Business

School Board Approved Levy, After Public Voted to Raise It

School Board Meeting Held in Old Central High School

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Public School Board approved a 2019 levy which was voted on by the public in the November elections. The public voted on raising an existing 2013 levy by about $8,000,000 due to updated pupil counts, facilities maintenance project approvals, and a change in unemployment adjustment, among other reasons. The board met tonight, hearing a presentation titled Truth…

Trump Administration’s Bump Stock Ban Doesn’t Effect Superior Gun Store

Superior Shooters Supply Never Sold Bump Stocks

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Trump Administration has officially banned bump stocks in the U.S. It’s an equipment which allows semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms. Meanwhile, the owner of Superior Shooters Supply in Superior tells us this ban really doesn’t affect her business. She’s never sold bump stocks, and said they are barely effective, hurt accuracy, and are limited…

Duluth International Airport to Open Club DLH Business Suite

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth International Airport announced on Tuesday the opening of the Club DLH Business Suite on January 7. The Duluth International Airport, along with presenting partner St. Luke’s, says, “The Club DLH Business Suite is an exclusive private area at the west end of the secure terminal, designed with the working traveler in mind.” Annual passes are…

Council Passes TIF Agreement for High Rise Apartments in Downtown Duluth

2 Councilors Vote Against, One Absent

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council passed a TIF increment financing package for developers, who plan to build a luxury apartment complex downtown. $6.2 million of the $70.4 million cost will come through public financing. A packed city hall Monday night illustrates the urgency presented by this issue. The developers for the high rise presented their plans for the construction. The…

Shipping Deadlines for Christmas Delivery Fast Approaching

The Sooner you Mail the Better

DULUTH, Minn. – National delivery services are gearing up for a busy holiday season handling millions of packages, but they warn to ship them early in order to get to their destinations on time. “The sooner you mail the better,” said Karen Mazurkiewicz, U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman. The U.S. Postal Service expects to deliver 12.5 million packages in the Central…

Iron Mug Arranges Gifts for Christmas Giveaway

Mike Letica Hosting Toy Giveaway

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holidays fast approach, many families are forced to sit with the realization that they can’t afford to buy Christmas presents. Well, Mike Letica and his team at Iron Mug Coffehouse is trying to change that again this year. They’re currently sorting through $10,000 worth of toys, to hand out to families in need this Christmas. The…

‘Nearly 200’ Workers Strike At CG Bretting Manufacturing Co. in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. (Press Release) – Nearly 200 workers at CG Bretting Manufacturing Co. in Ashland, WI are on strike after rejecting the company’s contract offer Thursday, December 13, 2018. The strike took effect just after midnight on Saturday, December 15, 2018, according to Local 621. The members of Local 621 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW)…

Last Saltie of the Season Departs Harbor of Duluth-Superior

Great Lakes shipping season likely to last another several weeks

DULUTH, Minn. – The last saltie of the season shipped out of the port of Duluth-Superior Saturday. The Federal Rhine departed Saturday afternoon. According to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, the 2018 shipping season has been a strong one both with shipments of grain and iron ore cargoes. “When we look back about five or six years we average about…

Little Snow Doesn’t Bury Plow Sales

Unlike Clothing and Hardware, Snow Plow Sales Increase

DULUTH, Minn.- With temperatures on the rise, and snow missing from the picturesque “Northland Winter” scene, some businesses are noticing a decline in sales of hardware and winter clothing. But the plows are still flying off the shelves. Snow plow retailers have been soaking up the sun. At Bears Heavy Duty Parts and Accessories, they’ve seen sales double since last…

Handmade in the Northland: Art by SJ Nielsen

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Sam Nielsen is the creator of Art by…

Handmade in the Northland: Mike and Jen’s Hot Cocoa Mix

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Dean Packingham is known as the creator of…

3 Women Graduate from Machine Operation Training Program

Program aims to get more women in non-traditional fields

DULUTH, Minn. – Three local women recently completed a program through SOAR Career Solutions and Lake Superior College where they learned job skills in machine operation. The three women graduated in a special ceremony at Duluth City Hall. Their program was created under the Women’s Economic Security Act to train more women in non-traditional career fields. “It’s not just me…

Handmade in the Northland: Makers Mercantile

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Scott and Sara Clifton are the owners of…

‘Guardians and War on Truth’ Time’s ‘Person of the Year’

Four Journalists and a Newspaper Make up Time's Person of the Year

(Time Magazine via AP)NEW YORK (AP) – Time magazine’s 2018 person of the year are the “guardians and the war on truth.” The group is made up of four journalists and a newspaper that Time says “are representatives of a broader fight by countless others around the world. Time’s editor-in-chief Edward Felsenthal made the announcement Tuesday on NBC’s “Today” show….

City Council Approves New Budget

Budget for Fiscal Year 2019 Goes Up, Minimal Cuts

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council approved a new budget for the city Monday night. The budget is expected to be $3 million bigger than 2018’s. Councilors said the amount of cuts in this budget are minimal at best. Changes include adding $280,000 for park maintenance. At the council meeting they also had the first reading of an amendment that…

Independent Television Festival Finds New Home in Duluth

City Announces Festival Coming Next October

DULUTH, Minn.- Big things are in store for the city of Duluth, as it’s the new home of the Independent Television, or ITV, Festival. It started in Los Angeles then moved to Vermont – and is now on its way to make Duluth a TV star. It’s also expected to pump $1.5 million into the city’s economy. This adds to…

Cloquet Loses Goodwill After More Than 30 Years In The Community

Store Offers Discounts Before Closing

  CLOQUET, Minn.- After more than 30 years, the end is near for the Goodwill in Cloquet. On December 22,  the Cloquet Avenue location will officially shut it’s doors. The board of directors voted for the closing as a necessary step to becoming a more efficient organization. “Goodwill is a company that is changing and we’re changing for the better”…

Handmade in the Northland: White Spruce Market

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Bailey Hutchence, owner of White Spruce Market, handcrafts…

LSC Radiology Lab Raises Funds at Texas Roadhouse

Club at Table at Roadhouse From 10-11

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior College’s Radiologic Technology Club teamed up with a local restaurant to raise money for an upcoming radiology event. Three of the club’s members camped by the door of the Texas Roadhouse, to accept donations to send them to the Minnesota Society of Radiologic Technologists state conference. “I’m just hoping that we get a lot of support,” said…

Daniel Urshan’s ‘Where’s Duke?’ Found at Fitger’s

Book Signing Held Outside Bookstore

DULUTH, Minn.- The former mayor of Hermantown now finds himself in the completely new position of a children’s book author. Daniel Urshan was at Fitger’s on Sunday signing his book, “Where’s Duke?” It’s based on a true story, about a young Danny losing his dog, Duke. Eventually the two are reunited, with the help of good Samaritans, and Animal Allies….

Dreaming of a Scandinavian Christmas at French River Church

Vendors, Food at Church

DULUTH, Minn.- The French River Lutheran Church hosted their annual Scandinavian Christmas today. More than 30 vendors displayed their unique items. Traditional Scandinavian food was served downstairs and holiday cheer was found all around. “It’s a gorgeous location, we have a great variety of vendors, just a lot of old friends come home and touch base with people the know,”…

Winter West Market Showcases West Duluth Small Businesses

Shoppers Encouraged to Shop Local

DULUTH, Minn.- West Duluth was the place to be for holiday shoppers as small businesses put out some deals, to help keep money flowing through the community. Normally when one thinks of a market, they think of an open air collection of vendors in one spot. But the Winter West Market is a little different. “There are I think 8–10 vendors…

Shopko Closing 39 Stores in 19 States

Sales Begin Friday

ASHWAUBENON, Wis. – Wisconsin retailer Shopko is closing 39 stores in 19 states. Shopko spokeswoman Michelle Hansen says each store employs 10 to 25 employees, putting the scope of job cuts at about 400 to nearly 1,000 positions. Liquidation sales begin Friday with the stores closing by the end of February. The Green Bay area department store chain operates about…

Volunteers Across Northland Help the Needy for Day of Caring

Local Non-Profits Team Up with Local Businesses

DULUTH, Minn.- Many different businesses and nonprofits in the Northland spent the annual Day of Caring doing various projects to make a difference in their community. Day of Caring was organized by Head of the Lakes United Way, who matched teams of volunteers with local non–profit agencies in need of extra hands. According those involved, it’s a time when non–profits…

Inaugural Winter West Market Happening This Weekend in Duluth

Joy Herbert, Owner of Little Neetchers in West Duluth, Has Wanted to Organize the Winter West Market for Years; Now it's Becoming a Reality

DULUTH, Minn. – Joy Herbert, owner of Little Neetchers in West Duluth, has recognized that over the past few years, West Duluth has lacked a connected feeling among it’s businesses. Herbert now hopes the inaugural Winter West Market will help connect businesses in the Duluth neighborhood. Winter West Market will bring together 12 businesses that are all within walking distance of each…

Superior ATV Trail Doesn’t Connect to Barker’s Island

Hotels in the Area Fearful of Consequences, Councilor says No Worries

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The new ATV trail through the city of Superior does not actually connect to Barker’s Island, and the other hotels in the area. The staff at Barker’s Island Inn says the lack of ATV trail connection hurts their business. But City Councilor Brent Fennessey, while still working on reconnecting the hotel, doesn’t see that as the case. Here’s…

JBS Tolleson Recalling More Than 12 Million Pounds of raw Beef

Products Were Packaged Between Late July and September

NEW YORK – More U.S. beef is being recalled because it may be contaminated with salmonella. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday a unit of Brazil’s JBS is now recalling a total of more than 12 million pounds of raw beef that was shipped around the U.S. JBS Tolleson in Arizona already recalled about 7 million pounds of beef…

How Many Steps Does It Take? Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Fox 21's Brittney Merlot Takes Us Through Bentleyville For A Beautiful & Bright Active Adventures

DULUTH, Minn. — Looking for ways to get those extra steps in during the holiday season? Take a walk through Bentleyville! In this weeks Active Adventures, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us through the tour of lights – joined by Mayor Bentleyville’s daughter, underneath the 128-foot tree! We chat about what it takes to put on the big light show,…

Give the Gift of Beauty this Holiday Season

The St. Luke's Plastic Surgery Associates are Hosting Their Annual Holiday Sale Through December 31

DULUTH, Minn. – Now through December 31, the staff at St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates invite you to stop by their location in St. Luke’s Building A. The team is hosting their annual Holiday Sale. On Wednesday, December 12 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., folks will have the chance to gain educational tips and meet with makeup and skincare representative…

Nease Gallery Celebrates One Year Birthday

Gallery Celebrates One Year Being Open

DULUTH, Minn.-The Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth is celebrating their 1st Anniversary Friday night. The gallery, which opened last October, featured a new exhibit as part of the Downtown Arts Walk. The gallery manager said that it’s been a great first year. “We’ve been having a lot of fun engaging with our neighbors and enjoy being in the neighborhood,” said…

Minnesota Exports Continue Growth Trend in Third Quarter

The Largest Export Market was Canada

ST. PAUL, Minn. – State officials say Minnesota’s agricultural, mining and manufacturing exports grew 6 percent to $5.7 billion between July and the end of September. It marks the seventh consecutive quarter of growth. The Department of Employment and Economic Development says the state is on track to see an overall increase in exports for 2018. Exports have remained strong…

Holiday Huts Taking Over Glensheen Mansion this Saturday, Sunday

The Third Annual Duluth Winter Village is Happening December 1 & 2 at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Back by popular demand, the Duluth Winter Village is set to take over the grounds of Glensheen Mansion in Duluth Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2. The event is happening from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day. More than 40 Duluth businesses will come together to offer holiday gifts and local goods from inside locally…

After Dept. Head Resigns, Mayor’s Office Merges Planning, Economic Development Depts.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was about a month ago when Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced the resignation of Heather Rand — the city’s Director of Business and Economic Development. At the time, Larson said the city would be looking for Rand’s replacement.  But just weeks later – almost 30 days to the day on Tuesday – Larson announced that Rand’s…

Superior Businesses Are Happy with Belknap Street Revamp

Belknap Street projects cost about $20 million

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This is the first holiday shopping season since Belknap Street in Superior has reopened following a $20 million construction project. Both customers and business owners are thrilled about the finished product after the revamp. The 1 1/2  mile stretch of road has undergone multiple changes including a whole new street design with smoother and wider traffic lanes. Also,…

New Store Brings Thrifty Prices to Lincoln Park

Thrifty Bowtique Opens in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- At the height of the holiday season, most stores and businesses look to make as much cash from their community as they can. But one thrift store is doing what it can to give back to the community. “The people love coming here, and they say I’m very chipper, and, y’know, nice.” The chipper owner, Bobbie Shevchuk, isn’t…

GM to Slash 14,700 Jobs in North America

Five Plants Facing Possible Closure

(Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP, File)DETROIT – General Motors will lay off 14,700 factory and white-collar workers in North America and put five plants up for possible closure as it restructures to cut costs and focus more on autonomous and electric vehicles. The reduction includes 8,100 white-collar workers, some of whom will take buyouts and others who will be…

Making Your Own Piece of Holly Jolly

Holiday Make and Take Held at Duluth Flower Farm

DULUTH, Minn.-After shopping Small Business Saturday, Northlanders had a chance to make some holiday cheer Sunday at the Duluth Flower Farm. They hosted their 5th annual Holiday Make and Take. People could come in and make their own kissing balls, wreaths and center pieces out of local balsam, cedar, and pine branches. According to the store’s owner, some of them…

Small Business Booms After Small Business Saturday

Art in the Alley Among Stores Reporting Increase in Sales

DULUTH, Minn.- Shoppers across the country are fresh off a two-day shopping spree of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. More than 30 small businesses in Duluth participated on Saturday. Businesses like Art in the Alley, on East Superior Street. The store is known for its locally made Jewelry, clothing, accessories and other items. “It was gangbusters,” said Downtown Manager,…

The End of a Musical Era at Club Saratoga

No More Jazz on Saturday Afternoons.

DULUTH, Minn.- To the dismay of many Duluthians, Saturday marked the end of an era. After more than 30 years, Club Saratoga in Canal Park will no longer have Jazz music on Saturday afternoons. You follow the classy sound of jazz inside the dimly lit club. The smooth voice of the singer strings you along. The cool keys of the…

Duluth Shops Small on Saturday

Small Business Saturday Spikes Business in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Shoppers nationwide have had two big days in a row. After the commercial chaos of Black Friday, it’s a relaxing scene for many to visit their favorite store on the corner, browse around some locally handcrafted goods, and talk with shopkeepers they’ve gotten to know. On this Small Business Saturday, Duluth did just that, at more than 30 different…

Wasabi Restaurant Opens in Duluth

Japanese restaurant opens in the Old City Hall building on East Superior Street

DULUTH, Minn. – Wasabi Restaurant is now open on East Superior Street in Downtown Duluth. The Japanese restaurant offers twenty-dollar all you can eat sushi, just like their other location on Tower Avenue in Superior. New for the new store, Wasabi has added a Poke Bowl to the menu. It’s basically sushi on the go. They have several signature bowls…

Wasabi Restaurant Opens Friday at 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Black Friday means Wasabi Restaurant is opening for the first time in Downtown Duluth. The new signage is now up on the Old City Hall building on East Superior Street. The Japanese restaurant will open Friday at 2 p.m. You can expect the usual $20 all-you-can-eat sushi like the restaurant in Superior. And a new item on…

Changing Retail Landscape Leading up to Black Friday

Dr. Ahmed Maamoun with UMD Says This Year's Changing Retail Landscape Could Make an Impact on Black Friday Sales

DULUTH, Minn. – Black Friday marks the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. As companies begin to entice shoppers with deals and free shipping, UMD expert Ahmed Maamoun, Ph.D., explains how the retail landscape is constantly being redefined by both companies and technology. “In the retail sector, Black Friday is one of the most intriguing times of year,” said…

Small Business Saturday This Weekend

For some shops in Duluth, it's the busiest day of the year

DULUTH, Minn. – Not only is Black Friday this weekend, but Small Business Saturday is as well. It’s an important day for local shops and stores across the Northland. Small Business Saturday is the busiest day of the year for some local shops, according to the Greater Downtown Council. Statewide, 1.2 million people work for employers that fall in the…

Locally Sourced Items Help Brighten Thanksgiving Dinner

Staff at Whole Foods Co-op in Duluth Offer a Variety of Locally Sourced Items to Include in Your Thanksgiving Meal

DULUTH, Minn. – “You definitely taste the difference,” said Ali Wade, Brand Manager at the Duluth Whole Foods Co-op. Wade stopped by FOX 21 Local News Tuesday morning to offer some fresh, locally sourced items for your Thanksgiving table this year. She says both Whole Foods locations have been busy with shoppers rushing in to finalize their turkey day meals….