Business

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….

Mix Cosmetiques Brings Custom Makeup to Duluth

Owner Handmakes Soaps, Makeup, and More

DULTUTH, Minn.- Paris has Sephora, New York has Maybelline, and now Duluth has Mix Cosmetiques. The newest cosmetic store to hit the Northland offers custom, handmade makeup, soaps and lotion. Walking in, you’re hit with the sweet smells and vibrant colors of all the different cosmetics. You might even find the owner practicing her chemistry, mixing and testing different solutions to…

Downtown Duluth Welcomes Wasabi on Black Friday

New Japanese Restaurant Opens Day After Thanksgiving

DULUTH, Minn.-Black Friday is bringing a taste of Japan to Downtown Duluth, with the opening of Wasabi. The Japanese restaurant, which already has a location in Superior, will open Friday at 2 pm in the old City Hall building on East Superior Street. The owners are hoping to bring different Japanese cuisine to Duluth. They offer all the Sushi you…

‘Discount Duluth’ To Close By End Of Year

DULUTH, Minn. – A discount store in West Duluth is preparing to close its doors at the end of the year. The owners of Discount Duluth, who are also brothers, opened the business in 2017 and expanded in January of 2018 to the store’s current location on Central Avenue. The goal was to offer all types of products to discounted…

Downtown Duluth’s Security Jewelers Sold To Riddle’s Jewelry

Store Will Keep Its longstanding Name, Employees

DULUTH, Minn. – Family owned Security Jewelers — a staple in downtown Duluth for 94 years — has officially been sold. Co-owner Jack Sieler told FOX 21 that Riddle’s Jewelry is the buyer out of Rapid City, South Dakota. All of Sieler’s 15 employees will keep their jobs with the sale. The store will remain in its current location on…

Wedding Plans Began at Greysolon’s Wedding Open House

8th Annual Open House Held in Ballroom

DULUTH, Minn.- The Greysolon Ballroom was turned into a wedding wonderland today, for their 8th annual Wedding Open House. Dresses, DJs, cakes and entertainment lined the ballrooms of Greysolon, as over 40 vendors showed what they had to offer to couples planning their special days. “You can come here and get ideas to jump start your big day,” said Greysolon’s…

Gun Deer Hunting Kicks Off in Wisconsin

Meat Processors Across State Get Busy

POPLAR, Wis.- Rifles cocked, targets in sight, Deer hunting has begun in Wisconsin. This means meat processors across the state are going to be extra busy, but the business has been spread out. With the colder weather allowing meat to be outside longer, the folks at Hursh Meat Processing have had their hands full all day, showing how it’s going…

Bake Sale Raises Money for Child Abuse Victims

First Witness Child Advocacy Center Hosts Bake Sale at Holiday Center

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth organization sold some sweet treats today, to benefit victims of child abuse. First Witness Child Advocacy Center sold baked goods donated by their board of directors and their friends and family at the Holiday Center. Organizers say, the sale’s impact is far-reaching. “Spreading the word about First Witness, and how important it is to our community…

Expansion Plans for a Local Family Owned Business

Moline Machinery Expands

  DULUTH, Minn.- Some big changes are coming for a long time business in West Duluth. A nine million dollar expansion is planned for the Moline Machinery plant on South Central Avenue. The fourth generation business now has one hundred thousand square feet of space and the new plans will expand the building by an extra twenty five thousand square…

OMC Smokes Your Turkey

Smokehouse Sells Smoked Turkeys for Thanksgiving

DULUTH, Minn.-As many across the Northland are planning their Thanksgiving meals, some may want to give smoked turkey a try. Until Sunday, OMC Smokehouse is taking orders for their smoked turkeys. For $110.98 you can get a big bird, weighing in at about 22-24 lbs. They come brined with stock at the bottom, ready for pick up anytime next Tuesday…

Wisconsin Deer Hunting Begins as License Sales are Low

Hunting Stores Help Hunters Gear Up

DULUTH, Minn.-With the Wisconsin Gun Deer Opener happening at first light on Saturday, hunting stores like Superior Shooters Supply are helping hunters gear up to start the season. The gleam of polished rifles and the rattling of ammunition boxes mean it’s that time of year: Wisconsin deer hunting begins. Which means products at area hunting stores are flying off the…

Liquor May Soon Flow in Lakeside

Two New Liquor Stores Awaiting Council Approval

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lakeside neighborhood had been dry of alcohol sales for more than 100 years. But alcohol may soon flow there once more. After lifting the ban on liquor in 2016, multiple liquor stores could pop up there in the near future. Whether or not alcohol can be sold off sale in that neighborhood, comes down to the city council’s…

Schwan’s Co. Sold to South Korean Company for $1.8 Billion

Schwan's Will Keep its Name and Office in Minnesota

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – A food distributor with deep roots in Minnesota has been sold to South Korea’s largest food company. The Schwan’s Co. is well known for home deliveries made by its gold trucks. The companies released a statement Thursday saying CJ CheilJedang will pay $1.8 billion for an 80 percent stake in Schwan’s and gain control of its businesses…