Business

Minnesota Legislature passes $46B budget in special session

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s Legislature has finished passing a $46 billion budget in a special session. It took three extra days and some horse-trading to win crucial Democratic votes. But the Republican-controlled Legislature passed its final budget bills early Friday morning. The overtime began Tuesday morning after lawmakers passed the constitutionally mandated deadline to finish a budget by…

Major Cuts At Northland College

Millions To Be Scaled Back Affecting Sports And All Employees

Ashland, Wis. In a letter sent out to Northland College students and staff by the board of trustees will hit the pocket books of many. The school is making some big budget cuts totaling around 3.5 million dollars. Many areas of the school will see some type of cuts, affecting some athletes and 100% of the schools employees. As of…

ReUSE Minnesota Explores Duluth Network

Group has been Operating in the Twin Cities Since 2012

DULUTH, Minn. – A successful Twin cities re-use program Is coming to the Twin Ports. Representatives from ReUSE Minnesota and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency met with local re-use businesses to create a network to share resources. Officials say they’re targeting businesses like thrift stores, habitat restores, and consignment shops. “These are the stores that allow the rest of us…

IRRRB Announces Ilmenite Breakthrough

New Processing Method Produces Nearly Pure Samples

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials from the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute announced a breakthrough in ilmentite processing Thursday. NRRI partnered with Canadian firm Process Research Ortech to find a way to separate titanum dioxide and iron oxide from ilmenite deposits. The results, nearly pure samples of both titanium oxide and iron oxide.  But, officials say they’re a long…

EMS Workers Treated to Cookout

St. Luke's Emergency Department Thanked its EMS Partners

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Emergency Department said thanks to EMS workers with lunch Thursday. Burgers and hot dogs were on the menu, as the first respsonders were treated to a cookout in the hospital’s emergency garage. The director of St. Luke’s Emergency Department says he and his staff appreciate everything EMS does. “We are fortunate in this region to…

Part 2: Downtown Duluth: What’s Next?

DULUTH, Minn. – In Part 2 of a special report, Downtown Duluth: What’s Next?, you’ll meet a new generation of business developers who are determined to make their mart on West Superior Street – all during a time when the retail industry is feeling the pressure of online shopping an e-commerce.  FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. A renaissance, a boom,…

South Pier Inn Celebrates 15 Years

Staff Attributes Their Success To The Relationships Built Over The Years

Duluth, Minn. The South Pier Inn celebrated 15 years in business today. The hotel that’s located just feet away from the aerial lift bridge is known for its pristine views of the canal. The staff attributes their success to the relationships built over the years. “We’ve really gained so wonderful friendships and relationships with our guest. During that time we’ve…

Earth Rider Brewery Set To Break Ground In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A well-known Twin Ports brewer and owner of the Cedar Lounge in Superior is moving closer to opening a brewery. The signage for Earth Rider Brewery is now up on the Cedar Lounge building on North Tower Avenue. Owner Tim Nelson says construction for the brewery will begin around June 1 at the neighboring building. Equipment will…

“I’m a Tourist Too” Training Session Readies Businesses for Summer

Customer Service Workers Had a Chance to Brush Up on Their Skills Before Tourist Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth businesses got a chance to brush up on their customer service skills before kicking off the tourist season. Duluth has six to seven million visitors every year which makes the hospitality business vital to the local economy. Customer service workers got a special free training session today to help them get ready for summer. The Duluth…

Gardeners Hoping for Warmer Planting Conditions

Bending Birches Greenhouses has seen some eager gardeners, but the cold, rainy weather has impacted sales

DULUTH, Minn. – Below average conditions around the Northland have led to a slow start to planting season. Bending Birches Greenhouses opened up May 1st and have seen some eager gardeners, but overall the weather has impacted sales. Jahn Hibbs, the greenhouse manager and grower at Bending Birches says it’s best to wait until the first week of June, when…

Pet Insurance Increasing in Popularity

Local Farmers Insurance Agent Shares Importance of Pet Policies

DULUTH, Minn. – Health insurance has been a hot topic for months now as lawmakers look to improve our healthcare system. But, what about our furry friends? We often forget about the possibilities of dreaded medical bills when taking our pets to the veterinarian. “I don’t think people know about it yet,” said Patrick Shelton, Farmers Insurance Agent in Duluth, Minnesota….

Part 1: Downtown Duluth — What’s Next?

DULUTH, Minn. – Major changes are beginning to unfold in downtown Duluth as investors and city leaders work to keep the area progressive. In Part 1 of a special report, FOX 21’s Dan Hanger takes a look at the changing retail industry downtown as the buyer habits of consumers continue to shift online. There’s no denying downtown Duluth is on…

Minnesota Lawmakers Push to Finalize Budget Deal

Lawmakers Doubtful Deal will Pass; Look Toward Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. – One-hundred twenty days have passed since the Minnesota Legislature first started work on the state’s budget bill. Monday evening the clock is ticking before the state constitution calls for a deal to be reached or the session will end without an agreement in place, resulting in a special session. “It’s compromise and it’s democracy and it’s…

Minnesota lawmakers enter final day to wrap up budget

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are down to their last day to wrap up several major budget bills to avoid needing extra time to finish the work of the legislative session. The House and Senate reached deals late Sunday on water buffers to pass an environment bill and agreed on funding for colleges and universities over objections from…

Safety and Preparedness Tips for Outdoor Activities

The Duluth Experience Starts New Tours for Summer Season

DULUTH, Minn. – When venturing onto the water or onto a hiking trail, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Dave Grandmaison, Co-Founder and CEO for The Duluth Experience, says you need to have the right tools when going in the woods or on the water in case something goes wrong. Grandmaison says the best thing you can do is…

Local Businesses Hold “Duluth Made” Event

Pop-Up Market Hosted By Evolve Duluth Featured Local Vendors

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses were brightening up this gloomy day with what’s known as a “Duluth Made” event. Artists, creators, small business owners and more all showcased their talents at this unique pop-up market. The event was hosted by Evolve Duluth and spread out throughout the studio space in the old City Hall Building on East Superior Street. “Being…

$5 Book Sale At Gabriel’s Book Store

Shoppers Fill Their Bag With As Many Books As They Can

DULUTH, Minn. – A unique sale had books flying off shelves at Duluth’s Gabriel’s Book Store. For just 5 dollars shoppers could cram as many books as possible into a large paper bag. All the money raised goes to St. Michael’s Church. Gabriel’s specializes in old and used books. Plus there are plenty of kids’ books and records at affordable…

Barker’s Island Farmers Market Opens

Farmers Sell Their Fresh Goods

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County farmers have a new spot to sell their wares. Barker’s Island’s Farmers Market opened today. Shoppers can find all variety of locally grown produce and other products. One farmer we talked to says today’s weather didn’t help sales but a little rain won’t keep the farmers away. “No matter what the weather is like the…

SLRA Volunteers Team Up To Clean Portion In Superior

St. Louis River Cleanup

Duluth, Minn. – Volunteers from the St. Louis River alliance spent the day cleaning up the river. Decade’s worth of trash that had been dumped alongside the St. Louis River continues to be a problem for the St. Louis River alliance. “We find TV’s and other electronics down in there and those certainly are hazardous,” says Bill Majewski, Chair of…

Jan Swanson Commits To Council Run

Jan Swanson Kicked Off Her Campaign Tonight

Duluth, Minn. An at large candidate has put her name on the ballot to possibly become part of the Duluth City Council. Jan Swanson kicked off her campaign tonight at the Incline Station. There she met with residents and shared what would be her platform. She plans to focus on three things.  Lowering taxes to drive more businesses to the…

West Duluth Little League Takes Concussions Serious

Essentia Health Contributes With Big Donation

Duluth, Minn. Hundreds of baseball players in the West Duluth little league are now safer because of the contribution and team work from Essentia Health. A grant issued to the little league will allow technology into the dugout, a first of its kind in the state of Minnesota. Concussions are common in contact sports and now multiple MLB and NFL…

Night To Shine At Greysolon Ballroom

Teens Graduate Life House Program

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds came out to the Greysolon Ballroom to support local nonprofit Life House and graduates of their program. Dozens of area teens were celebrated tonight in front of a large audience. The teens have seen their fair share of hardships and have overcome their obstacles. Those graduating the program have either moved on to college, find themselves…

Lincoln Park After Dark

Finding Ways To Attract More People

Duluth, Minn. Duluth businesses gathered tonight at the Duluth Children’s Museum in Lincoln Park for another round of Lincoln Park After Dark. A program aimed to bring businesses in the area to come together to discuss ways to make the community better. “We believe in building the neighborhood to be a very vibrant really economically vibrant place where tourists want…

Wisconsin Unemployment Lowest Since February 2000

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been in more than 17 years. The state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday that the unemployment rate in April was 3.2 percent. The seasonally adjusted figure is down from 3.4 percent in March and the lowest since February 2000. The national unemployment rate for April was 4.4 percent….

Chetek Greenhouse Lucky to Avoid Tornado

Destroyed Trailer Park, Turkey Farm was About a Mile Away

CHETEK, Wis. – While Tuesday’s tornado near Chetek left destruction and devastation in its path, less than a mile away a nearby business remained virtually untouched and the owner is counting his blessings. Jim Berger owns Treefrogs Greenhouse just outside Chetek.  He had just closed and was on his way home, when Tuesday’s storm hit.  He waited it out in…

Lake Superior Zoo CEO Announces Resignation

Corey Leet DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Zoo CEO Corey Leet announced today that he will be resigning from his position and will advise the Lake Superior Zoological Society Board of Directors as a consultant while the search for a new leader is underway. “It is with regret that I must make this decision and step down from what really…

Duluth Junk Hunt to Celebrate Five Years

Finding Vintage Goods at Duluth Junk Hunt

DULUTH, Minn. – Some say one man’s junk is another man’s treasure and that’s certainly true at the Duluth Junk Hunt. The event is hosting nearly 100 vendors displaying their vintage goods. These vendors come from all over the state. Part of the proceeds are donated to the Encounter Youth Center. The Duluth Junk Hunt is Friday, May 19 and…

Porter’s Restaurant to Undergo Rebranding and Remodel

Renovations are estimated at $1 million

DULUTH, Minn. – Porter’s Restaurant announced Wednesday that it will undergo a major transformation including a new name, fresh look, and updated menu. Starting on May 30, the restaurant will temporarily close to begin the $1 million renovations. Porter’s has been serving visitors and locals in downtown Duluth inside the Holiday Center, for over 30 years. “We are excited to…

Harrison Park To Be Revamped

Work To Be Done Over This Summer

Duluth, Wis. The Harrison Park neighborhood will see some big changes to the community park this summer. The park is one of 13 parks that qualify for 90 thousand dollars’ worth of half and half funding. Some of the bigger changes will include making the facility ADA accessible a formal gathering space and a new revamp community garden. “We know…

Superior Councilors Approves Application Process For Vacant Council Seat

City Council Will Chose New Councilor During June 6th Meeting

Superior, Wis. – Superior city councilors convened Tuesday to move forward with the resignation of councilor Graham Garfield who is facing four charges of domestic abuse. Councilors officially accepted Garfield’s resignation Tuesday night. They also made a decision on what to do with the vacant council seat. In a vote across the board councilors chose to appoint someone to Garfield’s…

Crooked Pint Open in Kenwood Village

New Restaurant Features More than 30 Tap Beers

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s new Kenwood Village now offers more food than bagels. The Crooked Pint Ale House opened for business Tuesday Morning. Owned by the same company as Green Mill restaurants, the new location is Crooked Pint’s sixth in Minnesota, and first north of the Twin Cities. General Manger Russ Smith Was happy see his work pay off Tuesday….

Emergency Responders Gather for Conference

6th Annual Under One Roof Continues Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Disaster relief agencies from the Twin Ports and beyond gathered Tuesday for the start of a two day conference at the DECC. At the Under One Roof conference, emergency response professionals and volunteers swap notes so they’re better prepared if disaster strikes. Organizers say by learning from and sharing with one another, everyone is more effective when…

Solve Entertainment to Open New Location and Escape Room Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Soon there will be a new mystery in town for Northlanders to solve. Solve Entertainment has moved locations and is ready to officially open to the public with a new escape room. The interactive entertainment company is now located at 120 E. Superior St. in downtown Duluth. This is right above Blacklist Brewery in the Historic Arts and…

Blaze at Floodwood Business Monday

FLOODWOOD, Minn. – Flames filling a local business in the Northland Monday evening. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department got a call of a structure fire at 12402 Hwy 2, West of Floodwood at 5:12 p.m. The fire was at MAT Incorporated, a business that produces erosion control products for hydraulic seeding. A fire had started in some of the…

Local Experts Offer Advice After Major Cyber Attack

Staff at Duluth's Downtown Computer say it's Important to Update Anti-Virus Software

DULUTH, Minn. – Local computer experts are now speaking out after the latest major cyber-attack hit hard in the eastern part of the world last Friday. Staff at Duluth’s Downtown Computer shop say they alerted clients via email and phone Friday, shortly after learning of the cyber-attack. Downtown Computer provides anti-virus and firewall services throughout the Northland, along with many…

Promotion Aims to Support Downtown Local Businesses

Coffee Conversation: Get Downtown Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring tourism season is starting and more folks will be heading to downtown to get some shopping done. Get Downtown Week, put on by the Greater Downtown Council, is running through May 20. More than 30 businesses are teaming up to offer special BOGO deals this week. This is the second year for this promotion and it’s a…

‘Love Locks’ Building On Portion Of Lakewalk

City Allowing Trend, Monitoring Safety

DULUTH, Minn. –  The love is continuing to build in the form of dozens of locks on a portion of Duluth’s Lakewalk. All types of padlocks can be seen attached to four wooden posts behind Comfort Inn and Suites. Love Locks, as they are often called, have become a growing trend across the country and even the world where sweethearts…

North Shore Tourism Season Begins

Officials Are Expecting Busiest Summer Ever

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Once summer weather arrives, the tourism rush is on along Lake Superior’s North Shore. If the recent trend continues, this could be some destinations’ busiest season yet. The North Shore has always been a favorite Minnesota vacation spot. “When the sun is shining, people like to take rides up from the Twin Cities and see the…

Grandma’s Boxcar Open for the Season

Canal Park Favorite Serves Ice Cream, Hot Dogs, Sandwiches

DULUTH, Minn. – Another sign of summer: In Canal Park, the Boxcar Ice Cream Machine is back open for the season. You probably recognize the small business. It’s right next to the historic Grandma’s Restaurant. Ice cream, hot dogs, popcorn, and sandwiches bought right out the doors of this old boxcar. “I mean, it’s just kind of unique,” says Max…

Fundraiser For New Good Neighbor Boxes

Boxes For Non Perishable Items

Superior’s Lake Point Church wants to bring the community together through puzzles and history. The church wants to raise money for its “good neighbor boxes”. These boxes are like library donation boxes but organizers want non–perishable food and other household items. Those items in turn will be given to people in need. “I’ve gone through hard times and other people…

Bent Paddle Hosts Festiversary

Block Party To Be Held Saturday

Bent Paddle celebrates another year of brewing beer tomorrow and they’re throwing a big party. Bent Paddle hosts “festiversary” tomorrow as a way to show their appreciation to the Twin Ports’ craft beer community and celebrate four years of business. The kid friendly event features activities for all ages plus food trucks and plenty of bent paddle beer “It’s been…

Salvation Army Host ‘Stamp Out the Hunger’ Food Drive Tomorrow

Salvation Army Also Needs Help Sorting Food

DULUTH, Minn.-The Salvation Army and the U.S. Post Office are partnering up tomorrow for their 25th “Stamp Out the Hunger” Food Drive. All you have to do is leave a bag of non-perishable food near your mailbox and the postal worker will pick it up. The drive couldn’t come at a better time, because with schools out, low-income students have…

Duluth Pack Celebrates Its Grand Reopening

Duluth Pack underwent a remodel earlier this year

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack in Canal Park went through a little remodeling earlier this year, and on Thurday, they celebrated their new look. The event included free beer from Dubh Linn Pub, as well as free pizza from Sammy’s Pizza. Organizers say it’s a good way to welcome the community back. “Having this event is a really great way to get…

Crabby Ol’ Bill’s Saved From Closure

Opening Day Is May 26

DULUTH, Minn. – An iconic boat in Canal Park that has a summer smell like no other has been rescued. We’re talking about Crabby Ol’ Bill’s. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger confirmed Thursday the owners of Titanium Partners have purchased the historic boat along the Lakewalk and the business inside. The sale means the popular mini donuts of all kinds will…

Road Trip Season Means Time to Check Brakes

Many Shops Offer Free Inspections

DULUTH, Minn. – The brakes might just be the most important part of a car. After all, without brakes cars don’t stop, something which happens in all too often in Duluth. Under normal driving conditions, a set of brakes can last about a few years.  But in city like Duluth, with so many hills, brakes get worn much faster. “They…

Duluth Grill Owner Receives Inaugural Mary Mathews Legacy Award

Left to right: Jaima and Tom Hanson, Mary Mathews and Shawn Wellnitz Photo: Entrepreneur Fund DULUTH, Minn. – The Entrepreneur Fund has announced that the owner of the Duluth Grill and OMC Smokehouse, Tom Hanson, is the recipient of the inaugural Mary Mathews Legacy Award. The award recognizes outstanding small business owners in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, and was created…