Business

Duluth Pack Marks 135 Years in Business

Northland Uncovered: Duluth Pack

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is full of history and stories of how the area was developed. One local company got its start helping the men who built the area. Duluth Pack is the oldest canvas and leather pack and bag maker in the United States. The company is now marking a milestone by celebrating 135 years in Duluth. The…

Experts Warn Pets are More Than Presents

Experts warn Northlanders a lot of work and money goes into taking care of a pet.

DULUTH, Minn.- Seeing a puppy under a Christmas tree might be exciting but local veterinarians want to remind Northlanders, a pet is for life not just for Christmas. Experts told FOX21 gifting a pet as a surprise is not a responsible idea. The owner should be apart of the process by picking out a breed that fits their lifestyle. “What breed…

Twitter Suspends White Nationalists As It Enforces New Rules

NEW YORK (AP) — Twitter suspended the accounts of well-known white nationalists Monday, moving swiftly to enforce its new rules aimed at reducing what it deems abusive content. The account of far-right group Britain First, a small group that regularly posts inflammatory videos purporting to show Muslims engaged in acts of violence, was among the first to go dark. The…

Epic Restaurant and Lounge Announces It Will Close Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Epic Restaurant and Lounge announced they will be closing the restaurant on Saturday, Dec. 23. The announcement came on their Facebook page Monday. “Unfortunately, for both business and personal reasons we find that we need to close our doors to regular dining business on the close of business on Saturday evening, 12/23/17,” the Facebook post stated. Epic…

Last Days to Vote for Christmas Light Displays

Lighting Challenge Winners Announced Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – With one week until Christmas, snow on the ground, lights on homes and decorations in yards, it’s not hard to tell many Northlanders are in the holiday spirit. One tradition keeping that spirit thriving is the Christmas Lighting Challenge. The challenge is put on by A Sweet Event and this year more than 80 homes are involved….

Johnson’s Bakery Preparing for Holiday Rush

Johnson's Bakery Has Been a Part of the Northland for 72 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s an increase of busy bakeries in the Northland this time of year. One of those bakeries happens to be Johnson’s Bakery in West Duluth. For the past 72 years, Johnson’s has been a staple in many Northland homes. Owner Scott Johnson and his staff are busy every day mixing up and baking thousands of cookies and…

APEX Donates Winter Gear to Working Students

Northland students are receiving hands on experience out in wintry conditions.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-  Northland high school students are working on a construction project, but with the temperatures getting chillier a local group of business leaders are ensuring students have the necessities. Members of the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion donated winter gear to students in the construction technology program. The students are working in the Northland’s wintry conditions. The bibs, gloves and…

What is Net Neutrality and Why Does it Matter?

NEW YORK (AP) — “Net neutrality” regulations, designed to prevent internet service providers like Verizon, AT&T, Comcast and Charter from favoring some sites and apps over others, are on the chopping block. On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission plans to vote on a proposal that would not only undo the Obama-era rules that have been in place since 2015, but…

Disney Buying Large Part of 21st Century Fox in $52.4B Deal

TALI ARBEL - AP

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) — Disney is buying the Murdoch family’s Fox movie and television studios and some cable and international TV businesses for about $52.4 billion, as the home of Mickey Mouse tries to meet competition from technology companies in the entertainment business. Disney’s all-stock deal for 21st Century Fox gives it the studios behind Avatar, “The Simpsons” and…

Spirits High At Spirit Mountain With Strong Start To Winter

DULUTH, Minn. – The blast snow on Wednesday and continued cold air are a welcomed signs for Spirit Mountain after a few tough and mild winters. Executive Director Brandy Ream said the mountain’s winter operations are moving into its fifth weekend. She says that’s one of the earliest season openings and comes with an uptick in season passes. “We’re lining…

Northland Family Starts Tree Stand in West Duluth

Kimberly and Darren Powell Have Always Wanted to Start Emmanuel Evergreens, Now It's a Dream Come True

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re still looking for the perfect Christmas tree to bring home to your living room, one family in the Northland is looking to help. Kimberly and Darren Powell along with their children have chosen to start up a Christmas tree stand this year. Kimberly says she wants families to have the picture perfect experience when picking…

Dealing With Dementia During the Holidays

Experts told FOX 21 it's important for businesses and families to be aware and helpful.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Gathering with family during the holidays is exciting but can be hectic for those suffering with dementia. Experts told FOX 21 make sure your festive gathering is a safe space. Ensure that there is plenty of lighting and be supportive. “Being overwhelmed can cause them to have more issues, maybe being overwhelmed or frustrated when trying to remember…

Winners of Holiday Storefront Contest Announced

The winners of the 2017 Storefront Window and Lighting Display Contest have been announced.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders the wait is over, the winners of the festive competition for best store front decoration in downtown Duluth have been announced. Twenty four participated but Kitchee Gammi Design Company and Electric Fetus won most original. PS Rudie and Salon Capelli took the prize for most traditional storefront. The vote of the people went to Duluth Trading Company. “We…

T-Mobile to Launch TV Service Next Year

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) — T-Mobile is launching a TV service next year, becoming the latest company to marry wireless and video. The service will target people who aren’t interested in traditional cable and satellite TV packages. T-Mobile promises to address consumer complaints such as “sky-high bills” and “exploding bundles.” The company wouldn’t provide details on its upcoming offering, including…

Holiday Gift Ideas for Technology Lovers

Verizon Wireless Gift Guide

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas is just about two weeks away, so several people are out and about getting their Christmas shopping done. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to give gift ideas. Bamboo Stylus: Support navigating phone, tablet, iPad, etc. Global Payments Mobile Pay: Plugs into a phone to take credit cards on the go. Google…

Great Outdoors: Visit Cook County, Lutsen Mountains

Visit Cook County Executive Director Linda Jurek Explains Why Now is Such a Vital Time to Venture North

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Staff at Lutsen Mountains are busy preparing for a non-stop holiday season of fun right now. From maintenance on the mountains, to answering phones at Caribou Highlands Lodge and Resort, it’s all hands on deck before thousands ring in the new year. Officials with Caribou Highlands say Christmas and New Year’s is a popular time for…

Bellisio’s Wine Dinner Features Croatian Wines

"The Best of Bellisio's Featuring Korta Katarina Vineyards"

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend a popular event at Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant in Duluth is featuring Italian food and Croatian wine. The Best of Bellisio’s Featuring Korta Katarina Vineyards is Sunday, December 17 from 6-9 p.m. The Owners of Korta Katarina Vineyards, Penny and Lee Anderson, will be sharing their experiences in the wine industry. The dinner includes a four-course…

Bob’s Bike Drive Still Going Strong

Still Accepting Donations for Bike Drive

DULUTH, Minn.-Bob’s annual Bike Drive is winding down in the Northland, but they still need your help. The fundraiser gives bikes to needy kids around the holidays, but they still need about $3,000 to pay for the 400 hundred bikes and helmets they are handing out through the Salvation Army. No matter the case, the event speaks volumes about the…

Coffee Conversation: Zenith Bookstore Offers Icelandic Holiday Tradition

In This Week's Coffee Conversation, Zenith Bookstore Owner Angel Dobrow Chats About the Jolabokafloo, or "Yule Book Flood"

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Midwest Roasters Coffee Conversation, Angel Dobrow, Owner of Zenith Bookstore, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about their ongoing holiday event. The Icelandic tradition is traditionally called Jolabokafloo. The Zenith Bookstore in Duluth is bringing it to you by pairing books with chocolate. It’s a tradition done before the holidays and it’s…

Zenith Bookstore Bringing You An Icelandic Holiday Experience

Different authors will also stop by for book signings during this time

DULUTH, Minn. – You don’t have to travel thousands of miles to experience an Icelandic Christmas custom. The Zenith Bookstore in Duluth is bringing it to you by pairing books with chocolate. It’s a tradition done before the holidays and it’s also known as Yule Book Flood, where you gift books and the sweet treat. When you buy a book…

Eau Claire Lawsuit Could Impact Foxconn, Other Developments

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s solicitor general is warning a lawsuit challenging an economic development project in Eau Claire could “imperil” the $10 billion Foxconn complex in Racine County and other ventures in the state. The state wants in intervene in the lawsuit filed on behalf of some Eau Claire taxpayers who say the city abused…

Regulators Ask Enbridge to Tweak Pipeline Environment Review

A Vote on the Enbridge Line 3 Could Come in April

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Minnesota’s utility regulators have rejected a state environmental review of Enbridge’s controversial oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has determined the Environmental Impact Statement for Enbridge’s proposed Line 3 pipeline is inadequate, though its concerns weren’t major. The Star Tribune reports the commission has directed the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which conducted the…

Hucklebeary Pop-Up Offers Unique Goods, Services

Hucklebeary Founder Emily Ekstrom is Looking to Provide Northlanders with Unique Gifts and Services

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Downtown Council in Duluth is once again sponsoring three local business owners this holiday season, giving them a free space to set up a storefront from November through January. One of the shops known as Hucklebeary is located along Superior Street across from the Duluth Coffee Company. The store’s founder is a UMD alumnus and…

Mixing Up Holiday Cocktails with Vikre Distillery

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brett Scott stopped by Vikre Distillery located in Duluth’s Canal Park to test out a few holiday cocktails. Visitor Experience and Events Manager Chelsy Whittington poured two cocktails from the distillery’s taproom. The Orange Whip includes Ovrevann Aquavit, Bent Paddle Bent Hop Syrup as well as grapefruit, lemon and orange…

Superior Carnegie Library has Purchase Offer

Old Superior Library Could Be Purchased by North Carolina Architect

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The Carnegie Library has received a purchase offer from a North Carolina architect. The building has sat vacant since 1991, 90 years after it was first built. The building could be sold for $125,000. Bob Swanson, of the Friends of the Superior Carnegie Library, told Fox 21 the potential buyer first wants to do a study on what potential…

New Business to Open at Gander Mountain Spot in Hermantown

Not Known When New Store Will Open

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-Hiring signs are up at the old Gander Mountain site in Hermantown indicating they are about to open again. The store closed over the summer, but now it looks like its new owner in Camping World is trying to revive the store. Fox 21 reached out to the corporate headquarters of the new owner, but haven’t heard back yet…

Bent Paddle Relocating Taproom, as Brewery Continues to Expand

Expected to open in early 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company (BPBC) announced plans for a new taproom earlier this year, but details were not finalized. The brewery has officially announced relocation plans that will move their taproom into a historic space just across the street in early 2018. The taproom will shift to the next block to 1832 Michigan Street, a location formerly…

Superior City Council Adding UWS Cuts To Agenda

Cuts Of 25 Programs Have Students And Staff Unhappy

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Students at UWS angry over cuts to 25 academic programs at the university are now turning to the Superior City Council for support. About a dozen students, staff, and even residents showed up at Tuesday night’s council meeting dressed in red in solidarity with students being affected. The group says the cuts will affect the local economy…

Farmers Cook Up Their Harvest

Potluck To Raise Money For Local Farmers Association

DULUTH, Minn- The season for harvesting may be over for area farmers but that’s no reason for not enjoying the fruits of their labor. Tonight the Peace United Church of Christ hosted the Lake Superior Farmers Association for their annual pot luck fundraiser. Donated food from area farmers were whipped up for all to enjoy and to raise money to…

New Coffee Shop Coming to Superior

Empire Coffee Will Offer Coffee Brewhouse Atmosphere on Tower Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new coffee brewhouse is coming to Tower Avenue in Superior. Empire Coffee will give customers the chance to try different kinds of roasts from a variety of local roasters like Duluth Coffee Company and Big Water Coffee in Bayfield. The owners just got funding secured to build their shop in the historic Empire Block located at…

Holiday Book Sale Helps Fund Children’s Programming

The Holiday Book sale has festive reading material for everyone.

DULUTH, Minn.- Materials are donated to the Mount Royal Branch Library all year long. Workers sets aside all holiday products in preparation for their annual book sale. The holiday book sale is one of the largest fundraisers put on by Friends of the Library. Purchasing the festive books gives money to children’s programming put on at the Duluth Public Library….

Hartley Nature Center Reports on Solar Energy Storage Project

DULUTH, Minn. — Hartley Nature Center is powered for the future! Last August, the Nature Center installed a battery to store energy from its solar panels. Now more than a year after the battery’s installation, representatives from Hartley and its partners on the project talk about their results. They held an info session in the Nature Center earlier this morning….

Duluth Winter Village Organizers Already Looking at Next Year

DULUTH, Minn — Partially because of mild temperatures this past weekend, huge crowds flocked to Glensheen for the Duluth Winter Village. The event was a huge success, officially bringing 17,250 people to the city for food, drink, and all sorts of locally crafted items for sale. Forty local businesses set up shop on the festival grounds at the Glensheen Estate….

Shovels and Salt Flew Off The Shelves

Bracing For The Storm

LAKESIDE, Minn -Hardware stores are welcoming a winter storm of any kind to get that register making’ noise. The crew over at Hanks Hardware in the Lakeside neighborhood tell us they’ve seen an increase in salt sales. “Today they’ve been buying salt and grit. There’s a few snow shovels going out but it seems like the people that are prepared…

Inside Northland’s Beloved Bailey Builds Studio

The local shop Bailey Builds sells art made from reclaimed wood pieces.

DULUTH, Minn.-Northlanders may have spotted Bailey Builds, a business selling reclaimed wood art pieces at various events around Duluth. The creator Anna Bailey and her husband invited FOX 21 into their studio. Artist Anna Bailey creates pieces of art using reclaimed wood. “I can’t even tell you how rewarding this is honestly,” Bailey said. In the past Anna spent her…

Indoor Gun Range Opens in Northland

The business offers classes, certificates, and sells firearms.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The only indoor gun range in the Northland is now open for business. The Dead on Arms Shooting Range is located in Proctor. The business offers classes in a safe environment and other services. The new space is convenient for everyone. On–goers can rent out the wide supply of fire arms to practice with at the range. Gun…

Essentia Health Pharmacies Accepting Unwanted Medications

Anyone can safely and anonymously drop off at all pharmacy locations

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is looking to keep unused or expired medications out of the wrong hands, as well as out of landfills and waters. Essentia announced Monday that anyone looking to get rid of prescription and over-the-counter drugs can do so anonymously at any Essentia Health retail pharmacy. Pharmacies are now equipped with bright blue drop-off boxes. Certain…

Families Shop at Christmas Market in Superior

Eighth Annual Event Features Local Vendors

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Families shopped local for the holidays at the Christmas Market in Superior this weekend. The eighth annual event is in the community gardens at the corner of Hammond and Broadway. People can buy everything from arts and crafts to pet grooming supplies. The event organizer says she missed the Christmas markets in her native Germany, so she…

Get It Local Fair a Chance to Shop Small

Annual Gift Fair Had More Than 35 Twin Ports Vendors

DULUTH, Minn. – Families had another chance to shop small this holiday season at the Get It Local Fair in Duluth. The fair had more than thirty-five vendors selling locally made gifts and artwork. About three hundred people filtered through the Peace United Church of Christ finding hand made crafts and meeting the artists. “It’s such an opportunity this time…

Winter Village Encourages Shopping Small

Nearly 40 of Duluth's local vendors will sell special Holiday crafts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Coming up this weekend, locals can experience a special taste of the holidays during the Northland’s second Winter Village. The celebration is on the grounds of the Glensheen Mansion on Dec. 1st to Dec. 2nd. The event brings together Duluth’s small shops. More than 40 vendors will be showing off their crafts. It’s the second time the Lake Superior…

Local Agreement with Foxconn Signed Friday

MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. (AP) – Foxconn Technology Group executives and officials from Racine County and Mount Pleasant are signing a local development agreement that seals the deal on the company’s $10 billion manufacturing complex. The county and village boards approved the development agreement earlier this week. It outlines the responsibilities for the parties involved and includes guarantees and protections for…

Christmas Tree Sales Booming

Families Using the Nice Weather to Buy Trees

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas tree sales are booming at the Duluth Farmers Market. Family owned Hoffbauer Farms say tree sales are on par with last year. They say when the weather is nice, a lot more families come in. Most get traditional Balsam or Douglas Fir trees, but some designer trees are popular this year too. “Right behind me we…

New Sushi Spot Coming To Superior

Oneill's Pub & Liquor had been in business for about 10 years

SUPERIOR, Wis. – New flavors are coming to Soup Town in the form of a wasabi sushi restaurant. It’ll be located at the former site of  Oneill’s Pub & Liquor on Tower Avenue. The popular spot was known for being Superior’s only drive thru liquor store. It closed down in Jan. and had been vacant ever since. “Tower Avenue is a busy location there’s…