Business

“The Harbinger” Movie to Be Shot in Chisholm

$2 Million Film to Bring More Than 100 Jobs to the Iron Range

CHISHOLM, Minn. – “I found out that Chisholm Minnesota in the movie Field of Dreams was actually shot in Illinois,” said Director/Writer Will Klipstine. “I was like even that wasn’t shot in Chisholm, we’ve got to change that.” A movie is being made on the Iron Range. “The Harbinger” will start shooting next month at Ironbound Studios in the basement of…

Minnesota’s Exports up Eight Percent From 2016

Top Export in Minnesota was Medical Equipment

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development announced the state exported $21 billion worth of products last year, which is an eight percent jump from 2016. “Exports continue to be a vital part of our state’s economy, supporting nearly 118,000 jobs in Minnesota,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “After suffering export losses in 2016, Minnesota companies have bounced…

String Quartet to Perform in Duluth Breweries

Beerthoven: On Tour

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth is known for its great craft beer industry, and also for the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Now, the two are joining forces. The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is going on tour with Beerthoven to five different breweries. The Highland String Quartet will be performing at Hoops Brewing from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. This is free to…

Toppers Pizza to Open in Duluth Mid-April

DULUTH, Minn. – A new spot to pick up a pizza will soon be open in Duluth. Two Duluth natives, Jordan DeCaro and Jon Matko, are opening a Wisconsin-based Toppers Pizza location. General Manager Justin Lyons, also a Duluth native, visited FOX 21 and tells us Toppers pizza stands out because their pizzas are all made with fresh ingredients. Toppers…

Art From the Earth; Yarrow Mead Metals

Yarrow Mead is a Northland Native, Now Working as a Metalsmith in the Armory Arts and Music Center Along London Road

DULUTH, Minn. – They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but for one Northland native, diamonds don’t do a thing. The Armory Arts and Music Center in Duluth is now home base for a new metal-smith. “There are so many amazing rocks here. Right across the border there’s like huge amethyst mines,” said Yarrow Mead, creator of Yarrow Mead…

NorShore Clothing Co. Highlights Northern Minnesota

Two Harbors Company Launched Last September

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – NorShore Clothing Company, a new Two Harbors-based business, is selling products unique to the Northland. The company’s logo features an outline of Lake Superior underneath a treeline silhouette. Hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts are available now.  More products will be sold soon that highlight other local landmarks. “The Lift Bridge is going to be eventually incorporated in…

Economic Outlook for Northland to be Discussed at Annual Forum

Coffee Conversation: REIF Breakfast

DULUTH, Minn. -Next month Northlanders will have the chance to learn about the area’s economic outlook. The National Bank of Commerce is hosting the annual REIF Breakfast on Tuesday, April 3. The Regional Economic Indicators Forum gives local business owners an opportunity to network and receive information on current business trends. Students from local colleges, The University of Minnesota –…

Coffee Cupping Will Have You View Coffee In A New Way

Duluth Coffee Company has open cupping sessions Thursdays at 3 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – How do you prefer your coffee? Maybe you’ve never thought too much about the brewing, roasting or origin of coffee. Well Duluth Coffee Company lets you go beyond what’s in your cup and experience coffee in a new way. You won’t look at coffee the same way after you’ve done coffee cupping for the first time. It’s…

Diamond Factory Gets New Life

Diamond Factory Shutdown in Late July

CLOQUET, Minn.-In late July, the Cloquet community was dealt a huge blow when a manufacturer of Diamond brand products shutdown. The factory had been there since 1904 and had built up a solid workforce of nearly 90 employees. Now the factory has a new owner which brings with it some new life. City leadership say it’s a good sign that…

Hucklebeary Celebrates Grand Re-Opening, International Women’s Day

Hucklebeary Originated as a Pop-Up Shop in Downtown Duluth Over the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn – Thursday, March 8 is International Women’s Day! The day is aimed at recognizing the cultural, political, social and economic achievements of women around the world. The initiative also sheds light on gender parity and closing the pay gap. The world economic forum estimates that global gender equality won’t be achieved until 2133. Thursday morning on FOX 21…

Northern Lights Express Passes Environmental Review

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northern Lights Express high-speed rail line from Duluth to Minneapolis has cleared its environmental review. The federal review states the project will not have significant environmental impacts, according the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The project can now steam ahead to get funding for final design and construction. When completed, the passenger train will travel 90 miles…

20-year-old Sues Dick’s, Walmart Over new gun Policies

A 20-year-old man is suing both retailers alleging age discrimination.

(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A 20-year-old man from Oregon has filed lawsuits against Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart, alleging the two retailers discriminated against him when they refused to sell him a rifle because of his age. Dick’s and Walmart restricted gun sales to people 21 and older in the wake of the Florida high school…

Find the Perfect Summer Camp through Annual Extravaganza

3rd Annual Summer Camp Extravaganza

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re at the tail end of winter and people of all ages are eager to get back outdoors to enjoy everything the Northland has to offer. Luckily. the Miller Hill Mall is stepping in to help. The 3rd Annual Summer Camp Extravaganza is taking place on Saturday, March 10 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event…

Bent Paddle Brewing Teams Up with Northwoods Women in Science

Five percent of sales from the Session Barleywine beer will go toward the non-profit.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company has announced their latest partnership.  Five percent of the sales from their current Valve Jockey beer, “Session” Barleywine, will benefit  Northwoods Women in Science. The Valve Jockey Brewer’s Series celebrates the brewers’ creativity by giving them a platform to create a new brew. Beyond creating a recipe, they also showcase their passions and interests by…

Target Raises Starting pay for Second Time in Less Than a Year

Plans to offer $15 an hour by 2020.

(Photo: Gene J. Puskar / AP, file)NEW YORK (AP) – Target is raising its minimum starting pay for workers for the second time in less than a year after seeing a bigger and better pool of candidates. Target, which hiked starting pay to $11 an hour last fall, said all workers this spring will receive a minimum of $12 per…

AICHO Works to Rebuild Rooftop Garden

Leadership Duluth Asks Community to Sponsor AICHO Garden Beds

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Indian Community Housing Organization is growing its rooftop garden and is seeking donors. The garden was removed last year as roof work was completed. Now, as AICHO looks to move it back, it’s also expanding. AICHO is focused on helping Native women with social issues impacting them such as domestic violence, housing, advocacy and cultural…

Duluth Antique Marketplace Attracting Dozens of Vendors

Duluth Antique Marketplace is Located at 5705 Grand Avenue in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been known for years, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. With the popularity of shabby chic and repurposing these days one local business owner in Duluth is inviting everyone to experience the new age of antiquing. “We don’t have a lot of retail in West Duluth anymore,” said dealer Jeanne Koneczny. With customers coming in,…

City of Superior hosts listening session with business community

Local business leaders took part in a discussion about ways to improve the city's economy

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The City of Superior held another in a series of listening sessions on Monday.  The city has been hosting listening sessions with different demographic groups to get a feel for what the community likes about Superior, as well as address areas in which the city could improve. ” is already a great place to work, play and live,”…

T & M Athletics to Close After 39 Years

Sporting Goods Store Has Been a Staple of the Willow River Community

WILLOW RIVER, Minn. – T & M Athletics is going out of business after thirty-nine years. The family owned store has been a staple of the Willow River Community since 1979 but on April 21st will close its doors for good. “Very happy that it’s coming to an end but I guess sad in a way that it is,” said…

Thousands Expected at 10th Annual Duluth Women’s Expo

The Annual Expo is This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – The 10th Annual Duluth Women’s Expo is taking place this weekend and this year it’s expected to be even bigger and better than ever before. On Saturday, March 3 thousands of women will fill the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center to attend the event. Featuring more than 100 exhibitors, attendees can find anything relating to security and self-defense,…

Sen. Tom Bakk Invites Delta Air Lines to Minnesota Amid Gun Debate

Bakk to Delta Air Lines: You can always come home

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Senate DFL Caucus Leader Tom Bakk is encouraging Delta Air Lines to move its corporate headquarters to Minnesota.  Delta absorbed Minnesota grown airline Northwest in 2008 and consolidated operations in Atlanta, Georgia.  This invitation comes on the heals of a threat Georgia lawmakers made to Delta to vote down a $50 million sales tax exemption…

Annual Job and Internship Fair Offers Opportunities to Northland Community

Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’re eager to find a job or interested in learning more about a new career path, The University of Wisconsin-Superior can help you do so this week.   The Head of the Lakes Job and Internship Fair is being held Thursday, March 1 at the Yellowjacket Union on UW-Superior’s campus. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m….

Drone Photographs of FOX 21 Photojournalist to be Featured at Vanilla Bean

Coffee Conversation: Drone Art Gallery

DULUTH, Minn. -The Northland provides the beautiful landscape for any artist to portray. A local photographer is showing the sites through drone work. Adam Jagunich will be presenting a drone photo gallery at The Vanilla Bean – Two Harbors through March. An art opening is being held Thursday, March 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Adam will be at the…

Local Farmers and Producers Celebrate CSA Programs Friday

National CSA Day Connects Farmers and Community

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Community-supported agriculture is something many Northlanders take part in. Friday, February 23 is National CSA Day. This morning, Lake Superior CSA Manager Evan Flom and farmer Chris Duke visited FOX 21 to talk about the importance of CSAs and this national day. This day gives farmers and food producers an opportunity to connect the local community with…

Minnesota Power Rate Increase Approaching

MN Power Says Increase Not Because of New Power Plant

DULUTH, Minn. – A new natural gas power plant is coming to Superior. According to a statewide group, most Minnesota Power customers oppose the new plant because of its cost. But Minnesota Power officials tell us their proposed rate increase is not because of the plant. The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota surveyed more than five-hundred Minnesota Power Customers. They…

Some Local Businesses Welcome the Snow

Snow Removal Companies and Food Delivery Drivers Count on Winter Precipitation

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A lot of snow fell on the No rthland over the past few days, and people are still digging an plowing their way out. A lot of snow removal companies love seeing snow, but they’d prefer if it didn’t fall all at once. Core Landscaping and AA Roll-off in Superior has had workers out all day and…

3M Co. to Pay $850 million to Minnesota to Settle Case Over Chemical Disposal

Money Will be Used to Address Problems Chemicals Created

MINNEAPOLIS-3M Co. has agreed to pay the state of Minnesota $850 million to settle a case alleging the manufacturer damaged the state’s natural resources and contaminated groundwater by disposing chemicals over decades. Attorney General Lori Swanson announced the settlement Tuesday, a few hours after jury selection was halted on the day the trial was scheduled to begin. Minnesota was seeking…

County Timber Auction Raises Nearly $1.3 Million

It Was the First Timber Auction of the Year

DULUTH, Minn.-The St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department held its first timber auction of the year raising nearly $1.3 million. They sold 18 timber contracts to small and mid-sized logging companies, along with larger mills. They now have the right to harvest, remove. and sell trees from within the designated boundaries of their contract. These contracts are generally good…

Superior Choice Credit Union Merges With Dairyland State Bank

Institutions Will Have $480 Million Combined in Assets

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Superior Choice Credit Union and Dairyland State Bank have announced a merger agreement has been finalized between the two financial institutions. Pending regulatory approval, the acquisition will create a combined financial institution that will have more than $480 million in assets. Closing is expected to occur in the third or fourth quarter of 2018. The two will operate under…

Local Businesses Preparing for Minnesota’s B20 Mandate

All Diesel Sold in Minnesota Must Contain Twenty Percent Bio-Diesel by May 1, 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting on May 1st, all diesel sold in Minnesota will have to contain at least twenty percent bio-diesel. Right now, all diesel must be ten percent bio-diesel in the summer and five percent the rest of the year. State officials were in Duluth Wednesday preparing business leaders to comply with the upcoming “B20” mandate. “People are always…

Workforce Solutions Series Helps Businesses Recruit and Retain Workers

Tuesday's Session Was the First of Three in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses learned all about how to find new employees and keep current ones at a session held in Duluth. Tuesday’s event was the first in the City of Duluth’s Workforce Development Series. Speakers gave business leaders tips and strategies about how to better motivate and retain workers in today’s economy. “The intention is to give the…

Valentine’s Day Gift Option: Tech Gadets

DULUTH, Minn. – Valentine’s Day is just a day away, so if you’re still searching for a gift you’re in luck. Tayler Miller, a Solutions Specialist for Verizon Wireless, says some technology gifts are a great option. Google Home Mini: $49.99 Google Chromecast Ultra: $69.99 Case-Mate Phone Accessories: $79.99 Fitbit Ionic: $269.99 Verizon Wireless is located at 2112 Maple Grove…

New Coffee Shop Offers “Common Ground” in Cloquet

Common Ground Coffee Bar and Deli Invites People of all Ages, Race and Ethicity to Gather for Friendship, Games, Entertainment

CLOQUET, Minn. – When it comes to getting a cup of coffee we’re often in a rush, heading through the drive thru looking to grab and go. However, creators of a new coffee shop and deli in the City of Cloquet are looking to bring people together, creating common ground. “I think as a culture we’ve kind of gotten away…

Martha’s Daughter Restaurant Opening This Week

Restaurant Is on East Superior Street at the Former Coney Island Location

DULUTH, Minn. – A new restaurant is about to officially open in Downtown Duluth inside the longtime former home of Coney Island. Nyanyika Banda, the owner of Martha’s Daughter, describes her restaurant as “New American Seasonal” and “Farm to Table.” On Monday, she gave us a look inside her new business on East Superior Street. The menu will feature many…

Lakeside Bakery Closing

Will be Open Through Easter at Least

DULUTH, Minn.-The Lakeside Bakery in the east end of Duluth has announced it will be closing. Owner Scott Johnson tells us his heavy work schedule is to blame for the closing, running two locations, seven days a week. “It’s more of a fact of survival for myself and we’re plenty busy all the way around,” Johnson said. “So we don’t have…

MN Psychological Association Takes Nominations for Healthy Workplace Awards

MN Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Psychological Association’s Annual Psychologically Healthy Workplace Awards competition is now taking nominations and applications. Nominations for the awards program are open through Feb. 16. The awards program recognizes organizations that make a commitment to programs and policies that foster employee health and well-being while enhancing organizational performance and productivity. To enter, all companies need to…

Duluth Flower Farm Offers Valentine’s Day Arrangements

Duluth Flower Farm Takes on Valentine's Day for the First Time

DULUTH, Minn. – Valentine’s Day is just two days away and if you haven’t purchased a gift for your sweetheart yet, you’re in luck. Duluth Flower Farm is providing Valentine’s Day flowers for the first time. The program is featuring Minnesota-grown flowers. The Duluth Flower Farm is offering eight arrangements to choose from and is providing free delivery. To purchase…

Vanilla Bean Opens New Restaurant in Duluth

Restaurant Located at 1608 Woodland Ave.

DULUTH, Minn.-Vanilla Bean has opened a new spot in Duluth. The mainstay in Two Harbors has been around for about 20 years, and the new owners thought now is a good time for an expansion. One of the big changes for the restaurant will be having a dinner menu running all year long, rather than having a seasonal one like…

Superior Ice Cream Maker Expanding

Love Creamery Will be Opening Storefront in Lincoln Park This Summer

SUPERIOR, Wis.-You will soon have a new spot to get your sweet tooth fix. This summer Love Creamery in the Superior incubator, will be opening a brick and mortar shop in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Duluth. Owner Nicole Wilde said she is excited about this new venture which will allow her to offer even more ice cream. She said…

Dow Plunges 1,000 as Market Swoons Again

Dow is 10 Percent Below Record High From Two Weeks Ago

NEW YORK-The Dow Jones industrial average plunged more than 1,000 points as a week-long market swoon continued. The Dow is 10 percent below the record high it set just two weeks ago, putting it in what is known on Wall Street as a “correction.” The Standard & Poor’s 500, the benchmark for many index funds, is also 10 percent below…

Local Business Owners to Brainstorm Solutions to Workforce Gap

NE MN Workforce Solutions Series

DULUTH, Minn. – Next week local leaders and business owners will be coming together to find a solution to the looming workforce gap. This is part of the “NE MN Workforce Solutions Series” event. The workforce gap is currently developing as baby boomers retire and the population in the Northeast region stays stagnant. According to Ian Vincent with Northforce, it…

Gander Outdoors Opens in Hermantown

Store Opened Today

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-Gander Outdoors has opened in Hermantown. According to a Facebook post from the store, they will have a grand opening celebration beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Kids can paint a lure from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and build a duck call from 1-3 p.m. that day. The store closed over the summer due to bankruptcy, but a new…

Corktown Deli and Brews coming to Lincoln Park Craft Dist.

Business owner also owns Duluth Grill, OMS Smokehouse

DULUTH, Minn. – The businessman behind the Duluth Grill and OMC Smokehouse is getting ready to open up another restaurant in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The business is called Corktown Deli and Brews and will be located at 1906 West Superior Street, which is right across the street from OMC. Owner Tom Hanson describes the restaurant as a fast-casual dining experience…

Twin Ports Project Recycles Hotel Amenities For Those In Need

La Quinta Inn & Suites Duluth and has partnered with Safe Haven Shelter and Union Gospel Mission.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new project in the Twin Ports turning one person’s trash into another person’s treasure. Eleven area hotels are collecting gently used linens, pillows and bottles of shampoo and conditioner. They’ll donate these items to local agencies instead of just tossing them out. It’s called the Heart of Hospitality Project and the woman who started the effort…

Best Buy Ending CD Sales in All Stores

Some Record Stores Selling More Vinyl Albums Than CDs

DULUTH, Minn. – Best Buy is saying goodbye to the sale of compact discs at its stores come July. This comes as music CD sales are down 18.5% compared to last year. While Best Buy is passing on CDs, you can still buy them at some local record stores like Electric Fetus in Duluth. The staff there tell us they…

Dow Falls By Record Number, Bounces Back

Experts Say No Reason to Panic After Market Correction

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by more points than any day in history, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to panic. Though the Dow fell by more than a thousand points, it was only four and a half percent of the market. Financial experts tell us yesterday’s plunge was a normal correction of the market,…

SpaceX Launches The Falcon Heavy with Sports Car on Top

“They nailed it. Good for them.” - former NASA deputy administrator Dava Newman

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX’s big new rocket blasted off Tuesday on its first test flight, carrying a red sports car aiming for an endless road trip past Mars. The Falcon Heavy rose from the same launch pad used by NASA nearly 50 years ago to send men to the moon. With liftoff, the Heavy became the most powerful…

Dow Jones Down 1,100 as of 2 p.m.

Dow Drops 666 Points Friday

UPDATE: The Dow Jones industrial average plunged as much as 1,500 points, erasing its gain for the year, as the market extends a slump that began Friday. The Dow’s point loss would be its biggest of all time, though in percentage terms, its 5.6 percent decline wasn’t as big as its worst drop during the financial crisis. The slide Monday…

Bent Paddle Brewing Company Releases New Symphony-Inspired Beer

DSSO Music Director Dirk Meyer also helped brew the beer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company released a brand new beer. The brewery collaborated with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO). They created the DüsselDirk  named after Dirk Meyer, the music director at the (DSSO). The special brew took a little over a month to make. “This is the first time it’s been on and we’ll also be at…