Business

Michigan Street Utilities Upgrades Resume July 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Michigan Street in downtown Duluth has undergone a significant utilities upgrade project since April involving electrical, gas, and water lines. The first phase was completed on June 30, allowing for the temporary re-opening of Michigan Street. Phase two will begin at 6 a.m. July 17 from 2nd Avenue West to 1st Avenue West. The project is expected…

Superior 4-H Kids Sell Their Animals In Auction

Beef, Pork and Lamb sold to the highest bidder

Superior, Wis. The beef auction one of the most popular events at the head of the lakes fair was held tonight 4h kids ranging from the 3rd to 12th grades we’re able to show off their farm raised animals tonight in front of a huge crowd. Tonight marks the end of months of hard work inside the barn. The kids…

Verizon Data Breach: 14 Million Customers Reportedly Exposed

(FOX NEWS) – Millions of Verizon customer records have been exposed after an Israeli technology company left user data unprotected, the International Business Times reported. “As many as 14 million records” of Verizon customers were found unsecured on an Amazon storage server controlled by Israeli-based Nice Systems, according to ZDNet.com. The database was found to have communication logs of Verizon customers who called…

Productive Devices for Kids during Summer Months

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether they’re hitting the pool, hanging with friends or simply sleeping in, kids and teens alike embrace their summer break with gusto. Meanwhile, parents often struggle to not only keep their children productive, but also have peace of mind when their kids aren’t in school. Thankfully, Verizon offers various kid-friendly (and parent-approved!) devices to help Mom and…

Three Downtown Avenues Transitioning to Two Way Traffic

Conversions are expected to begin Monday, July 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Three avenues are slated to convert from one to two way as part of the City of Duluth’s plans to improve transit and access to downtown businesses. First, Second, and Third Avenues West (from Superior Street up to 4th Street) will ease and allow more direct connections to businesses with smoother circulation, according to the City. Other…

Hermantown Summerfest Begins

Meatballs And Puppies Were The Main Course Today

http://hermantownsummerfest.org/schedule.html The Hermantown Summerfest kicked off today. The event is really a celebration of the community as a whole. Today included tons of food, open houses and even a pet parade. That’s just a little taste of what’s in store for the rest of the week. Many local businesses give generously to provide free activities for all ages throughout the…

Historic Union Depot Needs Millions in Repairs

St. Louis Co. to Seek Funding During 2018 Application Process

DULUTH, Minn. – The more than century old Union Depot needs repairs.  About $8 million worth in the next five to seven years. “It’s time to make a significant investment back into this building to preserve it for the next 100–plus years,” said St. Louis Co. Property Management Director Tony Mancuso. One project though, needs immediate attention. “We need to…

CenturyLink Lawsuit in Minnesota over Cable, Internet Billing

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit against CenturyLink for billing higher amounts than sales agents quoted to customers for cable TV and internet service. According to the lawsuit, the company often refused to honor the quoted prices to consumers who catch the discrepancies, and CenturyLink’s internal records acknowledge the problem. In the lawsuit, Attorney General Lori Swanson…

Lawmaker: ’99 Percent’ Sure Craft Brewery Changes Dead

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Republican lawmaker says a proposal to require breweries and wineries to sell their products through distributors is going nowhere. Craft breweries were outraged last month when a memo emerged detailing a plan that would require breweries and wineries to work through distributors rather than sell their products on-site directly to customers. The brewers feared the…

Kwik Trip Could Buy Boundary Ave. Land At Auction

DULUTH, Minn. – A proposed Duluth Kwik Trip could get one last chance to build on controversial property near Proctor. That’s because the St. Louis County Board is putting the tax for-forfeited property up on the auction block as early as October. On Tuesday, the county board voted unanimously against selling the land on Boundary Avenue to the Duluth Economic Development…

City Testing New Bike Lanes

Test of Protected Lanes Runs Through July

DULUTH, Minn. – The city recently opened new bike lanes on Michigan Street downtown and leaders are looking for input. These protected bike lanes are the first of their kind in the city.  Traffic flows both east and west separated from vehicular traffic by pylons. The test runs throughout July, and the city encourages cyclists, drivers and businesses to give…

DTA Unveils New Bus Routes

Four New Routes Start Service August 27th

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority will soon offer more options for public transportation users. Starting August 27th, the DTA will expand Route 5 service to run from Gary New Duluth to the Miller Hill Mall. Also, three brand new routes will start on the 27th. Route 21 will go from Lakeside to the mall via UMD’s Kirby Student…

Holiday Stationstores Bought by Canadian Company

MINNESOTA – Canadian company, Couche-Tard Incorporated, announced today that it signed an agreement with Holiday Companies to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Holiday Stationstores and affiliated companies. Holiday is a privately owned company based in Minnesota that has been in operation since 1928 and currently has 522 stores in the Upper Midwest. “We are pleased to…

Annual Sidewalk Days Festival Begins Wednesday with New Events

Sales and Car Show Return to Take Over Superior Street

DULUTH, Minn. – A downtown, summertime tradition will be shutting down parts of Superior Street once again. The Sidewalk Days Festival begins Wednesday, July 12 and runs through Friday, July 14. About 80 vendors are expected to participate. There will be a car show, crafts, clothes, food, live music and more. New this year, there will be a selfie scavanger…

New Café Brings Year-Round Jobs, Revitalization to Gary New Duluth

The Trophy Café is locally owned and operated by Mont du Lac Resort

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – Gary New Duluth has lived through decades of history. Buildings have changed ownership and new beginnings have come and gone. Now, one local resort is expanding into the neighborhood, inviting you to stop by for a fresh home cooked meal. “When you make an order, a chef in the back is going to make it…

Duluth Pack Offering Pack Rental Program

Can be rented online and picked up in store!

(left) Original #4 (right) Original #3 (Duluth Pack) DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack has announced they will be offering a new program for those seeking to rent one of their packs. The program will offer their Original #3 and 4 canoe packs in a variety of colors. Those interested in renting can sign up at their website and pick the…

Westbound Bus Stop in Front of Holiday Center Discontinued until Further Notice

DULUTH, Minn. – Effective Saturday, July 8, 2017, the Duluth Transit Authority will discontinue service to the bus stop located directly in front of the Holiday Center on Superior Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues West. Due to expanded construction, buses will no longer be able to safely access the curb and shelters. No boarding or alighting will take place…

Applebee’s: Big and Bold for the Summer

Cooking Connection: Grilling Favorites with Applebee's

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is beginning to feel the heat of Summer and many people are also heating up their grills. Applebee’s is doing just that as well. The restaurant has introduced its new Big and Bold Grill Combos at its locations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. The New Big and Bold Grill Combos include: Grilled Shrimp Skewer with lemon…

Trailer Storing Fireworks Stolen From Superior Small Business

A trailer filled with $4,000 worth of fireworks was stolen from a shed outside the store

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – An investigation is ongoing in Superior after $4,000 worth of fireworks were stolen from VP Wild Rice Company. Police say somebody broke in to a locked storage shed outside the store and stole a trailer filled with fireworks. The locally–owned business along E. 2nd Street relies on firework sales around the 4th of July to help carry…

Tourism Season Kicks Off in Bayfield

Area Is Expected to Be Busy Through Applefest Weekend in October

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Summer tourism is starting to take off along Lake Superior’s south shore. Every summer around the Fourth of July, tourism season kicks off in Bayfield and the surrounding area. Hundreds of visitors are hitting the water in Apostle Islands cruises and kayaking to sea caves on Lake Superior. As the summer continues, more visitors will start to…

Great Outdoors: Grilling on the 4th of July

Many local businesses spent lots of time preparing for the big rush of the holiday

From burgers and brats to pork and chicken kabobs,  grills across the country were filled with a variety of food for the 4th of July. FOX 21’s Matt Van Winkle shows us how some local businesses prepared for the holiday. Categories: Business, Great Outdoors, News

Canal Bark Expanding to Michigan Street Location

Locally Owned Canal Bark will be Opening a Facility for Dogs Early Fall of 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Bark is set to open their second location in Fall 2017. The local company will be expanding to a second location in the heart of downtown Duluth. Located at 211 West Michigan Street, the downtown location will offer day care and training opportunities, making caring for pets easier for downtown residents and workers. The new spot will…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Fine Edge Custom Framing

Virginia Business Can Add a Special Frame to Any Piece

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A custom frame can add a special finishing touch to any display in your home. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we take you to Fine Edge Custom Framing in Virginia, where they specialize in giving an edge to your favorite piece. “We do custom framing of all types of artwork, collectibles, jerseys, clothing, anything that you…

Klobuchar Shows Support for Craft Brewing in Duluth

The U.S. senator is working to lower federal taxes for small craft breweries and distilleries across the country

DULUTH, Minn., – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was in Duluth on Monday to show support for craft breweries. Alongside local business leaders and local elected officials, Klobuchar met with the owners of Canal Park Brewing Company to discuss how the craft beer industry has helped Minnesota’s economy. Klobuchar is currently working on legislation that would lower federal excise taxes for…

Sen. Amy Klobuchar In Duluth Monday To Support Breweries Legislation

MINNEAPOLIS (Press Release) – On Monday, July 3, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar will meet with business leaders and local elected officials at Canal Park Brewery in Duluth to discuss the economic benefits of Minnesota’s craft beer industry and highlight her bipartisan legislation to support craft breweries and boost the tourism industry. In the Senate, Klobuchar is a cosponsor of the…

Cloquet Public Library hosts craft fair and book sale

Money raised goes to children and adult programming at the library

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Public Library was the spot for the annual craft fair and book sale on Friday. The event is put on to help raise funds for the Friends of the Library organization. Money raised there will be used to put on adult and children programming at the library. “The library ends up being the community gathering…

Special Report: Setting Sail with Superior Pursuits

For Captain Parker Bambenek, it took a tragedy to realize what he wanted as a summer career

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year thousands of people, whether local or visiting, love to fish in the Northland. However, adventure seekers are now taking to the big lake more than ever before, boosting the local economy. One Captain we caught up with says it’s not always easy for charter fishing companies to make a go of it in a competitive…

Oscar Mayer Plant in Madison Prepares to Officially Close

Photo: Amber Arnold, State Journal MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The last cold cuts are rolling off the line at the Oscar Mayer facility in Madison, ending nearly 100 years of production at the plant. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the Madison facility is scheduled to close Thursday. The 72-acre plant was one of seven locations slated for closure when Oscar…

Literary Mural Adorns the New Zenith Bookstore

ZENITH BOOKSTORE OPENS SATURDAY, JULY 1

Courtesy: Charlie Smith DULUTH, Minn. – Proctor artist Tom Napoli has put his touch on the storefront of the newest addition to West Duluth’s Central Avenue, Zenith Bookstore. Napoli put the finishing touches on the mural in mid-June, giving pedestrians a taste of what the new independently-owned bookstore will offer when they finally open their doors on July 1. “We…

Duluth Pack Crafts Leather Backpack for Ed Sheeran

DULUTH PACK TEAMS UP WITH XCEL ENERGY CENTER

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack has announced that they are teaming up with Xcel Energy to create a hand-crafted bag for singer Ed Sheeran. Photo: Duluth Pack The company has selected its most popular backpack style, the Leather Standard Backpack. To customize it for Sheeran’s style they have used a pebbled leather material, along with the traditional features including leather…

Essentia Promotes Healthy Life Style

Eating Healthy And Getting Outside

Duluth, Minn. Healthy food free bike helmets and lots of fun activities were on hand today at the Heritage Center. It was Essentia Health’s way of promoting a healthy life style and keeping kids active during the summer. “We’re committed to a healthy community and giving back to the community and this is one way that we’re able to do…

Pier B Celebrates 1 Year

Resort Pushes For Different Type Of Lifestyle For Guest

DULUTH, Minn. – Rain didn’t stop a big one year birthday bash for Pier B Resort in Duluth. They weren’t able to use their outdoor patio as previously planned, but the party still went on. This time last year Pier B Resort opened their doors, after taking over an old slip and renovating it into a hotel and restaurant. Management…

Downtown Duluth Businesses Prepare for 2018 Reconstruction

A Series of Informational Meetings will Take Place, Hosted by the City of Duluth and Greater Downtown Council

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s official, Superior Street in Downtown Duluth will be torn up starting in 2018. The City recently received $15 million dollars from the state bonding bill and will open bidding up in January. City officials say the project will cost nearly $23 million dollars to complete. With funding figured out, the conversation now centers on how local…

DRCC Among State’s Best Employers

Duluth Firm Ranked Second in Survey by Star-Tribune

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Regional Care Center was recently recognized as one of the top places to work in Minnesota. DRCC ranked 2nd among the state’s largest employer when it comes to what workers think about their jobs. DRCC helps people with disabilities get the most out of life and runs several group homes and apartment programs across the…

Local Governments Get MnDOT Grant Information

Roughly $22 Million is Available Through the DOT and DEED

DULUTH, Minn. – Representatives from Northland city and county governments were in Duluth Wednesday, to find out how they can get some of the more than $22 million in grant money the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Department of Employment and Economic Development are handing out this year. This money is awarded every two years through the state’s Transportation…

Office Supplies Chain Staples Sold for $6.9 Billion

NEW YORK (AP) – Private equity firm Sycamore is buying office supplies chain Staples for $6.9 billion. The companies said Wednesday that shareholders of Framingham, Massachusetts-based Staples will get $10.25 per share. Staples stock had closed Wednesday up 77 cents, or 8.4-percent, to $9.93 on a late-afternoon report of a deal. The stock rose 1.5-percent in after-hours trading. Changing shopping…

Boundary Ave. Property Won’t Be Re-Zoned

Kwik Trip Eyed Location Near Proctor Border

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, City Councilors voted 5–3 in favor of re–zoning a property on Boundary Avenue along the border with Proctor as mixed use residential and commercial.  However, re–zoning requires a super majority of six votes. “The ordinance as it is, is done and we can’t pass it in the form it was shot down,” said At-Large Councilor…

Hoops Brewing Opens in Canal Park

The vision of longtime brewer Dave Hoops is now a reality in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s craft beer industry took a giant step forward on Tuesday. The long–awaited Hoops Brewing opened for business in Canal Park. After many months of construction, brewery founder Dave Hoops and his team welcomed the public inside to get the first taste of their beer. What used to be the old Timber Lodge Steakhouse is now a…

Discussion to Focus on Making Women Better Leaders in Workplace

Aim High Network Hosts Duluth Native Tricia Correia

DULUTH, Minn. – Women and millennials often struggle to find their path in the workplace, even though women make up almost half of the workforce in the United States. The Aim High Network is bringing in an expert and Duluth native, Tricia Correia, to talk about how women can be better leaders for other women and future generations. Correia has…

Hoops Brewing Ready to Open

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s official – Hoops Brewing in Canal Park is opening its doors to the public tomorrow. The craft brewery, founded by veteran brewer Dave Hoops, will feature eight beers on opening day. Their beer hall seats 250 and customers will be able to take the beers home in large cans called “crowlers.” “It’s a wonderful space that…

New “Taste of Duluth” Festival to Provide Local Entertainment

Festival Encourages Family-Fun

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend a first-of-its-kind festival is coming to Bayfront Festival Park. The Taste of Duluth is Saturday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be more than 60 vendors of food, beer, crafts and more. There will also be live music throughout the entire festival. The event is aimed at highlighting all the great…

Dayton, Legislative Leaders Head to Court over Funding

(Photo: Newsfile)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature are headed to court in their dispute over the governor’s veto of the Legislature’s funding. Dayton’s veto following a special session was aimed at reopening negotiations on tax changes that he says favor the wealthy. Republican legislative leaders say his move is unconstitutional. Without the money, paychecks will eventually…

Craft Brewers Fear Last-Minute Regulations In Budget

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  Wisconsin’s craft brewers and wineries are trying to head off a plan they fear legislators will tuck into the state budget that would prevent them from selling their products on-site and force them into contracts with distributors. The Wisconsin Tavern League and the Wisconsin Beer Distributors Association have been trying to convince lawmakers to adopt legislation clearly…

Emily’s Restaurant Reopening Along Scenic Highway

The popular Knife River restaurant is expected to open up in mid-July under new ownership

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. – Nearly two years ago the popular Lighthouse at Emily’s in Knife River closed up its doors, but later this summer the restaurant along the North Shore will be opening back up under new management. Earlier this year, a group of investors decided to bring Emily’s back to the community and brought on a young, motivated couple…

SWL&P Employees Pitch In For Harbor House

Volunteers Took Part in United Way Day of Caring

SUPERIOR, Wis. – About 20 volunteers from Superior Water, Light and Power worked in the sunshine Wednesday to make the Harbor House Crisis Shelter a little homier. “The whole idea is to make it hospitable, more like a home,” said Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner, Executive Director of Harbor House, which is Douglas Co.’s only crisis shelter for homeless single women and…