Business

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…

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…