Business

Cleaning at Beijing Restaurant Begins After 2018 Fire

Crews remove furniture, re-open unsure.

DULUTH, Minn.- Cleaning crews are now on site at Beijing Restaurant in Duluth, after fire closed the business down last October. The owner of Beijing on London Road tells us cleaning will take at least a month. She is hoping to re-open sometime this year, but she says that all depends on how long the building remodel will take. It…

City Crews Tackle Storm Drains in Superior, Cleaning Businesses Prep for Flooding

City of Superior and SERVPRO of Twin Ports Share Tips and Tricks

SUPERIOR, Wis.- There are 3067 storm drains, 91 miles of sewer, and 181 miles of ditches, swales and culverts in the City of Superior. Now crews are rushing to have those near homes clear, before any flooding can begin. “If that drain gets plugged up, whether it’s plugged up with debris like leaves, grass, sticks, garbage, or ice like we’re…

Duluth Ordinance Possible Solution to Child Care Shortage in the Northland

City Council is Expected to Vote by the end of the Month

DULUTH, Minn. – Finding quality child care in the Northland has been a challenge for many parents in the area. In Duluth there are about one hundred fifty licensed family child care homes and centers, but it is not enough to meet the demand of more than one thousand openings still needed to cover the deficit in Duluth. Local leaders…

Honda recalls 1.2M more vehicles with dangerous air bags

The Recall Covers Certain Honda and Acura Models Largely in the U.S. and Canada

DETROIT (AP) — A type of Takata air bag inflator once thought to be safe has now come under scrutiny after a crash and explosion in Maryland injured the driver of an older Honda minivan. The incident forced Honda on Tuesday to recall about 1.2 million vehicles in North and Central America from the 2001 to 2016 model years that…

Sammy’s Pizza Opens new Location in Hermantown

The new Space is the Fifteenth Sammy's Location

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Sammy’s pizza has officially opened the doors to its new Hermantown location. The new space is located at 4310 Menard Drive and will be the fifteenth Sammy’s location. The new restaurant is owned and operated by the Perrella family who also owns Sammy’s Pizza restaurants in Downtown Duluth and in the Woodland neighborhood. “It’s hard to put…

Rep. Pete Stauber Visits IPS Cranes

He got an up close look at IPS Cranes, a local business that builds, rebuilds and refurbishes locomotive cranes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Congressman Pete Stauber stopped in Duluth this weekend to visit a local manufacturing facility. Representative Stauber says Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District has every form of transportation from rail to air. Stauber got a chance to meet some transportation workers this weekend. He got an up close look at IPS Cranes, a local business that builds, rebuilds and…

Northland Springs Into Spring Cleaning

Cleaning services give tips and tricks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though it may not feel like it, we are less than two weeks away from Spring. That means many Northlanders have started their Spring Cleaning routines. Some even hire professional services to clean their homes and offices. Marianne’s Professional Cleaning in Duluth is one of those services. The owner says she sees her business increase around this…

Order Up! Gordy’s Hi-Hat to Host Hiring Event Saturday

The Hiring Event is Happening Saturday, March 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Gordy's Hi-Hat in Cloquet

DULUTH, Minn. – After many months of cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, Gordy’s Hi-Hat is preparing to open for the 59th season. The family-owned eatery is hosting a hiring event on Saturday, March 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Gordy’s grandson, Sever Lundquist, says positions available range from cooks to janitors and even teens looking for their first summer job. Lundquist invites everyone interested…

All Charlotte Russe Stores Closing

DULUTH, Minn. – Charlotte Russe has announced it is closing all of its stores and will begin “going out of business” sales starting March 7. The Charlotte Russe website says, “Our online store has closed, going out of business sale, starts March 7, all stores, all sales final.” The company plans to close all of its stores over the next…

FDA Warns of Asbestos in Claire’s Makeup

Asbestos was Confirmed in Three Claire's Products

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. regulators on Tuesday warned people not to use certain Claire’s makeup products after samples tested positive for asbestos, but the retailer disputed the findings. The Food and Drug Administraiton said it issued the warning because it said Claire’s refused to comply with its request for a recall, and that the agency doesn’t have the power…

Dollar Tree to Close up to 390 Family Dollar Stores

The Company Will Reconate 1,000 Stores This Year

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (AP) — Dollar Tree is closing up to 390 Family Dollar stores this year and rebranding about 200 others under the Dollar Tree name. The company closed 84 Family Dollar stores in the fourth quarter, 37 more than originally planned. The company has said that it will renovate at least 1,000 stores this year. Dollar Tree Inc., based…

Cleveland-Cliffs Delivers State of the Business

Business leaders, city and state officials gather in Chisholm.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Chisholm business leaders, city and state officials, and employees heard a state of the business update from the iron ore mining company Cleveland-Cliffs. President, Chairman and CEO Lourenco Goncalves spent the beginning of his presentation detailing Cleveland-Cliffs’s growth since he took over in August 2014. But soon he delved into the environmental impacts of iron ore mining, clean steel-making…

County To Hire Exec. Dir. To Oversee Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County is hiring a Heritage and Arts Center executive director to handle operations at the Duluth Depot. Commissioners say the position will help with collaboration among the eight tenants at the Depot while also taking away some of the politics among the tenants. The director will be a neutral party making between $67,000 and roughly $90,000…

New Outdoor Consignment Shop to Host Pop-Up Event in Duluth

The First Ever Great Lakes Gear Exchange Pop-Up Event is Happening Saturday, March 9, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Since January, items new and used have been coming in rapidly to the Great Lakes Gear Exchange. Owners Brooke Wetmore and Emily Richey decided two years ago to begin developing an outdoor consignment business. Northlanders are able to sell their items to the owners, which then are resold to other folks looking to purchase new or gently used…

Downtown Bites Celebrated for Eat Downtown Week

Restaurants have special offers through 3/9.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting Monday for the next week, you can get a special bite to eat from certain restaurants on the water. It’s Eat Downtown Restaurant week. 19 waterfront restaurants in Duluth are offering special deals and dishes to celebrate eating local. Sir Benedict’s on Superior street is offering a 3 course meal for $10, and four sandwiches that aren’t…

First Repeating Snowstorms, Now Potholes

DULUTH, Minn.- Old Man Winter has not been kind to Duluth’s streets this season. While Duluth Public Works crews have been busy battling snow, potholes have invaded roads. The peaceful rumble of a car rolling by is suddenly broken. This winter, Missy Smith has had quite a rocky commute to work every morning. “I drive in like I said from Solon…

President’s Owner Sells Gas Station, Car Wash To Korner Store Owner

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Jim Bolin, the longtime owner of the President’s Liquor, Bar, One Stop and car wash, is beginning to move close to retirement by selling off half of his business to Korner Store owner Derek Medved. “I’ve come here every morning for 62 years, and it will be different not to have the convenience store,” Bolin told FOX…

Despite Cold, West Duluth Dairy Queen Opens

Walk-up, drive-thru store opens beginning of March.

DULUTH, Minn.- And out of the mounds of snow, DQ rises. This chillier start to March hasn’t stopped the Walk-Up/Drive-Thru Dairy Queen in West Duluth from opening. Just like years past, they opened during the first week of March. They say the cold and blizzards haven’t stopped people from getting blizzards. “The employees are so excited to come back,” said owner,…

Rummage Sale Has Audio Equipment and More

Sound Central in West Duluth holds rummage sale

DULUTH, Minn.- Sound Central Production Services on 59th Avenue West in West Duluth held a different kind of rummage sale on Sunday. They sold some of their newer, gently used and older items, and not just audio and production equipment. “There’s tires here,” said Tim Vener, Install Lead Technician for Sound Central. “Yeah, there’s some industrial equipment over there, a…

Hyundai, Kia Recalls Over 500K Vehicles as Fire Risk Spreads

Safety Regulators Have Been Investigating the Engine Failures Since May 2016

DETROIT – Hyundai and Kia are recalling more than a half million vehicles in the U.S. because of new problems that can lead to engine fires. Documents posted Thursday by the government show the Korean automakers are adding three recalls after reports of fires across the country. The largest recall covers nearly 379,000 Kia Soul SUVs from 2012 through 2016…

Hard “Core” with Duluth Cider New Release

Cooking Connection: Duluth Cider Previews New Cider Available Soon!

LINCOLN PARK, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are going hard “core” with Duluth Cider! Check out the new cider that will be released TUESDAY MARCH 5th! It’s called NORTH and it’s made with Sawtooth Mountain maple syrup and pine, delivering a true Northland cider. Grab a few and listen to some tunes, see the live music line…

City of Duluth Kicks Off New Flag Redesign Project

City taking design submissions until April.

DULUTH, Minn.- The city of Duluth hasn’t changed it’s flag for nearly 50 years. Some people think it needs an update. On Wednesday the city organized a meeting for people to share their thoughts about how to update it. The city says they have heard many requests to change the design. So they invited the public to come share ideas. The…

MnDOT Updates on Mission Creek Burial Ground Restoration

Weather only a small hindrance so far.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Department of Transportation shared an update on its efforts to restore an unearthed Native American Burial site in the Fond Du Lac neighborhood. MnDOT held another community meeting on Wednesday. Transportation officials say after nearly two years of the accidental unearthing by MnDOT. Crews are continuing their sensitive work which has been slowed a bit with the…

In Spending Proposal Gov. Walz Sets Funds Aside for Northern Lights Project

$11 million suggested for passenger rail systems.

DULUTH, Minn.- The proposed Northern Lights Express Rail System, that would connect Duluth to the Twin Cities, is seeing new life in Governor Tim Walz’s first capital spending proposal. The proposal  calls for $11 million to leverage federal matching funds for passenger rail systems like the Northern Lights Express in Duluth. “The next step in the process is to secure the…

CHUM Kicks Off Minnesota Food Share March in Duluth

Campaign aims to restock CHUM from Holidays.

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM kicked off the Minnesota Food Share March Campaign with a goal of raising $115,000 and 35,000 lbs of food. The campaign aims to restock food shelves across the state in March. Many of which, like CHUM, are running low on supplies donated during the holiday season. CHUM says the disadvantaged population has increased in Duluth recently, making…

City Council Approves St. Luke’s Helipad Move

Old parking lot being turned into new helipad.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council has approved the move of Saint Luke’s helipad as the hospital continues to look to expand. Citizens had previously expressed concern about the noise caused by the new location. The resolution also approves the hospitals plans for the reconstruction of its parking deck, including an ambulance garage on East Second Street, where the new helipad would…

Lunch, Dinner Deals Coming to Downtown Duluth

Eat Downtown Duluth Week Runs Monday, March 4 - Saturday, March 9

DULUTH, Minn. – Multi-courses. One price. One Destination. The Duluth Greater Downtown Council is excited to announce another season of Eat Downtown Duluth Restaurant Week. The delicious deals are happening Monday, March 4 through Saturday, March 9 at 19 participating locations. The Greater Downtown Council sponsors the event twice a year with the hope of driving business into local restaurants and…

Duluth Council OKs $88K For External Review Of Police Dept.

DULUTH, Minn.- City councilors have unanimously approved Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s request to purchase an external evaluation of his department at a cost of roughly $88,000. The funds would come from the department’s already-approved operational budget for 2019. The assessment would be performed by a third party, and police say it would help them better allocate their limited resources…

Painting Small for Big Prizes

Frozen Finger Miniature Painting Contest held at Dungeon's End.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many are looking for a relaxing, indoor activity this winter. Dungeon’s End Game store in West Duluth may have just that. They are hosting a Miniature Figure Painting Contest until the end of March. Entry fee is the purchase of the models, which are available in four sizes. “I think people have an artistic side and then you…

Duluth Company Launches FashionBrain with Oscars

Fashion software hopes to make things easier for content creators.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 91st Academy Awards showcased stars, their movies, and their fashion. But for fashion publishers and content creators, sorting through and finding the right images to write stories can be a challenge. A new software is looking to change that, launched from right here in Duluth–an unlikely team up of the complex world of artificial intelligence and the…

Business Picks Up in Hayward During Day One of Birkie Weekend

It's like seeing an old friend you haven't seen in forever."

HAYWARD, Wis.- Business is booming throughout Hayward as thousands of visitors are in the area for the Birkie. Over at Coop’s Pizza Parlor staff say they are seeing many returning guests who are more like family now. “I love it because some of them I won’t recognize at first,” said Coop’s waitress Lora Hills. “They come in all frosty and…

Longboarding the Snow Away

Longboard making classes at Duluth Folk School

DULUTH, Minn.- As the snow piles up, some dream of longboarding down a hot, sunny boardwalk surrounded by Palm Trees and beaches. Duluth Folk School gave Northlanders a small taste of that. A three-day class began Wednesday in making your own Longboard, a longer skateboard. Students started with stock pieces of wood, learning how to use a table saw, which…

More Snow Means More Business at Local Grocery Stores

Many shop before snow storm hits.

DULUTH, Minn.- More snow can be a hindrance for some. But for area grocery stores, it means a boost in sales. The Whole Foods Co-op in Denfeld said they can always anticipate an increase in sales of essentials like toilet paper and canned goods. They see the biggest uptake in their produce sales, of which increased 50 percent the past…

West Duluth Waits for City to Clear Snow Piles, More Snow Comes

Piles reaching 5 feet still obstruct businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- While the weather was pretty quiet in the Northland on Monday, recent storms still left large mounds of snow in areas around the city. One place where they’re especially high is West Duluth. While the city has promised to get to those piles this week, more snow on the way could change that. Ahead of their big Winter in…

Payless ShoeSource to Shutter all of its Remaining US Stores

The Stores Will Remain open Until the end of March

NEW YORK (AP) — Payless ShoeSource is shuttering all of its 2,100 remaining stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, joining a list of iconic names like Toys R Us and Bon-Ton that have closed down in the last year. The Topeka, Kansas-based chain said Friday it will hold liquidation sales starting Sunday and wind down its e-commerce operations. All…

Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel, RV Show Kicks Off

Some vendors have gone to the birds.

DULUTH, Minn.- You know spring is almost near when the Boats, Sports, Travel and RV Show comes to the DECC. The 53rd Annual Event opened Wednesday night, and will continue through Sunday. There are dozens of vendors, from archery and hunting gear, to everything you need to head out on the lake. FOX 21 News also has a booth, we…

Superior Business Center to Get New Management

City of Superior and Douglas County handing over management

DULUTH, Minn.- Meanwhile the Superior Business Center off Hammond avenue could soon be returned to the hands of the Development Association. For the last five years the site has been managed by the City and Douglas County. City officials say they hope it is again used as a place for businesses to get on their feet. “Kinda turning it back…

Essentia Health Purchases Younkers for Fitness Center

Downtown Fitness Center moving to Mall

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health is investing $15 million in the purchase and remodeling of the 145,000 square foot Younkers space at Miller Hill Mall, to make it the new location of their Fitness and Therapy Center. The Fitness Center at Younkers would take up about 34,000 square feet, about 12,000 square feet larger than the current downtown location. This makes…

Duluth Public Library Offers Tax Help

Tax prep offered Monday and Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.- Taxes. They can get so confusing and stump even the best of them. If that sounds like you, you may want to pay an extra visit to the Duluth Public Library. On Monday, students from UMD’s Accounting Department were on hand to help with tax prep, free for those with low income, disabilities, and seniors. They say with a…

Talks Continue for Duluth-Minneapolis Rail Line

Amtrak and City of Duluth update each other

DULUTH, Minn.- Talks are continuing to move forward for a passenger rail line between Duluth and the Twin Cities. This past week, the North Shore Scenic Railroad hosted a representative from Amtrak, who met with Mayor Emily Larson, Councilor Noah Hobbs, and other city officials about the Northern Lights Express idea. The new train would add Duluth to the 500-city…

West Duluth’s Pop-Up Valentine’s Day Shop

Two Loons Gallery and Boutique Showcases Local Artist for V-Day

DULUTH, Minn.- With Valentine’s Day coming up, Two Loons Gallery and Boutique in West Duluth set up a hot-spot for anyone still looking for a gift. They hosted their Valentine’s Artisan Pop–Up. 20 of the gallery’s artists shared their Valentine’s Day inspired works, to help spread the love, and local art. “I’m hoping to give a lot more exposure to…

Tips and Tricks for Winter Biking

Zeitgeist Hosts Bikes and Bites Tour for Winter Biking Week

DULUTH, Minn.- Those not bothered by the cold and snow who want to get outside this winter, might want to take their bikes out for a spin. Dozens of bikers rode in to Zeitgeist Arts Cafe in downtown Duluth today, the snow, slush and cold not stopping them. They shared with us some tips and tricks to navigating these conditions…

Fisher-Price recalls Power Wheels Barbie Campers

Consumers can Contact Fisher-Price for a Free Repair

(Consumer Product Safety Commission via AP)WASHINGTON — Fisher-Price is voluntarily recalling about 44,000 Children’s Power Wheels Barbie Dream Campers because they can keep running after the foot pedal is released. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says Fisher-Price has received 17 complaints. No injuries have been reported. The model FRC29 battery-operated vehicles are hot pink with blue accents and have the…

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies Coming to Duluth

The Business will be in a New Development Located on Miller Hill in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland will soon have more options for pet accessories and supplies. Originally starting in 1990 with one store in Eagan, Minnesota, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food and Supplies will now open their first store in the Northland in late 2019. Officials with the company tell FOX 21 Local News, the first Chuck & Don’s Northland location…

Show Your Love for Lincoln Park this February

Love'n Lincoln Park is Happening February 9 - 16

DULUTH, Minn. – Advancing Lincoln Park and the Lincoln park Business Group are proud to present the inaugural Love’n Lincoln Park event. The fun is happening Saturday, February 9 – Saturday, February 16 all over the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Businesses will offer events, specials and Valentine’s themed things to do. Lincoln Park is celebrating Valentine’s week and winter with Love’n…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Holds Conductor Training

7 Days is All it Takes to Get Behind the Wheel of a Train

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’ve ever dreamed of working on a railroad all the live long day, the North Shore Scenic Railroad is offering that chance. This Thursday they will begin 7 volunteer conductor training sessions. Railroad officials say the classes will start from scratch, teaching the basics, and prepare students to take the G-COR exam in April. “These are the same…

Superior School District Gets Green for Going Green

Focus on Energy Donates Check for Eco-Friendly Renovations

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior School District was just awarded some green for going green in their new school renovations. Focus on Energy, in partnership with Superior Water, Light and Power, awarded the district nearly $200,000 at their board meeting tonight. This comes after renovations to Superior High School, which included more energy efficient lights, HVAC and kitchen equipment, among other eco–friendly…