Business

Group Unveils $1M Plan to Address Super Bowl Sex Trafficking

Super Bowl LII will take place in Minneapolis in 2018

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Community leaders have come up with a plan to fight sex trafficking during the Super Bowl in Minneapolis. The Star Tribune reports the 40-member group unveiled a plan Tuesday that includes billboard campaigns and statewide law enforcement stings. The effort is estimated to cost around $1 million. The group is made up of representatives from counties, nonprofits,…

Shooting at San Francisco UPS Warehouse

KTVU - Fox 2

KTVU SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – A San Francisco hospital has received multiple victims from a shooting at a sprawling UPS warehouse and customer service center. Brent Andrew, spokesman for Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, said Wednesday that the hospital had received victims, but he did not know exactly how many or their conditions. KTVU reported that in a statement, UPS…

Local 1091 Celebrates 80 Years this Month

BBQ Planned to Recognize Milestone

DULUTH, Minn. – This month the Laborers International Union of North America Local 1091 is celebrating 80 years. The Local has helped bring several recognizable buildings to Duluth including the Amsoil Arena, the Duluth International Airport, Maurices Headquarters and Pier B. The group is celebrating with a BBQ at the Duluth Labor Temple on Thursday, June 15. This is open to the public from…

UMD’s Bushey Receives Honor

Radio Host Has Studio Named After Them

DULUTH, Minn. — After hosting KUMD’s long running radio show “Highway 61 Revisited” for half a century radio personality John Bushey receives a huge honor. The studio Bushey has sat in for more than 25 years was dedicated to him and will forever be named the John Bushey Studio. During Bushey’s weekly show he shares his understanding of everything there…

Foot Patrol Officer Now Assigned To Downtown, Canal Park Beat

Officer To Build Relationships, Perform Long-Term Problem Solving

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is going old school in the way it patrols the downtown and Canal Park business districts. For the first time in a decade, a full-time police officer will now be on foot patrol, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. It’s a new day for Duluth police officer Mike Jambor. There’s no squad car…

St. Louis River Master Plan Relieved

Plans To Add More Access Points To Water And Connect Neighborhoods

The city of Duluth unveiled new details about the western waterfront and trail master plan tonight. After nearly a year of studies along the St. Louis River and multiple public input sessions have finally brought some insight to what the master plan might intel. The Morgan Park recreation center was packed with local citizens eager to see this master plan…

Spirit Valley YWCA Receives Sizable Donation

DULUTH, Minn. — The Spirit Valley YWCA in Duluth has been chosen to receive a pretty significant grant. The South St. Louis County Family Service Collaborative has awarded $225,000 to the local non-profit. Alice Jacobson, Director of External Programming, says she remembers screaming when she heard the news; she says funding like this can sometimes be difficult to come by….

Fate of Thousands of Recalled Volkswagens Undecided

At the Brainerd Industrial Center, a former paper mill, thousands of recalled Volkswagen diesel vehicles are being stored. Steve Fines for MPR News BRAINERD, Minn. (AP) – The fate of thousands of recalled Volkswagens that are being stored in central Minnesota is undetermined. Minnesota Public Radio reports the vehicles are being stored in Brainerd as part of a massive recall…

Trump to Tout Apprenticeships as a Way to Fill Jobs Gap

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump will be touring a technical school in Wisconsin Tuesday as part of his push to boost jobs by increasing apprenticeships. Trump says the learn-and-earn arrangements are going to be “a big, big factor” in his effort to add jobs that employers are having trouble filling. The idea is for students to work at paid…

Business Booming at Beaver Bay Sports

For Nearly Four Decades, Beaver Bay Sports Shop Has Offered Locals and Tourists Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

BEAVER BAY, Minn. – Summer is officially here which means business is starting to boom along Lake Superior’s North Shore. Many businesses rely on a summer rush while others have found opportunities to evolve, catering to customers year round. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, FOX 21’s Brett Scott stopped by one shop doing just that. “Everybody’s getting their boats…

Duluth Receives Knight Foundation Grant for “Mega-Parklets”

"Making Canal Park Pop" is a Winner for Knight Cities Challenge

DULUTH, Minn. – There is big news for the City of Duluth, as $200,000 is coming its way in an effort to bring the community together. Some Duluth city leaders submitted the idea of “Making Canal Park Pop” to the Knight Cities Challenge. Canal Park is known for its great view of the lake, shops and also the many cars driving…

Electric Car Owners In Minnesota To Face $75 Annual Fee

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota owners of vehicles powered exclusively by electricity will face a new fee next year. Minnesota Public Radio reports the annual $75 surcharge approved by state lawmakers takes effect in January. Minnesota joins a growing number of states tacking on an extra registration charge on electric vehicles to make up for lost gas tax revenues….

Sprouting Up With Shoreview Natives

Shoreview Natives Look to Showcase Natural Landscaping

DULUTH, Minn. – Many of you may be looking into landscaping projects this summer. One local company is looking to transition outdoor spaces into ecological hubs. Shoreview Natives is stemming from a lesson taught in one Northland classroom. For Duluth Woodland resident Will Bartsch, it’s common to have folks drive past his home, looking twice and stopping with a few questions….

Intro To Kayaking

Duluth Folk School Teaches Amateurs How To Kayak

Island Lake, Minn. With the more than 10 thousand lakes in Minnesota and not even counting Wisconsin there’s always some type of aquatic activity you can get involved in. Apparently going to Walmart and buying a blow up kayak may not be in your best interest until you have the skills to hit the water. Today at Island Lake the…

Ascena Group, Owner of Maurices, May Close 250 Stores

DULUTH, Minn.-The Ascena Retail Group, which owns multiple retail outlet including the Duluth-based Maurices, has announced they will be closing 250 stores in the near future. Currently there are 4,850 retail stores owned by Ascena, with a thousand of them being Maurices. Other stores in their portfolio include Dress Barn, Catherine’s, and Lane Bryant. Representatives from the company told us…

New Owner Revealed For East Superior St. Property

DULUTH, Minn. – The new owner of a building on the 100 block of East Superior Street has been revealed. The buyer is under and entities of Hall Equities group out of California. While the company spokesperson would not confirm what is planned – if any — for the building and the three tenants inside, including Old Town Antiques, it…

Original Coney Island Sold, New Restaurant Moving In

DULUTH, Minn. — The historic Original Coney Island on East Superior Street has been sold after more than 90 years of serving hungry customers. On Wednesday, signs and décor inside the restaurant were off the walls as a transformation is underway for a new restaurant. The name of the new tenant, Martha’s Daughter, was created in 2014, according to its…

Imagine Duluth 2035 Looking For Different Ways Of Commuting Around Town

Focus Group Looks Into Possible Lake Ave Overpass Change

DULUTH, Minn. – Congestion on Lake Avenue from those trying to access Canal Park from Superior Street has become a growing concern for the city of Duluth. A focus group met tonight to talk about 6 different proposed policies that would better forms of transportation in different parts of the city. The focus group, which is part of the Imagine…

Minnesota Power Announces Plans for Natural Gas Plant in Superior

The $700 million plant would be built along the Nemadji River in Superior's industrial corridor

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Minnesota Power announced some big plans that would bring a $700 million natural gas power plant to Superior. If approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center would start construction as early as 2020 and come online in 2025. The project would bring hundreds of construction and industry jobs, 26 full0time plant…

Ely Municipal Airport Receives Over $80,000 for Improvements

ELY, Minn. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Rep. Rick Nolan announced a major grant for the Ely Municipal Airport. The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the airport a grant of $82,581 for infrastructure improvements. “Municipal airports, such as the Ely Municipal Airport, support good-paying jobs and safe, efficient travel in our part of Minnesota,”…

Friends of Animals Now Open, Seeking Donations in New Location

Donations Highly Encouraged at Friends of Animals as Humane Society Starts Fresh in New Location

CLOQUET, Minn. – After being closed for nearly one month, staff and volunteers at Friends of Animals Humane Society in Cloquet are opening up the doors to a new location. While the excitement is high, funding is still needed to reach the final goal. Right now, there’s a kingdom of condos being built; condos housing herds of cute kittens. “We…

Meeting Held to Address Proposed Minnesota Power Rate Increase

Citizens Utility Board Held Session to Discuss Rate Details

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power has proposed rate increases that would affect customers across the Northland. The Citizens Utility Board held an information session to let people know what the impact of the rate hike could be, and how customers can voice their concerns. “The rate increases are quite significant, especially, more so on low-income people and it impacts their…

North Shore Adventure Park Enters Phase One

Four Investors Break Ground on Multiphase Adventure Park in Silver Bay

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Monday was the end of an era for one decades old pit stop on the North Shore. The old Spur gas station off of Highway 61 in Silver Bay is now demolished, making way for new opportunity. Four developers are now climbing toward new adventures, hoping the community and tourists will enjoy the development. “It just needs…

Lake Superior Zoo Names Interim CEO

New exective has background of nonprofit leadership

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo announced today that it has hired an interim CEO. Dave Benson will serve as interim CEO at the Lake Superior Zoo, following seven years as executive director and three years as development director at the Daminao Center in Duluth. “Dave brings years of knowledge running an important local non-profit organization, including strategic planning,…

Two Harbors Science Lab Brings High-Tech Jobs To The Northland

BRTI Life Sciences Creates and Sells Products Used for Stem Cell Research

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A science lab in Two Harbors is on the cutting edge of some important bio-medical work. BRTI Life Sciences is having success with their Stem Cell related technology. The lab creates and sells products other companies use for cell research. In the process, BRTI is bringing high-tech jobs to Northern Minnesota. Their Cell Mate devices are…

Volunteers Needed For Local Fire Departments

Be Somebody Campaign In Brule Looks For Recruits

Brule, Wis. – As part of the “Be Somebody” campaign, more than 30 volunteer fire departments throughout North West Wisconsin came together in Brule. No matter what day, or the time in the day it is. If you’re a volunteer first responder and duty calls, you drop everything and head out the door. “I’ve had to walk away from games…

Small Business Open House In Superior

Construction Is Taking A Toll

Superior, Wis. – Small businesses in downtown superior are doing anything possible to get patrons in the door. Construction on U.S. highway 2 has begun to take a toll on small businesses in the area. Today an open house was held by multiple businesses near the intersection of Belknap and Tower. With many of them holding raffle prizes as a…

Traveling Sauna Visits Duluth

Celebrating Finland's 100th Year Of Independence From Russia

Duluth, Minn. – During all of 2017 Finland is celebrating the country’s centennial birthday after gaining independence from Russia in 1917. As part of Finland’s 100th birthday, the traveling sauna will continue to travel the United States visiting cities and towns with a high finish population today the sauna made a stop in Duluth. ”It’s really cool to be up…

National Donut Day with Johnson’s Bakery

Happy National Donut Day! Each year on the first Friday in June, people participate in Donut Day, honoring the Salvation Army women who served donuts to soldiers during WWI. In 1917, the original Salvation Army doughnut was first served. Home cooked foods provided by brave volunteers proved to be a morale booster for troops serving overseas. Johnson’s Bakery joined us…

Jack Link’s Crew Excited for “Hometown” Show

The Screamin' Sasquatch Performs at Shows Across the Country

DULUTH, Minn. – To John Klatt, Summer is air show season.  But this week, this pilot is on cloud nine. “I feel like I’m home when  I come back to Duluth,” Klatt said. Klatt flew F–16’s for the 148th Fighter Wing out of Duluth for 14 years.  Now he flies the Jack Link’s Screamin’ Sasquatch, a one of a kind…

Visit Duluth Moves to New Office

The Company Hopes to Open on Friday, or Early Next Week

DULUTH, Minn.- Visit Duluth is officially moved into their new office. Visit Duluth used to be in a building owned by Minnesota Power, but after Minnesota Power announced they were expanding their clean energy department, Visit Duluth decided to move buildings. It’s taken a few months for Visit Duluth find a space and make the move, but now they are…

Blue Angels Arrive in Duluth

Navy Demonstration Squadron to Appear at Duluth Air and Aviation Expo

DULUTH, Minn. – If you heard loud noises coming from the sky Thursday afternoon, it was likely the Blue Angels. The U.S. Navy’s demonstration squadron arrived for this year’s Duluth Air and Aviation Expo. The Blue Angels started in the 1940’s and appear at air shows across the country from March to November.  Pilots and flight crews rotate regularly, but…

Downtown Engwalls Location Closes Its Doors

Florist Still Open in Hermantown and Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth shoppers may have noticed the Engwall’s Flowers on Superior Street is closed. The downtown shop actually closed last week, but both the Superior and Hermantown locations are still open. Engwall’s owner says closing downtown doesn’t mean his business is struggling. “It’s just an acknowledgment of how things are changing in the marketplace, especially I think…

School Board Approves Funding for Repairs

District will Borrow $4.3 Million Through Bonds

DULUTH, Minn. – At Tuesday’s meeting, the Duluth School Board approved a new long term maintenance plan. Two projects were added; repairs at Rockridge Elementary to prepare for Woodland Hills moving in, and replacing rubber mulch on school playgrounds. To pay for the projects, the district needs to borrow $4.3 million through bonds to be paid back in five years. …

Crabby Ol’ Bill’s Opens Friday With New Owners

DULUTH, Minn. – The iconic Crabby Ol’ Bill’s eatery in Canal Park is possibly a little less crabby right now because it’s opening Friday and under new ownership. The popular hot spot has gotten rotted wood fixed up, along with fresh paint and a deep cleaning inside where all those famous mini donuts are made. “Our company, Titanium Partners, is…

Only 2 Apply For Open Superior City Council Seat

Seat Was Graham Garfield's Who Resigned

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The application deadline is over in Superior, and two candidates are officially in the running to be appointed to the former council seat of Graham Garfield who resigned. Tylor Elm handed in 232 signatures of support with his application. Elm lost to Garfield in a recent election by one vote. The other candidate is Kara Schmidt who…

Duluth-Superior Film Festival Kicks Off

All Movies Can Be Seen For Free

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth–Superior Film Festival kicked off the first of five days of film, music and arts Wednesday. Wednesday night’s film was shown at Clyde Iron Works called Rumble, which is a documentary about the role of Native Americans in popular music history. The festival concentrates on movies shot and produced right here in our region. Many of…

Two Non-Profits in Duluth Receive Grants from St. Louis County Family Service Collaborative

DULUTH, Minn. – Two non-profit agencies in Duluth that serve children and families have been chosen to receive significant grants from the South St. Louis County Family Service Collaborative. The YWCA Duluth will receive $225,000 and the Lincoln Park Children and Family Collaborative will receive $25,000. Recipients took part in a comprehensive application process and were chosen based on their…

Judge Rules in Favor of Homemade Baked Goods Sales

DARLINGTON, Wis. (AP) -A Wisconsin judge has overturned a ban on selling homemade baked goods in the state. Lafayette County Judge Duane Jorgenson ruled Wednesday afternoon in favor of three women who’d challenged a state law they say made it impossible for home bakers to legally sell their treats. Jorgenson said in his oral ruling the ban primarily serves business…

United Taconite Officially Reopens

Officials Cut Ribbon on Facility Producing Mustang Pellets

FORBES, Minn. – Lawmakers and officials from Cliff’s Natural Resources had reason to celebrate, as they cut the ribbon on the re-opened United Taconite facility. “We are truly celebrating here today the largest producer of iron ore pellets in North America sending a brand new mustang pellet to the largest blast furnace in the United States,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar…

60+ Chipotle Locations in Minnesota Hit by Payment Card Malware, Duluth Included

The incident took place over several weeks before the company removed it

DULUTH, Minn – Denver-based company, Chipotle, has provided specific time frames for more than 60 Minnesota locations, after the company was struck with malware that was designed to access payment card data. In a statement, the company stated the completion of an investigation with law enforcement, payment card networks, and leading cyber security firms. Chipotle indicated that during the investigation…

Duluth Lawmakers’ Hard Work Helps Local Projects Make State Bonding Bill

The bonding bill includes more than $80 million in funding for many big Duluth projects

DULUTH, Minn. – State lawmakers wrapped up a special legislative session by passing a state budget and a nearly billion dollar bonding bill. With the bill awaiting Governor Dayton’s signature, local lawmakers are calling this session a success for projects in Duluth and northeast Minnesota. “There was a lot of uncertainty, so we worked really hard the last few days…

Adventure Park Now Open at Spirit Mountain

Summer Adventures Begin Memorial Day Weekend at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain in Duluth is now back open for business as we head into the Memorial Day weekend. The Mountain’s Adventure Park opened gates Friday for the Alpine Coaster, zip line, jumping pillow, mini golf and disk golf. Five mountain bike trails are now open as well. Executive Director Brandy Ream tells FOX 21 she’s optimistic going…

Workout Group Provides Fitness & Support for Northland Mothers

Active Adventures: Stroller Strides

DULUTH, Minn. – Moms around the country are encouraging each other to be healthy through a group fitness program. Fit4Mom is a nationwide program with a branch here in the Twin Ports. The goal is to support moms through every step of motherhood. The company offers several classes: Stroller Strides Stroller Barre Body Back Fit4Baby Running Club For this week’s…