Business

DSSO Cancels Two Concerts Amid Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is canceling programming for the next two weeks. This comes as the CDC recommends all events with more than 50 people be canceled. This means the cancellations of two DSSO concerts — Beethoven Fifth on Mar. 21 and Beethoven Adventure Casual Concert on Mar. 22. DSSO officials say it was a difficult…

Duluth Restaurants Take Precautions Against COVID-19

As restaurants close across the country, restaurants here try their best to stay open.

DULUTH, Minn.- The President of the Duluth Local Restaurant Association is commenting on how some restaurants in the city are coping with the impacts of people taking precautions and staying home because of the Coronavirus. Currently, all bars and restaurants in Illinois, Ohio, California and Massachusetts have been ordered by their Governors to close to slow the community spread of…

Local Restaurants Add More Cleaning Protocols

Because of this, management has installed more protocols to ensure the health of both staff and customers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though it’s Eat Downtown Duluth week, restaurants like Zeitgeist have seen a decline as the week has gone on with growing concerns over the coronavirus. Because of this, management has installed more protocols to ensure the health of both staff and customers. “We have some additional hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes around so that people can…

Conventions Cancel At DECC Amid Coronavirus Concerns; Venue Could Shut Down Temporarily

DULUTH, Minn. — Conventions at the DECC are beginning to cancel because of coronavirus fears.  And if business continues to drop out, the DECC could shut down for some time. “It’s possible that we would shut down, definitely. It depends on how long this goes. We have things we can do in the building to keep us busy. We have…

AFSCME to City of Duluth: ‘Respect Public Workers,’ Restore 2 Maintenance Positions

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth’s largest union – AFSCME Council 5 — is calling on Mayor Emily Larson’s administration to reverse its decision to cut two maintenance worker positions.  And the union is asking for residents of Duluth for support because it says the city is not respecting public workers and access to critical services that the community…

McDonald’s Retaining Wall Crumbles

City contractors coming in to evaluate the wall.

DULUTH, Minn.- A big portion of a retaining wall collapsed at a busy Duluth McDonald’s. It happened around 5:30 Tuesday evening at the McDonald’s on the corner of 21st Avenue East and London Road. The railing detached from the parking lot, and chunks of the wall fell down below along the road. City officials told FOX 21 that contractors were…

Organizations Work to Make Social Media More Accessible to Those with Disabilities

Workshop organized by Minnesota Access Alliance held at Aquarium.

DULUTH, Minn.- Organizations from across the Northland learned ways to make their social media accounts more accessible to people with disabilities. The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth was one of those organizations. The workshop was held there by Minnesota Access Alliance–a non-profit with a mission to raise the bar for accessibility in the state. Today’s event focused on the use…

Spring Eat Downtown Week Serves Up Delicious Deals

15 Restaurants Are Offering $10 Lunch Specials and $25 Dinner Specials

DULUTH, Minn. – March 9 – 14 is a special week for Northlanders looking to try out local restaurants in downtown Duluth. Spring Eat Downtown Week offers the opportunity to enjoy special multi–course meals from fifteen local restaurants. Lunch specials are all $10, and dinner specials are $25. Event organizers say it’s a special chance to taste some new menu…

New Hotel Could Come to East Hillside

Hotel would serve students, hospital workers, construction workers.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new short-term stay hotel could be coming to Duluth’s East Hillside Neighborhood. Developer Nick Christensen wants to convert the old commercial building at 808 Second Street into a 6-unit hotel for students, hospital employees, and construction workers to stay in, while they find a place to live nearby. “People will come form out of area to do…

SilverSneakers: Active Older Adults Slide into Exercise at the Superior YMCA

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Superior Family YMCA Hosts 65+ Workout Classes

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads to a YMCA class with the SilverSneakers! This a group of 65+ year olds working out together to keep their bodies healthy. They focus on stretching, warm ups, exercises, a yoga cool down and more! Increasing flexibility and helping with balance to prevent falls, the class builds…

Banh Mi Pizza Piled High With Superb Crunch

COOKING CONNECTION: Lulu's Pizza

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot headed over to the brand new pizza place in town, LULU’S PIZZA! With their grand opening just under their belt and a changing menu to feed Duluthian’s needs, they offer a calm and welcoming environment when you walk through the door. Delivery will soon be offered to businesses,…

Sutherland CBD Makes CBD Products Mostly In-House

Family-owned business uses certified kitchen to make product from crude oil from cannabis.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Twin Ports CBD Store is growing its business model by making their own product mostly in-house. Sutherland CBD is a family-run business that includes Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland. The business is now getting its crude oil from cannabis directly form a farmer in Bloomer, Wisconsin. It’s then dissolved in organic Coconut Oil in a certified kitchen…

Enbridge Pays City of Mellen $1.5 Million for Land to be Used in Line 5 Reroute

If Line 5 reroute construction happens, Enbridge will pay city additional $3.25 million

MELLEN, Wis. – Enbridge is rerouting part if its Line 5 pipeline around the Bad River Reservation. Line 5 is now designed to pass through Mellen, Wisconsin. On March 3rd, a deal was finalized between the city of Mellen and Enbridge allowing the pipeline to be built underneath a piece of land just north of the city. Enbridge presented a…

Glik’s to Open in Miller Hill Mall

DULUTH, Minn. –  The Miller Hill Mall announced Sunday that Glik’s will be opening there in April. The boutique store will be designed for women only with fashion, footwear and accessories. Glik’s will be located between Center Court and Caribou Coffee. The nearest Glik’s stores in the Northland are in Hayward and Grand Rapids.   The first store opened in 1897…

Physical Therapy to Help Injury or Illness Restricting Daily Tasks

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Physical Therapy at Viverant

  DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures we head up the hill to Viverant with Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot. After Merlot’s recent back break in August left her unable to walk, she has been in physical therapy for months getting back on her feet. Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they…

Superior Seeking New Broadband Internet Infrastructure

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The city of Superior has begun researching how they can lower internet costs for residents. City councilors and the Mayor of Superior have come together to prioritize a broadband network infrastructure using fiber optic cable. The project would also increase internet speed for residents and businesses, increase competition for internet service providers and improve a variety of…

Boreal House Opens for Business

Boreal House is now open for Duluthians to enjoy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Boreal House is now open for Duluthians to enjoy. The bar features 16 craft beer taps and a full range of cocktails. The owners have big hopes for this new bar. “I hope that we’re your neighborhood bar. I hope that we’re the staple for people for that we’re gonna go down to the BoHo, we love…

“Sunscriptions” Filled on the SunSpot Bus

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Mobile Unit Geared to Help Vitamin D Deficiency, SAD and Winter Blues

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes on the SUNSPOT BUS! If you are battling the winter blues, cabin fever, vitamin D deficiency and finding yourself not being very active, light therapy can help you! ABOUT: The further one lives north of the equator, the less sunshine hits the surface of the earth or…

Shrimp Scampi Roma A Favorite At Valentini’s

COOKING CONNECTION: Valentini's Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads up the hill to Valentini’s newest location. Their kitchen manager has been there for years and shows us how to make their popular and loved Italian menu item, Shrimp Scampi Roma! ABOUT: Authentic Italian food, memorable events, and exceptional service have defined Valentini’s for over 80 years….

Beijing Restaurant Reopens to Chinese-Craving Customers

Restaurant opened nearly two years after fire shut it down.

DULUTH, Minn.- London Road smelled a little more like Chinese food Tuesday as the popular Beijing restaurant finally opened after a fire shut it down in 2018. The place was pretty busy throughout the day. Beijing is known for its big portions at a reasonable price. Longtime customers were all smiles, anxious to try their favorite dishes. “Every two weeks…

U.S. Open Jobs Fall Sharply for 2nd Straight Month

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. businesses sharply cut the number of jobs they advertised in December for the second straight month, an unusual sign of weakness in an otherwise healthy job market. The number of available positions dropped 5.4% to 6.4 million, a historically solid number, the Labor Department said Tuesday. There are still more open jobs than there are unemployed people,…

Council Approves Demolition of Kozy; Former Owner Still Determined to Stop Wrecking Ball

Former owner Eric Ringsred didn't come up with the $50,000 bond court required to keep building up.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is the closest its ever been to tearing down the condemned Kozy building on East First Street. DEDA owns the building, and the Council voted to approve DEDA’s decision to demolish the building that’s sat vacant for nearly a decade. The council voted unanimously, 8-0 with Councilor Russ absent, to demolish the structure. But…

Valentini’s Moving from Duluth to Hermantown; Restaurant Assoc. Pres. Concerned Why

Association President says high taxes and fees is making it harder to run a restaurant in Duluth, one of the reasons why Valentini's moved.

DULUTH, Minn- Valentini’s Restaurant is preparing to move from its location on London Road to a permanent spot off Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown. Valentini’s operated on London Road for the past 13 years, and will remain open through September. But one reason for leaving is what the owner called the increased financial difficulty of running a restaurant in the…

City Council Votes to Give Forgivable Loan to Help Save Duluth Paper Mill

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council unanimously voted to help keep the Verso Corporation’s paper mill in the city afloat amid its financial troubles. With demand for paper products dropping, the Verso Corporation’s paper mill is edging toward an uncertain future. Verso wants to convert its recycle mill so it can take scrap packaging and turn it into pulp…

Enbridge Holds Community Meeting to Sign Piece of Pipeline

Company leaders, Pete Stauber, and more attend and express support for Line 3.

DULUTH, Minn.- Enbridge and other companies working on the proposed Line 3 Pipeline Project gathered supporters of the project and others at United Piping in Duluth. The event was the final stop on Enbridge’s “Safest Way” Tour, the company’s campaign to share information on the project. After hearing from different company leaders, people could then sign a piece of the…

Hermantown City Council, Mayor Reject Proposed Housing Project

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — On Tuesday, the Hermantown City Council voted to reject a proposal for a 137-unit housing development called The Arbours of Maple Grove. City council’s vote was tied 2-2, with the tiebreaker vote made by Hermantown Mayor Wayne Boucher to deny the proposal. The Arbours of Maple Grove property would have sat on more than 10 acres of…

St. Louis County Public Works Employees Vote to Ratify New Contract with County

Union members voted unanimously 133-0.

EVELETH, Minn.- In an unprecedented unanimous vote, the Teamsters Local 320 Union representing St. Louis County Public Works employees voted to ratify a contract agreement with the County, ending their strike which began last Wednesday. “You ratified the contract 133-0, it was unanimous,” announced Teamsters Recording Secretary Erik Skoog. That announcement was met with raucous cheers from the Union members….

KYN: Lost Cove Co. Tattoo

DULUTH, Minn. – The pop-up shop in the Miller Hill Mall is now filled with a *new tattoo shop. The lost cove co was founded by Minnesota native, and celebrity tattoo artist and MTV start Travis Ross along with his friend Aaron Larson. The two began collaborating after several months ago when the two met in the Twin Cities. “I…

Bearboo Coffee Escape and Car Wash Gets New Owners

Previous employee became owner on New Year's Day.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Cloquet’s only combination coffee shop and car wash is seeing new ownership this year. Natalie and Chris Swanson officially owned Bearaboo Coffee Escape and the adjacent car wash as of New Year’s Day. Natalie had been working at the hangout since February, she said customers warned not to change much and she respects that. So people can still…

2020 Brings Changes to Retirement Savings

Financial Professional Barry Bigelow Explains the New SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act)

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the first major law impacting retirement savers in more than a decade. The SECURE Act took effect January 1, which means big changes for anyone with a 401(k) or IRA. Financial Professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. to discuss how the changes will…

Clean Water Advocates Applaud Halt of Key PolyMet Permits For Copper-Nickel Mine

DULUTH, Minn. – Environmentalists and advocates of clean water gathered in Duluth Monday to celebrate the Minnesota Court of Appeals’ ruling to put a halt on two crucial permits for PolyMet’s proposed copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes. Leaders from WaterLegacy, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and even Duluth City Councilor Joel Sipress were among those praising…

Many in Hoyt Lakes Frustrated as Court of Appeals Halts PolyMet Permits

Many in town say after 15 years work, more delay is detrimental to the town.

HOYT LAKES, Minn.- A three judge panel said the Minnesota DNR made a mistake regarding the PolyMet NorthMet project, as the Minnesota Court of Appeals put a halt on two crucial permits. “It feels like a slap in the face, to tell you the truth. It really does,” said Hoyt Lakes Mayor Chris Vreeland. The word on the streets of…

Bluestone Developer Talks About Vue Project, Why Developers Are Building Luxury Over Basic Housing

DULUTH, Minn. — In the next few years, Duluth will see more luxury housing than ever before popping up all over the area, from up on the hill to down by the lake. One of the luxury properties popping up in less than two years is Bluestone Vue by developer Mark Lambert. Since acquiring the 27 acres of land in…

Superior Snow Removal on Hammond a Relief for Local Businesses

Local chiropractor said until now, it has been difficult for clients to get to their building.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Public Works crews in Superior spent their Wednesday clearing large snow and ice banks along Hammond Avenue. Staff at Luke Chiropractic along the busy street said they haven’t seen the tall banks touched since the snowstorm over Thanksgiving. It has been a big obstacle, they said, for handicapped clients or those with injuries. So to have them cleared…

Smoking Out Superior’s ‘SOUP-erior’ Soup

All month long you can vote on the best soup in Soup Town.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new event this month is putting a warm spin on Superior’s nickname, “Soup Town.” SOUP Superior First is a survey open all month long for people to get out and try different handmade soups at any restaurant throughout the city. You can then vote for the restaurant and that specific soup online for it to be declared…

A Place for Fido to Begin Delivery Service in Duluth, Superior

A Place for Fido will Deliver to Customers Within a Six Mile Radius of Fitger's

DULUTH, Minn. – After eight years of operation, a Duluth pet supply business located in the Fitger’s complex is expanding. A Place for Fido will officially kick off delivery service on Friday, January 10. The service operates within a six mile radius of the Fitger’s location. Customers can visit A Place For Fido online to check availability. A delivery charge…

Community Day Brings Hundreds to Glensheen

Free day of admission attracted many to the mansion.

DULUTH, Minn.- Glensheen Mansion saw quite a few people come through Sunday, as it was the next stop on the list of the City’s Community Day destinations. Tourist destinations that benefit from the tourism tax revenue each have a Community Day where special offers are available for anyone to attend. On Sunday Glensheen offered free admission for tours, including the…

Final Round of Mediation Scheduled Between Teamsters, St. Louis County

Two sides will return to negotiations next Friday.

DULUTH, Minn.- A final round of mediation has been scheduled between the Teamsters Local 320 Union representing plow operators and St. Louis County, by the state of Minnesota. According to a document from the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services, the mediation will begin next Friday January 10th at 10:00 am at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth. After the…

Go Vegan this January with ‘Veganuary’

Initiative by Whole Foods Co-op aims to show people the benefits of a plant-based diet.

DULUTH, Minn.- If eating healthier is one of your New Year’s resolutions, a new initiative in Duluth wants to support you. Duluth Does Veganuary is part of an international movement to get more people to try plant-based diets. In Duluth it’s sponsored by the Whole Foods Co-op, with a Facebook group that currently has more than 300 members posting recipes…

Hibbing Gets First Ever Co-Working Center

HIBBING, Minn. – A new trend of using shared workspaces is rapidly growing across the U.S. Now that trend has made it’s way to the Iron Range. A local entreprenuer has opened Hibbing’s very first co-working space called TechTank. A co-working space is where business owners and workers can share a remote office space for convenience and affordability. TechTank is…

Duluth’s Best Bread Introduces Monthly Subscription Boxes

The First Delivery of Boxes will be Thursday, January 2

DULUTH, Minn. – Just in time for the holiday season, Duluth’s Best Bread is launching monthly subscription boxes. “It’s like Birchbox, but with croissants instead of makeup,” said co-owner Michael Lillegard. Duluth’s Best Bread Taste Tester Box launches new and unique baked goods into the mouths of subscribers on the first Thursday of each month starting January 2. There are…

Miller Hill Mall Welcomes Brand-Name Discount Store to Community

KNOWING YOUR NEIGHBORS: Black Friday's

DULUTH, Minn.- Bargain hunters who love Black Friday shopping can get their fix year round at Miller Hill Mall’s newest store. “Black Friday’s” sells discount brand name items- If you like TJ-Maxx, Marshalls or any sort of one stop shop on a dime, Black Friday’s may be your new go-to. “We wanted to bring across the concept of a good deal,…

Barnes and Noble Helps Raise Funds for Stowe Elementary Book Fair

While part of purchase went to the book fair, school officials sat outside and offered to wrap gifts for free.

DULUTH, Minn.- Shoppers at Barnes and Noble at the Miller Hill Mall got a headstart on their Christmas wrapping–while helping out at a local school. A portion of Barnes and Noble sales during the day went towards Stowe Elementary School’s book fair in February. After shopping, you could get your gifts wrapped by an official from Stowe, partnered with the…