Business

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…

A & Dubs Is Back Open For The Season

DULUTH, Minn. – A popular Lincoln Park drive-in is back open for the season. A & Dubs was packed all day Wednesday with cars lining up outside for burgers, fries and of course the cold root beer. The restaurant has been a staple in Duluth for more than 50 years. The owner says it’s the fresh ingredients and homemade sauces…

Developer Has Big Plans For Former Bagley’s Building

Developer Kevin Kuklis Grew Up In Hermantown, Lives In Texas

DULUTH, Minn. – A new developer in town has big plans for the former Bagley’s building on the 300 block of West Superior Street. Kevin Kuklis, 40, is a Hermantown native who lives in Texas these days, but has a strong passion for downtown Duluth. Kuklis told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger he’s working on the top floor of the building…

Donation to Lake Superior Zoo Benefits Animal Health

X-ray Machine Donated by St. Luke's Hospital

DULUTH, Minn. – As many of us know, dealing with a broken bone can be difficult. When it comes to animals, chances are the diagnosis is even harder to pinpoint. Now, thanks to generous donors in the Northland, the Lake Superior Zoo is now equipped with the latest and greatest X-ray technology. “Monty is the kind of snake that doesn’t strike,…

Curtis Oil Sells SuperAmerica Franchise In Duluth Area

All But One Location To Stay, Including All Employees

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s oldest gas station groups has been sold.  But the dozens of employees – some of more than 30 years – are staying put. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reported Tuesday that Curtis Oil has made a deal to sell eight of the nine franchise SuperAmerica gas station in the Northland to SuperAmerica Corporate. Curtis Oil…

Verizon Shows off Technology for Mother’s Day Gifts

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re on the hunt for a Mother’s Day gift, Verizon Wireless is hoping to help. This morning, Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis visited FOX 21 to talk about some options for mom. Google Home: Answers questions, googles anything hands-free, plays music, plays games. To purchase, head to verizonwireless.com. Wireless Soundsport Bose Headphones: Sweat resistant, versatile uses. To purchase,…

Knowing Your Neighbor, Buffalo Valley Campground

Campground Has Many Amenities

It’s almost time to get the kids, load up the camper and head to your favorite camp ground. The family could be sitting around a campfire, eating s’mores and not having a care in the world. Sound nice? In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbor, we take you to Buffalo Valley Campground that sits just miles from Duluth. Buffalo Valley campground has…

Council Decides To Table ‘Local Authority’ Resolution

Resolution Would Allow City More Local Control

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council was undecided on a resolution Monday night that would perhaps give the local government more localized power to make decisions. But multiple city council members felt the resolution could potentially cost the city of Duluth millions of dollars in bonding money for future projects if the council moved forward with the resolution. The…

1921 Original Coney Island Up For Sale

Future Of Longtime Restaurant Up In Air

DULUTH, Minn. – One of downtown Duluth’s oldest restaurants is up for sale. We’re talking about the Original Coney Island on 107 E. Superior Street. The classic restaurant has been serving up conies, burgers and malts at its current location since 1921. Owner Steve Sola, who bought the business in 2008, told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Monday that no sale…

Book Options for Spring Reading

Coffee Conversation: Books Sparking Discussions

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation we’re highlighting some books perfect for Spring reading. Shari Illig, Community Business Development Manager for Barnes and Noble, gave a couple recommendations. Illig says both books would make great book club books because they spark conversations. The first recommendation is titled, “The Stranger in the Woods” by, Michael Finkel. This…

St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates Hosts Mother’s Day Sale

Aestheticians to Help Clients Look Their Best

DULUTH, Minn. – Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend and if you haven’t found the perfect gift yet, no need to worry. St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates is hosting a Mother’s Day Sale this week. The sale is offering products for mothers to pamper themselves. Veronica Ramos and Michelle Bohlman, aestheticians for St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates, say these…

Cinco de Mayo Celebrated Across the Northland

Mexican Restaurants Busy with People Ordering Festive Food and Drinks

DULUTH, Minn. – In the Northland, people are celebrating Cinco de Mayo by getting their fill of Mexican food and drinks at local restaurants. Lines were out the door at many places with people waiting to take advantage of holiday specials. “I think this far north it kind of brings a little bit different atmosphere to a lot of people…

Gander Mountain to Remain Open in Hermantown

Store Does Have Sign that Says "Going out of Business"

DULUTH, Minn.-Despite recent rumors, the Gander Mountain store in Hermantown is not closing. The owner of Gander Mountain has said via a Twitter that the Duluth location will remain open. There are signs on the building that say “Going out of Business,” but that is part of a liquidation process. The Gander Mountain Corporation, which was founded in Minnesota, did…

Slip Bridge To Temporarily Rise For Boats Friday

Reconstruction Work Expected To Be Complete By Grandma's Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. –  The city of Duluth tells FOX 21 the reconstruction work being done on the Minnesota Slip Bridge is ahead of schedule by a few days and is expected to open up this Friday. The raising of the bridge will allow the Vista Fleet and charter businesses to get their boats docked in the slip. The city expects…

Eroding Sea Wall Forces Relocation Of Vista Fleet

Local Tourist Attraction Still To Operate As Normal

DULUTH, Minn. — Crumbling sea walls have forced emergency repairs behind the DECC, and that includes a major shift in operations for the Vista Fleet. Years of erosion is now heavily affecting the Vista Fleet. Its 100-ton boat is being forced to move to a temporary docking station for the season. The city says the section of sea wall that…

UWS Celebrates Unity

It was a night of unity on the UWS campus highlighting the diversity established within the student body. The event called light up the night was hosted by the social work student association to highlight the appreciation for the value of diversity while also making sure all students feel welcomed. “This event is really important to our campus because it…

Uber and Lyft are Now Available at Duluth Airport

Have Already Begun Operating There

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airport Authority Board has approved agreements to allow Uber and Lyft to operate there. Officials told us those ride-sharing organizations have already signed operating agreements with the airport. The ridesharing operators will have to pay some fees like the taxi companies do at the airport, to operate there. “There’s a demand in our region for…

Study Shows Duluth Roads in Disrepair

Majority of City Streets are Rated Mediocre or Worse

DULUTH, Minn. – A new study By national transportation resarch group TRIP says 69% of Duluth roads are rated either mediocre or poor. Staggering as that figure is, the number is expected to go up by 80 percent by 2020. A transportation sales tax raised $100 million in road improvement revenue but officials say they need more help from the…

Thousands of Bottles of Gin Recalled for Too Much Alcohol

(CNN) – Canadian health authorities have launched a nationwide recall of Bombay Sapphire gin after bottles containing nearly double the advertised amount of alcohol were discovered. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the bottles were found to contain 77 percent alcohol by volume rather than the 40 percent, as labeled on the bottle. The company, which is produced by Bacardi,…

100-Plus Pack Open House For Proposed Kwik Trip; Many Not Thrilled

Site Is Proposed at Boundary Avenue in Duluth

PROCTOR, Minn. — It was standing room only at the Proctor Black Woods Wednesday night where residents and business owners sounded off against a proposed Kwik Trip on Boundary Avenue and U.S. Hwy 2 in Duluth. The people who showed up came from not only Duluth but also Proctor. “Every place they build a mom and pop operation has gone…

Cloquet Legion Post Closing Its Doors

Post Can't Afford to Run Clubhouse

CLOQUET, Minn. – Wednesday was bittersweet for members American Legion Post 262. The post recently sold its clubhouse, and Wednesday the packing up process started. Post 262 started in 1919 and moved into their current location close to two decades ago.  For now, they’ll share a space with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter. The Post Commander says the…

DAV Rummage Sale Set for Saturday

Proceeds Help Veterans in Need

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Disabled American Veterans host a rummage sale Saturday at Cloquet’s National Guard Armory. Standard rummage sale fare will be available, but organizers say this sale is unique, as it’s on an honor system. “We do not mark anything, price anything,” said Gary Dahl with the DAV.  “People come in, see what they need or want, and…

Hibbing Street Dance Still On

City Government Stepped in After Chamber of Commerce Pulled Out

HIBBING, Minn. – There’s good news for Hibbing’s annual jubilee street dance after the city government stepped in, following the Chamber of Commerce’s decision to cancel its permit request. The decision came after the chamber wanted to make changes the city wasn’t comfortable with. But according to City Administrator Tom Dicklich, the street dance is too important to Hibbing to…

Cirrus Gets Green Light for Ramping Up Vision Jet Production

It's the World's First Single Engine Personal Jet

DULUTH Minn.- Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth has reached a historic milestone The company received the Federal Aviation Administration’s Production Certificate for what they call the Vision Jet.  It’s the world’s first single engine personal Jet. This certificate gives Cirrus the green light to ramp up vision Jet production, and moving the industry into a new era of personal transportation. “Our…

New Virginia Co-Op Open for Business

New Building More than Doubles the Store's Size

VIRGINIA, Minn. – It’s an exciting time  for the Natural Harvest Food Co–Op. The Co-Op opened its brand new, location a week ago, and response has been overwhelming. The new 9,000 square foot store on 4th Street is a much bigger building than the Co–Op’s old location.  According to the store’s marketing manager, the number of shoppers is at an…

White Elephant Sale Set for Saturday

67th Annual Fundraiser Benefits Our Savior's Lutheran Church

HIBBING, Minn. – Looking to do some bargain hunting this weekend?  If so, the Hibbing Memorial Building may be the place to go. Saturday, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church holds its 67th annual White Elephant Sale.  And this year’s sale is shaping up as the biggest ever. Organizers say they have four warehouses worth of donations, usually they fill one warehouse….

MnDOT Saves $1M This Winter Season Thanks To Mild Spring

DULUTH, Minn. – Winter-like conditions may be stretching into spring, but the Minnesota Department of Transportation isn’t worried because official there say they’ve saved roughly $1 million this winter season. This $1 million saved is coming out of the $12.9 million budgeted for winter operations and will be used for summer operations. “We were really heading for an expensive winter,…

57 Apartments Planned For Old Cloquet Middle School

CLOQUET, Minn. – As the city of Cloquet builds a $38 million middle school, new plans are being proposed for the old middle school — in the form of much-needed housing. Holly Hansen, the city’s community development director, says Roers Investments wants to turn the building into 57 units of workforce housing – both market-rate and affordable. The development group…

Apostle Islands Park Brings in Nearly $36 Million to Economy

Created More than 400 jobs

APOSTLE ISLANDS, Wis.-A new report from the National Park Service, showed that more than 180,000 people visited the Apostle Island National Lakeshore in 2016, generating nearly $36 million in revenue for that community. The study also showed that more than 450 jobs were created there because of all the tourists the park brings in. Across the country, the report said…

85 to Lose Jobs in Cloquet as Manufacturing Facility Announces Closure

CLOQUET, Minn. – A manufacturing facility in Cloquet has announced it will be shutting down the conveyor belts within the next six months. Newell Brands of Hoboken, New Jersey, a company that specializes in office supplies, outdoor recreation, appliances, and more, purchased the Jarden Home Brands facility in Cloquet in 2016. The facility manufactures and produces Pine Mountain® fire starters and…

Uber Officially Launches in Duluth

Free Rides offered to celebrate the launch

DULUTH, Minn. – Ridesharing app, Uber, has announced that it is officially launching in Duluth, after a few minor holdups with insurance filings. “We’re excited to formally announce that Uber will be launching in Duluth this afternoon. Ridesharing will bring safe, affordable, and reliable transportation to thousands of Duluth residents and visitors while at the same time creating flexible earning…

Storm Cleanup Continues In Biwabik

A Severe Thunderstorm Tore Through The Cemetery Last August

Biwabik, Minn. – People in Biwabik came together again today as residents continue to clean up after a thunderstorm last summer destroyed the town’s cemetery. Even trees that were over 100 years old didn’t stand a chance when a thunderstorm rolled through Biwabik, MN last August packing winds of over 100 mph. Residents say it’s going to take 1 –2 more…