Business

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…

First Phase of Belknap Project Nearing Completion

Construction Will be Finished Before Flakes Fly

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Businesses along Belknap street are breathing a sigh of relief today. That’s because the first phase of a road construction project there is nearing completion. The section from Banks to John Avenue recently opened while some landscaping from Caitlin to John Avenue continues. It’s expected the first phase will be completed before the snow flies which has businesses along…

Lincoln Park Businesses Welcome Duluth Pottery

Duluth Pottery Will Host a Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, October 21 Starting at 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park neighborhood in Duluth is continuing to expand with the growth of locally owned Duluth Pottery. Owner Karin Kraemer has been creating works of art in the Twin Ports since 1998. For years she operated out of smaller spaces. In February Kraemer decided to purchase a building to call her own. Duluth Pottery is now…

Superior Spooktacular Features Fun for Entire Family

Event to Host Parade and Pumpkin Patch

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend Northlanders will be filling Superior to get in on some spooky fun for the whole family. The Superior Spooktacular will be on Saturday, October 21. This one-day event has spooky fun activities for the whole family including the Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Patch featuring vendors, kids activities and more. The parade begins at 11 a.m….

Local Expert Gives Tips for Staying Warm and Healthy While Bicycling in Cool Temperatures

Active Adventures: Twin Ports Cyclery

DULUTH, Minn. – As the temperatures begin to cool down during the Fall, outdoor athletes adjust their gear to stay healthy and safe. One group that needs to make gear changes is bicyclists. This morning, Denis Sauve, the owner of Twin Ports Cyclery, visited FOX 21 to give some tips. Sauve says the most important parts of the body to…

Pumpkin Patch Train Ride Begins

Train Officials Believe It's a Family Affair

DULUTH, Minn.-The train ride that takes you to a secret pumpkin patch, has begun in Duluth. The rides run through Sunday and lead to a patch of pumpkins railroad staff have been working on all summer, until they are just right. North Shore Scenic Railroad officials told us today the event has become a family affair over the years. “I…

Canadian Consul General Visits Duluth

Consul Meeting With Local Politicians and Business Leaders

DULUTH, Minn. – The Canadian Consul General to Minneapolis is in Duluth talking with local leaders. The Consul is meeting with politicians and businesses about the important relationship between Canada and the Duluth area. He said Minnesota Power and Maurices are two local companies that do a lot of business across the border. “The border in some ways is a…

RV Dealers Advise Early Winterization

Bullyan RV in Hermantown is Seeing an Increase of Business in their Service Department as Campers Winterize Units

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With winter right around the corner local RV dealers are advising campers to think ahead before Jack Frost potentially damages your equipment. The Service Department at Bullyan RV in Hermantown says now is the time to drain your RV’s plumbing system. There are various pumps and ways to get all the water out of lines before putting…

Maple Hosts Tech Ed Inservice Day

Event Brings Together Local Business Leaders to Tell Teachers About What Skills They Want From Students

MAPLE, Wis. – Manufacturing jobs were a hot topic in Maple today. Tech Ed Inservice Day was held at Northwestern High School, where business leaders came together to network with educational staff and tell them about what skills are needed for future jobs in the manufacturing industry. “Those relationships we’re establishing with local business and industry leaders really feeds our…

Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Ticks Up in September

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s unemployment rate ticked up in September, increasing 3.4 percent to 3.5 percent. The state Department of Workforce Development reported the employment information on Thursday. It remains below the national unemployment rate of 4.2 percent. The state gained 5,900 private sector jobs between August and September. Workforce Development Secretary Ray Allen says the 2.5 million people…

Superior Restaurant to Host Charity Dinner

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A restaurant in Twin Ports is giving back to the community that supports them. The Kitchen is a tiny place in Superior that serves homemade breakfast and brunch. And tomorrow, they’re hosting a prime rib dinner from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The meal costs ten dollars, and partial proceeds will be donated to area charities. “This…

Wisconsin Senate Committee OKs Hemp Farming Bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Senate’s agriculture committee has overwhelmingly approved a bill that would allow Wisconsin farmers to grow hemp. The panel voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the proposal. The vote clears the way for a full floor vote in the Senate. The bill would set up state licenses for farmers looking to grow industrial hemp. People with…

Minnesota Files Amazon Bid; Offers No Details

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s economic development commissioner says the state has submitted its bid for a second Amazon headquarters. The state hasn’t released details of the bid for a project that could bring a $5 billion investment and 50,000 jobs wherever it lands. Commissioner Shawntera Hardy gave no new details Wednesday, saying only that Minnesota’s bid showcases the…

Pet Photographer Looks to Capture More Clients

Pupparazzi Companion Pet Photography Started After Owner Lisa Johsnon Volunteered at Animal Allies Humane Society

DULUTH, Minn. – With the power of social media, animal pictures find a way to make many of us sink into our screens, begging for more. Now, more and more pet parents are looking for more professional options to capture breathtaking images of their furry companions. Fall is a typical time for scenic shots or graduation images. “It’s always been…

Superior Salon Raises Support for Mentor Superior

Friday: A Black and White Affair

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Since 2011, Mentor Superior has been supporting youth across the bridge by partnering them with an adult to share some positive community experiences with. Now, Trends Day Spa and Salon is looking to give back to that program. The Black and White Affair is 6-9 p.m. on October 20 at Barker’s Island Inn. There will be food,…

Duluth Man Arrested, Charged in Marine General Theft Incident

Most of stolen lures still in factory packaging provided by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office UPDATE 10/17/17: The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Oct. 7, 2017, the fishing lures and other items of merchandise were recovered from a storage shed in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Duluth. The retail value of the recovered items exceeds $25,000….