Business

Duluth Council Packed for 5-Cent Charge Ordinance for Single-Use Bags

Dozens speak in support of the ordinance, no one speaks against.

DULUTH, Minn.- A potential new ordinance in Duluth could mean that for every paper or plastic bag you use from a store, you’re charged an extra five cents. The proposal is got its first read at Monday night’s City Council meeting, with residents sharing how they feel about it during public comments. They could vote on the ordinance at their…

Knowing Your Neighbors: New Tattoo Shop in Lincoln Park

Stronghold Tattoo Studio adds to the revitalization of Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn.- Looking to get a tattoo touched up, or even get one before the winter season begins? A new shop has opened up in Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park’s revitalization is continuing to grow as a new tattoo shop has opened their doors. Stronghold Tattoo Studio is just another business added to the new look Lincoln Park that has people…

Council Reads Ordinance Charging 5 Cents Per Single-Use Bags

Ordinance is an effort to phase out single-use paper or plastic bags in the City.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluthians are one step closer to being charged five cents for every single-use plastic or paper carryout bag used while shopping. The ordinance gets its first read at City Council Monday night. It would apply to all retail establishments, excluding bags used to transport take-out food, bags from pharmacists, and bags for produce and meats. The retailers would keep…

Orr Auto Dealer, Repair Business Burns in Early Morning Fire

The Fire was Reported Around 1:45 a.m. Monday, September 23

Courtesy: Friends of the Northland FireWire ORR, Minn. – An early morning fire has resulted in the total loss of Wally’s Auto Service in downtown Orr. According to Friends of the Northland FireWire and St. Louis County officials, the call for help came in around 1:45 a.m. Monday, September 23. The Orr Fire Department, along with mutual aid from Cook…

St. Luke’s Management, Nurses Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

Strike vote withdrawn Monday, nurses to vote on the contract Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the early hours of Saturday morning, nurses at St. Luke’s reached a tentative contract agreement with hospital management. The nurses’ negotiating team is recommending a “yes” vote to ratify. This comes after the nurses voted to strike last Monday. The nurses will withdraw the strike notice this Monday. The new contract addresses the staffing shortage at the…

Walmart to Stop Selling Electronic Cigarettes at its Stores

NEW YORK (AP) – Walmart says it will stop selling electronic cigarettes at its namesake stores and Sam’s Clubs following a string illnesses and deaths related to vaping. The nation’s largest retailer said Friday that it will complete its exit from e-cigarettes after selling through current inventory. It cited growing federal, state and local regulatory complexity regarding vaping products. More…

A New Delivery-Only Restaurant Opens in Duluth

Orders can be made on Food Dudes.

DULUTH, Minn. – An new restaurant has opened in Duluth, but it’s not the traditional restaurant you may be thinking of. Bowls to go is a virtual restaurant  designed to be “delivery–only”. the restaurant will offer more than five different mac and cheese bowls along with other specialities. Owner Rick Lampton, who also owns 310 Pub and 7 West, says…

Remodeled Skyline Social and Games to Reopen Soon

Former Skyline Lanes set to open Friday, September 27th after $3 million renovation

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Skyline Social and Games is expected to reopen soon after a major renovation. After a $3 million renovation project, the former Skyline Lanes will include a lot more than bowling. The entertainment center will have a forty-piece arcade, virtual reality experiences, and a game called Duckpin bowling in the expanded bar area. “Winter’s a lot longer up…

Court Suspends Two Polymet Permits

On Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota Court of Appeals suspended Polymet’s permit to mine and dam safety permits for its proposed $1 billion copper-nickel mine near Babbitt. The permits will be discussed at an Oct. 23 hearing.  That’s when the “DNR shall be prepared to advise the court on the status of post-permit developments, including its evaluation of the Brumadinho dam…

New Senior Housing Expected for London Road

Construction is expected to be completed by Sepetember 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – Housing continues to be a big issue in Duluth, but a new  housing option is on the way for seniors on London Road next to the Ecumen Lake Shore Community. And today Developers broke ground on the new property. Zvago Lake Superior is a cooperative housing unit where residents can still have ownership, but not the usual…

Sky Harbor Airport Receives $1 Million Grant for Runway Reconstruction

Construction for phase three of the project begins on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sky Harbor Airport in Park Point will receive a nearly $1 million grant from the Department of Transportation to finish phase three of the runway reconstruction project. Congressman Pete Stauber recently announced funding was also allocated for Falls International Airport, which will receive more than $15 million for runway reconstruction. Sky Harbor’s runway has been undergoing a…

OMC Owner Opening New Cocktail Lounge

What initially was an OMC expansion is now a separate business.

DULUTH, Minn.- The owner of Lincoln Park businesses OMC Smokehouse, Duluth Grill, Corktown Deli and Taco Arcada is opening up a new business right next door to OMC. “Noble Pour”, as it will be called, will be a craft cocktail lounge on West Superior Street featuring local craft beverages and beverages made in house. Owner Tom Hanson says the idea…

Duluth Airport Seeks Public Input on Vision 2040 Master Plan

Investments into Airport improvements through 2030 estimated at $70 million.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport has kicked off the first phase of its Vision 2040 Master Plan, and officials want the public’s feedback on what the plan should address. They held an open house meeting at the airport on Tuesday, inviting members of the public, business leaders, government officials, and aviation workers to hear and share about the plan….

St. Luke’s Nurses Vote to Strike, Hospital Says Could Cause Reduced Services

Strike set for October 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nurses with St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth have voted to strike after months of failed negotiations with hospital administration. The strike is set for October 3rd, and in the meantime a contract can still be reached between the two sides, as they are still set to return to the negotiating table this Friday. The nurses have been calling…

No Deal: Auto Workers Strike Against GM in Contract Dispute

49,000 Union Members Went on Strike Monday

DETROIT (AP) – More than 49,000 members of the United Auto Workers union went on strike early Monday as contract talks with General Motors broke down. Union members walked out of factories and set up picket lines at 33 plants across the nation as well as 22 parts warehouses. UAW Vice President Terry Dittes says a strike is the union’s…

Once Upon A Child Holds Halloween Costume Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – Once Upon A Child in burning tree plaza has started stocking their shelves with Halloween costumes. This helps parents get a head start with finding the perfect costume at a bargain price. “That’s gonna be 50-70% off what you’re gonna buy brand new. And your kids wear the Halloween costume once. And it’s a really fun night,…

Graduates of Carpentry Program Ready for Next Step

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A graduation ceremony was held in Hermantown at the Jerry Alander Training Center Friday afternoon. Participants spent six weeks in a carpentry program sponsored by multiple organizations including the local carpenters union. That work group says they are in need of workers as the construction industry continues to boom in the northland. The graduates- with the majority…

St. Luke’s Nurses Vote to Authorize Strike

Union can still negotiate a deal for 10 days before strike is implemented.

DULUTH, Minn.- After weeks of negotiations, nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital authorized a strike for what they call unfair labor practices. The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) says staffing and scheduling is inefficient at the hospital. They say while they don’t want to strike, they see no other way of having their needs met. “Like we’ve been clear from the very…

Ordean Building Sold for $1.2 Million, No Change for Tenants

Foundation Sells Building to Keep Focusing on Addressing Poverty

DULUTH, Minn.- The Ordean Building on Superior Street in Downtown Duluth is changing owners. The Ordean Foundation has sold the building to local professional real estate company Titanium Partners LLC. Officials with the Ordean Foundation say they sold the West Superior Street building because managing it was keeping them from their mission of addressing poverty issues in the area. The…

Preparations Underway for Inline Skating Marathon

TWO HARBORS, MN – The 24th Annual Inline Skating Marathon will get underway this Satuday. To kick things off, there will be an expo on Friday at the DECC, along with “Skatefest” followed by the race. Upwards of two-thousand people will be participating, bringing more business to the area. “It’s great. Any time you can have a great event like…

Two Harbors Wastewater Treatment Plant Seeking Upgrades

TWO HARBORS, MN – The wastewater treatment plant in Two Harbors is looking to get $20 million in upgrades. On Thursday morning, Two Harbors city leaders met with the senate and capitol investment committee to bring forward and appropriation bill which would cover half of the project. The plant was originally built in the 1950’s and has had upgrades throughout…

New Government Service Center Opens in Virginia

VIRGINIA, MN – Employees at the Northland Office Building in Virginia, Minnesota were in need of a big change. “The old building was basically a recreation hall converted to an office building, converted to a government office building,” Property Management Division Director, Tony Mancuso says. The 7,000 people a month seeking their services often had a difficult time finding their…

Nurses Ratify Agreement For Three-Year Contract With Essentia Health

St. Luke's nurses have yet to reach agreement with hospital

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association has accepted the terms of a new three-year contract with Essentia Health, according to a press release from the group. The previous contract expired on June 30th, and Essentia Health nurses have been working without one since then. Both Essentia Health and St. Luke’s nurses went on informational strikes this summer to raise…

St. Luke’s Nurses Prepared to Strike After Failed Negotiations

Nurses say they need safer staffing. more consistent scheduling.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nurses at Saint Luke’s in Duluth are one step closer to a possible strike after negotiations stalled between the hospital and its union on Monday. It’s happening as nurses at Essentia Health are voting on their new contract. After negotiating for about 18 hours, Saint Luke’s nurses and management will return to the bargaining table again on Wednesday….

Take One Last Look Inside The Exchange

DULUTH, MN – Mark Edwards has been in the restaurant business for over 40 years. “I was at Spirit Mountain when they first opened and unpacked the plates from the straw back then,” Exchange Cafe and Bakery Owner, Mark Edwards says. The Exchange bakery and cafe first opened back in 1988, and after his tenure with Spirit Mountain, Edwards took…

Fans Celebrate Viking First Game Win at the Reef

Game ends 28-12 Vikings.

DULUTH, Minn.- An impressive win for the Minnesota Vikings in their first game of the season as the NFL celebrates its 100th year. “GO VIKINGS! Come on let’s hear it for the Vikings! Woohooo!” Purple was everywhere as Vikings fans flooded the Reef Bar on London Road as fans turned out for the first game of the season. They said…

First Wine Bar and Winery Opens in Superior

Owner handmakes and sells her own wine.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The first wine bar and winery in Superior held its grand opening, and the wines you get there you really can’t get anywhere else. Wine Seller Winery on Belknap Street is selling homemade wines that you can taste and buy for yourself. The owner has been making her own wine for years and wanted to share her creations…

26th Annual Harvest Festival Takes Over Bayfront Park

Farmers, local crafts and artists came out to meet their customers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Harvest Festival took over Bayfront Festival Park Saturday. Farmers and more than 30 local craftspeople and artists showed off their items. They also attended a renewable energy fair to learn more about making farming more sustainable. “This event is a really good time for people to meet their farmers face to face,” said Festival Director…

America is Running out of White Claw Hard Seltzer

Sales of the Drink Grew 283% to $327.7 Million in July

NEW YORK – White Claw is a victim of its own success: The hard seltzer brand confirmed a nationwide shortage in the United States, sparked by the drink’s rising popularity. “We are working around the clock to increase supply given the rapid growth in consumer demand,” Sanjiv Gajiwala, White Claw’s senior vice president of marketing, told CNN Business. “White Claw…

Walmart to Stop Selling Handgun Ammunition

Walmart Will Also Discontinue Handgun Sales in Alaska

NEW YORK (AP) – Walmart says it will discontinue the sale of handgun ammunition and also publicly request that customers refrain from openly carrying firearms in stores even where state laws allow it. The announcement comes after a mass shooting claimed seven lives in Odessa, Texas and follows two other back-to-back shootings last month, one of them at a Walmart…

New Fall Menu Features Zesty, Savory Items at Ledge Rock Grille

Cooking Connection: Pork Belly Tacos

LARSMONT, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brett Scott is in the kitchen with Chef Richard Selz from Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages. The restaurant is proud to debut a new menu that combines the best of a classic lakeshore meal with global flavors and fresh, quality ingredients. The restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and…

Big Changes on Horizon for Soo Locks

DULUTH, MN – “The impact of the Soo Locks is felt nationwide,” Congressman, Pete Stauber says. That statement was the theme of today’s press conference where future improvement plans for the locks were announced. It’s not unusual for more than seventy thousand tons of iron ore to be carried on a vessel using the locks. That is not even the…

Superior Businesses Put Out Purple for Alzheimer’s Awareness

All this week businesses have special events before the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Duluth.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- September is Alzheimer’s Awareness month and in the Twin Ports, it’s recognized with the yearly Walk to End Alzheimer’s this Saturday in Duluth. But the awareness campaign is already kicking off today with businesses across the bridge in Superior that are getting involved for the first time. “I don’t think there’s anybody in our community that has not…

Cooking Connection: Fresh French Fries at the Minnesota State Fair

The Great Minnesota Get-Together Wraps up on Monday, September 2, 2019

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Great Minnesota Get-Together continues through Labor Day in Falcon Heights. This year there are dozens of new foods available to try, but the staples keep customers and fairgoers coming back. FOX 21 Local News stopped by Fresh French Fries in this week’s Cooking Connection. FOX 21’s Andrew Kirov learns how staff keep up with demand…

Remembering Duluth Business Owner, Community Advocate Rick Boo

Co-owner of Carmody locations dies at 60.

DULUTH, Minn.- Longtime Duluth business owner, son of a former mayor, and longtime LGBTQ community supporter Rick Boo has died. No cause of death has been released at this time. Carmody Irish Pub and Brewery was packed Wednesday with people reminiscing about his life. “He’s touched a lot of lives in this town, and helped a lot of deadbeat musicians…

AICHO Workshop Helps Grow Indigenous Economy

Series focuses on Indigenous Economy and Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Community Housing Organization or AICHO is hosting a forum that gives the indigenous community the tools to build the Indigenous economy. The first of the three part series Indigenous Economy, Indigenous Entrepreneurs was held Wednesday. A business owner shared his story and how native people in Duluth can start their own businesses that can help…

Anderson Furniture To Close In Lincoln Park

The Store Has Been Open For More than 100 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- Another longtime furniture store in Lincoln Park has announced it’s closing. Anderson Furniture will close its doors in the next couple of months after more than 100 years in business, according to a store employee. There’s no word on how many employees will be affected. The Anderson Furniture store in Virginia will stay open. In terms of the…

Proctor Businesses React to Construction

Proctor, MN – Construction in Proctor is continuing to buzz along. Stop light repairs and accessibility to county road eleven are taking up the bulk of the work. The construction, which started August 7th, is on the main drag of town on highway two. One local business owner says, crossing the street and taking new delivers has been difficult. “The…

Major Grant Will Help Fix Area Bridges

DULUTH, MN – Congressman Pete Stauber announced today that Saint Louis County will receive $10,252,000 from the Department of Transportation towards bridge repairs. There are more than six-hundred bridges in Saint Louis County. The grant would allow the public works team to accelerate their plan for bridge maintenance. An additional fifteen or more bridges with weight restrictions could be replaced….

Knowing Your Neighbors: New London Road Store Sells a Little Bit of Everything

New store sells items from estate sales, cleanouts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sometimes you just need somewhere to put all the things you don’t need anymore. Well “S&J’s Everything” on London Road can help, giving new meaning to the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” “Our niche is if we don’t have it we can get it. If we can’t get it, you don’t need it,” said co-owner Scott…

Poe Lock Closes for Emergency Repairs

Closure causes concerns, stops two thousand-footer ships.

Emergency repairs forced the closure of the largest of the Soo Locks on Monday, causing some concern for the Duluth-Superior Port. The Poe Lock was closed for repairs for 12 hours. This cased delays in port shipping, including two thousand-footers waiting to get through at Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. According to Jayson Hron of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, this…

DTA Adds Pilot Bus Route

Duluth , MN – A new DTA bus route was added Monday morning to one of Duluth’s busiest tourist areas. Route 24 will take passengers through the downtown waterfront area. Previously, the only public transportation system there was the free trolley. Since that was only seasonal, a pilot route has been introduced by the DTA, allowing commuters accessibility to different…

Department of Transportation Hosts Monthly Meeting

  Duluth, MN- The Minnesota DOT hosted another monthly meeting to share where they are at with the three-hundred million dollar can of worms interstate project. The project includes replacing aging ramps and bridges to accommodate better freight movement. It won’t get underway until next summer, but some of the early stages are taking effect. Milling and repaving railroad street…

Essentia Health, Minn. Nurses Assoc. Reach Tentative Agreement

St. Luke's Nurses Remain Without An Agreement

DULUTH, Minn. — One day after Essentia Health and St. Luke’s nurses hit the streets of Duluth for an informational picket over failed contract negotiations that call for “safe” staffing levels, Essentia announced a tentative agreement late Wednesday with the Minnesota Nurses Association. Below is the statement from Essentia: Essentia Health and the Minnesota Nurses Association have reached a tentative…

Knowing Your Neighbors: More than Coffee at White Pine Market

White Pine Market to sell coffee, vendors' crafts, and more.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- The owners of the unique White Pine Market sell everything from coffee to a wide variety of merchandise brought in by local Two Harbors vendors. Jim Aili has been brewing his own coffee for a while now. “It started about eight years ago,” he said. “I turned 50. She bought me a little roasting thing because I’ve…

Council Passes Amended Golf Course Resolution, Step Closer to Calling for Development Proposals

Council voted 8-0, with amendment that new property must meet certain requirements.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council voted to pass a resolution that allows the potential sale of 50 acres of Lester Park Golf Course and 10 acres of Enger Park Golf Course to a developer to use for affordable housing. The council passed the resolution 8-0, with Councilor Jay Fosley absent. It comes with an amendment that any proposals for…

S and J’s Everything on London Road Open Selling Everything

New store holds grand opening.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new store has opened up on London Road in Duluth, selling, well, a little bit of everything. S and J’s Everything held its grand opening at 1702 London Road Sunday. They help with estate sales and house and business clean outs, and whatever is left over, they get to sell. With a hodgepodge mix of furniture, knick…