Business

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…

Medical Marijuana Company Hit by Product Shortage

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – One of Minnesota’s two medical marijuana manufacturers is temporarily scaling back its business amid a shortage of medicine. The shortage of medical marijuana at LeafLine Labs is causing problems for patients like Kellie Germann, who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Germann says she’ll have to go at least six days without medication that helps her…

The Hacienda Bar And Grill For Sale

VILLAGE OF SUPERIOR, Wis. – The popular Hacienda Bar and Grill in the Village of Superior is up for sale. But longtime owner Sandy Rivord tells FOX 21 she’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Rivord says she’s simply planning for her next chapter of retirement, as she’s in her middle 60s. Rivord says bars are typically up for sale for…

Moose Lake Cooperative to Close After 97 Years

The Co-op General Manager Says the Store is Closing Due to Rising Debt, Diminishing Revenue and a Unprofitable Fertilizer Season

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – After much thought, the Board of Directors tell FOX 21 with a diminishing source of revenue, an unprofitable fertilizer season and mounting debt, it’s time to say farewell after 97 years in the agriculture industry. Customers and employees now share a lack of words as they continue coming into the Moose Lake Cooperative. “We’ve had an…

KD’s Family Restaurant to Open New Location in Superior

New KD's Will Be on Tower Avenue and 17th Street at the Former Cenex Location

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is getting ready to welcome in a new family friendly restaurant that’s nothing new to the people of Solon Springs. It’s called KD’s Restaurant and it’s expanding on Tower Avenue in place of a shut down gas station. KD’s Family Restaurant has been a staple of Solon Springs since 1994 and now their…

Bentleyville Numbers Up, Donations Down

DULUTH, Minn. – High winds toppled over some displays in Bentlyville, but the warmer temperatures coming along with them have kept the place hoppin’! According to officials, 7,000 more people have come to see the lights than this time last year. However, organizers say what they aren’t seeing are donations. The attraction looks for visitors to bring food and toys…

City of Duluth Offering Free Downtown Parking

After the first free hour regular parking ramp rates will apply

DULUTH, Minn. – Going downtown and searching for a parking spot can be a hassle and sometimes expensive. The City of Duluth wants to make it convenient for you. During the holiday season you can park in the downtown ramps and the first hour won’t cost you a dime. “You have to enter and exit within that hour to take…

Arby’s to Buy Buffalo Wild Wings for $2.4B

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) – Arby’s said Tuesday that it is buying Buffalo Wild Wings for about $2.4 billion, making it the latest casual restaurant chain to be taken private. Buffalo Wild Wings, which serves chicken wings in a sports bar-like atmosphere, has reported falling sales as it and other casual restaurants lose customers to cheaper and faster chains. In…

Thousands Expected for Duluth Winter Village

Local Businesses to Sell Goods out of Wooden Cabins

DULUTH, Minn. – Last year, thousands of eager Northlanders descended upon Glensheen mansion to check out local businesses selling their goods in a new winter village. That experience is back this weekend. The Duluth Winter Village is being held December 2 and 3 at Glensheen Mansion. The village will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Local…

Duluth Businesses Are All In For Cyber Monday

Lots of shoppers have been using mobile devices to make online purchases

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s another day to shop until you drop, or in this case click your pick. That’s because it’s Cyber Monday. Duluth retailers tell us it’s one of their busiest days of the year when it comes to online traffic. You’ve survived Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, but you can’t forget about Cyber Monday. The businesses I spoke to…

Walker Signs Bill Loosening Requirements for Beauty Parlors

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker has signed into law a bill that makes it easier for cosmetologists licensed in other states to work in Wisconsin. The measure Walker signed Monday also eliminates continuing education requirements for cosmetologists, barbers, and manicurists. The new law eliminates the requirement that an applicant for a license in Wisconsin have 4,000 hours of…

Purchase Agreement in Place for Telemark Resort

Facility Would Open Back Up in 2019

CABLE, Wis.-HK Hospitality Management has announced a purchase agreement for the Telemark Resort, which they hope to have in place by the first of the year. Jim Kelley, founding partner for HK Hospitality, said the resort should be fully operational by the first quarter of 2019. Plans are in the works to reopen the downhill ski facilities,  while also enhancing…

Local Knitters to Distribute “Yarn Bomb” for Good Cause

Warm up the City Takes Place Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of knitters in Duluth is hoping to keep some folks warm this winter through their drive “Warm up the City.” Yarn Harbor is collecting hats, mittens, and scarves to distribute throughout the city this weekend. They’ll place the donations around town so people in need can pick them up. They’ll all have a tag reading…