Business

Vikre and Whole Foods Come Together for Cocktail

Cocktail Features Carrots and Gin

DULUTH, Minn.-Whole Foods Co-op and Vikre Distillery are teaming up to bring the Northland a veggie-filled cocktail. It’s their way of sending off Duluthians on a gin-filled note to end Earth Week. They call it a “Beta-Carrotini” which features carrots, ginger, and of course gin. Proceeds from the sale of the drink will go to the Junior League to help support…

Enbridge Says it Has No Plans for a New Wisconsin Pipeline

WHITEWATER, Wis. (AP) – An oil pipeline company says it has no plans to add another pipeline through Wisconsin despite environmentalists’ speculation. The Janesville Gazette reports that Enbridge Energy’s Line 61 through Rock County is approved by the state to pump up to 1.2 million barrels of oil each day to Chicago and southern oil refineries. The line’s pumping volume…

Domino’s Leaving Central Entrance For Downtown Duluth

New Location: 112 E. Second Street

DULUTH, Minn. – There is more development news coming out of downtown Duluth, and this one may surprise you. A brand new Domino’s is headed to 112 E. Second Street. Franchise owner Duane Carlson told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger he will soon be closing up the Domino’s on Central Entrance and in return for the new location downtown. Carlson believes…

Miller Hill Mall Raises Money For Susan G. Komen Foundation

Bowling Tournament To Raise Funds

Tonight the staff at Miller Hill Mall was doing more than just shopping. They we’re having fun at skyline lanes during their first ever “bowling for a cause” fundraiser with proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen foundation. Simon Properties, who owns 180 properties across the U.S. is challenging each of his locations to raise money for breast cancer research. “We’ve made…

Original Sample Of Penicillin On Display At UMD

U of M Medical School Hosted Event

Duluth, Minn. — Those interested in seeing an original sample of penicillin had the chance to at Karpeles Manuscript Museum at UMD Thursday. Penicillin, which is known as a bacteria defeating fungus, is one of only five samples known to exist. The U of M Medical School, Duluth campus hosted an event that also included historical medical manuscripts and artifacts…

Lyft Officially Launches Rideshare Service in Duluth

Morgan Nygaard was the first Lyft driver out on the streets picking up riders

DULUTH, Minn. – Ride share services have officially launched in the city of Duluth. Lyft activated its app to drivers Thursday evening, allowing people to start requesting rides. Around 5 p.m. this evening, Morgan Nygaard became the first  Lyft driver. Nygaard picked up our FOX 21 crew on London Road in his Volkswaggen Passat. The Duluth native says he signed…

Uber Has Filed Paperwork to Operate in Duluth

Uber Still Waiting on Approval from City

DULUTH, Minn.-Yesterday we reported Lyft has already filled out the proper paperwork to operate in Duluth, which means they should be up and running by this weekend. Today we are told by Uber, that they have also now filled out the proper paperwork, but don’t have a set date for when they will launch. Uber said they are still waiting…

New AmeriCorps Program Needs Volunteers

Big Water Resilience Corps Seeks Eight People to Fill Positions

DULUTH, Minn. – True North AmeriCorps and Ecolibrium3 are launching a brand new program in Duluth this summer, and they’re looking for volunteers. Eight volunteers will make up the Big Water Reslience Corps.  These eight volunteers will work with five organizations on anti-poverty programs while also helping those most vulnerable become more reslient in case of disasters, energy poverty or…

Cliffs Revenue Report is a Mixed Bag

Revenue is Down $30 million this year

DULUTH, Minn.-Cliffs Natural Resources released its first quarter results today which had a few surprises. Despite the increase from last year, the company operated with a net loss of $30 million over the last three months. Cliffs said in a statement today, that even though they have lost money, they have already reduced their debt to $1.6 billion compared to…

Duluth Workforce Center Looking to Display Local Art

The employment resource center plans to feature about 10 different pieces from artists in the community

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Workforce Center is looking for local artists to help spruce up its blank, white walls. The employment resource center downtown plans to feature about 10 different pieces from artists in the community. Right now, they’re looking for submissions of different types, including canvas, photography, and drawings that will fill the walls of its resource room….

Knutson Custom Construction Has New Home

Team Built The Facility Themselves To Show Their Style

Knutson  Custom Construction will now operate out of a state of the art facility they constructed themselves. To show off their new building the construction company held an open house for the public to come check out their distinct style. The building was designed and built by the Knutson team which reflects the craftsmanship and style that the company has…

Rideshare Services Expected to Hit Duluth Streets By This Weekend

So far Lyft is the only company to file the needed paperwork to operate in the city

DULUTH, Minn. – Rideshare services will officially be allowed to operate within the city of Duluth beginning Thursday. Uber and Lyft have already started hiring drivers and putting vehicles through required inspections. Neither company has announced an official launch date, but Duluth city councilor Noah Hobbs tells us Lyft has filed all the needed paperwork to operate in the city,…

Florists Suggest Waiting for Warmer Weather to Plant Annuals

The Engwall Garden Center will open back up for the season next Monday

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Weather like what most in the Northland saw on Wednesday probably doesn’t have many people thinking about gardening. However, over at Engwalls in Hermantown, they are gearing up for planting season. Florists say trees, shrubs and perennials are safe to get in the ground right now, but encourage people to hold off on planting any of those…

Residents; Mother Nature Needs To Make Up Her Mind

Late April Storm Has Some Wanted Warmer Weather Back

Superior, Wis. As we all know with weather this time of the year can be tricky. Needless to say the tease that we had this past Saturday with those beautiful temps all across the area. People want Mother Nature to pick one season and stick with it. “Ready for spring, it’s time to get the cabin open and go fishing…

Duluth’s Best Bread Hires Arm Wrestler as Spokesman

Company Using Endorsement to Sell "Big Fat German Pretzels"

DULUTH, Minn. – A local bakery has a new, and very unusual sponsor. Duluth’s Best Bread has hired a world class arm wrestler to promote its product. Mattias “Hellboy” Schlitte, Germany’s #1 ranked arm wrestler, promotes the bakery in an ad where he says “This is everyone else’s bread and this is Duluth’s Best Bread.” Signing Germany’s top arm wrestler is…

Hoops Brewing Construction Progressing

New Brewery Should be Open by Early June

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction continues on the city’s newest brewery. Workers are busy getting Hoops Brewing ready for business. According to owner/manager Dave Hoops, the brewery should open in June and will turn out about 80 different beers each year. Hoops says he’s most impressed by support from the community. “My partners in this project have been incredible,” said Hoops. …

Local Lumber Yards Confused Over Tax Controversy

New Tariff on Canadian Soft Timber is Lower than Pre-2015 Levels

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Earlier this week, the Trump Administration sparked controversy when the President announced a new import tax on Canadian soft timber. President Trump unveiled a new tax of up to 24 percent on imported Canadian soft timber, claiming Canada’s lumber industry is government subsidized. Canadian leaders deny those claims, and say they’re prepared to fight what they call…

Joel Labovitz Success Awards Honor Local Entrepreneurs

More than 75 Businesses Honored

DULUTH, Minn.-Business owners and entrepreneurs from the Northland were honored today at an awards ceremony at the DECC. The Joel Labovitz Success Awards recognized people from big organizations to smaller ones that are just getting their start. No matter what the case, these ceremonies make business owners feel appreciated. “Several years ago, one of the individuals recognized came on the stage…

Fraud Case in Minnesota Stirs New Legal Ripples Years Later

Sherburne County Jail – File, Star Tribune ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are considering changing the rules on money that may be recovered for victims of businessman Tom Petters’ $3.7 billion Ponzi scheme. Minnesota Public Radio reports the change would limit the recovery of investment income earned by charitable or religious organizations that took gifts from Petters or…

Chipotle Investigating Data Breach After Unauthorized Activity in Payment System

NEW YORK (AP) — Chipotle saw a key sales figure rise more than expected as it works to regain customers’ trust after a series of food scares, but may have lost at least a little ground again in disclosing a possible data security issue. The company said it recently detected unauthorized activity on the network that supports its payment system…

Aldi to Open in the Fall in Duluth

Job Seekers Encouraged to Keep Checking Website

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Aldi’s location is set to open in the fall. A spokesperson for the discount grocer told us today, they don’t have a specific date yet for a grand opening, but will be releasing more details in the coming months. There are also no hiring dates yet, but Aldi representatives are encouraging job seekers to keep checking…

Concerned Residents Focus on Ending Poverty in Two Harbors

A group in the community started the program Beacons of Hope with a goal of tackling some key issues they believe haveled to increased poverty

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – There’s a growing poverty concern in the small tourist city of Two Harbors and the community is not sitting back on the issue. Residents are taking a proactive approach at putting an end to poverty within the city. A group in the community started the program Beacons of Hope with a goal of tackling some key…

Seniors Learn Healthy Tips at Fair

Fair Provided Residents with Easy Access to Health Information

DULUTH, Minn. – Local health providers and students from the College of St. Scholastica teamed up to help seniors stay healthy. The Benedictine Living Community held its 2nd annual Senior Health Fair Tuesday.  In addition to exhibits from local businesses, CSS Exercise Physiology students were on hand for health checks creating a one–stop shop for residents’ health needs. “It’s hard…

Researchers Learn About Cross Laminated Timber

New Technique Allows Buildings to be Constructed Using Wood

DULUTH, Minn – Officials at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resource Research Institute got a look at new construction techniques using wood. The seminar, put on by WoodWorks, examined how using Cross Laminated Timber helps both forest management and reducing carbon footprints. With CLT, buildings as many as eight stories high can be built using only wood.  Even wood once…

Minnesota Company, MyPillow ‘Forced to Lay Off’ 140 Workers

FOX 9 - KMSP

(KMSP) – MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell says his company was “forced to lay off” 140 workers in Chaska, Minnesota. The MyPillow inventor and company founder didn’t say why the layoffs were needed, but said he doesn’t take decisions like this lightly, and the layoffs were “very unexpected.” Lindell added the company is working on new commercials and hopes to begin…

Trump Slaps Tariff on Canadian Softwood Lumber

Escalates Trade Dispute Between the Two Countries

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Trump administration has moved to impose a 20 percent tariff on softwood lumber entering the United States from Canada, escalating an intensifying trade dispute between the two countries. The president announced the decision during a gathering with conservative media outlets at the White House Monday evening. Trump’s initial comments were relayed by four people who were…

Frito Lay Issues Recall Due to Salmonella Risks

Frito Lay announced a voluntary recall of select Jalapeno Flavored Lay’s Kettle Cooked potato chips and Jalapeno Flavored Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked Potato Chips due to the potential presence of Salmonella in the seasoning. This action is a direct result of a seasoning blend which includes jalapeno power that could contain Salmonella. There have been no confirmed illnesses related to this…

Stamping Out Hunger in the Northland

Tips for Annual Food Donation Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. – In May letter carriers will be delivering more than the mail. They’ll also be picking up and delivering food donations. The Annual Letter Carriers Food Drive is taking place Saturday, May 13. Those interested in donating should place their donation goods next to their mailbox by 9 a.m. that day for pick up. Scott Van Daele, Director of Distributive…

Bent Paddle Brewing Company is Paddling it Foward

Meet this week's Knowing Your Neighbors

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbor, photojournalist Graham Hakala, takes us to Bent Paddle, where they’re on a mission to do more than serve up a refreshing brew. For more information on Bent Paddle’s Paddle It Forward initiative and how they continually work to minimize their carbon footprint, visit their website www.bentpaddlebrewing.com Categories: Business, Features, Knowing Your Neighbor,…

Trump, Walker Discuss Wisconsin Dairy Dispute

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Governor Scott Walker says he spoke with President Donald Trump about the nearly 40 Wisconsin dairy farmers desperately seeking help after being dropped by their milk buyer following a Canadian policy change. Walker told Trump on Twitter Tuesday that it was “great” to speak to him that morning and thanked him for supporting Wisconsin dairy farmers….

Fraser Found of No Wrongdoing in Case Where Employee Died

Fraser was Fined $7,500

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Fraser Shipyards has been fined $7,500 by the Occupational Safety Health Administration, while be found of no wrongdoing in connection with a February incident, where an employee was burned when he was working on a vessel undergoing repairs. The victim, Joseph Burch, died earlier this month. “We want to enhance the safety of all Fraser team members…

Wisconsin Dairy Farms Face Closure Due to Canadian Policies

MOSINEE, Wis. (AP) – A cheese factory in central Wisconsin is offering a lifeline to a handful of dairy farms threatened by Canada’s milk pricing policies that may force other farms to close. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Mullins Cheese Vice President Bill Mullins signed contracts to buy milk from eight family-owned operations. A local milk processor, Greenwood-based Grassland…

UW-Superior Continues Tradition of Supporting Military Veterans

Coffee Conversation: 4th Annual Veterans Expo

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior has been named a military-friendly school many times over the last several years. This week the school is proving just why that is. On Thursday, April 27, the school is hosting the 4th Annual Veterans Expo. The free event will run from 4:00-8:00 p.m. in the Great Room at the Yellowjacket Union. The Yellowjacket Union is…

Grant Allows LSC Fire To Purchase New Training Tools

Students Get Real Life Fire Experience

DULUTH, Minn. – Today Lake Superior Colleges Fire Tech Program conducted official test burns in a whole new way. Instructors a Lake Superior College Fire Tech Program now have an easier more cost effective way to train our up and coming fire fighters. Using a grant they were able to purchase recycled shipping containers. Instructors then remodel the inside to…

11th Annual Bike Swap

Proceeds To Benefit Animal Allies Humane Society and the United Way.

Duluth, Minn. If you were in the market for a bike you were probably at the 11th annual Bike Swap today. Each year Continental Ski & Bike allows bike owners to take over their property with thousands of bikes. Whether it was a new or used bike, there was a bike there that fit your budget. “The prices are phenomenal….

The 71st annual AAD Shrine Circus

There's great things that you're not going to see anywhere else.

Duluth, Minn. The 71st annual AAD Shrine Circus has once again made its way to Duluth for the weekend. The AAD shrine is headquartered in Duluth, MN but also covers Bemidji, International Falls, and most of central Minnesota. The circus is a fundraiser for the local AAD shrine and funds raised from the circus go back to the AAD shrine…

The Slovenian Impact On Minnesota’s Cultural Landscape

It's a three part exhibit

Duluth, Minn. The Duluth Depot and the St. Louis County Historical Society celebrated the opening of a new exhibit. The exhibit is called “The Slovenian impact on Minnesota’s cultural landscape” It’s a three part exhibit, Part one features a series of panel displays fixated on the Slovenian immigration in Minnesota. Part two is art work that offers recollections of early…

Woodland Hills Ready to Move to Rockridge

Renovations Will Cost $2.5 Million

DULUTH, Minn.- The shuttered Rockridge Elementary could soon become the new home for Woodland Hills School. Today a FOX 21 crew took a tour through the building to see what improvements need to be made before it’s ready for use. Twenty percent of the building will need to be completely be renovated while 80 percent of the classes will be reused….

Active Adventures: Putting Lessons with Duluth Golf

Meteorologist William Seay Puts His Putting Skills to the Test

DULUTH, Minn. – Meteorologist William Seay put his putting skills to the test in this week’s Active Adventures! With warmer weather moving into the Northland, many courses around the Northland are now preparing for a busy summer season. General Manager of Duluth Golf, Mike Bender, gives William a few tips on his putting techniques. Duluth Golf is located at 1801…

Volunteers Needed For Spring Cleaning Along Lake Walk

From Brighten Beach To Superior Point, Trash Needs To Be Picked Up

Duluth, Minn. The snow is gone and the temps are warming up. It’s time to clean up the mess left behind so we can enjoy the beaches and the lake walk Volunteers are needed this Saturday. Which also happens to be earth day, to pick up trash from Brighten Beach to Superior Point. Organizers are looking for 150 people to…

Grant Money Mean Big Things For One Local Organization

Center For Changing Lives Will Now Be Under One Roof

Duluth, Minn. Senator Al Franken was in Duluth today talking about the importance of federal funding for local communities. For an organization like the Center for Changing Lives that serves hundreds of homeless youth across Duluth. What does this grant mean for them? It means the programs they provide can now have a whole new meaning. Currently the school district…

CSS Students Design and Promote New Products

Instructors saw this project as a great way to get students real world experience, by bringing many different majors together to collaborate

DULUTH, Minn. – Young Northland inventors showed of their stuff at a St. Scholastica trade show this afternoon. Students from different classes teamed up to develop, market, and promote a brand new product. The project also combined an e–commerce class to design a website and an entrepreneurship class to showcase a business plan for the product. Some ideas students came…

Legacy Glassworks Raises Funds for Chum Homeless Shelter

The shop is also hosting a music festival and silent auction at The Rex bar

DULUTH, Minn. – Local artists are coming together for a good cause on Thursday. Legacy Glassworks in Duluth is hosting their Spring Celebration with live music and glassblowing demonstrations. This year is a little different, as Legacy is helping raise funds for the CHUM homeless shelter. “We like to support the community, and since they’re our neighbors, we like to…

Gadgets to Prepare for Severe Weather

Verizon Wireless Offers Severe Weather Preparedness Tips

DULUTH, Minn. – This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week and Verizon Wireless is helping you prepare for Spring and Summer storms. Joe Thunhorst, General Manager for the Duluth store, stopped by FOX 21 to give some tips. First, he noted how important it is to have devices to charge your phone and tablet. He also recommended a waterproof phone…

UMD’s Cultural Entrepreneurship

students showcased their ideas tonight

The future is looking bright! As UMD’s cultural entrepreneurship students showcased their ideas tonight at the bi–annual cultural fair. It is enlightening to see the bright young minds come up with real ideas that could adapt in the real world. One idea that stood out was that of Sebastian Nemec. Nemec is transgender and steps away from opening an online…