MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Economists, employers, and government officials say a growing worker shortage in Wisconsin is expected to increase over the next decade. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the worker shortage is due to many factors, including a low unemployment rate, an aging population, and Wisconsin’s poor record of attracting college graduates. Wisconsin had an unemployment rate of 3.2…
DULUTH, Minn. – There’s good news for the Lake Superior Zoo. The zoo’s accreditation was extended four years by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The AZA, which grants accreditation to less than 10% of the approximately 2,800 animal attractions licensed by the Department of Agriculture, praised the zoo for stabilizing its finances while developing a plan for sustainability. “We…
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is teaming up with the Blue Star Mothers of America to help send some fudge to our troops overseas. Throughout the month of September, when anyone buys a pound of fudge from any of the stores, the factory will match that pound to be sent overseas. “It’s just fun to have something like fudge,” owner…
(AP) NEW YORK (AP) — There’s no way around it: The news from credit reporting company Equifax that 143 million Americans had their information exposed is extremely serious. Crucial pieces of personal data that criminals could use to commit identity theft — Social Security numbers, birthdates, address histories, legal names — were all obtained. That’s information that cannot change. And…
(Explore MN) The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports that state IT security specialists discovered malware on state computers at Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay in late August. While the MnDNR has no evidence that credit card numbers were accessed, out of caution, they are advising those who visited the park and charged items from Aug. 22-25 are asked…
DULUTH, Minn. Crew members that once served on the Navy’s U.S.S Duluth battleship, had the chance to relive their glory days on Thursday, with a model sized replica of the ship. The scale model ship was hand crafted to look just like the battleship. It took over a year to build, and one crew member tells FOX 21 that he’s…
DULUTH, Minn. – A new fitness center has opend in Duluth. 9Round Fitness is a kickboxing gym. It features a nine round, 30 minute workout to help clients get a good workout in during a short amount of time. The workout is a for the entire body, and trainers are on hand to guide clients. The fitness center also offers…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack celebrated its grand opening today after finishing up some remodeling of their store in Canal Park. The store hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Duluth Chamber of Commerce. The event included free pizza, free beer, and Duluth Pack giveaways. It was all to celebrate the company’s place in Duluth’s outdoors culture. “We are aware…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Representatives from two electricity suppliers met with residents Thursday to answer questions about the Nemadji Trail Energy Center natural gas power plant. These informal open houses gave residents a chance to learn what the plan will mean for the city. For Minnesota Power, using natural gas to create electricity is another step towards cleaner, renewable energy. In…
ATLANTA – Equifax says approximately 143 million U.S. consumers’ social security numbers and other information were stolen during a data breach. Unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through July 2017. The company says information stolen includes social security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. In addition, credit card numbers for approximately 209,000 U.S. consumers, and certain dispute documents with personal identifying information for…
DULUTH, Minn.-One local hair stylist at Vain Salon is trying to help out Hurricane Harvey victims. All of the money she makes today cutting hair is being donated to Harvey Victims through the charity Matthew 25 Ministries. She told us, that even her tips and some funds she gets from selling hair products will also be donated. “I just felt…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northlanders’ response to Hurricane Harvey relief was overwhelming, but a local credit union reminds people there’s need at home as well. Throughout September, Superior Choice Credit Union is taking donations of household supplies for area emergency shelters. Each branch has shopping lists so members know what shelters need. Organizers say giving is important all year not just…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is joining the chase to land Amazon’s second headquarters. The e-commerce behemoth based in Seattle announced Thursday it’s seeking to build a second headquarters, setting off a nationwide race. Dozens of cities and states are expected to compete. The company says it will spend $5 billion and could bring up to 50,000 jobs. Amazon already…
DENVER (AP) – Chipotle hopes its new queso dip will satisfy its customers’ cravings — and help reinvigorate sales that have been hurt by food scares. The Mexican food chain said it will begin offering all-natural warm queso in restaurants nationwide next Tuesday. Chipotle marketing director Mark Crumpacker had said earlier this year that company research showed the top reason why…
DULUTH, Minn. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson continues to meet with voters hoping to persuade them to vote yes for a half percent sales tax increase to better the city’s roads. The city of Duluth controls 450 miles of streets. Studies show that 55 percent of those streets are in poor condition. Tuesday Mayor Larson met with residents at the Grant…
SUPERIOR, Wis. It was all about bull riding and calf wrangling in Superior this weekend. The Great Northern Classic Rodeo wrapped up their 3 day weekend today. Starting in 1991 the rodeo was originally held in Duluth, with several hundred spectators. Two years later the rodeo moved across the bridge to Superior and has been held at the Head of…
SUPERIOR, Wis. It wouldn’t be a rodeo without southern style BBQ. Supporting Minnesota’s high school rodeo foundation, Black Hat BBQ can be found at many of the surrounding rodeo events. Portions of the proceeds made at each event is given back to the rodeo scholarship fund. Owners say raising funds is easy to do with favorites like their baby back…
DULUTH, Minn. It’s the season for a harvest. Minnesota farmers are finding ways to sell their freshly grown products You may have seen several fruit and vegetable stands popping up around the twin ports recently. Sunny Side Produce Farms out of Rochester, Minnesota has dozens of stands in northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, making it easier for you to buy…
SILVER BAY, Minn. – Exciting events are planned for the new North Shore Adventure Park in Silver Bay. The natural rock climbing wall dubbed ‘Eleanor’ opened three months ago and investors say they’re already receiving rave reviews from visitors. The park is located just off Highway 61 where an old gas station sat vacant for years. Now, aside from climbing,…
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (AP) The growth of an electronic component company is presenting new challenges for a small northern Minnesota community. Digi-Key in Thief River Falls will hold a ground breaking ceremony Sept. 15 for an expansion that could cost as much as $300 million. The 1-million-square-foot expansion will more than double the component distributor’s global hub. The company…
DULUTH, Minn. – The owners of a popular Duluth restaurant are now facing the Minnesota Department of Revenue after allegedly filing false tax returns and failing to pay sales tax, according to the Department. The owners of Osaka Sushi & Hibachi allegedly used a computer program to remove items from sales receipts in order to under-report monthly sales. The Department of…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local entrepreneur Mike Letica, like others around the country, saw the devastation Hurricane Harvey brought to South Texas and wanted to do something to help. “Anytime something happens, whether it’s in the city or something nationally, I always think about what I would want from people if this happened to me,” said Letica. “Prayers for Texas” was…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack honored service men and women Thursday by giving away free pairs of socks. The store teamed up with Darn Tough Vermont Socks as a way to thank current military members, veterans, police officers, EMT, and firefighters in the community. “It’s something a lot of people are excited about,” said Elizabeth Vaughn, with Duluth Pack. “It’s…
NEW YORK (AP) — The scope of Wells Fargo’s fake accounts scandal grew significantly on Thursday, with the bank now saying that 3.5 million accounts were potentially opened without customers’ permission between 2009 and 2016. That’s up from 2.1 million accounts that the bank had cited in September 2016, when it acknowledged that employees under pressure to meet aggressive…
DULUTH, Minn. – People in the Northland are getting geared up and ready to go, loading up an entire semi-truck of donations to help the flood victims in the Houston area. On Wednesday, Northern Light Community Church opened its doors for anybody to drop off donations. Many families stopped by with cases of water and bags filled with toiletries. This…
LUTSEN, Minn.-Lutsen Mountain Ski Resort is looking at expanding another 550 acres. The land they would be using, which is part of the Superior National Forest, would nearly double the area they have for skiing. The plans are still in their initial phases and the Forest Service would have to issue a permit for the resort to use the land….
DULUTH, Minn. – A local Duluth man is heading to Texas this weekend to help those affected by Tropical Storm Harvey and he’s asking for help. Mike Letica is hosting a Water Drive on Thursday, August 31 from noon to 7 p.m. at Denfeld High School. Letica is asking for donations of water, cots, air mattresses, medical supplies, cash donations…
DULUTH, Minn.-The old Porter’s restaurant in the Holiday Center is getting replaced. In October, the Lyric Kitchen and Bar will open. Management at the new spot said they have been seeing a lot of changes in downtown Duluth, which caused them to change the theme of the old Porter’s. “Duluth keeps changing and we wanted to be a part of…
HOUSTON (FOX 26 Houston) – The largest crude oil refinery in the United States has shut down due to flooding form Tropical Storm Harvey. Motiva Enterprises’ Port Arthur plant, which has been in operation for more than 100 years, stopped operating Tuesday night. Motiva Enterprises has as crude capacity of over 600,000 barrels a day, supplying gasoline and diesel to…
SUPERIOR, Wis. — This fall, the Nemadji Golf Course in Superior will look a little different. As the city’s Public Works Director Todd Janigo puts it, “A par five will become a par three,” through the autumn. Enbridge Energy is working on a replacement project for its Line 3 oil pipeline, and part of that project will now run right…
IRON RIVER, Wis. – This weekend a Wisconsin community is banding together to support several projects in Iron River. White Winter Winery is once again hosting the Annual Emergency Pig Out. The event raises funds for Iron River’s Emergency Services to purchase and maintain EMS equipment. Also, this year some money will be going to the Iron River Lions Club…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state’s largest business group is announcing a new coalition to help bring Foxconn Technology Group plant to southeastern Wisconsin. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce said in a news release Thursday that the Wisconn Valley Jobs Coalition includes 146 business groups, local chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs, employers, and workers that support the plant. The group sent a…
DULUTH, Minn. – Assistant Chief Erik Simonson is taking early retirement from the Duluth Fire Department in order to lead the Lake Superior Zoo. Simonson was introduced as the zoo’s new Chief Executive Officer Thursday morning. He takes over for Dave Benson, who’s been serving on an interim basis since former CEO Corey Leet resigned in May for family reasons…
DULUTH, Minn. – The City Council wants to make starting a small business in Duluth easier. Recently, the council approved a resolution creating a new Red Tape Reduction Task Force. The seven person task force will be charged with giving the council information and recommendations designed to streamline the permit process. The group will consist of an architect, developer and…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – An auction benefiting a local veterans group was so successful last year, they’re doing it again. Benna Ford and the Arrowhead Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart teamed up to auction off a 1977 Ford F–150 pickup. Between now and September 8th, you can stop by Benna Ford’s dealership in Superior, check out the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Ordinary people became heroes Thursday with one simple act. The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Zeitgiest Atrium in Downtown Duluth. The Red Cross has a critical need for donations and organizers were happy to see donors come in. “It feels really good to see people are so selfless and able to come in,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Council candidates hit the stage Wednesday to answer questions about improving transportation equity in the city. The forum held at Zeitgeist was organized by local nonprofits and research groups who say, transportation is a vital necessity to be able to access employment and income, education and grocery services among other daily needs. But those necessities…
ELY, Minn. – Thousands of dollars in back taxes has prompted the federal government to seize the oldest standing outfitter business in Ely. In June, the IRS seized the store’s belongings because of tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes. The state of Minnesota also has two liens against Wilderness Outfitters, and American Band of the North has also…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) approved a proposal Wednesday to expand the city’s Skywalk system. Wednesday’s approval by DEDA Commissioners was the first step needed in expanding Skywalk. The plan will expand the Skywalk along the 100 block of E. Superior Street and down to the Historic Arts and Theatre District. DEDA will now contract local…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based Locker Innovations is expanding its business and bringing in Kevin Harrington, a former shark from the television show Shark Tank to be on their team. Locker Innovations works with inventors and entrepreneurs to help them develop and market their products. On Wednesday, they showcased their business and some of their successful clients to potential investors at…
DULUTH, Minn. – Life could change in a big way for someone, somewhere. Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot was up to an estimated $700 million, the second largest jackpot in history. Across Duluth, Powerball players stocked up on tickets, in hopes Wednesday was their lucky day. Many had big dreams of what they’d buy if they were lucky enough to hit the…
CARLTON, Minn. – To wrap up his two-day visit to the Northland, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) stopped on the Fond du Lac Reservation Tuesday. Senator Franken serves on both the Senate Energy and Indian Affairs committees, so his visit to the reservation served multiple interests. Minnesota’s junior senator met with Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe officials to talk about…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – A true trailblazer within the LGBT community in the Twin Ports is preparing to shut the doors on one historic safe place — The Main Club. Bob Jansen said he opened The Main — the first openly gay bar in the Northland — in 1983 after winning a lawsuit that said the College of St. Scholastica fired…
DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of business owners and managers are excited to have college students back this fall because they rely on their business during the school year. Crooked Pint Ale House in Duluth has only been open for a few months, but they expect returning UMD and Saint Scholastica students to come check them out this fall. “That’s…
DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders who use the Lakewalk in Canal Park will soon see a brighter change. The city will replace the entire Lakewalk trail lighting with new and brighter L.E.D. light bulbs. Areas from the Endion Station to Leif Erickson Park will have narrowed lanes during the project. The work is expected take up to two weeks to complete, weather…
VIRGINIA, Minn. – Some businesses in Virginia were flooded last week after that are was hit with more than four inches of rain. The Apple Tree Learning Center had three to four inches standing water in some of their classrooms on Friday. They have since pumped the water out, but their cleanup has only just begun. “It was very heartbreaking…
DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, FOX 21 photojournalist Graham Hakala takes us to the Miller Auction Service at 2803 West Superior Street. Categories: Business, Knowing Your Neighbor, News, News – Latest News
SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Before the rain came down Monday, it was perfect weather for a motorcycle ride through the Twin Ports. A group of bikers made its way from Duluth to the Cedar Lounge in Superior. Every Monday, the bar hosts “Rider Night” with hopes of bringing like–minded groups of people together to socialize over food and drinks. “Breweries and…
LOS ANGELES (AP) – A Los Angeles jury has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $417 million in a case to a woman who claimed in a lawsuit that the talc in the company’s iconic baby powder causes ovarian cancer when applied regularly for feminine hygiene. Los Angeles County Superior Court spokeswoman Liz Martinez confirmed the verdict Monday. California resident…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is giving up efforts to reach a tax reciprocity agreement with Wisconsin. The end of negotiations means the state of Minnesota will give its residents who cross the border a tax credit to make up for the higher Wisconsin taxes. That tax credit will be in effect for 2017. It is estimated that it…
