH, Minn. – Preparing for the unthinkable; that’s what hundreds of workers at the Northern Regional Safety Day Conference trained for. This year, preparing for emergencies also means understanding that the opioid epidemic might have an impact on workforce safety. The Safety Day is a unique training opportunity for local businesses and organizations to learn how to improve safety across…

Equifax Dumps CEO in Wake of Damaging Data Breach

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) – Credit reporting agency Equifax is ousting CEO Richard Smith in an effort to clean up the mess left by a damaging data breach that exposed highly sensitive information about 143 million Americans. The shake-up announced Tuesday comes after Equifax disclosed that hackers exploited a software flaw that the company didn’t fix to heist Social Security numbers,…

Duluth Councilors Set 2018 Maximum Levy, Reduce Police/Fire Cuts

Property Tax Increase At 6.43 Percent Equals $25 More A Year On $160,000 Home

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city councilors have fulfilled their state duty to set the maximum operating levy for 2018 to a number higher than Mayor Emily Larson has proposed. In a 7–2 vote Monday night, councilors voted to increase the maximum 2018 levy from Mayor Larson’s 4 percent to 6.43 percent, which councilors say would allow more funding to the…

Farmers Seeing An End To The Season

Farmers Markets Coming To An End

Hermantown, Minn. Local farmers are wrapping up their growing seasons. That also means that the local farmers markets are coming to an end. Monday the Hermantown farmers market ended their season. Local farmers say the weather this year played a big part in this year’s great turnout. “This little patch of warm weather that we had made things just pop….

New Menu Items Coming to AMSOIL Arena

Friday Fish Fry Among Items Included

DULUTH, Minn.-If you are sick of the same old food at AMSOIL Arena, you will be in for a surprise during the upcoming UMD Bulldogs hockey season. Six new items have been added to the menu including a Friday fish fry, steak sandwich, and even a pot roast sundae. DECC staff say they wanted something special for the fans, who…

Crossbows Selling Like Hot Cakes

Mainly Due to Law Changes

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The archery bow hunting season has begun in both Minnesota and Wisconsin and it’s causing some local retailers to see an uptick in business. In particular, crossbows have been flying off the shelves. One business owner said a big reason why is they are more practical for hunters compared to traditional vertical bows, which take much more practice to…

First annual Ice Fishing Expo at Black Bear Casino

Ice houses, ATVs and more from various local vendors

CARLTON, Minn. – The first annual Ice Fishing Expo at Black Bear Casino is being put on by Coates RV. Attendees were able to get up close looks at all the latest ice fishing gear, as well as brand new ice fishing houses. Organizers say these kinds of events are a good way for potential customers to see a variety…

Maurices Gives Back to the Community with Best Day Ever

Maurices associates volunteered at more than 30 different non-profits

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday was the 4th annual Best Day Ever thanks to Maurices. Maurices associates made their way across town to more than 30 different non–profits to help give back to the community. They made a stop at the Damiano Center in Duluth, providing meals to the people there. “It’s really special to them,” development director at the Damiano…

New UCARE Office Now Open

Open Enrollment Begins in Just a Few Weeks

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A ribbon cutting was held for the new UCARE office in Hermantown today. This health insurance business is going to be quite busy in about a week as the open enrollment period begins. Officials there say this new office should take away some of that stress. “What we are trying to really do here is create an…

New Housing Coming to Superior

Should be Open by July of 2018

SUPERIOR, Wis. – New housing is coming to Superior. Today, a groundbreaking was held for a 54-unit market rate apartment complex located at the corner of Weeks Avenue and North 14th Street. Organizers say this new facility should address some of the housing issues the city currently faces. If all goes well, future developments for housing could also come to…

Bully Free Block Party

Raleigh Edison School invited parents, students and surrounding neighbors

DULUTH, Minn. Raleigh Edison School invited parents, students and surrounding neighbors to enjoy a night of fun festivities for their bully free block party. Schools around the area are doing what they can to stop bullying. Staff at the school tells us that by inviting everyone in the surrounding area and gives them an opportunity to see what Raleigh Edison…

Lake Superior Zoo hosts Uncorked and Tapped for Conversation

It's the 8 year for the fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo hosted the 8th annual Uncorked and Tapped for Conversation wine and beer tasting event on Thursday. The event is a fundraiser that looks to raise around $15,000 for the zoo’s programs. “Being able to do educational events that engage children and youth, and just working on the infrastructure of the zoo that always…

Firewood sales rise and temperatures drop

Dluth Firewood has been busy fulfilling winter orders since August

DULUTH, Minn. – With the fall temps starting to set in, people are looking to get their heat in order for the winter. Businesses like Duluth Firewood have been busy this time of year, cutting and delivering firewood for customers that enjoy heating their houses the old-fashioned way. “It’s what Minnesotans do,” Duluth Firewood owner Wade Haworth said. “We live…

Mont du Lac Ready for Snow

All Machinery Will be Ready to go Next Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The winter season is fast approaching and that means local resorts are getting ready for the snowflakes to fly. At Mont du Lac in Superior, they are testing out the snowmaking machines already. The main reason for getting it ready so early is for safety reasons, along with keeping crews warm while they can. “It’s a great…

New Virtual Reality Tour Attracting Local Businesses

Video is Run by APEX Group

DULUTH, Minn. – The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion has created a new virtual reality tool in the hopes of attracting business to the Northland. Organizers say that it gives businesses an insight of what Duluth is like if they moved their business here. The experience lets the viewer see a 360–degree video of various spots that make the Twin…

Duluth International Airport Awarded Over $1 Million

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth International Airport has received over $1 million for safety improvements. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Rep. Rick Nolan made the announcement Thursday. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the airport with a grant of $1,084,668 for safety improvements. “Helping ensure our airports stay up-to-date makes for a common sense investment,” Klobuchar said….

Mayor Larson Meets With Morgan Park Residents

Talking About Sales Tax Increase

DULUTH, Minn. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is continuing her speaking sessions across town focusing on her proposed 0.5 percent sales tax increase for 2018 to specifically fix roads and the infrastructure below. Mayor Larson projects $7 million would come out of this 0.5 percent sales tax increase if voters approve it in November and if the legislature gives the final…

Vision Jet Becomes Reality for Duluth Based Cirrus Aircraft

New Vision Jet by Cirrus Aircraft Proves to be Popular with Consumers

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth aircraft manufacturer, founded back in 1984, is now skyrocketing to new heights in the Northland. Cirrus Aircraft recently unveiled the company’s latest product and company officials say demand is already taking off. “There’s not a better place to be than up above the clouds,” said Matt Bergwall, Director of Cirrus’ new Vision Jet. Northlanders woke…

Sappi Mill Honored With Governor’s Award

Cloquet Mill had $170 Million Invested in it in 2015

CLOQUET, Minn.-A paper company in Cloquet received statewide recognition today. Sappi North America received an award from the governor’s office for all the work they do when it comes to investing in Minnesota. In 2015, the Cloquet Mill had $170 million injected into it, as the business there continues to get bigger. “We’ll be growing here in North America over…

EPA Rule Tough for Wood Stove Manufacturers

Business Leaders Held Roundtable Discussion About Regulation with Congressman Nolan

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wood stove manufacturers are struggling to comply with a new EPA requirement. The rule was put in place to reduce particles in the atmosphere, but business leaders say it’s nearly impossible for them to make needed changes to their products fast enough. Manufacturers and retailers from across Minnesota talked with U.S. Representative Rick Nolan (DFL-MN). They discussed…

Benefit Dinner to be Held for Hurricane Victims

Benefit Dinner Will be Held Oct. 1

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Oliver Companies of Duluth, a local real estate business, and the local chapter of the Red Cross will be hosting a hurricane relief benefit spaghetti dinner and auction Sunday, Oct. 1 from noon to 6 p.m. at Barkers Island in Superior. Their goal is to raise $15,000. All proceeds from the event will go to the Red Cross….

Duluth Aldi Store to Open this Fall

No Precise Date for When it Will Open

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction is buzzing along at a new Aldi grocery store in Duluth. We don’t know the precise date it will open yet, but in previous discussions with the company, they did say it would open in the fall. Aldi is a discount grocer and will be located near the old K-Mart building which is by the Miller…

Pumpkin Stands Already Popping up in Northland

Pumpkin Season is Getting to Full Strength

DULUTH, Minn.-With the fall chill in the air, that means it’s pumpkin season. One pumpkin seller has already popped up in the Miller Hill Mall Parking lot. He said people can be pretty selective about the pumpkins they purchase, including little kids who fall in love with the fruit. “It’s so fun,” said Adam Jaros, of DC Produce. “I’ve done…

Timber Sales Increase at National Forest in Wisconsin

RHINELANDER, Wis. (AP) – A national forest in northwest Wisconsin expects to sell its largest amount of timber since at least the mid-1990s. The Associated Press reports the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest may sell 123 million board feet of timber by the end of fiscal 2017. That would mark the fifth annual increase in a row for the forest, which is…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods

COHASSET, Minn. — Grant Prokop has a love for the outdoors, for hunting, fishing, and appreciating what northern Minnesota is all about. Prokop owns Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods in Cohasset “Any outdoor enthusiast, whether you’re camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, doing anything outside, we want to be able to help you,” Prokop said. He grew up in the woods and on…

New Lock Proposed at Soo Straights

Locks Connect Lake Superior to the Other Great Lakes and Beyond

DULUTH, Minn. – The Soo Locks at Sault Ste Marie, Michigan connect the Duluth and Superior shipping industry with the rest of the world, but the aging locks haven’t been updated in decades. The locks at Soo Straights connect Lake Superior to the rest of the Great Lakes and beyond. The locks raise and lower ships so they can navigate…

Volunteers Needed for Bentleyville

Volunteer Work Begins this Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.-Bentleyville will be opening up in a few months, and that means volunteers are needed to help set it up. Preparations are expected to begin this weekend as volunteers flood into Bayfront Park. “We’ve had volunteers that have been returning for the ninth consecutive year down there,” said Nathan Bentley, event organizer. “People make friends down there. They become…

Touchstone Award Given to Three Local Non-Profits

A Total of Seven Organizations Were Recognized

DULUTH, Minn.-Those who give back were honored on Monday, for all they do. Three non-profits were given the Touchstone Award by the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation. The local chapter of the American Red Cross, the Scott Anderson Leadership Forum, and the Myers-Wilkins Community Collaborative were all honored. “We think non-profit organizations are doing really vital work in Duluth and Superior and…

Walker Signs $3 Billion Foxconn Bill into Law

MADISON, Wis.-Gov. Scott Walker has signed a $3 billion incentive package designed to lure a Foxconn Technology Group flat-screen plant to southeastern Wisconsin. Walker signed the bill Monday afternoon during a packed ceremony at a technical college in Sturtevant in Racine County, the most likely location for the plant. The bill provides nearly $3 billion in cash to Foxconn if…

Hermantown Mayor Encouraged By New Housing Development

Single-Family Homes Planned Near Future Home of YMCA

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – There is growing excitement in Hermantown as ground is now broken on a new housing development in a part of the city that’s seeing big changes. The nine single-family homes are adjacent to the future home of the new multi-million dollar YMCA wellness center. And as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports, Hermantown’s mayor believes the development tonight is…

DNR Opens 30-Day Public Comment for Several PolyMet Draft Permits

(KQDS) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has opened a 30-day public comment period on the draft PolyMet dam safety and public works permits. From Sept. 15 through Oct. 16, the public can submit comments on two draft dam safety permits and a draft public waters work permit for the PolyMet Mining, Inc. NorthMet mining project. The DNR dam…

Enbridge Protestors Arrested In Superior

Blockade Set Up Prevented Construction Workers From Working

SUPERIOR, Wis. Protestors hoping to keep Enbridge workers from getting into their construction site on the line 3 replacement project Thursday morning are now in trouble with the law. In a dramatic scene, several protesters were arrested Thursday in Superior. One has been charged with disorderly conduct during the incident while three others were booked for resisting arrest and trespassing….

Moving to the Music with Sterling Silver Dance Studio

In This Week's Active Adventures, Meteorologist William Seay Practices His Dance Moves with Sterling Silver Studio in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay tackles the dance floor with Sterling Silver Dance Studio in Superior. The friendly staff taught William a few basic moves to the music, and from there, the rest was history. The crew rehearsed a short routine, and told William he was on his way to becoming a professional….

Winter Gear Already Hitting Store Shelves

Local Business Says This is the Best Time of the Year to Sell Skis

DULUTH, Minn.-After temperatures reached 80-degrees yesterday, the Northland will be hit with a dose of reality soon. We are getting very close to feeling that fall chill on our skin and local businesses are already getting out their winter gear. One we spoke to today, says now is the time to get your winter gear. “If you are in the…

Epicurean Has New Home

The Business Moved to Superior in January

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The business Epicurean has moved its headquarters to Connors Point in Superior. The business makes a variety of kitchen tools and cutting boards. The new 60,000 square-foot facility actually opened in January, but renovations were recently completed at the new site. The new building will allow the business to expand which means they will now have a factory outlet…

Historical Society Brings Past to Life within Cemetery

3rd Annual Living History Walk is Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend the history of Douglas County is coming to life in a place reserved for the dead. The Living History Walk is Saturday, September 16 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The walk will be at the Greenwood Cemetery, 8402 Tower Avenue Superior, WI 54880. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, $7 Veterans, $5…

JJ Astor Makes Fall Favorites in Preparation for New Menu

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – JJ Astor, the revolving restaurant in the Radisson in Duluth, has hired a new Executive Chef and is creating an updated menu. The new Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage, Bob Boyd, joined FOX 21 in the kitchen for this week’s Cooking Connection. JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge is located in the Radisson at 505…

City of Superior Releases Images Of Future Housing Development

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior has released images of what a future housing development will look like when it is completed next year. The building is under construction at North 13th Street and Grand Avenue. It’ll include 54 one-and-two bedroom market rate apartments. All units will have a washer and dryer, dishwasher, air conditioning and a private balcony….

New West Duluth Business Owners Honored

Six Entrepreneurs Presented With a Certificate of Appreciation

DULUTH, Minn. – New business owners were honored by the West Duluth Business and Civic Club. Six entrepreneurs were presented with a certificate of appreciation. Their new businesses filled some empty storefronts in West Duluth and other business owners hope the new ventures will help the whole area do better. “It looks like a very vibrant area to come and…

Block Grants Available for Local Communities

Nearly $2 Million Available

PROCTOR, Minn.-Block grant funding has been instrumental in helping build up Saint Louis County since the mid-90s. It helps fund projects like the Vermilion housing project in Tower, created water and sewer infrastructure in six communities, and even helped supply meals through the Salvation Army. Today, a meeting was held in Proctor to discuss with area leaders what projects they…

50% of Millennials Would Give Up Their Right to Vote to Get Student Loans Erased

(FOX NEWS) – As the staggering national student loan debt tally sits at an all-time high of $1.33 trillion, according to the Department of Education, many Millenials say they would go to extreme lengths to wipe their slate clean. According to a new study from Credible, a personal finance website, 50 percent of all respondents ages 18-34 said they would…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Skyline Lanes

The Bowling Alley Is More Than Just Bowling

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we head to Skyline Lanes in Hermantown where it’s more than just bowling. “We have a variety of different activities from bowling. We do volleyball as you can see were standing out here on the courts. We also have bocce and bean bag leagues,” said Corey Kolquist, manager at Skyline Lanes….

City Looking at Helping Get More Business in Industrial Park

City Applying for Grant Worth $1.7 Million

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council is all set to vote tonight on applying for a grant that could lead to an economic boom in western Duluth. The grant is for $1.7 million and would be used to connect Waseca Industrial Road with Highway 23 and Grand Avenue. City leaders believe this will allow for more business to be conducted in…

Local Leaders Seek Community Input on Future of Canal Park

Imagine Canal Park 2035

DULUTH, Minn. – Imagine Canal Park is a new initiative with the goal to make that area a spot for residents and not just tourists. In June, Duluth received a grant from the Knight Foundation to look at ways to further engage and create a common public space for residents to increase social interaction and connect with their city. The…