Business

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…

Check Donated in Memory of K-9 Haas

Harbor Pointe Credit Union Donates $2K to DPD

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been almost a month since Duluth Police K-9 Haas was shot and killed in the line of duty. The community is continuing to give financial support toward the K-9 Unit’s efforts. On Monday, that included Harbor Pointe Credit Union. They presented Duluth Police with a check worth $2,211.72, bringing the total community donations to roughly $23,000. Police…

$1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Superior

A $1 million Powerball ticket was sold Saturday in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-A $1 million Powerball ticket was sold Saturday in Superior. The lucky player matched all five numbers (10, 17, 18, 43, 65) not including the Powerball (13). Those winning numbers came from a ticket sold at the Kwik Trip at 3027 E. Second St., which will collect a $20,000 retailer incentive for the sale. Player odds for winning the…

Super Bowl Sunday Slams Local Pizza Place

Domino's in Duluth deals with influx of orders.

DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants and bars all over the Northland are inundated with football fans for the Super Bowl. For Domino’s in Duluth, the unofficial holiday is one of the busiest days of the year, but also one of the most rewarding. “I just like making pizzas and getting them out to people as quick as we can, make sure…

UPS Stalls Deliveries in Some Very Cold Places

About 100 zip Codes Have Been Affected

CHICAGO (AP) -United Parcel Service says it has halted deliveries in about 250 zip codes in the Midwest and western New York because of concerns for the safety of those making deliveries in the extreme cold. UPS Chief Operating Officer Jim Barber said Thursday that most of the routes that won’t receive deliveries are in rural areas. He says drivers…

Ice Cream and Coffee: How the Northland Copes with the Cold

Two Local Businesses Remain Open with Customers to Show for It

DULUTH, Minn.- The extreme cold doesn’t keep the Northland from getting out to enjoy the finer things in life. Because if you think temps that feel like -40 keep people here inside, you don’t know Minnesota. “The weather doesn’t bother me at all.” Armon Freeman, a Junior at Denfeld High School, walks into Bridgeman’s in Duluth with his cousins, wearing only…

Foxconn Changes Focus of Massive Wisconsin Project

They Remain Committed to Creating 13,000 Jobs

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Foxconn Technology Group said Wednesday it is shifting the focus of its planned $10 billion Wisconsin campus away from blue-collar manufacturing to a research hub, while insisting it remains committed to creating 13,000 jobs as promised. The much-ballyhooed facility was heralded by President Donald Trump and former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker as…

Breakwater Restaurant in Superior Closes Doors For Good

Longtime Superior Restaurant Shuts Down

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A longtime family restaurant in Superior has abruptly closed its doors, after more than 15 years in business. Regulars showing up for some home-cooked meals at Breakwater Sunday afternoon were surprised by a sign on the door of the restaurant on Highway 2. The sign read that the restaurant was closed until further notice. That sign went up…

Lauralloons Creates The Biggest Balloon Art In The Northland

Creatice Balloons For Home Deliveries, Birthday Parties, Weddings, Parades & Festivals!

DULUTH, Minn. –Attention kiddos! Balloon art is getting bigger and more creative than what our parents had! “It’s usually quite the cluster at first. All the kids are like balloons!” said owner of Lauralloons Balloon Art Laural Schultze. With balloon art recently popping, “Especially with the internet and you can share so much easier. Before there were a few books…

Goodbye 18, Hello 21. Duluth’s Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Products Rises

Ordinance Will Take Effect In 120 Days

DULUTH, Minn.- In a 6-2 vote Monday night, the Duluth city council voted in favor of raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. “I know people will say this is a complex issue. But the lives of our children–is simple,” said Tonya Sconier, principal at Denfeld High School, before the vote was made. About a…

Two Midwest-Based Banks Plan to Merge, Headquarter in Detroit

The Deal is Subject to Regulatory Approval

DETROIT (AP) – Two Midwest-based banks plan to merge to create a bank with $45 billion in assets that will be based in Detroit. Detroit-based Chemical Financial Corp. and Wayzata, Minnesota-based TCF Financial Corp. announced Monday the signing of an agreement under which the companies will combine in what they described as an all-stock “merger of equals.” Plans call for…

Thirsty Pagan Breaks Ground On New Location

Soo Line Freight Depot New Home To Thirsty Pagan Brewing, After State Grant Received

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The old Soo Line Freight Depot in Superior is now home to Thirsty Pagan Brewing. The microbrewery broke ground this afternoon after receiving a $148,000 WEDC state grant. “When we are waiting for that grant we can’t start any work so we’ve been biting our nails and on the edge of our seat to get going. Now…

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe In Extreme Cold

Furnace Failure & Bursting Pipes Becomes An Issue In Extended Cold Snap

TWIN PORTS — The cold effects not only how we feel but also how we live. Here are some tips to keep you and your home safe and warm. “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best!” said Service Tech Gartner Refrigeration Company Dave Duffy. “Have it checked on a regular basis to try and catch a potential problem…

General Mills Recalls Some Flour Over Salmonella Concerns

There Have Been no Reports of Confirmed Illness

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – General Mills is voluntarily recalling some bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour because of salmonella concerns. The 5-pound bags have a “better if used by” date of April 20, 2020 and the UPC code 000-16000-19610-0. Customers should discard the product. The company says it discovered salmonella during sampling of the product, but it has not received…

City of Duluth Informs Residents on Upcoming Dredging

Dredging Harbor to Stop Erosion

DULUTH, Minn.- The city of Duluth hosted a public information meeting on park point, to go over the upcoming harbor dredging, taking place this summer. Over 100,000 cubic yards of clean sands and clay will be dredged out of the Duluth-Superior harbor and placed along Minnesota point near the Wisconsin Entry. The city says this is totally safe, and should…