Business

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….

Pop-Up Business Campaign Coming Back Again

Pop-Up Businesses Open up Nov. 25th

DULUTH, Minn.- If you are an entrepreneur, you now have the opportunity to start your own business through the Greater Downtown Council’s Pop-Up Campaign. Future business owners can apply with their own idea for a business and have it fill a pop-up shop in downtown Duluth. The program is in its fifth year and has lead to some tenants staying…

Wisconsin Board Talks About Foxconn Deal, No Vote

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The leaders of Gov. Scott Walker’s job creation agency met behind closed doors again to discuss contract negotiations with Foxconn Technology Group but didn’t take any action. The electronics giant wants to build a flat-screen manufacturing campus in Mount Pleasant. Walker signed a $3 billion incentives package for the company last month. The Wisconsin Economic…

UMD Entrepreneurship Conference Held Today

UMD Students Meet With Business Leaders to Talk About Future Entrepreneurship Ideas

DULUTH, Minn.-Starting a business can be quite stressful for anyone.  Today, some of that stress was relieved for younger entrepreneurs as they got to meet with a variety of local business leaders. It was all part of the third annual UMD Entrepreneurship Conference. The conference offered a platform where students got to understand what it all takes to start and a…

Group Focuses on Bridging Gap Between East and West Duluth

Soup & Civility: Bridging Duluth's West-East Divide

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, some Duluthians will be working together to bring unity to the city. It’s all part of Speak Your Peace: The Civility Project. On October 18, from 5:45-7:45 p.m., the group will be addressing ways to bridge the gap between East and West Duluth. This will be a workshop to talk about issues and voice concerns…

Duluth Bed and Breakfast was Once Home to Barnum Family

Northland Uncovered: The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – In the early 1900s several business tycoons filled Duluth as champions of their industry. One of those men was George Barnum. He built a home in Duluth that now serves visitors from around the world. “Mr. Barnum was known as the “Grand Old Man of the Board of Trade.” His Barnum grain company was one of the…

Success Continues for Designer Dogs

Designer Dogs Opened Over 35 Years Ago, Now They Continue to Stay Busy Year-Round

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer is winding down which means many animal lovers are spending more time inside with their furry friends. Many local groomers are seeing an increase of business as clients look to freshen up their pets before a long winter indoors. “Nobody wants a stinky dog. You’re in the house with them, they’re on the furniture, they’re on…

Sneakers in Downtown Duluth closes after 32 years

The restaraunt and its employees will combine into the new Lyric Kitchen and Bar

DULUTH, Minn. – A long–time Downtown Duluth restaurant has closed its doors. Sneakers Sports Bar and Grill in the Holiday Center downtown has closed up shop after 32 years in business. With the opening of the new Lyric Kitchen and Bar opening up soon, Holiday management decided it would be best to combine the two businesses. “It was a staple…

Cold Weather Rule Protects Customers from Service Disconnection

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power is reminding their residential customers who may have difficulty paying for their energy bills in the winter that help is available to them. The Minnesota Cold Weather Rule protects eligible customers from service disconnection during the winter as long as they take steps to ensure that protection. Under the statute, eligible customers are protected from…

Big Bentleyville Tree Now Standing Tall in Bayfront Park

Volunteers are busy getting the Bentleyville Tour of Lights ready for the season

DULUTH, Minn. – People might notice something a little different now in Bayfront Park – The Bentleyville tree is officially up. Volunteer crews are still busy setting up the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. Crews are out there stringing up lights and setting up the big displays. The 128 foot tree just went up on Saturday, and on Sunday, workers from…

Animal Allies hosts 16th annual Fur Ball Gala

The fundraiser looks to raise around $100,000 for Animal Allies Humane Society

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies, friends and supporters came out to celebrate the organization on Saturday. It was the 16th annual Fur Ball Gala. The event is a fundraiser for the Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. Last year, the organization raised more than $100,000, and this year, they hope to top that. “We don’t have a lot of stray…

Lincoln Park businesses celebrate the Craft District with Open House

More than 30 businesses celebrated the second annual Lincoln Park Open House

DULUTH, Minn. – Businesses in Lincoln Park celebrated the growing Craft District on Saturday for the second annual Lincoln Park Open House. More than 35 businesses, as well as some pop–up shops, celebrated by hosting special events, deals, and showing off all the crafts the neighborhood has to offer. “I’m just really excited about being in the same place as…

Klockow Brewery Brings Local Craft Beer To Grand Rapids

A New Brew Pub Is Set To Open Saturday, October 28th, 2017.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — Kegs are tapped as brand new Klockow Brewery will begin pouring on Saturday, October 28th. The idea for this brewery came about when the Klockow family kept visiting family in Grand Rapids, with no other local brew pub in the area, they decided that that they needed one and they were going to open it. The owner…

Lincoln Park Open House Happening Saturday

The event showcases the growing Lincoln Park Business District

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park community in Duluth is getting ready to host their second annual Lincoln Park Open House. More than 30 businesses in the Lincoln Park area will be hosting special events and deals on Saturday. The event is meant to showcase the growing business community happening in the district. “There are a lot of things happening…

Candidate Forum Hosted By Duluth Chamber

Forum Featured School Board and City Council Candidates

DULUTH, Minn. – A candidate forum was hosted by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. The forum in the Depot’s Underground Theatre featured Duluth City Council and Duluth School Board candidates. Questions were submitted by Chamber of Commerce members and asked candidates their positions on business related topics. “We do not endorse candidates but what we are interested in doing…

Superior Mayor Discusses Kestrel Plant

According to Mayor Jim Paine, Kestrel Owes the City $2.2 Million from a 2012 Loan

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mayor Jim Paine says Kestrel owes the city of Superior $2.2 million from a loan they were given in 2012. Since Kestrel’s forbearance agreement expired at the end of this August, they haven’t made a payment on the loan. Kestrel was expected to break ground by the Superior airport in 2013 for an aircraft manufacturing plant. The…

CEO Talks About Why Superior Kestrel Plant Hasn’t Been Built

Alan Klapmeier Says Broken State Promises Are to Blame for The Aircraft Plant Not Being Built

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The CEO of Kestrel is blaming broken promises by the State of Wisconsin for the delay in the creation of a plant in Superior. Meanwhile, the state is moving forward with legal action against Kentrel Aircraft. The state says the company is in serious default on millions of dollars in loans that were supposed to be used…

Aldi Opens Doors in Duluth

After Months of Construction, Aldi Duluth is Now Open for Business

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s official, grocery shoppers in the Northland now have one more Aldi location to add to their list. Thursday morning hundreds of people lines up to be the first ones through the door of the new Duluth location Now it’s time to grab your quarters and dig out the eco-bags. Store representatives say the Duluth location is…

Kestrel Owes Millions to City of Superior and State of Wisconsin

Owner of Kestrel Still Optimistic About Building Plant in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The state of Wisconsin is moving forward with legal action against Kestrel Aircraft. The state says the company is in serious default on millions of dollars in loans that were supposed to be used to build a manufacturing plant in Superior. That plant was expected to break ground by the Superior airport in 2013 and bring more than 650…