Business

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…

Downtown Duluth Shines Bright Once Again

City Crews Along with Business and Property Owners Pitched in to Clean up Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth is shining bright once again, after residents and city workers pitched in for a little spring cleaning. The Greater Downtown Council had to postpone the annual event due to Tuesday’s heavy rainfall. However, business and property owners, the Clean and Safe Team, along with City Street crews helped wash away the winter dirt from 10…

Industry Leaders Talk Future of Mining at Annual Conference

THE SME Conference in Duluth is generating a lot of discussion about where the mining industry is headed

DULUTH, Minn. – Mining industry leaders are in Duluth this week as part of the 90th annual SME Conference at the DECC. The conference features more than 200 companies showing off the latest trends in mining and plenty of discussion about where the industry is headed. “We truly believe we can mine here, we can keep it local, use our…

Sugar Gliders Soaring into Northland Homes

Local Breeder Believes Sugar Gliders are Being Sold Without Proper Background Knowledge

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Exotic animals are increasing in popularity across much of the United States. In the Northland, little creatures known as sugar gliders are making way into homes. The market for these furry friends is quite competitive and comes with much responsibility. “They’re like potato chips, you can’t have just one,” said Amy Laessig, Founder, Superior Suggies. In a…

Dozens Attend Vigil To Support Cloquet Police Chief

Chief Steve Stracek Is On Paid Admin. Leave After ‘Vote of No Confidence’ By Officer

CLOQUET, Minn. – A different kind of vigil was held outside Cloquet City Hall Tuesday  that didn’t involve a death. It was instead a community effort to close what some consider a growing divide between the City Council, residents, and the Police Department. This all stems around Police Chief Steve Stracek, who was put on paid administrative leave about a…

Great Outdoors: Gearing Up For Camping Season

Great Outdoors: Local Experts Give Camping Tips

Although it’s been rainy and chilly to start the week, Spring is here and many are gearing up for the camping season. Local outdoor experts spoke with FOX 21 to give some tips on having a successful trip. “As soon as the weather begins to warm up and the days get longer you start thinking about camping,” said Greg Pinther,…

Iron Range Theatre Making Renovations

1912 Opera House is One of Few Remaining Vaudeville Theatres in Minnesota

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A truly historic theatre in Virginia is undergoing major renovations. Virginia’s Lyric Opera House opened in 1912 and remains one of Minnesota’s last remaining vaudeville theatres. “You can feel the creativity,” says Lyric Center for the Arts Executive Director Mary McReynolds. “You can feel the history.” “The sound, the sight lines, the closeness, the intimacy to the…

Northland Pizza Shop Celebrates 63 Years

Northland Uncovered: Sammy's Pizza

DULUTH, Minn. – Picking up a slice can mean a tasty dinner for many Northlanders, but for one family it means carrying on a tradition. This year Sammy’s Pizza Inc. is celebrating 63 years. Sam Perrella is the Vice President for Sammy’s Pizza Inc. and is the third generation working for Sammy’s Pizza. His grandfather started the business in 1954…

Deer Tags On The Rise In Wisconsin

More Antler-less Deer Tags To Be Issued

Superior, Wis. For 3 consecutive years winters have been relatively warm. Because of the warmer weather the deer population has continued to grow according to Wisconsin department of natural resources. The herd needs to be thinned so the DNR plans to issue 50% more antler-less deer. “We think we’re at a point where we can issue a few of those…

Superior to Get New Apartment Development

Apartments Expected to Cost $1,000-$1,200

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of Superior is looking at getting some new market-rate apartments, with construction beginning this summer. A new 54-unit apartment building would go at the corner of North 13th Street and Weeks Avenue. The group who will own the property, P and R Twin Ports Properties, is purchasing the property for a little less than $160,000. It…

Families Spend Easter Playing Golf

Courses Are Open About Two Weeks Earlier Than Usual

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The warm spring Easter day had Northlanders outdoors taking in the holiday and even taking a swing. It was a great day to be outside and a lot of families used the beautiful weather to play their first round of golf for the season. Many courses, like Nemadji Golf Club in Superior, are now open for business….

Technology In Nature

Hartley Nature Center Issues A Challenge

DULUTH, Minn. – In an effort to get more community involvement in the outdoors, the Hartley Nature Center is issuing a challenge to four local communities. Not everybody can walk up to a tree and know exactly what they’re looking at “This right here is a White Pine.” Wouldn’t it be nice to know what you were looking at? Did…

Breakfast With The Easter Bunny

The Depot Hosts Dozens Of Families

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids started celebrating Easter by having breakfast with a certain bunny. Dozens of families turned out for the 5th annual breakfast with the Easter bunny at the Depot. Not only was plenty of food on the menu, but also face paintings an Easter egg hunt egg dying and much more. Officials say breakfast with the bunny is…

WLSSD Compost Site Open For Yard Waste

DULUTH, Minn. -As temperatures get warmer, it’s time for people to get back into their yards and start cleaning up old leaves and brush. It is illegal to burn yard waste within the city limits of Duluth; it’s also illegal to throw these materials in the garbage. The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) will take your yard waste and…

Twin Ports Restaurants Gearing Up For Busy Holiday Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s almost Easter Sunday, and there are many restaurants here in the Northland preparing for a busy day, especially at breakfast and brunch. Among them is The Boat Club in Duluth’s Fitgers complex. The Boat Club is offering an upscale brunch buffet, with carved meats, breakfast items, and their signature seafood dishes. The restaurant has only been…