Business

Affordable Housing Problems In Duluth

Panel Discusses Solutions To Solve Problem

Duluth, Minn. Duluth is working towards solutions to address our own affordable housing crisis. Tonight a panel full of organizations like loafs and fishes and the Salvation Army were on hand for a discussion on housing issues as they pertain to local, state and federal levels. The event was to shed light on issues and potential solutions to work together…

Paid Sick And Safe Task Force Steps Closer To Closing Deal

Referendum To Be Presented To City Council

Duluth, Minn. The Duluth City Council is working to adopt a sensible paid sick time policy. Tonight it seems as if some progress has been made. Duluth’s earn sick and safe time task force plans to present a final draft of the referendum to the Duluth City Council to approve or not approve. If approved employees that currently don’t receive…

Open House Held to Discuss Potential Enbridge Pipeline Permit Renewal

Pipeline Passes Through Eleven Miles of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Near Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. – Enbridge Energy ahs asked to continue operating their pipeline that passes through a national forest near Ashland. Thursday night, an open house was held for people to learn more about that pipeline. The Enbridge pipeline was first built in 1953 and has continued operating through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Since then. Now, the U.S. Forest Service is…

Apple Ordered to Pay $506M in Wisconsin Patent Infringement

(Apple) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A judge has ordered computer-maker Apple Inc. to pay more than $506 million in a patent infringement case brought by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation after the two sides agreed on final damages. A jury in 2015 found Apple infringed on a patent held by the foundation, which supports research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The…

Things to Know About Foxconn Plant Coming to Wisconsin

(AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Foxconn Technology Group’s manufacturing plant in Wisconsin will be the first U.S.-based facility for the Taiwan-based electronics giant. Here are some things to know about the plant: ___ WHAT WILL IT MAKE? Foxconn is perhaps best known for assembling Apple iPhones in China, but that’s not what would be made at the plant. Instead, it…

Farewell to Finke’s Berry Farm

After 32 Years in the Berry Business, Doug and Diane Finke are Set to Retire

CARLTON, Minn. – After more than three decades of digging in fields, one Northland couple is leaving the berry business, but not without heavy hearts. The owners of Finke’s Berry Farm are spending their final summer speaking with customers and making memories on their 120 acre plot of land. “They’re living organisms. It’s like adopting 65,000 kids every year,” said…

Morgan Park Historic Tour

Local Amerature Historian Takes Folks On Walk Around Morgan Park

Morgan Park, Minn. A group walked Morgan Park tonight to learn more about the unique past of the town. Local amateur historian Bob Berg walks to former and current sites and gave the rich history of each building. Here’s a fun fact, Known as the “company town”, Morgan Park was built alongside the site of U.S. Steel. Until 1940 the…

Arrowhead Road Construction Begins Monday in Hermantown

Engineers say this is one of the busiest county roads in the area, with about 13,000 cars passing through every day

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Construction is set to begin on a busy stretch of road in Hermantown. Starting Monday, Saint Louis County crews will start work along West Arrowhead Road near Highway 53 to help improve the flow of traffic and safety in that area. Engineers say this is one of the busiest county roads in the area, with about 13,000…

Foxconn Announces $10 Billion Investment in New Wisconsin Campus

ESTIMATED TO ESTABLISH 13,000 NEW JOBS IN THE STATE

(AP) WASHINGTON – Foxconn Technology Group, the world’s largest electronics manufacturing services provider, announced Wednesday that it will invest $10 billion by 2020 to build a world-class manufacturing campus in southeastern Wisconsin. The campus is expected to bring 13,000 new jobs to Wisconsin and represents the largest new greenfield investment made by a foreign-based company in U.S. history. The announcement…

Bent Paddle Brewing Co. Looks To Expand — Again

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s largest brewing company, Bent Paddle, is hoping to expand again in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Renderings submitted to the city’s planning office shows an upgrade to a building on the 1800 block of West Michigan Street. That is the same building Bent Paddle has been housing its offices, which is across the street from the company’s…

New Developments Could Be Coming to Ashland

A New Distillery, Brew Pub, and Outdoor Event Space Could Begin Construction Next Year

ASHLAND, Wis. – One of Ashland’s biggest hotels are seriously eyeing the waterfront for new development there. The Hotel Chequamegon has been a staple in Ashland for decades, and the owners now want to expand their business along the city’s lake shore. In addition to making improvements to the historic hotel, the owners are considering building a new distillery and…

Grand Motel Demolished For Acme Expansion

DULUTH, Minn. – Bulldozers have begun to take down the longtime Grand Motel in West Duluth. The motel property was sold in June to Acme Tools for $365,000. The realtor for the property told FOX 21 Acme plans to expand its current store and parking lot onto the old motel property. Categories: Business, News, News – Latest News

Ordinance To Allow More Road Usage By Class One ATV’s

Carlton County Looking To Adopt New Ordinance

Carlton, Minn Carlton County officials aim to take ATV’s from off the road to on them through a new ordinance. The ordinance would allow more access along county and state roads and highways. Something other Northland counties have already done. Carlton County, unlike St. Louis and Pine Counties prohibits class one ATV’s from using the side of county state roads…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Britta Lynn Design Handmade Jewelry

Britta Kauppila creates custom rings, necklaces, and earrings in her Duluth studio

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is home to many artists with a variety of different skills. Britta Kauppila is making a career of her talent, working with as a metalsmith. “I love working with my hands,” says Kauppila. “I love to just create things.” On a typical day at her studio inside the Armory Fire Arts Building it’s not uncommon…

Avenue C Restaurant Approved for Outdoor Seating

Restaurant Managers Hope New Patio Seating Will Help Revitalize City's West End

CLOQUET, Minn. – Avenue C Restaurant will be the latest Cloquet business to offer outdoor seating for customers. Avenue C’s outdoor patio area is still under construction, but as soon as fencing is added and their liquor licence is amended, customers can start enjoying their meals in the sunshine. “Outdoor seating is desirable,” says Avenue C General Manager Ryan Kolan….

Grand Motel Sold to Acme Tools

Motel Sold for $365,000

DULUTH, Minn. – The Grand Motel has been sold in West Duluth to make way for an expansion of an existing business. Acme Tools purchased property June 30 to make way for a bigger store and more parking. The sale price was $365,000. Crews could already be scene at the old motel today as they are getting ready to tear it…

Blind Pig Lease Up for Sale

The Restaurant Opened in October

DULUTH, Minn.-The restaurant The Blind Pig will not be renewing its lease according to a local real estate listing. After opening in October on East Superior Street, Realtor Greg Follmer tells us the plan is lease out the restaurant portion and old council chambers. Blind Pig originally replaced the restaurant Tycoon’s. The Rathskeller bar in the basement, however, is not…

Big Changes Could be Coming to Ashland Waterfront

Plans for Brewery Could be in the Works

ASHLAND, Wis. – Some big changes could be coming to Ashland’s waterfront in the near future. The Hotel Chequamegon is looking at expanding its operations to include a new brewpub, distillery, and suites at an adjacent property. If the improvements were made, it would mean the band shell near the property would have to be moved to another waterfront area…

Deadly Intersection In Cloquet To Be Reconstructed

Some Cloquet Citizens Say No On Proposed Roundabout

Cloquet, Minn. The intersection of I–35 and Hwy 33 in Cloquet continues to be a problem. This as the Minnesota Department of Transportation thought they came up with an easy solution. They’re proposing to replace that dangerous intersection with a roundabout. Multiple fatalities and a handful of serious car accidents in just the last ten years is the reason MnDot…

Duluth Coffee Company Set to Open New Bar, Roasting Facility

The new space will also allow them to bring in a larger roaster, which will help make five times as much fresh coffee

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Coffee Company is close to opening up a new addition next to its downtown cafe. The expansion will feature a bar, showcasing local beer on tap and distilled spirits. The new space will also allow them to bring in a larger roaster, which will help make five times as much fresh coffee. Owner Eric Faust…

St. Louis River Alliance Celebrates

Millions Of State and Federal Bonds For River Clean Up

Duluth, Minn. The St. Louis River alliance celebrated Thursday after last months state bonding bill that passed and included millions of dollars for the estuary restoration project. The 25.4 million in funding also activates another 47.2 million in federal funds made available through the great lakes restoration initiative. With the money, the goal will be to accelerate the cleanup efforts…

Finke’s Berry Farm Nearing Final Days

After 32 Years, Doug and Diane Finke will Retire from their Locally Owned and Operated Strawberry Farm

CARLTON, Minn. – Through the years, hundreds of hands have helped yield thousands of strawberries near the City of Carlton. Now, the owners of Finke’s Berry Farm are preparing to say goodbye. Owners Doug and Diane Finke believe there are only four or five more days left in the berry picking season. After cultivating their land and harvesting farm fresh…

Swimmers Beat the Heat at Pinehurst

Public Beach Packed with Swimmers on Hot Day

CLOQUET, Minn. – A sunny day across the Northland left many looking for ways to beat the heat. Cloquet residents lined up before noon to get into the Pinehurst Beach swimming area. Officials there say on a day like Thursday as many as 500 people could stop by for a dip at what’s known as a Cloquet gem. “People love…

Community Forum Raises Opioid Awareness In St. Louis County

Some Call It An Epidemic

Hibbing, Minn. The Hibbing community is doing their part to combat the opioid and meth problem in St. Louis County. Hundreds came out to hear from multiple agencies that deal with the problem head on. A panel consisting of representatives from St. Louis county public health, local law enforcement, attorney’s and even addiction survivors were on hand tonight. The panel…

Duluth Business University To Close After 126 Years

DBU Is The Twin Ports' Oldest College or University

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Business University announced exclusively to FOX 21 Tuesday that it will be closing its doors next year after 126 years of education in the Twin Ports, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. “We didn’t do anything wrong. We are victims of some very poor handling by the government. It was a lynching. It was an ambush,”…

Scottish Rite Clinic Shows Off New Place

Inviting Patients Back After Years Being Away

Duluth, Minn. The Scottish Rite Clinic in Duluth has seen their fair share of building changes over the last 27 years. The clinic has found a new home and wanted to show it off to former patients. The Scottish Rite staff has seen parents and kids alike grow up through construction and multiple building changes over the last 27 years….

BCA Collects DNA For Data Base

Hopes To Match DNA With Unidentified Remains

Across the U.S. there are thousands of unidentified humane remains that have yet to be identified. That’s why the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has teamed up with Duluth PD to encourage anyone who knows of a missing family member to give samples of DNA to investigators. The DNA would then go into a missing person data base for comparison. “Back…

Farmers’ Market Opens in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — As more people flock to Duluth’s downtown, a farmers’ market opens right at the entrance to the city. Right on the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street, live music fills the air, as shoppers are able to peruse through several vendor tents offering farm fresh fruits and veggies. Local artists are also on hand with hand-made…

Barker’s Island Marina Could Get New Contract, Upgrades

Superior City Council to Vote on Decision Tonight

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tonight the Superior City Council could approve an agreement with Sailboats Incorporated to run the Barker’s Island Marina through 2036. The marina has been operated by that group since 1980 and employs 30 people. The city owns the property, but the Sailboats Inc. rents it out from them for $450,000 thousand dollars a year to operate the…

Two Harbors Staple: Dixie Rebuilds In New Way

Bar And Grill Burned To The Ground Last June

Two Harbors, Minn. In the last year, owners of Dixie Bar and Grill in Two Harbors have been put through a world wind of emotions. “Everything happened so fast. I can’t even recall all the memories outside of being so devastated,” Owner Scott Larson says. After a business that stood for over 50 years, that could rely on its name…

Stand Up Paddle Offered Free Rides

Part Of Lake Superior Days Events

Barkers Island, Superior. If you were at Barkers Island today you may have noticed that there was free paddle boarding for all. Paddle boarding is a fast growing trend along the lake and allows for a different experience on the lake. “It gives people a goal paddling around the island. So a circumnavigation of Barkers takes most people, beginners included…

Michigan Street Utilities Upgrades Resume July 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Michigan Street in downtown Duluth has undergone a significant utilities upgrade project since April involving electrical, gas, and water lines. The first phase was completed on June 30, allowing for the temporary re-opening of Michigan Street. Phase two will begin at 6 a.m. July 17 from 2nd Avenue West to 1st Avenue West. The project is expected…

Superior 4-H Kids Sell Their Animals In Auction

Beef, Pork and Lamb sold to the highest bidder

Superior, Wis. The beef auction one of the most popular events at the head of the lakes fair was held tonight 4h kids ranging from the 3rd to 12th grades we’re able to show off their farm raised animals tonight in front of a huge crowd. Tonight marks the end of months of hard work inside the barn. The kids…

Verizon Data Breach: 14 Million Customers Reportedly Exposed

(FOX NEWS) – Millions of Verizon customer records have been exposed after an Israeli technology company left user data unprotected, the International Business Times reported. “As many as 14 million records” of Verizon customers were found unsecured on an Amazon storage server controlled by Israeli-based Nice Systems, according to ZDNet.com. The database was found to have communication logs of Verizon customers who called…

Productive Devices for Kids during Summer Months

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether they’re hitting the pool, hanging with friends or simply sleeping in, kids and teens alike embrace their summer break with gusto. Meanwhile, parents often struggle to not only keep their children productive, but also have peace of mind when their kids aren’t in school. Thankfully, Verizon offers various kid-friendly (and parent-approved!) devices to help Mom and…

Three Downtown Avenues Transitioning to Two Way Traffic

Conversions are expected to begin Monday, July 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Three avenues are slated to convert from one to two way as part of the City of Duluth’s plans to improve transit and access to downtown businesses. First, Second, and Third Avenues West (from Superior Street up to 4th Street) will ease and allow more direct connections to businesses with smoother circulation, according to the City. Other…

Hermantown Summerfest Begins

Meatballs And Puppies Were The Main Course Today

http://hermantownsummerfest.org/schedule.html The Hermantown Summerfest kicked off today. The event is really a celebration of the community as a whole. Today included tons of food, open houses and even a pet parade. That’s just a little taste of what’s in store for the rest of the week. Many local businesses give generously to provide free activities for all ages throughout the…

Historic Union Depot Needs Millions in Repairs

St. Louis Co. to Seek Funding During 2018 Application Process

DULUTH, Minn. – The more than century old Union Depot needs repairs.  About $8 million worth in the next five to seven years. “It’s time to make a significant investment back into this building to preserve it for the next 100–plus years,” said St. Louis Co. Property Management Director Tony Mancuso. One project though, needs immediate attention. “We need to…

CenturyLink Lawsuit in Minnesota over Cable, Internet Billing

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit against CenturyLink for billing higher amounts than sales agents quoted to customers for cable TV and internet service. According to the lawsuit, the company often refused to honor the quoted prices to consumers who catch the discrepancies, and CenturyLink’s internal records acknowledge the problem. In the lawsuit, Attorney General Lori Swanson…

Lawmaker: ’99 Percent’ Sure Craft Brewery Changes Dead

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Republican lawmaker says a proposal to require breweries and wineries to sell their products through distributors is going nowhere. Craft breweries were outraged last month when a memo emerged detailing a plan that would require breweries and wineries to work through distributors rather than sell their products on-site directly to customers. The brewers feared the…

Kwik Trip Could Buy Boundary Ave. Land At Auction

DULUTH, Minn. – A proposed Duluth Kwik Trip could get one last chance to build on controversial property near Proctor. That’s because the St. Louis County Board is putting the tax for-forfeited property up on the auction block as early as October. On Tuesday, the county board voted unanimously against selling the land on Boundary Avenue to the Duluth Economic Development…

City Testing New Bike Lanes

Test of Protected Lanes Runs Through July

DULUTH, Minn. – The city recently opened new bike lanes on Michigan Street downtown and leaders are looking for input. These protected bike lanes are the first of their kind in the city.  Traffic flows both east and west separated from vehicular traffic by pylons. The test runs throughout July, and the city encourages cyclists, drivers and businesses to give…