Business

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…

DTA Unveils New Bus Routes

Four New Routes Start Service August 27th

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority will soon offer more options for public transportation users. Starting August 27th, the DTA will expand Route 5 service to run from Gary New Duluth to the Miller Hill Mall. Also, three brand new routes will start on the 27th. Route 21 will go from Lakeside to the mall via UMD’s Kirby Student…

Holiday Stationstores Bought by Canadian Company

MINNESOTA – Canadian company, Couche-Tard Incorporated, announced today that it signed an agreement with Holiday Companies to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Holiday Stationstores and affiliated companies. Holiday is a privately owned company based in Minnesota that has been in operation since 1928 and currently has 522 stores in the Upper Midwest. “We are pleased to…

Annual Sidewalk Days Festival Begins Wednesday with New Events

Sales and Car Show Return to Take Over Superior Street

DULUTH, Minn. – A downtown, summertime tradition will be shutting down parts of Superior Street once again. The Sidewalk Days Festival begins Wednesday, July 12 and runs through Friday, July 14. About 80 vendors are expected to participate. There will be a car show, crafts, clothes, food, live music and more. New this year, there will be a selfie scavanger…

New Café Brings Year-Round Jobs, Revitalization to Gary New Duluth

The Trophy Café is locally owned and operated by Mont du Lac Resort

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – Gary New Duluth has lived through decades of history. Buildings have changed ownership and new beginnings have come and gone. Now, one local resort is expanding into the neighborhood, inviting you to stop by for a fresh home cooked meal. “When you make an order, a chef in the back is going to make it…

Duluth Pack Offering Pack Rental Program

Can be rented online and picked up in store!

(left) Original #4 (right) Original #3 (Duluth Pack) DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack has announced they will be offering a new program for those seeking to rent one of their packs. The program will offer their Original #3 and 4 canoe packs in a variety of colors. Those interested in renting can sign up at their website and pick the…

Westbound Bus Stop in Front of Holiday Center Discontinued until Further Notice

DULUTH, Minn. – Effective Saturday, July 8, 2017, the Duluth Transit Authority will discontinue service to the bus stop located directly in front of the Holiday Center on Superior Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues West. Due to expanded construction, buses will no longer be able to safely access the curb and shelters. No boarding or alighting will take place…

Applebee’s: Big and Bold for the Summer

Cooking Connection: Grilling Favorites with Applebee's

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is beginning to feel the heat of Summer and many people are also heating up their grills. Applebee’s is doing just that as well. The restaurant has introduced its new Big and Bold Grill Combos at its locations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. The New Big and Bold Grill Combos include: Grilled Shrimp Skewer with lemon…

Trailer Storing Fireworks Stolen From Superior Small Business

A trailer filled with $4,000 worth of fireworks was stolen from a shed outside the store

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – An investigation is ongoing in Superior after $4,000 worth of fireworks were stolen from VP Wild Rice Company. Police say somebody broke in to a locked storage shed outside the store and stole a trailer filled with fireworks. The locally–owned business along E. 2nd Street relies on firework sales around the 4th of July to help carry…

Tourism Season Kicks Off in Bayfield

Area Is Expected to Be Busy Through Applefest Weekend in October

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Summer tourism is starting to take off along Lake Superior’s south shore. Every summer around the Fourth of July, tourism season kicks off in Bayfield and the surrounding area. Hundreds of visitors are hitting the water in Apostle Islands cruises and kayaking to sea caves on Lake Superior. As the summer continues, more visitors will start to…

Great Outdoors: Grilling on the 4th of July

Many local businesses spent lots of time preparing for the big rush of the holiday

From burgers and brats to pork and chicken kabobs,  grills across the country were filled with a variety of food for the 4th of July. FOX 21’s Matt Van Winkle shows us how some local businesses prepared for the holiday. Categories: Business, Great Outdoors, News

Canal Bark Expanding to Michigan Street Location

Locally Owned Canal Bark will be Opening a Facility for Dogs Early Fall of 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Bark is set to open their second location in Fall 2017. The local company will be expanding to a second location in the heart of downtown Duluth. Located at 211 West Michigan Street, the downtown location will offer day care and training opportunities, making caring for pets easier for downtown residents and workers. The new spot will…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Fine Edge Custom Framing

Virginia Business Can Add a Special Frame to Any Piece

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A custom frame can add a special finishing touch to any display in your home. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we take you to Fine Edge Custom Framing in Virginia, where they specialize in giving an edge to your favorite piece. “We do custom framing of all types of artwork, collectibles, jerseys, clothing, anything that you…

Klobuchar Shows Support for Craft Brewing in Duluth

The U.S. senator is working to lower federal taxes for small craft breweries and distilleries across the country

DULUTH, Minn., – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was in Duluth on Monday to show support for craft breweries. Alongside local business leaders and local elected officials, Klobuchar met with the owners of Canal Park Brewing Company to discuss how the craft beer industry has helped Minnesota’s economy. Klobuchar is currently working on legislation that would lower federal excise taxes for…

Sen. Amy Klobuchar In Duluth Monday To Support Breweries Legislation

MINNEAPOLIS (Press Release) – On Monday, July 3, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar will meet with business leaders and local elected officials at Canal Park Brewery in Duluth to discuss the economic benefits of Minnesota’s craft beer industry and highlight her bipartisan legislation to support craft breweries and boost the tourism industry. In the Senate, Klobuchar is a cosponsor of the…

Cloquet Public Library hosts craft fair and book sale

Money raised goes to children and adult programming at the library

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Public Library was the spot for the annual craft fair and book sale on Friday. The event is put on to help raise funds for the Friends of the Library organization. Money raised there will be used to put on adult and children programming at the library. “The library ends up being the community gathering…