Business

‘Titanium Partners’ Purchases Temple Opera Building; Plans Revealed

DULUTH, Minn. – The historic Temple Opera Building next to the NorShor Theatre in downtown Duluth officially has a new owner — and changes are on the way. That owner is Titanium Partners, which is also behind the new multi-million dollar high-rise apartment building planned just blocks away, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. The revitalization of downtown Duluth is…

Cleveland-Cliffs Fined for air Quality Violations

DULUTH, Minn. – Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. will make a civil penalty payment of $50,000 for air quality violations at its United Taconite facility stemming from January 2012 to June 2015. Cliffs spokesperson Patricia Persico said, “There were old alleged violations dating back more than five years which were largely administrative in nature and relate to past recordkeeping for dust collection equipment…

US Expands Probe Into air bag Failures to 12.3M Vehicles

As Many as Five Deaths are Blamed on the Problem

DETROIT (AP) – U.S. auto safety regulators have expanded an investigation into malfunctioning air bag controls to include 12.3 million vehicles because the bags may not inflate in a crash. As many as five deaths are blamed on the problem. The probe covers parts made by made by ZF-TRW that were installed in Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Fiat…

Ordinance To Restrict Duluth Massage Businesses Gets First Read

Some are in favor of some new city regulations, but say current proposal hurts their legitimate businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council had its first read of an ordinance that would tighten up restrictions for massage businesses. Amendments to the ordinance include broadening hours of operations from 6 am to 11 pm, allowing clients to enter or exit through more than one entrance, and allowing doors to be locked during business hours. Previously, the ordinance stated…

Irvin May Not Return To Slip Until August; Ship’s Maintenance Work In Question

DULUTH, Minn.- The William A. Irvin may not get its paint job and rehab work after all. According to DECC’s Executive Director Chelly Townsend, the bids for the Irvin’s maintenance work at Fraser Shipyards are coming in higher than expected. Townsend said they can’t pay much more than $500,000 worth of grant money available from the Minnesota Historical Society. The…

Living Walls Blossom Throughout Local Duluth Businesses

Bill and Kate Isles are the Creators Behind Duluth Living Walls

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park craft district is now home to a massive 37 foot long living wall. The concept is sprouting up in popularity across much of the nation, but the owners are proud to be the first official business right here in the Northland. “A lot of people, first their thought is, wow, and second it’s like, is…

All Aboard for First Train Ride of the Season

North Shore Scenic Railroad opens their 30th Anniversary Season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The trains at the Depot have officially made their first down the North Shore Scenic Railroad, travelling to Lakeside. Organizers said it’s a nice way to start the season. “We spent a lot of time making sure we have train excursions that appeal to everyone,” Josh Miller, Station Manager said. “We have our daytime and short ride for…

Hopping Hemp Fest at Brewer’s Garage

Fitger's hosted event to release their new ale.

DULUTH, Minn.- Music, beer, food, and more was in store at Hemp Fest at the Brewer’s Garage on Michigan Street. The party featured music from three different bands: NorShore Summit, Mallards, and the Minneapolis-based Har Mar Superstar. It celebrated the release of Fitger’s new Homegrown Hemp Ale. Vendors included Hemp items from Harmonic Goods, and t-shirts from Duluth Screen Printing. “So…

Cappuccino Bon Bons

L'apothicaire Chocolat Creates Chocolate Art For Easter & Mother's Day

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we are combining art and chocolate with L’apothicaire Chocolat! Tonya is a chocolatier  near the shores of Lake Superior in Superior, WI.  She has trained at Ecole Chocolat in Vancouver with Graduate Studies at  Ecole Du Grand Chocolat Valrhona in Tain L’Hermitage. Currently she has seasonal sales at Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day…

Brewer’s Garage Opens in Downtown Duluth

Pop-up event venue to serve Fitger's Brewhouse beer

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s newest pop-up event venue opens this weekend in the Historic Arts and Theater District. The Brewer’s Garage is located at 207 East Michigan Street. It’s owned by Fitger’s Brewhouse. The space will only be open when events are happening there. It can fit up to four-hundred people for concerts and private parties. The general manager says…

Governor Tim Walz Visits Duluth on Community Prosperity Tour

Entrepreneurs Show Off Their Innovative Business Ideas To Governor Walz, All In Hopes To Boost Local Economy

DULUTH, Minn.-Governor Tim Walz made a stop in Duluth today continuing his Community Prosperity Tour, where entrepreneurs gathered to learn about ways their innovations can help the Minnesota economy soar. It was more or less a “Minnesota Nice” version of the TV show, “Shark Tank”. Where Gov. Walz heard presentations at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute about…

Downtown Digging for Superior Street Phase 2

Bulldozers begin bulldozing for project.

DULUTH, Minn.- Shovels are now in the ground marking Phase 2 of the Superior Street reconstruction project. On Tuesday crews were digging up the road between Lake Avenue and 3rd Avenue East. This phase of the project will improve utilities and add a new hot water system. Some nearby businesses say they’re making the best of a noisy situation. “Our…

UMD Fans Can Now Shop for Championship Gear

New merchandise rolls in.

DULUTH, Minn.- As students are celebrating the Bulldogs’ win, UMD Stores are preparing for the crowds to come get their gear. Official Frozen Four Championship merchandise has already been shipped in to the University bookstore. “We have orders from all 50 states, we have orders from foreign countries,” said Sales and Marketing Manager Julie Feiring. “We find that there are a…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Canal Park Toystore Brings Back Traditional Toys

Toys For Keeps in Canal Park preparing for Easter rush.

DULUTH, Minn.- In an age where many kids are glued to screens, toys can be an important tool to use their imagination and build social skills. The owner of Toys for Keeps hopes her traditional toys can help everyone feel like kids again. “This is a family friendly store,” said Cindy McCabe. “We have the grandparents and the parents and the…

Industry Leaders Talk Future of Mining at 92nd Annual Minerals Conference

92nd annual conference held by SME Minnesota chapter.

DULUTH, Minn.- Future innovations and improvements in mining were among the topics discussed at the 92nd annual SME Minnesota Minerals Conference at the DECC on Monday. The theme of this year’s conference is “Mining for a Modern World.” Organizers brought together industry leaders who explored topics such as gold and surface mining. “They’re looking, as all of us are, to how…

UMD Stores Prepare for Bulldogs Championship Merchandise

National Championship Gear Arrives on Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD bookstore is already starting to fill with Duluthians eager to sport their Bulldog pride. The store has sales on last year’s championship merchandise, and this year’s will be getting in on Wednesday. “It will be crazy,” said customer service employee Kim Pichetti. “Lots of traffic, lots of excitement, really looking forward to it.” Due to the…

1 Arrested, Light Pole Toppled During Bulldogs Celebrations In Canal Park

Overall, Duluth police said the large crowd mostly remained in control

DULUTH, Minn.- Canal Park was alive Saturday night after the UMD Bulldogs’ historic National Championship back-to-back win. Soon, a large crowd flooded Lake Avenue near 310 Pub, causing Duluth police to block off the road to traffic. Some fans took their excitement a little too far. “The guy got up on the light post and started shaking it real hard,…

Community Preps to Sew Bags, Rid Duluth of Plastic Bags on Earth Day

Bag-A-Thon event happening city wide on April 20th.

DULUTH, Minn.- To raise awareness about the climate impacts and pollution caused by plastic bag use, the Bag It Duluth campaign is preparing for a city wide event on Earth Day. “Bag—A—Thon” will occur at locations across the city on April 20th. Different locations will accept donations until the 17th. Then people would be invited to come and sew reusable…

Duluth Police Hold Coffee with a Cop at Starbucks

Conversations held between police and community.

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth Police officers heard from their community in a unique way on Tuesday. They hosted a Coffee with a Cop session at Starbucks in downtown Duluth. Officers say they wanted to provide a casual and welcoming opportunity for law enforcement and the community to come together. “A large part of law enforcement and the job we do is knowing…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Reimagined by T. Underwood

Home staging store in Duluth helps you transform your home.

DULUTH, Minn.- For some, it can be hard to make your house or apartment feel like home. The owner of Reimagined by T. Underwood says her philosophy can help with that. Tammy Underwood once ran her store out of her garage and storage units, but now has a place of her own. “When this spot become available I signed the lease…

Martha’s Daughter Restaurant Closes In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – A downtown Duluth restaurant that’s been open for only about a year has announced it is closing its doors for good and solely offering a “pop-up service.” Martha’s Daughter opened in the former Coney Island location on East Superior Street in early 2018 to serve locally sourced and sustainable food. A GoFundMe created by the owner, Nyanyika Banda,…

Ski Season Successful, said Spirit Mountain

Officials say profits are good, but not as good as previous year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The end of season numbers have come in, and it appears it’s been another successful one for Spirit Mountain. According to the resort’s General Manager, they’ll be rounding out the fiscal year with a profit of $180,000. This is a bit short of their $302,000 profit from the previous year. They say they’re happy with business despite the…

Phase Two of Superior Street Reconstruction Begins

Kickoff event held with Mayor Larson and City Officials.

DULUTH, Minn.- The barricades are up on Superior Street as construction season begins. While the ground was broken for the project on Monday, the real heavy work will start next week. Until then crews will be focused on staging and preparation for a project that will include improving utilities, adding a closed loop hot water heat system, and other streetscape amenities….

Portland Malt Shoppe Open for Season

Popular malt and ice cream stop bringing customers in the cold.

DULUTH, Minn.- Is it cold? A little. Too cold for ice cream? “This is Minnesota. Nothing, nothing’s cold about Ice Cream,” said Joel Heller. Heller joins dozens of others in a long line at Portland Malt Shoppe, for their first day open for the season. The chill and the drizzle aren’t enough to stop Northland malt lovers, and for some,…

Husky Energy Announces Rebuild of Superior Refinery

Continued use of controversial chemical Hydrogen Flouride facing backlash.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Nearly a year after the explosion at Husky Energy Refinery, the company announced their plans for a $400 million rebuild, expected to create 350 jobs at its peak. However, the plan to continue using the controversial chemical Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) in the Refinery’s operations, is raising some eyebrows. Investigations found the initial explosion took place in the Fluid Catalytic…

Harley Steelworkers Reject, Machinists Accept Contracts

Harley-Davidson Execs say They are Disappointed in the Vote

MILWAUKEE – Steelworkers at Harley-Davidson have overwhelmingly rejected a new contract offer, while machinists have accepted a deal. United Steelworkers Local 2209 in the Milwaukee area and Local 460 in Tomahawk rejected the new deal Monday. WTMJ-AM reports the current contract between steelworkers and Harley took effect in 2012 and was set to expire Monday. But, the union will continue…

Knowing Your Neighbors: De-Cluttering Your Life

Live Simply with Kim helps Northlanders tidy up.

DULUTH, Minn.- Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, and that means out with the old to make room for the new. The weather’s warming up, flowers are in bloom, and you want to start cleansing your home of dirt. There’s just one problem. Clutter. “How do you sweep and mop the floor if the kids’ toys are all over?”…

Vikre Distillery Remodeling in June

Owners plan to remodel cocktail room, add event spaces.

DULTUH, Minn.- A popular distillery in Canal Park will be getting a makeover this summer. In June Vikre Distillery will be moving their bar upstairs and adding event spaces throughout the building. They’ll also be changing the furniture in their cocktail room to make the vibe more comfortable. “Be able to just serve more people in a comfortable way,” said…

City Holds Last Meeting Before Superior Street Reconstruction Begins

Project leaders met with business leaders and residents at Greysolon Ballroom.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth plans to close down Superior Street from Lake Avenue to Fourth Avenue West this summer for a four–block reconstruction project. The work starts next Monday, so city officials met with business leaders and residents to talk strategy, get feedback, and answer questions about the remodel. Their big message: it’ll be a rough construction period, but…

Duluth’s First Mobile Market in Chester Bowl

Four food trucks gather in Chester Bowl.

DULUTH, Minn.- Those admiring the nature at Chester Bowl could also pick up some locally made goodies at the first ever Duluth Mobile Market. “It really means a lot to individuals and businesses to have people come out and support, and bring out the best of Duluth,” said Sara Clifton, co-owner of Makers Mercantile. Visitors could shop food from local food…

Hillside Toasty’s Location Closes

Employees moved to downtown location.

DULUTH, Minn.- As of Monday the Toasty’s Sandwich Shop on East Ninth Street closed because of structural problems in the building. In one area, the foundation is even caving in. The owner of Toasty’s said the closure was a blessing in disguise for their downtown location. “The employees all came down to our location downtown here, so we’ve been looking forward…

WHEDA Hosts Homebuying Forum for Realtors

Share new programs, tips and tricks to help those looking for a home.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For first-time homebuyers and homebuyers needing assistance in Wisconsin, finding the right property can be difficult, according to the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. So WHEDA and North Shore Bank of Commerce at V.I.P. Pizza in Superior to discuss programs to help buyers broaden their horizons. Among the new services they have a financing option where first-time homebuyers…

Two Harbors Shopko’s Closing Will Make Noticeable Impact

The Two Harbors location will be shutting its doors at the beginning of the summer and dozens of people will lose their jobs.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Shopko recently announced they’ll be liquidating all of their stores including Two Harbors. The Two Harbors location will be shutting its doors at the beginning of the summer and 30-40 people will lose their jobs. The Two Harbors Area Chamber of Commerce says apart from the loss of jobs many people who live in the area…

Gov. Walz Talks Healthcare Reform in Duluth

Roundtable held at Snooty Fox Tea Shop.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Over a month after releasing a new budget proposal, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz shared more about a feature of that proposal, his OneCare health care reform. At a roundtable discussion at Snooty Fox Tea Shop, the governor promised to “cut out the middleman” by not paying insurance companies hoping they lower costs. Instead he plans to provide direct subsidies…

Workshop Helps with Climate Change Conversations

AICHO and Climate Generation hold two day Climate Institute.

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) and Climate Generation hosted a climate institute in Duluth. The two-day event aims to open up meaningful conversations about climate change, humanizing what they say is a normally science-dominated discussion. “We’re really beyond the science because we know that information alone is not enough to move someone to behavior change,” said Jothsna…

Majority of Duluth-Based Maurices  Bought Out by European Investment Company

Longstanding Duluth-based clothing retailer Maurices has had the majority of its business bought out by a European investment company.

DULUTH, Minn.-Longstanding Duluth-based clothing retailer Maurices has had the majority of its business bought out by a European investment company. The group OpCapita Consumer Opportunities Fund II LP made that announcement today. Maurices’ current parent company, Ascena Retail Group, Inc., will retain a significant equity interest in the business and will continue to provide brand support services. Maurices currently has…

Tyson Recalls Chicken Strips due to Metal Fears

WASHINGTON (AP) — Arkansas-based Tyson Foods is recalling more than 69,000 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken strips because they may be contaminated with pieces of metal. The U.S. Agriculture Department said Thursday the products were produced on Nov. 30, 2018, and have a best if used by date of Nov. 30, 2019. The products have the establishment number “P-7221” on…

East Superior Street Reconstruction To Start April 8

DULUTH, Minn. – Phase two of the Superior Street reconstruction project is about to get underway on the east side of downtown. Starting Monday, April 8, city crews will close down East Superior Street from Lake Avenue in front of Pizza Luce up until 3rd Avenue East by Greysolon Plaza. Pending weather conditions, a public kick-off event will happen at…

Facebook Stored Millions of Passwords in Plain Text

The Company Says Passwords Were Stored on Internal Company Servers

SAN FRANCISCO – Facebook had stored millions of user passwords in plain text for years, the social media company confirmed on Thursday after a security researcher posted about the issue online. Facebook says there is no evidence that employees had abused access to this data. The company says the passwords were stored on internal company servers, no outsiders could access…

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Paying off Credit Card Debt

Thursday, March 21, 2019 is National Credit Reduction Day

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a recent study credit card debt is at a record high. Recent interest rate hikes mean we’re paying even more to carry that debt. Thursday, March 21 is National Credit Card Reduction Day and Financial Advisor Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial offers five mistakes we should avoid making with credit cards. Why do we…

Convenience Stores Find Loophole to Sell Flavored Tobacco

Korner Store in Gary New Duluth opening up smoke shop.

DULUTH, Minn.- At least two convenience stores in Duluth have found a way around a year-old city ordinance that bans the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco products. Derek Medved, owner of the Korner Store in Gary New Duluth, is creating a separate retail establishment as a smoke shop within his convenience store. The 10 foot by 10 foot section…

William A. Irvin’s 2019 Season Opener Postponed Until July

Ship museum won't be open for the beginning of the 2019 season

DULUTH, Minn. – DECC officials confirmed Tuesday to FOX 21 that the William A. Irvin is expected to reopen for tours in July instead of Memorial Day as it waits to get work done at Fraser Shipyards in Superior. The DECC’s executive director, Chelly Townsend, tells us the Irvin accounts for about $200,000 in revenue every year. The attraction wasn’t…

Shopko to Close all Remaining Stores

Stores Will Close by June 16

DULUTH, Minn. – Shopko has announced they will be closing all of their remaining store locations by June 16. The company says additional store closings include Ely, Moose Lake, Two Harbors, Aitkin, Spooner, and the Duluth location at 801 West Central Entrance. Officials with Shopko say there are approximately 30-40 people employed at the Duluth store. “This is not the…

Foxconn Says Wisconsin Factory Will be Operational in 2020

Construction Will Begin Later This Year

(AP) MADISON, Wis. – Foxconn Technology Group says its manufacturing facility in Wisconsin will be producing liquid crystal display screens by the end of 2020, with construction starting later this year. The news Monday comes after worldwide electronics manufacturing leader sent mixed signals earlier this year about whether it planned to suspend work in Wisconsin. The Taiwan-based Foxconn in February…

Skating through St. Patrick’s Day at World of Wheels

Rink hosts annual St. Patrick's Day Party.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Irish jig is a longstanding tradition, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. But in Superior, another type of fancy footwork has become a St. Patty’s Day tradition for many families. Rollerskating at World of Wheels’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party. Not only will you escape a pinch, wearing green here also gets you a free light stick to wear…

More Northlanders Buy Flood Insurance Ahead of Rain and Warmth

Insurance Agency details change in business.

DULUTH, Minn.- The potential for flooding has homeowners thinking about flood insurance. Pat Shelton, an agent at Farmers Insurance in Duluth said people are worrying about heavy snow and the potential for flooded basements. Shelton added that you don’t have to be in a flood zone, to get protection. “It can be a good idea, it’s piece of mind,” he…