Business

Fresh Produce Arrives In Twin Ports

Fresh Produce From Rochester Minnesota Farm

DULUTH, Minn. It’s the season for a harvest. Minnesota farmers are finding ways to sell their freshly grown products You may have seen several fruit and vegetable stands popping up around the twin ports recently. Sunny Side Produce Farms out of Rochester, Minnesota has dozens of stands in northern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, making it easier for you to buy…

North Shore Adventure Park Looks Toward Future Growth

A Farmers Market and LIVE Music are Planned for the Upcoming Weeks

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Exciting events are planned for the new North Shore Adventure Park in Silver Bay. The natural rock climbing wall dubbed ‘Eleanor’ opened three months ago and investors say they’re already receiving rave reviews from visitors. The park is located just off Highway 61 where an old gas station sat vacant for years. Now, aside from climbing,…

Minnesota Company Plans $300 Million Expansion

Digi-Key Breaks Ground Sep. 15

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (AP) The growth of an electronic component company is presenting new challenges for a small northern Minnesota community. Digi-Key in Thief River Falls will hold a ground breaking ceremony Sept. 15 for an expansion that could cost as much as $300 million. The 1-million-square-foot expansion will more than double the component distributor’s global hub. The company…

Duluth Business, Owners Charged with Multiple Tax Crimes

DULUTH, Minn. – The owners of a popular Duluth restaurant are now facing the Minnesota Department of Revenue after allegedly filing false tax returns and failing to pay sales tax, according to the Department. The owners of Osaka Sushi & Hibachi allegedly used a computer program to remove items from sales receipts in order to under-report monthly sales. The Department of…

Drive Nets Donations for Hurricane Relief

Local Business Owners Organized the Drive

DULUTH, Minn. – Local entrepreneur Mike Letica, like others around the country, saw the devastation Hurricane Harvey brought to South Texas and wanted to do something to help. “Anytime something happens, whether it’s in the city or something nationally, I always think about what I would want from people if this happened to me,” said Letica. “Prayers for Texas” was…

Duluth Packs Gives Free Socks to Service Men and Women

More than 200 pairs of socks were given away

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack honored service men and women Thursday by giving away free pairs of socks. The store teamed up with Darn Tough Vermont Socks as a way to thank current military members, veterans, police officers, EMT, and firefighters in the community. “It’s something a lot of people are excited about,” said Elizabeth Vaughn, with Duluth Pack. “It’s…

Wells Fargo Says 3.5 Million Accounts Involved in Scandal

  NEW YORK (AP) — The scope of Wells Fargo’s fake accounts scandal grew significantly on Thursday, with the bank now saying that 3.5 million accounts were potentially opened without customers’ permission between 2009 and 2016. That’s up from 2.1 million accounts that the bank had cited in September 2016, when it acknowledged that employees under pressure to meet aggressive…

Northlanders Continue Gathering Supplies for Flood Victims in Houston

A water and donation drive will also take place Thursday at Denfeld High School from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – People in the Northland are getting geared up and ready to go, loading up an entire semi-truck of donations to help the flood victims in the Houston area. On Wednesday, Northern Light Community Church opened its doors for anybody to drop off donations. Many families stopped by with cases of water and bags filled with toiletries. This…

Lutsen Ski Resort Could Expand

Still Needs to be Approved by Forest Service

LUTSEN, Minn.-Lutsen Mountain Ski Resort is looking at expanding another 550 acres. The land they would be using, which is part of the Superior National Forest, would nearly double the area they have for skiing. The plans are still in their initial phases and the Forest Service would have to issue a permit for the resort to use the land….

Water Drive to Support those Affected by Tropical Storm Harvey

Local Businessman to Travel to Texas

DULUTH, Minn. – A local Duluth man is heading to Texas this weekend to help those affected by Tropical Storm Harvey and he’s asking for help. Mike Letica is hosting a Water Drive on Thursday, August 31 from noon to 7 p.m. at Denfeld High School. Letica is asking for donations of water, cots, air mattresses, medical supplies, cash donations…

New Restaurant to Open at Holiday Center

Will Replace Porter's

DULUTH, Minn.-The old Porter’s restaurant in the Holiday Center is getting replaced. In October, the Lyric Kitchen and Bar will open. Management at the new spot said they have been seeing a lot of changes in downtown Duluth, which caused them to change the theme of the old Porter’s. “Duluth keeps changing and we wanted to be a part of…

Nation’s Largest Refinery Shuts Down as Harvey Floods Texas

HOUSTON (FOX 26 Houston) – The largest crude oil refinery in the United States has shut down due to flooding form Tropical Storm Harvey. Motiva Enterprises’ Port Arthur plant, which has been in operation for more than 100 years, stopped operating Tuesday night. Motiva Enterprises has as crude capacity of over 600,000 barrels a day, supplying gasoline and diesel to…

Emergency Pig-Out Raises Funds for Volunteer First Responders

Iron River Community to Host "Emergency Pig-Out"

IRON RIVER, Wis. – This weekend a Wisconsin community is banding together to support several projects in Iron River. White Winter Winery is once again hosting the Annual Emergency Pig Out. The event raises funds for Iron River’s Emergency Services to purchase and maintain EMS equipment. Also, this year some money will be going to the Iron River Lions Club…

Wisconsin Business Group Announces Foxconn Coalition

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state’s largest business group is announcing a new coalition to help bring Foxconn Technology Group plant to southeastern Wisconsin. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce said in a news release Thursday that the Wisconn Valley Jobs Coalition includes 146 business groups, local chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs, employers, and workers that support the plant. The group sent a…

Simonson Named New Zoo CEO

Assistant Fire Chief Taking Early Retirement to Assume New Role

DULUTH, Minn. – Assistant Chief Erik Simonson is taking early retirement from the Duluth Fire Department in order to lead the Lake Superior Zoo. Simonson was introduced as the zoo’s new Chief Executive Officer Thursday morning. He takes over for Dave Benson, who’s been serving on an interim basis since former CEO Corey Leet resigned in May for family reasons…

New Task Force Designed to Cut Red Tape

Seven Person Group Charged with Making Duluth More Small Business Friendly

DULUTH, Minn. – The City Council wants to make starting a small business in Duluth easier. Recently, the council approved a resolution creating a new Red Tape Reduction Task Force. The seven person task force will be charged with giving the council information and recommendations designed to streamline the permit process. The group will consist of an architect, developer and…

Bidding Open for Auction to Benefit Veterans

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is Auctioning a 1977 Ford F-150

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An auction benefiting a local veterans group was so successful last year, they’re doing it again. Benna Ford and the Arrowhead Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart teamed up to auction off a 1977 Ford F–150 pickup. Between now and September 8th, you can stop by Benna Ford’s dealership in Superior, check out the…

Red Cross Takes Donations in Duluth

One Pint of Blood can Save up to Three Lives

DULUTH, Minn. – Ordinary people became heroes Thursday with one simple act. The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Zeitgiest Atrium in Downtown Duluth. The Red Cross has a critical need for donations and organizers were happy to see donors come in. “It feels really good to see people are so selfless and able to come in,…

Duluth City Council Candidates Talk Transportation

Zeitgeist Host Event For The Public

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Council candidates hit the stage Wednesday to answer questions about improving transportation equity in the city. The forum held at Zeitgeist was organized by local nonprofits and research groups who say, transportation is a vital necessity to be able to access employment and income, education and grocery services among other daily needs. But those necessities…

IRS Auctions Off Ely’s Oldest Outfitter Business

ELY, Minn. –  Thousands of dollars in back taxes has prompted the federal government to seize the oldest standing outfitter business in Ely. In June, the IRS seized the store’s belongings because of tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes. The state of Minnesota also has two liens against Wilderness Outfitters, and American Band of the North has also…

DEDA Approves Skywalk Expansion

Expansion Will Connect HART District, Fond du Luth Casino to Skywalk

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) approved a proposal Wednesday to expand the city’s Skywalk system. Wednesday’s approval by DEDA Commissioners was the first step needed in expanding Skywalk. The plan will expand the Skywalk along the 100 block of E. Superior Street and down to the Historic Arts and Theatre District.  DEDA will now contract local…

Duluth-Based Business Partnering With Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington

Locker Innovations Expanding to Work With More Inventors, Entrepreneurs

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based Locker Innovations is expanding its business and bringing in Kevin Harrington, a former shark from the television show Shark Tank to be on their team. Locker Innovations works with inventors and entrepreneurs to help them develop and market their products. On Wednesday, they showcased their business and some of their successful clients to potential investors at…

Powerball Fever Strikes Duluth

Estimated $700 Million Jackpot is Second Largest in History

DULUTH, Minn. – Life could change in a big way for someone, somewhere. Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot was up to an estimated $700 million, the second largest jackpot in history. Across Duluth, Powerball players stocked up on tickets, in hopes Wednesday was their lucky day. Many had big dreams of what they’d buy if they were lucky enough to hit the…

Franken Impressed with Reservation’s Renewable Energy

Fond du Lac Reservation Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence by 46%

CARLTON, Minn. – To wrap up his two-day visit to the Northland, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) stopped on the Fond du Lac Reservation Tuesday. Senator Franken serves on both the Senate Energy and Indian Affairs committees, so his visit to the reservation served multiple interests. Minnesota’s junior senator met with Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe officials to talk about…

Twin Ports’ First Openly Gay Bar, The Main Club, Closing After 34 Years

Owner Bob Jansen Says The Times Have Changed

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A true trailblazer within the LGBT community in the Twin Ports is preparing to shut the doors on one historic safe place — The Main Club. Bob Jansen said he opened The Main — the first openly gay bar in the Northland — in 1983 after winning a lawsuit that said the College of St. Scholastica fired…

Local Businesses Happy to Have College Students Back

Many Businesses Rely on Student Customers During the School Year

DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of business owners and managers are excited to have college students back this fall because they rely on their business during the school year. Crooked Pint Ale House in Duluth has only been open for a few months, but they expect returning UMD and Saint Scholastica students to come check them out this fall. “That’s…

New Brighter Lights For Lakewalk

LED Lights To Replace Older Lights

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders who use the Lakewalk in Canal Park will soon see a brighter change. The city will replace the entire Lakewalk trail lighting with new and brighter L.E.D. light bulbs. Areas from the Endion Station to Leif Erickson Park will have narrowed lanes during the project. The work is expected take up to two weeks to complete, weather…

Virginia Daycare Center Damaged By Flooding

Apple Tree Learning Center Had Three to Four Inches of Standing Water in Some Classrooms

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Some businesses in Virginia were flooded last week after that are was hit with more than four inches of rain. The Apple Tree Learning Center had three to four inches standing water in some of their classrooms on Friday. They have since pumped the water out, but their cleanup has only just begun. “It was very heartbreaking…

Bikers Come Together at Cedar Lounge for Rider Night

The bar will also be the home of Earth Rider Brewery's tap room, which is expected to start pouring beer this fall.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Before the rain came down Monday, it was perfect weather for a motorcycle ride through the Twin Ports. A group of bikers made its way from Duluth to the Cedar Lounge in Superior. Every Monday, the bar hosts “Rider Night” with hopes of bringing like–minded groups of people together to socialize over food and drinks. “Breweries and…

Jury Awards $417M in Lawsuit Linking Talcum Powder to Cancer

LOS ANGELES (AP) – A Los Angeles jury has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $417 million in a case to a woman who claimed in a lawsuit that the talc in the company’s iconic baby powder causes ovarian cancer when applied regularly for feminine hygiene. Los Angeles County Superior Court spokeswoman Liz Martinez confirmed the verdict Monday. California resident…

Duluth Artist Embraces Disability With Creativity

Tony Adams was in a sereve motorcycle accident, leaving him in a coma for three months

DULUTH, Minn. – Most of Tony Adams’ life has been spent working with his hands. “I could work on any car motorcycle aircraft. I was a really good mechanic,” Adams said. On his way home from work one day, Adams was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by car who ran a stop sign. “After my accident I forgot…

Castle Danger Celebrates 6 Years

Cheers To The Years - This Weekend At The Brewery In Two Harbors!

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Kegs are tapped in celebration of Castle Dangers 6 Year Anniversary this weekend. They are celebrating their success with live music, food trucks, lawn games, raffles and of course, drinking their dangerously good beer with friends. “It’s been the longest six years and the shortest six years that the brewery and I can imagine. When we…

Duluth Workforce Development Center Hosts Fall Job Fair

More than 30 employers were on hand to talk with anybody looking for a new job or wanting a career change

DULUTH, Minn. – Job seekers had a chance to meet with potential employers in Duluth Wednesday. The city’s Workforce Development Center teamed up with the Minnesota Workforce Center to host its annual Gear Up for Fall Job Fair. More than 30 employers were on hand to talk with anybody looking for a new job or wanting a career change. The…

Aviation a Boom for Duluth’s Economy

DEED Study Shows Aviation Responsible for More than $600 Million Added to Local Economy

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials From Duluth’s aviation industry celebrated a decade of aviation’s economic impact on the city. They also announced the results of a study by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). According to DEED, aviation activity at and around the Duluth International Airport since 2007 is responsible for 3,451 direct jobs, 5,669 total jobs, $646,500,000…

West Duluth Equestrian Trail To Be Built

Trail Will Be Ready In October

DULUTH, Minn. – The West Duluth Equestrian community will soon have a trail of their own. The project was approved by the Duluth City Council in 2014, due to high demand from West Duluth horse riders. The first installment called the Ely Peak Loop, is expected to be completed by October 1. The trail will also be used for multiple outdoor…

5 Year Old Uses Lemonade Stand To Give Back

Money Raised Will Go Towards Douglas County Humane Society

  SUPERIOR, Wis. – A young entrepreneur in Superior is learning the meaning of giving back. Braden, 5, decided to set up a lemonade stand, where he would give all of his proceeds to the Humane Society of Douglas County. “I think it’s great to give back to the community for the things that we do, and make sure that we…

Duluth Grill Opens Fresh Grocery Counter

The new addition features items like the restaurant's condiments and dressings to entrees such as their house smoked salmon and homemade pasties

DULUTH, Minn. – A well-known Northland restaurant is expanding its services to accommodate customers on the go. The Duluth Grill recently opened up a new fresh grocery counter, which features items like the restaurant’s condiments and dressings to entrees such as their house smoked salmon and homemade pasties. Many of Duluth Grill’s customers are tourists heading up the North Shore,…

Cliffs Natural Resouces to go by Old Name Again

It Will Once Again be Called Cleveland Cliffs

DULUTH, Minn.-Cliffs Natural Resources is going by its old name once again. Today they announced they will be called Cleveland Cliffs again. The name change is part of the company celebrating its 170th anniversary. “The historical name Cleveland-Cliffs is synonymous with our strong heritage, and is the perfect one for our next era of growth,” said Lourenco Goncalves, President and…

Group Wants Hearing on Proposed Mine

Duluth for Clean Water Opposes Copper-Nickel Mining near Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of concerned citizens sent a message to Gov. Mark Dayton Tuesday regarding PolyMet’s proposed copper–nickel mine. The group called Duluth for Clean Water wants an evidentiary hearing before a permit to mine is issued to PolyMet for its proposed site. Critics call the type of mining proposed the most toxic form of mining known in…

Canadian Based Oil Company Buys Out Calumet

A Deal Worth Nearly 500 Million Dollars

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One of Superior’s largest employers, Calumet Oil Refinery, is being sold to a Canadian company. “This is a key wonderful addition to our asphalt business into our integrated corridor in North America.” Jerry Miller, U.S. Refining, Vice President The new owner, Husky Energy tells Fox 21 they plan to keep the roughly 180 workers at the refinery. “We’ll…

New Location of 7 West Taphouse Officially Opens

New Tap House Opens 3rd Location

DULUTH, Minn. – The new location of 7 West Taphouse has officially opened their doors. It’s the companies third location with the 7 West Taphouse name attached. The restaurant is located at 2510 Maple Grove Rd., which Duluthians may also recognize as the old Nevada Bob’s location near Miller Hill Mall. The owners also own Grizzly’s Steakhouse in both Superior…

Larson Budget Proposal: $2.1M In Cuts, $1M Increase In Streets With Levy Increase

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson has released her proposed city budget for 2018. It includes cuts to all departments, including $700,000 combined from the fire and police departments, as well as a heavy investment in city streets. Larson wants $2.1 million in cuts to city expenses, an $895,000 investment into a community solar garden and a $1 million increase…

Calumet Announces Agreement to Sell Superior Refinery

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P., has announced that it has signed an agreement to sell the ownership of its Superior refinery and various related assets to Husky Superior Refining Holding Corporation, a unit of Canadian company Husky Energy. Under the agreement Husky has agreed to pay $435 million in cash, plus additional payment for networking capital, inventories,…