Business

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…

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….