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…
DULUTH, Minn. – The changing newspaper industry has forced the Duluth News Tribune to put its building up for sale. But the DNT reports the future is bright as the paper nears its150th birthday. According to the DNT, the current building on the 400 block of West First Street has too much empty space after the historic printing press was…
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…
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, 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,”…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A new report from the state labor officials shows about 15-percent of hourly employees in Minnesota make the minimum wage of $9.50 an hour or less. The Department of Labor and Industry report shows there are about 1.6 million hourly workers in Minnesota and 31-percent work in restaurants, bars, and other eating and drinking establishments….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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. …
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…
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, 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…
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…
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…
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…
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, 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…
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…
DULUTH, Minn. — Docked right next to the Great Lakes Aquarium sits the Blue Heron in all her glory. Of all the tools at the disposal of researchers at UMD’s Large Lakes Observatory, no doubt the Heron is their biggest, and one of the most important. “We couldn’t do the work we do today without the Blue Heron,” said Research…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – A new survey shows the top paid executive in Minnesota is in the health care industry. Calculations by The Associated press and the executive data firm Equilar show UnitedHealth Group CEO Stephen Hemsley tops the compensation list in Minnesota, earning $15.7 million last year. The health care company is based in Minnetonka and is sixth in…
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,…
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…
DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth is in the process of moving into a big section of open retail space in the Holiday Center along West Superior Street. On Wednesday, employees of Visit Duluth were packing up last-minute boxes in the old building across from Minnesota Power. Meanwhile, construction crews are busy getting the new space ready – where Brownie’s Furniture…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
