Business

Kids pack Miller Hill Mall for Mall-O-Ween

Kids trick-or-treated at the stores inside the mall

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of kids packed the Miller Hill Mall Halloween night for “Mall–O–Ween!” There was a costume contest, and kids were able to trick-or-treat at each of the stores. A free photo booth was available at the mall to capture all the spooky memories. Categories: Business, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Video

BP Gas Station Closes on London Road

Owners Have Not Responded to Comment on the Situation

DULUTH, Minn. – The BP convenience store on London Road has official closed its doors. A sign was posted sometime yesterday, thanking loyal customers for their business. The location is owned by Lakehead Oil, who FOX 21 reached out to Tuesday, but have not heard back for comment. This was the last BP location in Duluth, the previous two locations…

Duluth Junk Hunt Heads to DECC for Fall Sale

Semi-Annual Event Starts Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re one to search for a special find for your home, The Duluth Junk Hunt may be the place for you. The semi–annual Duluth Junk Hunt kicks off Friday. Vendors will fill the DECC’s Pioneer Hall Friday, November 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors…

Winter Hours Start Nov. 1 at Lake Superior Zoo

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Monday Nov. 1 - April 30

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo will be switching over to winter hours beginning Nov. 1. Visitors will be welcome five days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last admission at 3 p.m. The zoo will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hours will remain in effect until April 30. Beginning Nov 1. through April 27,…

After more than 20 years in business, How Sweet It Is Cakes is closing

The owners cited financial reasons for the decision to close up shop

DULUTH, Minn. – After more than 20 years in business, popular Twin Ports cake decorators, How Sweet It Is Cakes is closing its doors. How Sweet It Is posted to Facebook on Monday to announce that they will be shutting down, citing a “significant decline in sales,” among other personal reasons. Eileen Brown, the owner of How Sweet It Is…

The Lyric Kitchen Bar hosts Grand Opening

New restaurant serves early birds to bar close in downtown Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday downtown Duluth is officially home to a new restaurant and bar; serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Lyric Kitchen Bar is located on the first floor of the Holiday Center, with street-side views of West Superior Street. Monday was the grand opening of the restaurant, which has a large menu serving everything; from paninis, to…

Christmas Lighting Challenge Begins this Week

Twin Ports Area Christmas Lighting Challenge Starts Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – It may be Halloween on Tuesday, but registration for the Twin Ports Area Christmas Lighting Challenge begins this week. Families and business owners are encouraged to decorate their buildings in Christmas lights and enter them in the competition. Once the establishments are entered, families can see the list online, tour the displays and vote for their favorites….

Bars open early for Vikings fans

Bars were able to open one hour early to accommodate the 8:30 a.m. kick-off.

DULUTH, Minn. –  Fans of the Minnesota Vikings made the early morning trek to their favorite bar to catch that 8:30 a.m. kickoff Sunday morning. With the Vikings playing the Cleveland Browns in London, England, the time difference made for an early start to football Sunday. Thanks to a state exemption, made only for today, bars in St. Louis county…

Last day for corn maze at Ru Ridge

Despite the snow, Ru Ridge Corn Maze stayed open until the end

CARLTON, Minn. – The weather didn’t stop the folks out at the Ru–Ridge Corn Maze from staying open another day. It was the last day for the corn maze at the Ru-Ridge Produce in Cartlon. It was Ru–Ridge’s first year having the corn maze, and the owners were pleasantly surprised by the show of support from the community, even on the…

2018 Superior Days Just Around The Corner

Leaders and Residents Meet To Kick Off Legislative List

SUPERIOR, Wis- Superior leaders and residents are making a list, getting ready to head to the statehouse in a few months, to ask for legislative changes. In February, hundreds of people from 5 northwest Wisconsin counties will head down to Madison. There they will lobby for the top legislative issues deemed most important in northwest Wisconsin. During last year’s superior…

Biggest Scarium at the Aquarium yet for Great Lakes Aquarium

Kids dressed up in costumes and enjoyed some family-friendly fun and games

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of kids and their families made their way to the Great Lakes Aquarium for the annual Scarium at the Aquarium.  There were fun and games, a dance party, and super hero divers. Families dressed up in their favorite costumes and trick or treated through the aquarium. “It’s really a family party,” Great Lakes Aquarium’s Allison Iacone said. “We…

Morgan Park Halloween Carnival

United Protestant Church Held Event

MORGAN PARK, Minn- The United Protestant Church in Morgan Park brought back a family fun event tonight. After a 3 year hiatus, members of the church thought it was important to bring back the annual Morgan Park Halloween Carnival. Kids and even some grownups dressed up in their customs came to enjoy games and family fun. The organizer of the…

Company Gives Northlanders Opportunity to Recycle Electronic Waste

Twin Ports Recycling Rendezvous

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday and Saturday some Minnesotans will be working together to reduce e–waste dumping. Dave Potter, the Managing Partner of Global E–Waste, visited FOX 21 this morning to chat about the initiative. The Twin Ports Recycling Rendezvous is being held Friday, October 27 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 28 from 10:00 a.m. to…

Apricot Boutique Vacates Downtown, Moving To Miller Hill Mall

Less Foot Traffic And Other Factors Prompted Move

Apricot Lane Boutique announced today that they will be making the move to the Miller Hill Mall. Leaving another vacant spot in downtown Duluth. Wendy Myers, owner of Apricot Lane says that it’s not just one factor for why she’s making the move it’s a combination of many. Myers says that she has seen her ups and downs in the…

Discover Transportation Duluth

DTA And Jefferson Lines

DULUTH, Minn- Tonight the Duluth Transit Authority and Jefferson Lines celebrated another year of getting you from point A to point B. During the 2nd annual Discover Duluth Transportation event, staff from the DTA and Jefferson Lines were on hand to meet with residents about transportation needs and wants. They were also on hand to talk about how important transportation…

MPCA Hosts Public Forum For Sulfate Regulations, Mining Supporters Not On Board

Could Cost Mining Town Millions To Upgrade

CLOQUET, Minn- The City of Cloquet became the location point for a public hearing involving new sulfate and wild rice standards proposed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. It’s a change mining supporters say is over the top and could severely hurt their operations and the economy on the iron range. However the agency says the proposed changes are spot…

New Essentia Health Employee Policy Sparks Controversy

New controversy sparks between Essentia Health and USW.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some controversy is swirly between Essentia Health and the United Steel Workers Union after the company announced, they’re requiring all employees to receive the flu vaccine. The new policy was put in place back in September. Essentia said the policy benefits patients, but the union is hoping for a different solution. “It’s a one size fits all,” USW Local…

Hermantown Marketplace District Looks to Expand

Sign Unveiled That's Expected to Highlight the Area to Businesses

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The city of Hermantown is expanding their marketplace area near Haines Road and Miller Trunk Highway. City officials unveiled a new Hermantown Marketplace sign in front of the Kwik Trip at Haines Road and Maple Grove Road. They hope highlighting the area will get more businesses to move to Hermantown in the coming years. “We’ve had a…

Duluth Coffee Company Celebrates 5 Years Of Roasting

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Coffee Company celebrated five years Monday as a brick-and-mortar business on East Superior Street. The small business started out of a garage and even sold coffee out of the back of a pick-up truck. But that has since dramatically changed from a three kilogram roaster to a 12 kilogram roaster now. And on top of that,…

Lyric Kitchen Bar to Open Monday in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Final preparations are underway for downtown Duluth’s newest restaurant on Superior Street. The Lyric Kitchen Bar is located in the Holiday Center with a new street-side entrance on West Superior Street. The location is the former home of Porter’s restaurant. The menu at Lyric has items like fresh cut steaks from Superior Meats a slew of local beers….

Superior Farmers Market Closes for Season

Superior's Downtown Farmers Market closes for the winter season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Today was the final day of the season for the Superior Downtown Farmers Market. This summer the market moved to Banks Avenue due to road construction at the previous location. Thanks to Northlanders shopping local it was still another successful season for the market. “They are incredibly supportive; they are complimentary about the produce farmers bring, complimentary about…

Burial Sites Continue To Stall Bridge Replacement Project

MnDOT Mistake Of Unearthing Grave Sites Will Prolong Project

DULUTH, Minn- Construction on the Fond du Lac reservation to replace the Mission Creek bridge continues to be at a stand still. This because of mishandling of the project from MnDOT that lead to the discovery of an ancient Native American burial ground on Hwy 53 that runs through the Fond du Lac neighborhood. The original plan was to have…

Duluth Pack Launches New Collaboration with Minnetonka Moccasin

Collection Includes Moccosins and Bags

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack is touting an exciting new collaboration with another Minnesota-based company. President and Owner of Duluth Pack, Tom Sega, says the company has been working with Minnetonka Moccasin Company for about a year to develop the new line. The companies used Duluth Pack’s canvas fabric for Minnetonka moccasins and Minnetonka leather on a Duluth Pack bags….

Matilda’s Dog Bakery to Host Bark-tober Fest

On Saturday, October 28, Matilda's Dog Bakery in Duluth's Lakeside Neighborhood will Host a Bark-tober Fest and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling all dogs, cats and owners! Matilda’s Dog Bakery in Duluth’s Lakeside Neighborhood will host their 2nd Annual Bark-tober Festival and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest Saturday, October 28. The event will start at 10 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. Owner Joanne Elliot says the event last year was a hit for many pet owners and their companions….

Iron Range Mining Supporters Sound Off Against MPCA

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Lawmakers and supporters of mining gathered in Virginia Tuesday night to push back against new sulfate and wild rice standards proposed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The agency says the proposed enforcement would change Minnesota’s standards for sulfate discharges into the water where wild rice grows. But mining supporters say the standard is based off of poor…

Jobs Cut at the Lake Superior Zoo

The Lake Superior Zoo cut jobs as part of a budget sustainable program.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo started facing many challenges after the loss of the polar shores exhibit. On Monday twelve positions at the Zoo were cut, as part of a revitalization process.  Ten workers at the zoo were laid-off on Monday, two of the twelve jobs were unfilled. The layoffs are helping create a sustainable budget plan; to help…

Kestrel’s Parent Company Announces Job Losses in Superior

Group Owes $6 Million to State and City

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Kestrel Aircraft’s plans for a manufacturing plant in Superior have taken another step backwards. The company’s parent company One Aviation has announced some layoffs at their offices in Superior. The company would not say how many people have lost their jobs, but they told us today that they are planning on working on a new aircraft and phasing out…

The Sweet Spot Indoor Golf Celebrates Grand Opening

The Sweet Spot Indoor Golf has Moved Locations to 2711 West Superior Street in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Cooler temperatures and even snow will soon force golfers off local courses, but one business in Duluth is looking to keep your swing up to par all winter long. The Sweet Spot hosted their grand opening celebration Tuesday afternoon. Co-owner Stephanie LaFleur and her husband bought the business last Christmas and decided to move locations. The new…

Sargento Foods Expanding in Wisconsin

HILBERT, Wis. (AP) – Sargento Foods is expanding in eastern Wisconsin for the fourth time in the past decade. WLUK-TV reports that the company is adding 40,000 square feet and 150 jobs to its Hilbert location. The Hilbert location currently employs about 300 people. A company spokeswoman says the company is expanding to meet the growing demand for natural cheese….

Dayton Now in Support of PolyMet Copper-Nickel Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he’s moved from being “genuinely undecided” on the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine to being a genuine supporter of the project. Dayton tells the St. Paul Pioneer Press nothing of that magnitude is risk free, bu the thinks it’s a risk worth taking. However, he adds, PolyMet still must meet the…

Naloxone “Narcan” Training For Medical Professionals Held In Duluth

Training Possible Through Newly Obtained Grant

DULUTH, Minn- Medical professionals in Duluth are getting some hands on training with Narcan. It’s a drug that can save lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Pharmacists, dentists, nurses, and doctors all got training as part of the Minnesota Targeted Response Grant. The goal of the grant is to expand the use of Narcan and create more…

Superior’s Hampton In Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Hotel Competes With Duluth Hotels

SUPERIOR, Wis- Monday, the City of Superior is celebrating a newly built Hampton Inn. The hotel is located on highway 53 across from the Perkins. This is the third hotel in superior owned by Oliver companies which also owns nearby the Holiday Inn and Barkers Island Inn. Company officials tell us they’re finding new ways to compete with hotels in…

Detour in Place on Superior Street for Water Main Project

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Public Works and Utilities Department is informing the public of a temporary detour on Superior Street at 15th Avenue East. The detours begins today, Oct. 24 and is necessary for a water main connection. Traffic is expected to be detoured the entire week for the connection and road repairs. The detour is directing…

Beastie Bash Expected to Bring Big Bucks for Friends of Animals Humane Society

Event to Include Silent Auction and Raffle

CLOQUET, Minn. – This weekend many Northlanders will be supporting shelter animals from Friends of Animals Humane Society. The Annual Beastie Bash is being held at the Black Bear Otter Creek Event Center on Saturday, October 28. There are advance ticket sales only and the sales end on Wednesday, October 25. Tickets can be purchased at the humane society, or…

150 Positions Eliminated at Blandin Paper Mill

One Machine is Being Shutdown There Costing 150 Positions

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-The Blandin paper mill is closing one of its machines near Grand Rapids, which will cost that area 150 positions. The closure is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2018. The company, which is owned by European-based UPM Paper, said the closing is due to “the global market situation for graphic papers, and to sustain…

Lake Superior Zoo’s New CEO Eliminates 12 Positions

DULUTH, Minn. — Twelve positions at the cash-strapped Lake Superior Zoo were eliminated Monday. It’s the first big restructuring move that the zoo’s CEO, Erik Simonson, has made since taking the job four weeks ago. Simonson told FOX 21 the cuts will not affect the health and safety of any animals or the experience for visitors. The eliminated positions include…

New Shop in Carlton Offers Handcrafted Goods and Gifts

Gateway Goods Offers a Variety of Handmade Goods and Gifts for Everyone to Enjoy

CARLTON, Minn. – As the season of gift giving soon returns, many of us may think of big box stores for the latest and greatest gadgets and goods. However, one dynamic sister duo in Carlton is looking to shine a spotlight on local businesses. If you get a chance to take a break along Chestnut Avenue in Carlton, chances are…

Earned sick and safe time advocates express disappointment with Duluth City Council

The Duluth City Council voted to postpone hearing taskforce recomendations.

DULUTH, Minn. – Supporters of earned sick and safe time showed up at the Duluth City Council meeting to express disappointment in the council’s decision to postpone hearing recommendations from the earned sick and safe time task force. Last year, Duluth City Council voted to assemble a task force to investigate the possibility of passing an earned sick and safe…

Solon Springs Airport Makes Upgrades

The Runway Was Resurfaced and a Helipad Was Added

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – The Solon Springs airport recently made some big upgrades and more improvements could be coming soon. The runway was completely replaced last year. More recently, the airport added a self service fueling station and the only lighted helipad between Duluth and Madison. The whole project cost more than $1.1 million. Most of that money came from…

Judge Overturns Record Verdict in Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Trial

(CNN) – Judges in two separate cases have ruled in favor of pharma giant Johnson & Johnson, overturning large financial judgments awarded to plaintiffs who believe the company’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower powder products caused their ovarian cancer. One award was to a California woman for $417 million, and another was to an Alabama woman for $72 million. In the California case,…

Wisconsin Drug Take Back Day Oct. 28

WISCONSIN – On Saturday, Oct. 28, the public is invited to safely dispose of their unwanted medications, both prescription and over-the-counter to Drug Take Back locations across the state. Drug Take Back Day is a partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement agencies, to help bring focus to the issues of prescription painkiller…

Hartley Nature Center Hosts Outdoor Halloween Event for Families

Coffee Conversation: Howl-O-Ween

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend superheroes, cartoon characters, witches and many more costumed kiddos will be filling Hartley Park. It’s all for the nature center’s annual Howl-O-Ween event. Families will look for animals along the trails on Saturday, October 28. There are two sessions for fun. The first is from 10 a.m. to noon and the second is from 1:00…

Electric Fetus Hosts 30th Birthday Celebration

DULUTH, Minn.- One spot over the years has become a staple for the music scene in Duluth and is celebrating 30 years in running. Saturday Electric Fetus celebrated its 30th birthday. If there’s one thing that was made clear at the party, it’s how much the independent record store offers the community. “It’s one of the few places that local…

Lake Superior Zoo celebrates International Sloth Day

Northlanders got the chance to see Georgie the Sloth hang out on her special day

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday was International Sloth day, and the Lake Superior Zoo decided to get in on the action. The zoo offered fun activities like scavenger hunts, as well as a chance to get to see their very own sloth, Georgie. “There just so cute, and so slow moving,” zoo goer Claire Roufs said. “They’re just really cool animals.”…

Sick Time Recommendations Brought Forth For Duluth Employers

City Council Won't Vote on it Until November

DULUTH, Minn.-A task force created by the Duluth City Council that’s looking into whether employers should require sick time for its employees, has come up with some recommendations for the council to pass. The group is now recommending that workers start to earn sick time upon being hired or 30 days afterward. They would earn it at a rate of…

Northshore Mining to Get Big Money for New Facility

New Facility Won't Mean New Jobs

SILVER BAY, Minn.-Northshore Mining will be getting a huge upgrade in the near future. A spokeswoman for Cleveland-Cliffs said they will invest $75 million dollars into the plant, so it can produce 2.4 million tons of hot briquette pellets that can be used in electric arc furnaces. It’s not expected the new facility will create any more jobs, however. It’s…