Business

Family of Candy Makers Makes Sweet Treats at the Depot

The Grambsch Family Does Candy Demonstrations At the Depot Every Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The the Grambsch Family’s candy store was open once again for the holiday season. They were at the Depot today making five batches of sweet treats such as candy canes and peppermint rainbows. The candy is all handmade and it’s a family custom that was started by Grandpa Grambsch and has carried on. The candy making has also…

Shoppers Hit the Twin Ports Shops For Small Business Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Kathryn Senn of Art On the Planet says she wishes Small Business Saturday was a trend every Saturday. “It’s been just wonderful,” said Senn. “We’ve seen a lot of new customers. We’ve seen a lot of returning customers.” Held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving Small Business Saturday is about spending big and shopping small. “Small…

Stores Want Your Support On Small Business Saturday

Some Business Owners Call It the Busiest Day of the Year For Them

DULUTH, Minn. – Cities across the nation are preparing for a busy day Nov. 25. supporting local business owners for Small Business Saturday. FOX21 checked in with DLH Clothing, in Downtown Duluth, known for t-shirts honoring the city and the Northland. For Small Business Saturday they’ll have specials, treats and try to bring customers some Christmas Joy. DLH says this…

Duluth Shoppers Flock to the Stores Ahead of Black Friday

Several Shoppers Lined Up Hours Before the Stores Opened

DULUTH, Minn. -Black Friday technically starts at midnight! But many stories got the madness going earlier this evening. Fox 21’s Haydee Clotter talked to some of the die–hard shoppers in Duluth. Every year it’s the same tradition for some. Spend time with family, eat turkey and then head to the store to see how you can save on Black Friday deals. The prices rollback for laptops, cell phones and…

Get Ready to Shop Small For Small Business Saturday

Art in the Alley, Duluth Pack, Electric Fetus Are a Few of the Businesses Participating In Small Business Saturday Open Houses.

DULUTH, Minn. – A handful of small businesses were at the newly opened American Indian Community Housing Organization Gift Shop to help the local economy and promote diversity by shopping small. It’s been a national trend for years, but it’s only been a tradition in Duluth for six years. Small Business Saturday is about investing in your own neighborhood and making…

Homemade Pie’s Up For Auction At Local Church

People Had The Chance To Get That After Turkey Desert

DULUTH, Minn- After you get all fattened up with the Thanksgiving fixings and then you realize you still have to find a way to fit in dessert. What better way to do that than to buy a nice homemade pie. Wednesday, Duluth Gospel Tabernacle auctioned off many different pies including the pastor’s famous cheesecake. “People in our entire church make…

Hermantown Sammy’s Pizza Closes

The pizza place loses its lease as the Lakehead Oil's gas station closes

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – After 26 years in Hermantown, the Sammy’s Pizza at the BP gas station on Miller Trunk Highway is closed. Lakehead Oil’s gas station, that housed the pizza place, has closed, which means that the Sammy’s Pizza there had lost its lease and was also forced to close up shop. Sammy’s manager Pat Daly said it’s the people…

Kwik Trip Plans $300 Million Capital Investment

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) – Kwik Trip is planning to make a $300 million capital investment to support its convenience store chain. Plans by the La Crosse-based retailer include a $113 million bakery plant, expanding its dairy manufacturing facility, kitchen operations, and transportation fleet. The investment is expected to create more than 300 jobs in the La Crosse area over…

Local Businesses Offer Deals for Small Business Saturday

Shopping Small to Support Northland Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. – Later this week many shoppers will be heading out in the early hours of Friday morning to find an unbelievable deal, but some Duluthians are asking you to wait until the weekend. That’s because Small Business Saturday is Saturday, November 25. Many local shops will be hosting open houses and offering special promotions, demonstrations, and workshops. For…

Part 2: Carlson Writing Book, Hopes Trump Will Pardon Him

After more than four years in prison, former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson speaks to FOX 21 in his first television interview.

DULUTH, Minn. – In part two of a special report, former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson speaks out from prison for the first time since being sentenced for selling synthetic drugs in his heads shop in downtown Duluth. As FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reporter, Carlson claims his innocence, points the finger at the government and says he’s got…

Boys and Girls Club Hosts Feast Of Thanks

Giving Kids A Good Meal During Thanksgiving Week

DULUTH, Minn-Staff members of the Boys and Girls Club will have served over two hundred meals. Every year during the week leading up to Thanksgiving, the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland hosts their annual dinner, Feast of Thanks. The meal gives girls and boys involved with the club the opportunity for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This dinner is…

Earth Rider Beers Available Now

Superior's First Distribution Brewer Since the 1960s Celebrates Launch

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The beers are ready at Superior’s first distribution brewery since the 1960s. Earth Rider Brewery has five beers available now: The Apple Crush Tart, the North Tower Stout, a pale ale, an IPA, and the Earth Rider Lager. They’re celebrating their launch with all five beers on tap at the Cedar Lounge in Superior. “We really want…

Northlanders Stocking Up on Holiday Wreaths

Duluth Flower Farm Is Supplying Retailers With Wreaths

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northlanders are stocking up on their holiday decorations, including Christmas trees and wreaths. Duluth Flower Farm has been filling orders all over the country from retailers looking for wreaths. They say hanging a wreath is a great way to say you’re ready for the holidays. “Wreath is a signal of hope and I think the smell is…

Uber Reveals Cover-Up of Hack Affecting 57M Riders, Drivers

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Uber is coming clean about its cover-up of a year-old hacking attack that stole personal information about more than 57 million of the beleaguered ride-hailing service’s customers and drivers. The revelation Tuesday marks the latest stain on Uber’s reputation. The San Francisco company ousted Travis Kalanick as CEO in June after an internal investigation concluded he…

Duluth Winter Village Returns to Glensheen

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Winter Village is returning to the grounds of Glensheen Mansion for its second year. The outdoor winter market is designed to promote small businesses and artists in the Duluth area and is aiming to become a new tradition in the Northland. The Duluth Winter Village is a two-day event featuring wooden cabins where local businesses…

DTA to Offer Free Shuttle to DECC on Thanksgiving

Sponsored by the National Bank of Commerce

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority has announced that it is once against partnering up with the College of St. Scholastica to offer passenger free rides to the annual Thanksgiving buffet at the DECC. For 28 years, the DTA has offered free holiday service on Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving Holiday Service will feature two special shuttle buses; “Turkey Bus 1”…

At Least 50 Employees Fired From Essentia For Not Getting Flu Shot

99.5 Percent of Employees Got Flu Shot

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth based Essentia Health has fired nearly 50 workers w ho did not get a shot and now union leaders are fighting back. When asked what the next steps for these 50 some fired workers are? An Essentia Health representative said the now former employees have no next step with the company. Also stating this is only…

FCC Chairman Sets Out to Repeal ‘Net Neutrality’ Rules

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai is following through on his pledge to repeal 2015 regulations designed to ensure that internet service providers treat all online content and apps equally. The concept, known as net neutrality, imposed utility-style regulation on ISPs such as Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon to prevent them from favoring their own digital services over…

How Sweet It Is Back Open for Business

Two local businesses team up to keep staple eats in the Twin Ports available

DULUTH, Minn.- A popular sweets shop that was forced to close last month after 20 years of business has officially made an unexpected comeback. How Sweet It Is Cakes has re–opened a revised business model inside the Duluth Grill in Lincoln Park. The owner of How Sweet It Is closed in October because of declining sales, after moving into the Holiday…

Packed Council Chambers Discusses Paid Sick And Safe Time

Task Force Gives Two Recommendations To City Council

DULUTH, Minn- The Earned Sick and Safe Time Task Force recommended the Duluth City Council adopt an ordinance that would provide two alternatives for businesses to give paid time off to workers who don’t currently get any. In a survey conducted by the task force, data shows that 46% of workers within the Duluth currently aren’t getting any sick and…

Justice Dept. Sues to Stop AT&T’s $85B Time Warner Deal

NEW YORK (AP) – The Justice Department is suing AT&T to stop its $85 billion purchase of Time Warner, setting the stage for an epic legal battle with the telecom giant. The government claims that consume cable bills will rise if the merger goes through, saying the deal would “substantially lessen competition, resulting in higher prices and less innovation for…

Technology Tips to Help with Holiday Travels

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders will be taking to the skies and the roads to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to give tips for keeping the home and vehicle safe during these trips. Some technology that can be picked up at Verizon Wireless includes: Arlo Cam: Protect your home…

Local Farmers Prepare for Holiday Decor Sales

DULUTH, Minn. – With Thanksgiving just next week, many Northlanders are close to purchasing their fresh Christmas tree. Derek Hoffbauer, Owner of the Duluth Flower Farm, says they have been busy preparing for the holiday season. Already they’ve received several orders online for wreaths, garland and more. Their products can be picked up in person at Dan’s Feed Bin in…

City of Duluth hosts open house to discuss Superior Street reconstruction

The Superior Street reconstruction project is set to begin in early 2018

DULUTH, Minn. -Plans for the major Superior Street reconstruction project in the Duluth is one step closer to being finalized. The city held an open house on Thursday for the public to see the plans for the downtown project. Residents, Superior Street business owners were on hand to share their input about the upcoming transformation. “This is the transition from…

Lincoln Park Business Business Group hosts annual Turkey Bingo

It was the 69th annual Turkey Bingo

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park community came together a the VFW for the annual Turkey Bingo. It was the 69th year for the Turkey Bingo. The event is put on by the Lincoln Park Business Group as a way to bring people together, share some laughs, and hear about all the ways Lincoln Park is growing. “We got some…

Johnson’s Bakery Prepares for Busy Holiday Season

Manager Megan Spitzley says Orders Should be Placed This Week or Early Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders looking for fresh bakery items are being advised by Johnson’s Bakery in Duluth to pre-order bakery items now before the big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Megan Spitzley, Manager Johnson’s Lakeside Bakery, stopped by FOX 21 Local News at 7 Thursday morning to chat about how busy the business gets once the holidays arrive. Spitzley says Wednesday before Thanksgiving is…

Consumer Safety Group Unveils Its ‘Worst Toys’ List

(AP) BOSTON (AP) – Fidget spinners, a plastic Wonder Woman battle sword and a remote-controlled Spider-Man drone are among the toys topping a consumer safety group’s annual list of worst toys for the holiday. World Against Toys Causing Harm, or WATCH, unveiled the top 10 list Tuesday at a Boston children’s hospital. The nonprofit organization has been releasing the lists…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Hemlocks Leatherworks

DULUTH, Minn. – A business in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District makes custom built shoes and other leather goods for people across the Northland. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we take you to Hemlocks Leatherworks. Candace Lacosse apprenticed with shoemakers, learning how to craft her own creations. “I love working with leather,” said Lacosse. “It’s very tactile and it’s…

Newer, bigger coffee roaster arrives at Duluth Coffee Company

Duluth Coffee Company's new roaster will substantially increase output

DULUTH, Minn. –  It was an exciting day for Duluth Coffee Company on Monday. A custom built coffee roaster arrived at the Duluth Coffee Company’s new second location on Superior Street. Owner Eric Faust said the big new roaster is in response to the community embracing the local coffee company, and this new addition is going to expand their reach…

New Escape Room Coming to Zero Hour

Enchanted Forest: A Fairytale Adventure Expected to Open in December

DULUTH, Minn. – A brand new escape room experience is coming to Zero Hour Escape Rooms. Enchanted Forest: A Fairytale Adventure is the new family friendly game. Players will figure out how to lift a curse on a forest using clues and puzzles and their knowledge of classic fairytales. Zero Hour will still offer their other escape rooms; Prison Break,…

Wizard of Oz Auditions Bringing Play To Life

It's Been 20 Years Since Duluth Playhouse Has Done The Play

DULUTH, Minn- The cast is beginning to come together for one of the most renounced plays to hit the stage, the Wizard of Oz! For the first time in 20 years the Duluth Playhouse is hosting auditions for the play. Kids ranging from 10 to 18 came out to show their talents to the casting director. After auditions wrap up…

Wisconsin Muskies Bring Hockey Back to Spooner

Junior League Team Playing Inaugural Season in Front of Thousands of Fans

SPOONER, Wis. – A new junior hockey team is playing their first season on the ice in Spooner, and the Wisconsin Muskies have proven that hockey means a lot to Northern Wisconsin. After four long years without a team or an arena, hockey is back in Spooner, Wisconsin. It was once a hockey town with a youth program and a…

Local Craft Festival Gives Back to Northland

The Festival of Trees gives Northland shoppers an opportunity to donate.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The Festival of Trees offers something for everyone. It has become a staple holiday event in the Northland. The event gives many local artists a place to show off and sell crafts. The Festival of Trees is the largest fundraiser for a local non–profit, the Junior League of Duluth. Fox21 spoke to one vendor, with a similar business plan…

Superior’s Midwest Energy Fire Could Cost Company Nearly A Million Dollars

Fire On Belt System Has Shut Down Ability To Obtain Coal

SUPERIOR, Wis. Press Release Below: Members of the media: this is to inform you of a fire this morning in Superior. At 0530 all three engine companies, Battalion Chief and Gold Cross Ambulance were called for a fire at 2400 Winter street which is Midwest Energy. Once on scene crews found fire in the belt system used to move coal…

Santa Claus Arrives at the Miller Hill Mall in Style

It was the 5th annual Santa Slumber Party

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of Northland kids were at the Miller Hill Mall this evening to see Santa Claus arrive. It is the 5th annual Santa Slumber Party at the mall. Santa arrived in style in a decorated trolley thanks to the Duluth Transit Authority. “We just dropped Santa Claus off, and now all the boys and girls of the…

Husky Energy Finalizes Deal for Calumet in Superior

Workers Will be Retained at the Refinery

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Husky Energy has closed its purchase of the Calumet Oil Refinery in Superior. That facility produces 50,000 barrels of oil-based products a day. The new purchase for the Alberta-based company, will increase its crude oil processing capacity. “The Superior Refinery increases Husky’s downstream crude processing capacity, in line with the company’s growing production,” the company said in a prepared…

St. Luke’s Showcases Traveling Art Show

Art Can Be Seen On Third Floor

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s hospital is adding some new art to their hallways for a short period of time. The hospital is hosting the traveling, community focused art exhibit known as, to really see. The exhibit focuses on the display of creative medication use stories that users, artist, and participants want to express and share. “I would like this…

Special Report: Early Education

State Funding Sends Thousands of Young Minnesotans to Preschool

MINNESOTA – More than 20,000 of  Minnesota’s 4-year-olds are heading to preschool this year because of state funding. This has been great news for some rural Northland areas. However, it is having an impact on area child care centers. As a result of the 2017 Legislative Session, Minnesota lawmakers are providing $50 million in new, one-time funding to 59 school…

Local Businesses Highlighted at Woodland Block Party

Annual Open House Gives Opportunity to Shop Local for Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses showed off some of their best products tonight at the Woodland Block Party. The annual open house kicks off the holiday shopping season and gives people a great selection of products to choose from. The artwork, jewelry, and clothing on sale is all unique to the Northland. “It’s always really fun to just kind of…

Duluth School Board Releases Numbers

Outperformed National Average On ACT Test

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board released its annual education report for the district. Parents, Teachers and Students were all on hand Thursday night. Among the report reading and math proficiency increased district wide by 8.2% compared to the 2012 / 2013 school year. The district out performed state and national averages for their scores on the ACT test….

Foxconn Looks Forward to Wisconsin Plant After Contract

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Foxconn Technology Group officials say they look forward to building a plant in Mount Pleasant after the state’s economic development board signed off on a contract handing the company up to $3 billion in incentives. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s board approved the deal Wednesday. Gov. Scott Walker and company officials plan to sign the…

Veteran Unemployment Rates Fall to Record Low in October

(FOX NEWS) – The unemployment rate for military veterans in October reached a low of just 2.7 percent, continuing a long-term downward trend in unemployment among members of the U.S. Armed Services. Mirroring October’s overall drop in unemployment, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the improved numbers offset a decline in September that largely reflected the impact of Hurricanes…