Business

Touchstone Award Given to Three Local Non-Profits

A Total of Seven Organizations Were Recognized

DULUTH, Minn.-Those who give back were honored on Monday, for all they do. Three non-profits were given the Touchstone Award by the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation. The local chapter of the American Red Cross, the Scott Anderson Leadership Forum, and the Myers-Wilkins Community Collaborative were all honored. “We think non-profit organizations are doing really vital work in Duluth and Superior and…

Walker Signs $3 Billion Foxconn Bill into Law

MADISON, Wis.-Gov. Scott Walker has signed a $3 billion incentive package designed to lure a Foxconn Technology Group flat-screen plant to southeastern Wisconsin. Walker signed the bill Monday afternoon during a packed ceremony at a technical college in Sturtevant in Racine County, the most likely location for the plant. The bill provides nearly $3 billion in cash to Foxconn if…

Hermantown Mayor Encouraged By New Housing Development

Single-Family Homes Planned Near Future Home of YMCA

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – There is growing excitement in Hermantown as ground is now broken on a new housing development in a part of the city that’s seeing big changes. The nine single-family homes are adjacent to the future home of the new multi-million dollar YMCA wellness center. And as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports, Hermantown’s mayor believes the development tonight is…

DNR Opens 30-Day Public Comment for Several PolyMet Draft Permits

(KQDS) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has opened a 30-day public comment period on the draft PolyMet dam safety and public works permits. From Sept. 15 through Oct. 16, the public can submit comments on two draft dam safety permits and a draft public waters work permit for the PolyMet Mining, Inc. NorthMet mining project. The DNR dam…

Enbridge Protestors Arrested In Superior

Blockade Set Up Prevented Construction Workers From Working

SUPERIOR, Wis. Protestors hoping to keep Enbridge workers from getting into their construction site on the line 3 replacement project Thursday morning are now in trouble with the law. In a dramatic scene, several protesters were arrested Thursday in Superior. One has been charged with disorderly conduct during the incident while three others were booked for resisting arrest and trespassing….

Moving to the Music with Sterling Silver Dance Studio

In This Week's Active Adventures, Meteorologist William Seay Practices His Dance Moves with Sterling Silver Studio in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay tackles the dance floor with Sterling Silver Dance Studio in Superior. The friendly staff taught William a few basic moves to the music, and from there, the rest was history. The crew rehearsed a short routine, and told William he was on his way to becoming a professional….

Winter Gear Already Hitting Store Shelves

Local Business Says This is the Best Time of the Year to Sell Skis

DULUTH, Minn.-After temperatures reached 80-degrees yesterday, the Northland will be hit with a dose of reality soon. We are getting very close to feeling that fall chill on our skin and local businesses are already getting out their winter gear. One we spoke to today, says now is the time to get your winter gear. “If you are in the…

Epicurean Has New Home

The Business Moved to Superior in January

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The business Epicurean has moved its headquarters to Connors Point in Superior. The business makes a variety of kitchen tools and cutting boards. The new 60,000 square-foot facility actually opened in January, but renovations were recently completed at the new site. The new building will allow the business to expand which means they will now have a factory outlet…

Historical Society Brings Past to Life within Cemetery

3rd Annual Living History Walk is Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend the history of Douglas County is coming to life in a place reserved for the dead. The Living History Walk is Saturday, September 16 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The walk will be at the Greenwood Cemetery, 8402 Tower Avenue Superior, WI 54880. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, $7 Veterans, $5…

JJ Astor Makes Fall Favorites in Preparation for New Menu

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – JJ Astor, the revolving restaurant in the Radisson in Duluth, has hired a new Executive Chef and is creating an updated menu. The new Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage, Bob Boyd, joined FOX 21 in the kitchen for this week’s Cooking Connection. JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge is located in the Radisson at 505…

City of Superior Releases Images Of Future Housing Development

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior has released images of what a future housing development will look like when it is completed next year. The building is under construction at North 13th Street and Grand Avenue. It’ll include 54 one-and-two bedroom market rate apartments. All units will have a washer and dryer, dishwasher, air conditioning and a private balcony….

New West Duluth Business Owners Honored

Six Entrepreneurs Presented With a Certificate of Appreciation

DULUTH, Minn. – New business owners were honored by the West Duluth Business and Civic Club. Six entrepreneurs were presented with a certificate of appreciation. Their new businesses filled some empty storefronts in West Duluth and other business owners hope the new ventures will help the whole area do better. “It looks like a very vibrant area to come and…

Block Grants Available for Local Communities

Nearly $2 Million Available

PROCTOR, Minn.-Block grant funding has been instrumental in helping build up Saint Louis County since the mid-90s. It helps fund projects like the Vermilion housing project in Tower, created water and sewer infrastructure in six communities, and even helped supply meals through the Salvation Army. Today, a meeting was held in Proctor to discuss with area leaders what projects they…

50% of Millennials Would Give Up Their Right to Vote to Get Student Loans Erased

(FOX NEWS) – As the staggering national student loan debt tally sits at an all-time high of $1.33 trillion, according to the Department of Education, many Millenials say they would go to extreme lengths to wipe their slate clean. According to a new study from Credible, a personal finance website, 50 percent of all respondents ages 18-34 said they would…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Skyline Lanes

The Bowling Alley Is More Than Just Bowling

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we head to Skyline Lanes in Hermantown where it’s more than just bowling. “We have a variety of different activities from bowling. We do volleyball as you can see were standing out here on the courts. We also have bocce and bean bag leagues,” said Corey Kolquist, manager at Skyline Lanes….

City Looking at Helping Get More Business in Industrial Park

City Applying for Grant Worth $1.7 Million

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council is all set to vote tonight on applying for a grant that could lead to an economic boom in western Duluth. The grant is for $1.7 million and would be used to connect Waseca Industrial Road with Highway 23 and Grand Avenue. City leaders believe this will allow for more business to be conducted in…

Local Leaders Seek Community Input on Future of Canal Park

Imagine Canal Park 2035

DULUTH, Minn. – Imagine Canal Park is a new initiative with the goal to make that area a spot for residents and not just tourists. In June, Duluth received a grant from the Knight Foundation to look at ways to further engage and create a common public space for residents to increase social interaction and connect with their city. The…

Wisconsin Businesses Struggle with Worker Shortage

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Economists, employers, and government officials say a growing worker shortage in Wisconsin is expected to increase over the next decade. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the worker shortage is due to many factors, including a low unemployment rate, an aging population, and Wisconsin’s poor record of attracting college graduates. Wisconsin had an unemployment rate of 3.2…

Lake Superior Zoo Gains Accreditation

Zoo's Accreditation Extended by Four Years

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s good news for the Lake Superior Zoo. The zoo’s accreditation was extended four years by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The AZA, which grants accreditation to less than 10% of the approximately 2,800 animal attractions licensed by the Department of Agriculture, praised the zoo for stabilizing its finances while developing a plan for sustainability. “We…

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is sending fudge for troops

Chocolate Factory is matching each pound of fudge purchased by customers

The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is teaming up with the Blue Star Mothers of America to help send some fudge to our troops overseas. Throughout the month of September, when anyone buys a pound of fudge from any of the stores, the factory will match that pound to be sent overseas. “It’s just fun to have something like fudge,” owner…

Equifax Breach: Criticism from Lawmakers, What People Can Do

(AP) NEW YORK (AP) — There’s no way around it: The news from credit reporting company Equifax that 143 million Americans had their information exposed is extremely serious. Crucial pieces of personal data that criminals could use to commit identity theft — Social Security numbers, birthdates, address histories, legal names — were all obtained. That’s information that cannot change. And…

Malware Incident at Tettegouche State Park

(Explore MN) The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports that state IT security specialists discovered malware on state computers at Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay in late August. While the MnDNR has no evidence that credit card numbers were accessed, out of caution, they are advising those who visited the park and charged items from Aug. 22-25 are asked…

Replica Of U.S.S. Duluth Turned Over To City

Model Sized Boat On Display At The Depot

DULUTH, Minn. Crew members that once served on the Navy’s U.S.S Duluth battleship, had the chance to relive their glory days on Thursday, with a model sized replica of the ship. The scale model ship was hand crafted to look just like the battleship. It took over a year to build, and one crew member tells FOX 21 that he’s…

New Duluth Fitness Center Features “9 Rounds”

9Round is Latest Kickboxing Gym to Open in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – A new fitness center has opend in Duluth. 9Round Fitness is a kickboxing gym. It features a nine round, 30 minute workout to help clients get a good workout in during a short amount of time. The workout is a for the entire body, and trainers are on hand to guide clients. The fitness center also offers…

Duluth Pack Celebrates Grand Opening After Remodel

The event included free beer and pizza

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack celebrated its grand opening today after finishing up some remodeling of their store in Canal Park. The store hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Duluth Chamber of Commerce. The event included free pizza, free beer, and Duluth Pack giveaways. It was all to celebrate the company’s place in Duluth’s outdoors culture. “We are aware…

Power Companies Answer Questions About New Plant

Proposed Natural Gas Power Plant Should be Operational by 2025

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Representatives from two electricity suppliers met with residents Thursday to answer questions about the Nemadji Trail Energy Center natural gas power plant. These informal open houses gave residents a chance to learn what the plan will mean for the city. For Minnesota Power, using natural gas to create electricity is another step towards cleaner, renewable energy. In…

Equifax Announces Social Security Numbers Stolen from More than 143 Million Americans

ATLANTA – Equifax says approximately 143 million U.S. consumers’ social security numbers and other information were stolen during a data breach. Unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through July 2017. The company says information stolen includes social security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. In addition, credit card numbers for approximately 209,000 U.S. consumers, and certain dispute documents with personal identifying information for…

Hair Stylist Giving Back to Harvey Victims

All Donations Going to Charity

DULUTH, Minn.-One local hair stylist at Vain Salon is trying to help out Hurricane Harvey victims. All of the money she makes today cutting hair is being donated to Harvey Victims through the charity Matthew 25 Ministries. She told us, that even her tips and some funds she gets from selling hair products will also be donated. “I just felt…

Superior Choice Collecting Supplies for Local Shelters

Donations Accepted at All Branches Thoughout September

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northlanders’ response to Hurricane Harvey relief was overwhelming, but a local credit union reminds people there’s need at home as well. Throughout September, Superior Choice Credit Union is taking donations of household supplies for area emergency shelters. Each branch has shopping lists so members know what shelters need. Organizers say giving is important all year not just…

Minnesota Prepares to Fight for Amazon’s 2nd Headquarters

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is joining the chase to land Amazon’s second headquarters. The e-commerce behemoth based in Seattle announced Thursday it’s seeking to build a second headquarters, setting off a nationwide race. Dozens of cities and states are expected to compete. The company says it will spend $5 billion and could bring up to 50,000 jobs. Amazon already…

Chipotle Adds Queso to the Menu, Yes It’s Extra

DENVER (AP) – Chipotle hopes its new queso dip will satisfy its customers’ cravings — and help reinvigorate sales that have been hurt by food scares. The Mexican food chain said it will begin offering all-natural warm queso in restaurants nationwide next Tuesday. Chipotle marketing director Mark Crumpacker had said earlier this year that company research showed the top reason why…

Larson Meets With Residents To Discuss The State Of City Streets

Meeting Was Held At Grant Recreation Center

DULUTH, Minn. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson continues to meet with voters hoping to persuade them to vote yes for a half percent sales tax increase to better the city’s roads. The city of Duluth controls 450 miles of streets. Studies show that 55 percent of those streets are in poor condition. Tuesday Mayor Larson met with residents at the Grant…

Another Great Year For The Great Northern Classic Rodeo

Sunday Marks An End To The Yearly Event

SUPERIOR, Wis. It was all about bull riding and calf wrangling in Superior this weekend. The Great Northern Classic Rodeo wrapped up their 3 day weekend today. Starting in 1991 the rodeo was originally held in Duluth, with several hundred spectators. Two years later the rodeo moved across the bridge to Superior and has been held at the Head of…

Black Hat BBQ Gives Back To Youth Rodeo

Funds Raised Goes Towards The High School Rodeo Foundation

SUPERIOR, Wis. It wouldn’t be a rodeo without southern style BBQ. Supporting Minnesota’s high school rodeo foundation, Black Hat BBQ can be found at many of the surrounding rodeo events. Portions of the proceeds made at each event is given back to the rodeo scholarship fund. Owners say raising funds is easy to do with favorites like their baby back…

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…