Business

Walmart Armors Up for Food Fight with Amazon

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) — Just over a year after Walmart spent more than $3 billion for the fast-growing online retailer Jet.com, it will launch a higher-end grocery line targeting millennials as it tries to contain Amazon.com. Amazon last month closed on its acquisition of Whole Foods, intensifying the competition between Walmart, Target, and other supermarkets as all of them…

New Phishing Scam Targets Netflix Users

(FOX 13) – If you’ve gotten an email from Netflix lately you might not want to click that link. There’s a new phishing scam circling the web, and it’s targeting Netflix users. Scammers are targeting Netflix customers in an effort to get into people’s bank accounts. Netflix users say they’ve been getting e-mails designed to look like they’ve been coming directly…

Find Your Inner Bliss on Superior Street in Duluth

Inner Bliss Studio Opened September 8, Located at 1434 Superior Street in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21’s William Seay found his yoga matt and picked the perfect place on the floor at Inner Bliss in this week’s Active Adventures. Inner Bliss opened September 8 in Duluth, located at 1434 Superior Street. From yoga, meditation, float and massage therapy, there’s something offered for everyone at the new business. Click here to learn more, schedule an appointment…

Belknap Getting Ready To Fully Open At Corner Of Tower

Other End Still Deals With Construction

SUPERIOR, Wis. Work on the multi–million dollar Belknap St. reconstruction project in Superior has been a long standing headache for some local business owners. There is light at the end of the tunnel for at least half of those businesses. At this point in time of construction Belknap St. is days away from completion on the corner of Tower and…

I Stand With Kids Day

Helping Kids Understand Child Abuse

DULUTH, Minn. First Witness Child Advocacy Center held a fundraiser that helps fund the safe and strong child program Saturday afternoon. Thursday, the community gathered with them for, I Stand with Kids Day. This event is to raise awareness for child abuse, as well as raise funds to deliver prevention programming to schools and communities which they say are underfunded….

Holiday Decor Hits Store Shelves

Staff at Hermantown Menards Say it Takes Nearly Three Weeks to Set Up Holiday Displays

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Signs of the holiday season are quickly decking the isles of local Menards stores around the Northland. Staff at Hermantown Menards are in the first week of setting up displays. General Manager Tom Hanson says once patio furniture sales start to dwindle, they know it’s time to start getting shipments of holiday themed decor on the shelves….

Duluth Flower Farm Offers Fall Canning Tips

In This Week's Cooking Connection, The Duluth Flower Farm Visited FOX 21 Local News

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Flower Farm visited Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay on FOX 21 Local News Thursday morning. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Owner Derek Hoffbauer offered tips on canning produce fresh from the garden this fall. The Duluth Flower Farm will be selling fresh produce and flower arrangements Saturday, September 30 at the Lester River Rendezvous…

Caring Corner Cube Gives Back To Those In Need

Food And Daily Esentails Loaded Inside For The Taking

DULUTH, Minn. A West Duluth resident has started a new way to give back to her neighbors. It’s called the “caring corner cube” and it’s located at the intersection of 8th St. and North Central Ave in West Duluth, the caring corner cube is full of nonperishable food items and daily essentials like shampoo and soap. The idea is for…

Cloquet Community Garden Celebrates First Harvest

Pot Luck Set For Thursday Afternoon

CLOQUET, Minn. The newly established Cloquet Community Garden has become quite the hit around town. Located at the Zion Lutheran Church, the garden consist of 36 different plots that were planted by 26 different community members that grew all sorts of vegetables like tomatoes, onions, beets, corn, and turnips. Thursday the church plans to celebrate the gardens first grow with…

Volunteers Honored for Hunger Action Month

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers are essential for the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Friday, they held their annual Hunger Action Month Volunteer Appreciation Event, which celebrates the works that these volunteers do to provide food to families all across the Northland. “Volunteers are very important to our work. They fill a gap of about six full-time employees for Second…

Pence to Join Walker for Wisconsin Business Tour, Discussion

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence plans to join Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Thursday to tour a Milwaukee-area business and talk about tax reform with local leaders. The event at Weldall Manufacturing in Waukesha comes before Pence is scheduled to host a fundraiser in Milwaukee. The White House said Wednesday that Pence and Walker will meet…

Northland Foundation Awarded $686,500 Grant

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Foundation has been awarded $686,500 from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. The fund supports increased lending activity in low-income and economically distressed communities. “The Northland Foundation’s business lending is directly tied to our mission to ‘invest in people and communities to support a thriving Northeastern Minnesota,’ and a healthy…

New “Makers Mercantile” is Space for Northland Makers

New Shop to Host Grand Opening Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – A new space for makers has opened in Duluth. Makers Mercantile is a shop selling work from many North Shore makers. The shop carries a mix of art, décor, and goods from local North Shore Makers. Every store item is handcrafted from one of the 25 makers. The new store opened up in the Spirit Valley neighborhood…

Duluth Housekeepers Compete In Housekeeping Olympics

Local Hotels Show Their Appreciation For Their Housekeepers

DULUTH, Minn. – Housekeeping Appreciation Week is this week, giving local hotels a chance to show their appreciation for their hard workers.  In Duluth, local hotels went head to head at Grandma’s Sports Garden in a housekeeping Olympic-style competition. This year’s housekeeping Olympics where Canal Park’s Hampton Inn and Comfort Suites, West Duluth’s Comfort Inn and last year’s champs the…

The Breeze Inn Gets In The Oktoberfest Spirit

Festivities To Continue Through October 8th

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s fall and almost October, and many places are transforming into the Oktoberfest mood. That’s exactly what’s happening at the Breeze Inn on Jean Duluth Road. This is the 5th year the Juicy Lucy burger place has been flipping the fun of Oktoberfest. The cooks are even putting out a German menu that includes the “Herman the…

Mayor Larson Puts Duluth’s Tourism Tax Revenue Under Microscope

Tourism-Related Entities Asked To Prove Successful Use Of Tourism Tax Dollars

DULUTH, Minn. – With the city of Duluth facing $2.1 million in cuts for 2018, Mayor Emily Larson is looking at every single dollar that flows in and out of the city. That includes a deeper look into the lucrative revenue stream of tourism tax dollars – a stream that Larson says doesn’t have a clear story to tell –…

Superior Adds Funding To Police, Fire In 2018 Budget

No Tax Increase, No Job Loses

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While Duluth is facing cuts to police and fire, it’s the opposite for the city of Superior. Mayor Jim Paine says the police department is getting an additional $28,000 next year to help fund more community policing and provide officers training in crisis intervention, diversity and de-escalation. As for the fire department, an extra $10,000 is being allocated…

Northern Regional Safety Day Trains Local Professionals

Conference Educates Business Leaders on Health and Safety Solutions

DULUTH, Minn. – Preparing for the unthinkable; that’s what hundreds of workers at the Northern Regional Safety Day Conference trained for. This year, preparing for emergencies also means understanding that the opioid epidemic might have an impact on workforce safety. The Safety Day is a unique training opportunity for local businesses and organizations to learn how to improve safety across…

Equifax Dumps CEO in Wake of Damaging Data Breach

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) – Credit reporting agency Equifax is ousting CEO Richard Smith in an effort to clean up the mess left by a damaging data breach that exposed highly sensitive information about 143 million Americans. The shake-up announced Tuesday comes after Equifax disclosed that hackers exploited a software flaw that the company didn’t fix to heist Social Security numbers,…

Duluth Councilors Set 2018 Maximum Levy, Reduce Police/Fire Cuts

Property Tax Increase At 6.43 Percent Equals $25 More A Year On $160,000 Home

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city councilors have fulfilled their state duty to set the maximum operating levy for 2018 to a number higher than Mayor Emily Larson has proposed. In a 7–2 vote Monday night, councilors voted to increase the maximum 2018 levy from Mayor Larson’s 4 percent to 6.43 percent, which councilors say would allow more funding to the…

Farmers Seeing An End To The Season

Farmers Markets Coming To An End

Hermantown, Minn. Local farmers are wrapping up their growing seasons. That also means that the local farmers markets are coming to an end. Monday the Hermantown farmers market ended their season. Local farmers say the weather this year played a big part in this year’s great turnout. “This little patch of warm weather that we had made things just pop….

New Menu Items Coming to AMSOIL Arena

Friday Fish Fry Among Items Included

DULUTH, Minn.-If you are sick of the same old food at AMSOIL Arena, you will be in for a surprise during the upcoming UMD Bulldogs hockey season. Six new items have been added to the menu including a Friday fish fry, steak sandwich, and even a pot roast sundae. DECC staff say they wanted something special for the fans, who…

Crossbows Selling Like Hot Cakes

Mainly Due to Law Changes

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The archery bow hunting season has begun in both Minnesota and Wisconsin and it’s causing some local retailers to see an uptick in business. In particular, crossbows have been flying off the shelves. One business owner said a big reason why is they are more practical for hunters compared to traditional vertical bows, which take much more practice to…

First annual Ice Fishing Expo at Black Bear Casino

Ice houses, ATVs and more from various local vendors

CARLTON, Minn. – The first annual Ice Fishing Expo at Black Bear Casino is being put on by Coates RV. Attendees were able to get up close looks at all the latest ice fishing gear, as well as brand new ice fishing houses. Organizers say these kinds of events are a good way for potential customers to see a variety…

Maurices Gives Back to the Community with Best Day Ever

Maurices associates volunteered at more than 30 different non-profits

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday was the 4th annual Best Day Ever thanks to Maurices. Maurices associates made their way across town to more than 30 different non–profits to help give back to the community. They made a stop at the Damiano Center in Duluth, providing meals to the people there. “It’s really special to them,” development director at the Damiano…

New UCARE Office Now Open

Open Enrollment Begins in Just a Few Weeks

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A ribbon cutting was held for the new UCARE office in Hermantown today. This health insurance business is going to be quite busy in about a week as the open enrollment period begins. Officials there say this new office should take away some of that stress. “What we are trying to really do here is create an…

New Housing Coming to Superior

Should be Open by July of 2018

SUPERIOR, Wis. – New housing is coming to Superior. Today, a groundbreaking was held for a 54-unit market rate apartment complex located at the corner of Weeks Avenue and North 14th Street. Organizers say this new facility should address some of the housing issues the city currently faces. If all goes well, future developments for housing could also come to…

Bully Free Block Party

Raleigh Edison School invited parents, students and surrounding neighbors

DULUTH, Minn. Raleigh Edison School invited parents, students and surrounding neighbors to enjoy a night of fun festivities for their bully free block party. Schools around the area are doing what they can to stop bullying. Staff at the school tells us that by inviting everyone in the surrounding area and gives them an opportunity to see what Raleigh Edison…

Lake Superior Zoo hosts Uncorked and Tapped for Conversation

It's the 8 year for the fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo hosted the 8th annual Uncorked and Tapped for Conversation wine and beer tasting event on Thursday. The event is a fundraiser that looks to raise around $15,000 for the zoo’s programs. “Being able to do educational events that engage children and youth, and just working on the infrastructure of the zoo that always…

Firewood sales rise and temperatures drop

Dluth Firewood has been busy fulfilling winter orders since August

DULUTH, Minn. – With the fall temps starting to set in, people are looking to get their heat in order for the winter. Businesses like Duluth Firewood have been busy this time of year, cutting and delivering firewood for customers that enjoy heating their houses the old-fashioned way. “It’s what Minnesotans do,” Duluth Firewood owner Wade Haworth said. “We live…

Mont du Lac Ready for Snow

All Machinery Will be Ready to go Next Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The winter season is fast approaching and that means local resorts are getting ready for the snowflakes to fly. At Mont du Lac in Superior, they are testing out the snowmaking machines already. The main reason for getting it ready so early is for safety reasons, along with keeping crews warm while they can. “It’s a great…

New Virtual Reality Tour Attracting Local Businesses

Video is Run by APEX Group

DULUTH, Minn. – The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion has created a new virtual reality tool in the hopes of attracting business to the Northland. Organizers say that it gives businesses an insight of what Duluth is like if they moved their business here. The experience lets the viewer see a 360–degree video of various spots that make the Twin…

Duluth International Airport Awarded Over $1 Million

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth International Airport has received over $1 million for safety improvements. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Rep. Rick Nolan made the announcement Thursday. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the airport with a grant of $1,084,668 for safety improvements. “Helping ensure our airports stay up-to-date makes for a common sense investment,” Klobuchar said….

Mayor Larson Meets With Morgan Park Residents

Talking About Sales Tax Increase

DULUTH, Minn. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is continuing her speaking sessions across town focusing on her proposed 0.5 percent sales tax increase for 2018 to specifically fix roads and the infrastructure below. Mayor Larson projects $7 million would come out of this 0.5 percent sales tax increase if voters approve it in November and if the legislature gives the final…

Vision Jet Becomes Reality for Duluth Based Cirrus Aircraft

New Vision Jet by Cirrus Aircraft Proves to be Popular with Consumers

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth aircraft manufacturer, founded back in 1984, is now skyrocketing to new heights in the Northland. Cirrus Aircraft recently unveiled the company’s latest product and company officials say demand is already taking off. “There’s not a better place to be than up above the clouds,” said Matt Bergwall, Director of Cirrus’ new Vision Jet. Northlanders woke…

Sappi Mill Honored With Governor’s Award

Cloquet Mill had $170 Million Invested in it in 2015

CLOQUET, Minn.-A paper company in Cloquet received statewide recognition today. Sappi North America received an award from the governor’s office for all the work they do when it comes to investing in Minnesota. In 2015, the Cloquet Mill had $170 million injected into it, as the business there continues to get bigger. “We’ll be growing here in North America over…

EPA Rule Tough for Wood Stove Manufacturers

Business Leaders Held Roundtable Discussion About Regulation with Congressman Nolan

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wood stove manufacturers are struggling to comply with a new EPA requirement. The rule was put in place to reduce particles in the atmosphere, but business leaders say it’s nearly impossible for them to make needed changes to their products fast enough. Manufacturers and retailers from across Minnesota talked with U.S. Representative Rick Nolan (DFL-MN). They discussed…

Benefit Dinner to be Held for Hurricane Victims

Benefit Dinner Will be Held Oct. 1

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Oliver Companies of Duluth, a local real estate business, and the local chapter of the Red Cross will be hosting a hurricane relief benefit spaghetti dinner and auction Sunday, Oct. 1 from noon to 6 p.m. at Barkers Island in Superior. Their goal is to raise $15,000. All proceeds from the event will go to the Red Cross….

Duluth Aldi Store to Open this Fall

No Precise Date for When it Will Open

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction is buzzing along at a new Aldi grocery store in Duluth. We don’t know the precise date it will open yet, but in previous discussions with the company, they did say it would open in the fall. Aldi is a discount grocer and will be located near the old K-Mart building which is by the Miller…

Pumpkin Stands Already Popping up in Northland

Pumpkin Season is Getting to Full Strength

DULUTH, Minn.-With the fall chill in the air, that means it’s pumpkin season. One pumpkin seller has already popped up in the Miller Hill Mall Parking lot. He said people can be pretty selective about the pumpkins they purchase, including little kids who fall in love with the fruit. “It’s so fun,” said Adam Jaros, of DC Produce. “I’ve done…

Timber Sales Increase at National Forest in Wisconsin

RHINELANDER, Wis. (AP) – A national forest in northwest Wisconsin expects to sell its largest amount of timber since at least the mid-1990s. The Associated Press reports the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest may sell 123 million board feet of timber by the end of fiscal 2017. That would mark the fifth annual increase in a row for the forest, which is…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods

COHASSET, Minn. — Grant Prokop has a love for the outdoors, for hunting, fishing, and appreciating what northern Minnesota is all about. Prokop owns Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods in Cohasset “Any outdoor enthusiast, whether you’re camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, doing anything outside, we want to be able to help you,” Prokop said. He grew up in the woods and on…

New Lock Proposed at Soo Straights

Locks Connect Lake Superior to the Other Great Lakes and Beyond

DULUTH, Minn. – The Soo Locks at Sault Ste Marie, Michigan connect the Duluth and Superior shipping industry with the rest of the world, but the aging locks haven’t been updated in decades. The locks at Soo Straights connect Lake Superior to the rest of the Great Lakes and beyond. The locks raise and lower ships so they can navigate…

Volunteers Needed for Bentleyville

Volunteer Work Begins this Weekend

DULUTH, Minn.-Bentleyville will be opening up in a few months, and that means volunteers are needed to help set it up. Preparations are expected to begin this weekend as volunteers flood into Bayfront Park. “We’ve had volunteers that have been returning for the ninth consecutive year down there,” said Nathan Bentley, event organizer. “People make friends down there. They become…