Business

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,…

Wisconsin Regulators Approve SWL&P Rate Increases

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has authorized base utility rate changes for Superior Water, Light & Power’s electric, gas, and water utilities. The rate adjustments will help to pay for upgrades to electric substations and transmission lines, a portion of water infrastructure along Belknap Street and other areas of Superior, as well as gas utility infrastructure…

Wisconsin Cranberry Growers Projected to Continue Leading US

(Ocean Spray) WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin cranberry growers are expected to continue leading the nation in cranberry production this fall. Projections released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday say Wisconsin is expected to harvest an estimated 5.6 million barrels of cranberries. That project is part of the approximately 9 million barrels of cranberries expected nationwide. The…

Dozens of Applebee’s, IHOPs to Close

GLENDALE, Calif. (FOX 11/ CNS) – The Glendale-based parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar and IHOP announced plans Thursday to shutter as many as 135 Applebee’s, doubling its original plan to close up to 60 of the eateries, and up to 25 IHOPs, up from the previous expectation of 18. Details were not immediately announced about which locations are being targeted. “We are…

Postal Service: More Red Ink, Missed Payments as Mail Slumps

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Postal Service is warning that it will likely default on up to $6.9 billion in payments for future retiree health benefits for the fifth straight year. It is citing a coming cash crunch that could disrupt day-to-day mail delivery. The post office says it expects cash balances to run low by October. Postmaster General Megan…

Nonprofits Want State Gambling/Gaming Taxes To Lower

Some Say The State Gets To Much Already

Duluth, Minn. Each year billions of dollars are spent on charitable gaming across the state of Minnesota. Sounds like a lot of money, but with increasing state taxes on gaming and the states percentages getting bigger and bigger. What’s left over for the charities that rely on their slice of the pie? Nonprofits across Minnesota including Duluth are feeling the…

Job Fair Seeking Truck Drivers to Work on North Dakota Oil Fields

Nuverra Environmental Solutions is hosting a job fair at The Suites Hotel in Canal Park starting at 4 p.m

DULUTH, Minn. – A North Dakota–based trucking company will be in Duluth on Thursday looking for drivers who want to work on the Bakken oil fields. Nuverra Environmental Solutions is hosting a job fair at The Suites Hotel in Canal Park starting at 4 p.m. After a resurgence in the oil industry over the past year, the company has a…

Duluth Winter Village to Return This December

Outdoor Local Market Coming Back to Glensheen Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Winter Village, an outdoor local market, is returning for a second time this winter to Glensheen Mansion. The village will feature thirty local businesses vending out of log cabin buildings. It offers a chance for Northlanders to kick off winter and get a head start on local holiday shopping. “Gift wrapping, hot cocoa, smores, and…

Pizza Wars Competition in Superior

Voting ends August 30

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Business Improvement District (SBID) has announced the launch of a Pizza Wars competition for the month of August. Pizza Wars is a friendly competition among restaurants in Superior vying for the title of “Most Superior Pizza.” The competition features five local restaurants including Pizza Man, Sammy’s Pizza, Sclavi’s Italian Restaurant, Thirsty Pagan, and Vintage Italian…

Dubh Linn Brew Pub Recognized as One of the Top 40 Whiskey Bar/Restaurants in the Nation

  DULUTH, Minn. – Whisky Advocate Magazine has recognized Dubh Linn Brew Pub in Duluth as one of the Top 40 Whiskey Bar and Restaurants in the United States. The criteria for the award was based on whiskey selection, variety, food quality, entertainment, and ambiance. Whisky Advocate Dubh Linn has a massive collection of different whiskeys available, over 350 bottles…

Wis. DNR Chief: Foxconn Bill Won’t Harm Environment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s top conservation official promised Wednesday that regulatory rollbacks in Gov. Scott Walker’s incentive plan for a giant Foxconn plant won’t harm the state’s environment. Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp, a Walker appointee, told the agency’s board during a meeting in Milwaukee that the plant is a “gift.” Walker’s incentives proposal merely streamlines the…

Twin Ports Officers will Stake Out Dunkin’ Donuts Rooftops this Friday

TWIN PORTS – Officers in both Duluth and Superior will hit the rooftops of local Dunkin’ Donuts this Friday, Aug. 11 to support the Special Olympics.  Law enforcement officers in Minnesota will participate for the first time ever in a statewide Cop on a Rooftop event, at all six Minnesota locations, including Duluth. Wisconsin officers will be participating for the…

Technology Specialist Talks Back-to-School Gadgets

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer vacation is coming to an end in a few weeks and students will be heading back to school. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis visited FOX 21 this morning to talk about must-have technology for students. Google Home: Students can ask the device homework questions. Fitbit Alta: This is a great accessory for student athletes. Track…

Fond du Lac Band Asks For Answers; What’s Next?

Ancient Burial Ground Unearthed By MnDOT Road Project

Duluth, Minn. This Spring, Native American grave sites were disturbed at a MnDOT Highway 23 work site. The Fond du Lac band called for some kind of resolution. Tuesday MnDOT held an open house for the community members affected by the issue to speak out. Months after the department of transportation mistake the construction site remains at a standstill and…

T-Shirts Designed to Raise Mental Illness Awareness

Steven Gold Selling "Mental Illness Sucks" Shirts to Encourage People to Address Issues

DULUTH, Minn. – Statistics say you or someone close to you battles some form of mental illness. One Duluth man wants to raise awareness. Steven Gold came up with the “Mental Illness Sucks” t–shirt as a way to get people talking about a difficult subject. Gold, who’s battled depression since the 10th grade, says getting people to talk about their…

Disney Unveils New Streaming Services

Says goodbye to Netflix

(FOX NEWS) – Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday it will launch a pair of video-streaming services in the next two years, ending a distribution deal with Netflix as it responds to the cord-cutting trend pressuring the cable industry. The company plans to an ESPN video-streaming service early next year and a Disney-brand streaming service in 2019. In making these moves,…