Business

Lake Superior Brewing Company Now Canning Beer

Brewers tell us buying canned beer rather than bottles, has perks.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time ever craft beer lovers will be able to grab beers from the oldest microbrewery in Minnesota in cans. The canning line is up and running at the Lake Superior Brewing Company, filling nearly 800 cases in just one day. In past years canning hasn’t been considered due to space concerns. But dreams came to…

Iron Mug Coffee House is Closing Their Doors

photo: facebook/iron mug coffee houseDULUTH, Minn. – The Iron Mug Coffee House will be shutting their doors for good on May 25th according to a post on the businesses Facebook page. “As most of you know we have decided to make the hard decision to close our wonderful restaurant. We have enjoyed getting to know the wonderful people in Morgan…

Fresh Fish Tacos with Bucktales Cantina & Grill

Cooking Connection: Fish Tacos

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Cooking Connection, Bucktales Cantina & Grill Owner Dee Morales made fish tacos. Bucktales is located a half-mile from Pattison State Park at 6098 South State Road 35, Superior, WI. For Cinco De Mayo te restaurant will have live music, and taco and drink specials. The restaurant can be reached at (715) 394-4181, or visited…

Interior Department Renews Leases for Twin Metals Project

President Obama Previously Declined to Renew the Leases

MINNEAPOLIS-The U.S. Interior Department has reinstated the mineral rights leases for a company that wants to build a copper-nickel mine near Ely in northeastern Minnesota, renewals that were denied in the closing weeks of the Obama administration. The department’s Bureau of Land Management informed Twin Metals Minnesota of its decision Wednesday. It follows a legal opinion from the department’s solicitor…

Duluth Restaurant Owners Admit Using ‘Zapper’ to Dodge Taxes

These Convictions are the First of Their Kind in Minnesota

Photo: facebook/osakaDULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Two Duluth restaurant owners have admitted to using so-called “zapper” software to dodge nearly $300,000 in taxes. Osaka Sushi Hibachi & Steak House owners Dan Xu and Zhong Wei Lin each pleaded guilty in St. Louis County District Court. They were allowed to avoid prison time in exchange for making immediate restitution and will each…

Final Bids Approved For New Superior Fire Department

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After years of planning, all contracts were in place Tuesday to begin construction for Superior’s new multi-million dollar fire station. Councilors gave the final bids Tuesday night to KBK Services out of Ashland, Wis. Councilor Brent Fennessey told FOX 21 the company came in at the lowest cost for the plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning at…

One Resolution Made in Alleged Fraser Shipyard Lead Poisoning Case

Multiple Employees at Fraser Claim They Got Lead Poisoning While Working There

SUPERIOR, Wis.-One of the employees who was working at Fraser Shipyards in Superior has reached a resolution with the business after he suspected he got lead poisoning there back in 2016. The resolution was made with James Holder, a welder at the site. His attorney in Chicago would not go into details on the settlement, but said he represents 60…

Guitar Legend Gibson Seeks Bankruptcy Protection

Gibson was Founded in 1894

(Samuel M. Simpkins/The Tennessean via AP, File)NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The maker of the Gibson guitar, omnipresent for decades on the American rock `n’ roll stage, is filing for bankruptcy protection after wrestling for years with debt. Gibson guitars have been esteemed by generations of guitar legends. After Chuck Berry died, his beloved cherry-red Gibson guitar was bolted to the…

Superior Pursuits Back on the Big Lake

In this week's Knowing Your Neighbors, Captain Parker Bambenek Launches the Elixir for Another Season of Success

McQUADE HARBOR, Minn. – Just one semester shy of graduating from Northern Michigan University, Captain Parker Bambenek of Superior Pursuits was hit by a snowmobiler while ice fishing. That incident left Bambenek with two broken legs and a new outlook on life. “If someone wants to go tomorrow, they can give me a call right now,” said Bambenek. Captain Parker…

New “Learning Community” Provides Space for Families of Job Seekers with Disabilities

Employment Learning Community Created to Support Families

DULUTH, Minn. – It can sometimes be difficult for those with disabilities to find a competitive job in the workforce. On Tuesday, May 1, families can get more insight on the topic through a new group. The Arc Minnesota is hosting an “Employment Learning Community” to support family members and job seekers with disabilities. This event will be from 4:30…

Minnesota Author to Release Newest Duluth-based Book

Alter Ego by, Brian Freeman

DULUTH, Minn. – A fictional Duluth Detective is back in action in Brian Freeman’s newest book, “Alter Ego” following Jonathan Stride. Alter Ego, like other books in the “Stride” series, features a character who lives on Park Point, homicide Detective Jonathan Stride of the Duluth PD – the rumpled, lovable, Indiana Jones-like character, a man who struggles in his personal…

Will Sprint-T-Mobile Combo Hurt Consumers?

The Deal was Announced Sunday

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) – Consumer advocacy groups are worried that T-Mobile’s bid for Sprint will likely lead to higher cellphone plans because there’s less competition. The watchdog group Common Cause says low-income consumers seeking more affordable services will be particularly hurt. But Mark Lowenstein, a mobile-industry consultant, says the move shouldn’t be seen as a consolidation in the wireless…

City: Irvin Can Fit Through Slip Bridge; Seawall Construction Timeline Released

DULUTH, Minn. –  The city of Duluth has released new details to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger involving an updated construction timeline on the delayed seawall project in Canal Park, and also when and where the William A. Irvin could eventually open for the season. But first, the Minnesota Slip Bridge in Canal Park, also known as the “Blue Bridge,” is…

Former Kozy Building Owner Files Lawsuit Against City of Duluth, DEDA

DULUTH, Minn. — Eric Ringsred, the former owner of the condemned Kozy building in Duluth tells FOX 21 he has filed a lawsuit against the city with claims that the historical landmark building originally known as the Pastoret Terrace is not being preserved properly.   Click here for the complaint that was provided to FOX 21 by Ringsred. The civil suit is…

Harley-Davidson Paid Interns get a Free Motorcycle too

Harley-Davidson is Looking for Eight College Students for Their Summer Internship Program

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Harley-Davidson is offering free motorcycles for those who join its summer internship program. Eight college students or recent graduates will have the enviable task of being paid to ride a Harley and share their adventures on social media. And the best part? They’ll keep their bikes at the end of the 12-week internship. The Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker…

Wells Fargo to pay $1B for Mortgage, Auto Lending Abuses

Wells Fargo was Also Fined $100 Million in September 2016

NEW YORK (AP) — Wells Fargo is being fined a combined $1 billion by two federal regulators for abuses tied to its mortgage and auto lending businesses. The bank will pay $500 million to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, its main bank regulator, as well as $500 million to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This is the…

Construction Halted On Already Delayed MN Slip Seawall; Irvin, Vista Affected

Continued Delays Center Around Slip's Historical Preservation Review

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 has learned the William A. Irvin and Vista Fleet – two of Duluth’s top tourist attractions – might not be fully open for business as the upcoming tourism season begins – a season that usually get underway in less than two weeks in May. The uncertainty of the Vista and Irvin’s normal operations centers around…

Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. Announces Going out of Business Sales

The Sale Will run for 10 to 12 Weeks

(Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News via AP)MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. announced in a release today that the company’s going out of business sales will begin tomorrow in 212 stores and e-commerce websites. The sales will run for 10-12 weeks in stores and online. The liquidation sales come after the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved an agreement…

Old Carnegie Library To Become Co-Working Space

The Carnegie Library will be Superior's first co-working space.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Plans for the first co-working space in the city of Superior are moving along inside the old Carnegie Library. The Carnegie Library located on Hammond Avenue has been vacant since 1993. On Wednesday, locals filled the old library to see the vision for the future work space. Co-working spaces are becoming more popular. An architect based out of…

Bon-Ton Will Close all Stores

Liquidators Take the Winning bid at Auction

DULUTH, Minn. – Bon-Ton Stores Inc. is officially closing its stores across the country. Liquidators took the winning bid at Tuesday night’s auction and a hearing by the Bankrupcty Court to approve the sale is expected today. In a release President and Chief Executive Office, Bill Tracy said, “While we are disappointed by this outcome and tried very hard to…

Sammy’s Pizza Celebrates 64 Years with Discount and Donation

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, Sammy’s Pizza will be selling pies for a good cause. Celebrating 64 years, Sammy’s Pizza is looking to give back to the community. When customers who purchase any 14′” or larger pizza can buy a 12′” one-topping pizza for only 64 cents. On April 19, in honor of those who have served in the armed forces,…

Dick’s Destroying all the Guns it Pulled From its Shelves

The Guns Will be Destroyed Instead of Returned to Their Manufacturers

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Dick’s Sporting Goods is destroying all the guns and accessories that it stopped selling earlier this year after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. The retailer said Tuesday that it is in the process of destroying all the firearms it pulled from its shelves, rather than trying to return them to their manufacturers. Dicks made headlines in…

Starbucks to Close Stores for an Afternoon for Bias Training

Starbucks Also Said the Employee who Called the Police no Longer Works at the Store

NEW YORK (AP) – Starbucks plans to close more than 8,000 stores for several hours next month to conduct racial-bias training for nearly 175,000 workers. The announcement Tuesday comes after the arrests sparked protects and calls for a boycott on social media. Philadelphia police released a recording of the call from the Starbucks employee that led to the arrests. In…

Nostalgia Hasn’t Translated Into Dollars in Toys R Us Effort

The Liquidation of Toys R Us Threatens More than 30,000 Jobs

(AP Photo/Christine Cotter, File)NEW YORK (AP) — Nostalgia hasn’t translated into dollars in a long-shot effort to crowdfund a future for Toys R Us. Neither did efforts to recruit other toy makers. A campaign led by a billionaire toy executive who pledged $200 million with other investors in hopes of saving part of the bankrupt chain has foundered, with only…

Liquidators Make Bids for Bon-Ton

Bon-Ton Continues day two of Auction

(Jack Hanrahan/Erie Times-News via AP)DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday Bon-Ton Stores Inc. only received bids from liquidators during its bankruptcy auction according to Reuters, signaling the possibility of closure for the retail giant. The auction will continue through today with hopes of finding a buyer that can help turn the retail chains around. When the auction is complete the next…

Construction Trade Show Being Held in Duluth

Event Goes Through Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.-Those in the know for the construction industry, got a sneak peek today of the latest trends in that business. The North Central Region Conference for construction was held today at the Holiday Inn in downtown Duluth as numerous vendors from the industry hawked their wares. Those organizing the event said, this type of program is a good way…

Farley’s Family Restaurant is Home to Award-Winning Quiche

Cooking Connection: Quiche Lorraine

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A local restaurant is touting a new title after a successful run at an international competition. Farley’s Family Restaurant got Second Place at the World Food Championships with their Quiche Lorraine recipe. Kelly Trumpold, the Owner and Executive Chef of Farley’s Family Restaurant, says the dish is easy to make at home but packed with flavor. Farley’s…

City Of Duluth To Launch Sales Tax Agreement With Airbnb

DULUTH, Minn. (Press Release) – The Duluth City Council passed a resolution Monday evening authorizing the Mayor and Chief Financial Officer to enter into what would be a historic tax collection agreement with Airbnb, the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company. Once signed, the tax agreement allows the company to collect tourist taxes on behalf of its Duluth hosts and remit…

Zuckerberg Testimony Reveals Lawmaker Confusion on Facebook

Facebook is Confronting its Biggest Privacy Scandal in 14 Years

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)NEW YORK (AP) – Mark Zuckerberg has faced two days of grilling before House and Senate committees to address Facebook’s privacy issues and the need for more regulation for the social media site. Yet the hearings in Washington managed to showcase the normally press-shy Zuckerberg’s ability to perform as an able and well-rehearsed, if a bit stiff, CEO…

Retirement Planning Week Prompts Simple Saving Tips

National Retirement Planning Week is April 9 - 13, Prompting Tips to Start Saving Now

DULUTH, Minn. – This week is National Retirement Planning Week, a week dedicated to helping American’s get their financial plans on track so that they can retire on their terms. Whether you’re a millennial just entering the workforce or a baby boomer transitioning into retirement, you may be surprised to learn some of the basic tips you should be implementing…

City Council Proposes New Ordinances for Potential Vacation-Stay Units

Vacation Stay units are commonly known as an Airbnb.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week the Duluth city council is discussing vacation dwelling units, commonly known as an Airbnb, to possibly add a hotel tax. The topic is an ongoing discussion and potentially growing in size. We spoke with one local couple who applied to host an Airbnb last July but the city was already at full capacity. Now Nathanael and Anna Bailey…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine Shares His Vision for Small Business Development

Paine Talked as Part of the 'Entrepreneurs on Tap' Program Through UW Extension

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine spoke about his vision for small business and retail development in the city. The talk at Belknap Lounge was part of the ‘Entrepreneurs on Tap’ program sponsored by U.W. Extension. Mayor Paine hopes the talk will convince prospective businesses that Superior can be a successful spot for them. “Folks are nervous about what…

Bent Paddle Brewing Says Goodbye to Original Taproom

Brewery's New Taproom Will Open Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing is opening a brand new taproom this Thursday. Before they move to the new space, they threw a party to say goodbye to the original taproom. Customers and employees drank beer and celebrated the brewery’s new upgrade. The famous taproom sign was taken down and moved to the new location just down the street….

Earth Rider Brewery Gears Up for Beerfest in Superior

“We want to be Superior’s brewery.” -Frank Kaszuba, Director of Brewing Operations at Earth Rider Brewery

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Craft beer fans in the Twin Ports are getting excited for a big day in Superior this weekend. At Earth Rider Brewery in Superior they’re busy canning a new beer for stores, but they’re also gearing up for the Gitchee Gumee Brewfest. The festival is an annual event in Superior and this will be the first time…

Target Settles Suit Claiming its Hiring System Discriminated

Target is Paying More Than $3.7 Millions to Settle the Discrimination Lawsuit

(Photo: Gene J. Puskar / AP, file)NEW YORK (AP) – Target is paying more than $3.7 million to settle a lawsuit that said its hiring process, which automatically rejected people with criminal backgrounds, disproportionately kept blacks and Hispanics from getting entry-level jobs at its stores. As part of the settlement, Target has agreed to hire outside experts to review how…

Delta Says Customer’s Payment Information may Have Been Breached

Delta Air Lines Says it was hit by Cyberattack

(AP) – Delta Air Lines says customers’ payment information may have been breached in a cyberattack last fall. The airline said Wednesday the incident involved (24)7.ai, a chat-services provider used by Delta and other companies. Delta says only “a small subset” of customers were affected, with payment information exposed from Sept. 26 to Oct. 12. It says no other personal…

Arrowhead Home and Builders Show Kicking-off This Weekend

This gives owners and future homeowners a chance to make plans.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a spring time tradition, the Arrowhead Home and Builders Show is underway this weekend. This gives owners and future homeowners a chance to make plans; for everything from your kitchen sink, to the backyard, all under one roof. Many vendors are unique. Monday night we spoke with one woman who travels from Michigan to show-off her hand crafted…

St Luke’s Comes Out Against ‘Earned Sick and Safe Time’ Ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s — one of Duluth’s largest employers — sent a detailed letter to city councilors Wednesday with their disapproval of the proposed Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinance.  This comes after more than 20 restaurants in Duluth came together to oppose ESST. April 3, 2018 Dear City Councilors: Despite the robust process around the proposed Earned…

Escalating US-China Trade Dispute Heightens Global Concerns

China's Proposed Tariff on Soybeans Would be Devastating to U.S. Farmers.

(AP Photo/Andy Wong)WASHINGTON (AP) – The American Soybean Association, a lobbying group that says it represents 21,000 U.S. soybean producers, says China’s proposed 25-percent tariff on soybeans would be “devastating” to U.S. farmers. China is the largest consumer of U.S. soybeans, buying about one-third of all U.S. soybean production each year, the group says. Association President John Heisdorffer, an Iowa…

Renegade Gardener Talks Cool & Creative Containers at Home Show

Don Engebretson to Give Daily Presentations

DULUTH, Minn. – The Arrowhead Home and Builder Show starts up Wednesday, April 4 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, and this year there won’t be a lack of things to check out. This morning Renegade Gardener, Don Engebretson, stopped by FOX 21 to give a preview of his presentation. Engebretson has been featured on PBS, HGTV, and the DIY…

Polaris Fined $27M for Failing to Report Vehicle Problems

The Agency Contends Polaris had Received Reports of 150 Fires.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota-based Polaris Industries will pay a more than $27 million civil penalty to settle two 2016 late-reporting claims involving defective recreational vehicles. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Monday the settlement involves models of Polaris’ RZR and Ranger recreational off-road vehicles that contained defects. The Star Tribune reports the agency contends that Polaris knew some RZR 2013…

Report: Midwest Business Conditions Index Rose Again

Survey Organizers say a Score Above 50 Suggests Growth.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A report says a business conditions index for nine Midwest and Plains states has surged again – a sign of continued improvement in regional economic conditions. The report released Monday says the Mid-America Business Conditions Index hit 62.1 in March, compared with 59.7 in February. The January figure was 57.3. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees…

Annual Rummage Sale to Fill Heritage Sports Center

Coffee Conversation: 3rd Annual Arena Rummage Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – One man’s trash may become another man’s treasure this weekend. The 3rd Annual Arena Rummage Sale is taking place on Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heritage Sports Center. This is considered the largest indoor rummage sale in Northeastern Minnesota. For more information head to www.arenarummagesale.com. Categories: Business, Coffee Conversation, Community, Features,…

Thrift Store Opening at Former Duluth Video Vision

Store Owners Hope to Raise Money for Cancer Survivors

The doors will be re-opening at the former Video Vision store in West Duluth tomorrow morning as a pair of women officially kick off the start of a new business all centered on good deeds. Two women that have been working together in thrift stores for more than ten years are starting a thrift store of their own named “Soul…

Owner of Lemon Wolf Café Looking to Sell, Help Wanted

Susan Scheradella and Her Husband, Chef Rick, Opened Lemon Wolf Cafe in May of 2000

BEAVER BAY, Minn. – Help wanted signs are a common sight along Highway 61 year round. Many businesses along the North Shore thrive on tourism, yet the small rural communities are often lacking when it comes to finding help to keep the doors open. One restaurant owner in Beaver Bay is feeling the pain, especially after the passing of her…

Walmart Reportedly Eyes Deal With Insurer Humana

Walmart is in early talks with Humana.

(AP) – Walmart may be looking to dive deeper into the rapidly evolving health care market by acquiring the insurer Humana, according to The Wall Street Journal. The newspaper says the retail giant is in early talks with Humana, a major provider of Medicare Advantage coverage for people age 65 and older. Citing anonymous sources, the Journal says the companies…

Custom-fit Clubs Result in Better Golf Game

Active Adventures: Nevada Bob's Golf

DULUTH, Minn. – Although the Northland is seeing snow once again, Spring is here and warmer weather is on the horizon. This makes it the perfect time to prepare for golf season. Nevada Bob’s Golf is the only spot in the Northland that custom-fits club. Manager Dan Szymczak says getting a custom-fit club can dramatically help your golf game. Nevada…

New Studies Show Art Plays Large Impact on the Economy

Artists on the Iron Range are gathering to help further creativity.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Artists on the Iron Range are banning together tapping into their creativity as a community. Art comes in all forms from paintings to plays, but artists on the Iron Range are discussing how creatively effects the future of the economy.  “Every community; every town, every neighborhood has artists and that this is a wonderful under tapped asset,” Springboard for…