Business

First Saltie Arrives in Twin Ports

Will be Loading up on Grain and Heading to Italy

DULUTH, Minn.-The first saltie arrived in the Twin Ports over the weekend. The event is the unofficial kick-off to the shipping season. The ship the Lake Ontario, will load up on grain and then set sail for Italy on Tuesday. The ship’s captain told us it was smooth sailing most of the way. “The voyage was good,” said Captain Costelus…

Horses Help Outfit Cellphone Towers in Rural Wisconsin

(Photo: Tyler Rickenbach / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin) MEDFORD, Wis. (AP) – Old and new technologies are merging in rural Wisconsin, as U.S. Cellular is using draft horses to help install cellphone equipment. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the horses that pulled plows for farmers int he olden days are being used to haul equipment up steep wooded hillsides, where trucks…

City of Duluth to Host First-Ever Mayor’s Business Resources Summit

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson and several City of Duluth departments, the University of Minnesota Duluth Center for Economic Development (UMD CED) and the Entrepreneur Fund are hosting a first of its kind Mayor’s Business Resources Summit for area business owners. The goal is for businesses to share their experiences, hear about other community programs, and gain insight on how businesses…

Lake Superior Art Glass Hot Shop Opens

New Location Offers Local Artists a Chance at Making Furnace Blown Glass

DULUTH, Minn. – Ever wanted to make a paperweight? A new art class lets you do that. Lake Superior Art Glass opened its new Hot Shop on London Road in the Armory Arts Center earlier today. The new shop allows artists to try their hand at furnace blown glass to make a variety of projects. “We’re really excited to bring hot…

“Nevertheless She Persisted” Tattoos Offered in Superior

Dozens of Women Lined Up at Ink Tattoo for Female Empowerment Tattoo

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Earlier this year, “Nevertheless She Persisted” became a feminist battle cry after Republican Senator Mitch McConnell made disparaging comments towards Democratic colleague Elizabeth Warren. Women across the country have the phrase tattooed on their bodies, including dozens who lined up today at Ink Tattoo in Superior for their own empowerment tattoo. “It’s something that I think has…

Tourist Season Has Arrived In Canal Park

Families from near and far come to Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn. – The first nice weekend of Spring brought the unofficial start of tourist season to Duluth. Canal Park was packed with locals and out of towners like the azure family from Minneapolis who hoped to squeeze in as many sights as possible before heading back south to the Cities. “There’s just so much to see. The kids have…

Taste At Fitgers

Money Raised Goes To Local Non-profit

Duluth, Minn. Arguably the Fitger’s complex most popular event of the year. Hundreds turned out for this year’s Taste At Fitger’s. Local restaurants, breweries, and vendors had plenty for people to try. Organizers say the taste at Fitger’s is a way to try something new and the proceeds all go to a great cause. “It goes to the 2nd harvest…

Lung Association Exhibit

Students Display Art Work Based On Tobacco Stories

Duluth, Minn. The American Lung Association wants raise awareness about tobacco’s effects in the Twin Ports. Tonight the Lung Association put on a short program displaying art created by area students. It’s the result of a weeklong photography workshop designed for youth to share the impact tobacco’s had on their lives. The goal is to steer the next generation away…

Popular Malt Shoppe Opens

Portland Malt Shoppe Is Open For Spring

Duluth, Minn. If you thought the Portland Malt Shoppe opened for the season on April fool’s day, the joke is on you. That’s because the shop opened today and those who noticed stopped by for an early taste of their favorite treat. Portland Malt Shoppe is known for its secret malt recipe and is known as one of Duluth’s must…

Dressing for Less this Prom Season

Friday, March 31 is National Prom Day and Take 2 Consignments is Ready for Business

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Friday, March 31 is National Prom Day, and many stores in the Northland are getting busy as local high school students are searching out for the perfect dress. In Superior, staff at Take 2 Consignments say they start seeing young ladies come in around January, February, and early March, looking to pick out the perfect dress. Owner…

Special Spring Break Hours at Lake Superior Zoo

With school out in Duluth, the zoo will be open every day

DULUTH, Minn. – Students and faculty of Duluth schools will be out of classes next week for spring break, and the Lake Superior Zoo has announced that hours will be expanded for the week. The zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Saturday next week. Normally, winter hours have the zoo closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays,…

Hotel Development Project in Works in Ashland

Cobblestone Hotels looks to build new hotel in downtown Ashland

Ashland, Wis. Growing excitement in Ashland, Wisconsin. A new multi-million dollar development is planned for the city’s downtown, in the form of a new hotel. The city council has voted to move forward with the proposed four-story hotel project. The 51 unit hotel is set to be build on the west end of downtown Ashland, adjacent to Deepwater Grille and South…

Sip For Scholarships

WITC Raises Money For Students

Superior, Wis. There was also some fun to have in Superior. WITC hosted the annual sip for scholarships fundraiser with proceeds going right back to the students. Of course there was a lot of wine to be had. But this year featured a new vendor. “This year is our first year the Benoit cheese is here so were real excited…

Zoo La Palooza

Fun And Games Raising For The Zoo

Duluth, Minn. Have you ever played wallaby beer pong? If not, you didn’t make it to Zoo La Palooza tonight where hundreds packed inside Greysolon. It was the carnival themed annual fundraiser for Lake Superior Zoo. Supporters that came competed for prizes while playing a series of animal themed games. If you weren’t able make it, there is many other…

Science On Tap

AN Easy Way To Learn While You Eat

Duluth, Minn What do you get when you mix science and food? Things like liquid nitrogen ice cream and soda pop caviar. Tonight UMD’s science and engineering students were on hand for their annual science on tap event at Clyde Iron Works. The event showcased different ways to enjoy food while learning at the same time. “They’re going to learn…

Limited Tickets Remaining for Friday’s Taste at Fitger’s

Organizers say you can still purchase tickets online or at the Fitgers Inn

DULUTH, Minn. – The 23rd Annual “Taste at Fitger’s” is Friday night. The event features food and spirits, all crafted by chefs and bartenders from more than 30 Duluth area restaurants. All proceeds collected at the event benefit the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. “If you’re new to Duluth or have been to Duluth and haven’t had the opportunity…

Lake Superior Art Glass Hot Shop Opening

New Location Offers Different Kinds of Glass Blowing

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Art Glass is set to expand into a second location. The new “Hot Shop” on London Road opens April 1st. At the new location, people can come in and learn how to make glass in different ways than in the Downtown Duluth shop. “A lot of times when people come to our classes, they expect…

Collection of 21,000 Vinyl Records Donated to Thrift Stores

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Platteville man has donated more than 21,000 vinyl record albums to raise money for a thrift store chain in Madison. Agrace Thrift Stores will begin selling Jerry Roh’s albums Friday morning. Genres include rock, country, religious, polka, children’s, classical, and blues music. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that most of the records will sell for…

Land O’ Lakes Acquires Vermont Creamery

WEBSTERVILLE, Vt. (AP) – Land O’ Lakes has purchased Vermont Creamery, which has experienced growth and says it needs a partner that will help it realize its business potential. Vermont Creamery will continue to make goat cheese, cultured butter, and fresh dairy in Websterville. Co-founders Allison Hooper and Bob Reese said the company is “a good fit”for Minnesota-based butter-maker. Chris…

Cooking up Tradition with Bucktales Cantina & Grill

Cooking Connection: Bistec Ranchero

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Mexican restaurant in Superior is bringing traditional flavor to town. Bucktales Cantina & Grill is owned by Dee Morales, who also does all the cooking by himself. For this week’s Cooking Connection, Morales showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make Bistec Ranchero. Bucktales Cantina & Grill is located at 6098 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880, which is about half…

Coyote Performs for Final 2017 Glensheen Unplugged Concert

Music In New Places

DULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen Mansion was buzzing Wednesday night, as the Mansion hosted their Glensheen Unplugged series, presented by 90.9 The Current Duluth. Glensheen Unplugged is a free event that was held every Wednesday in March, to celebrate local music. “It’s a great way to showcase the space in a whole new way and to bring the Duluth community and…

Life House Sees Huge Increase In Attendance

Helping Teens Contribute To The Community

  Duluth, Minn Duluth’s homeless shelter for teens known as Life House has crunched attendance numbers and the growth is large. A surge of more than 400% since 2012. The numbers stem from the rise in teenage homelessness in our area. For instance, in 2012 the number of teens seen only about 25% of them were homeless. If that isn’t…

Essential Spring Grooming with Riley Rue Pet Spa

Experts Advise Pet Parents to Bring Dogs and Cats in Every Four to Six Weeks for Optimal Health

DULUTH, Minn. – When we think of spring cleaning, carpets, car mats, and closets probably come to mind, but for many it’s a time to shed the winter coat, and feel good about yourself. “Pork Chop comes in every six or eight weeks,” Erin Boo, Owner of Riley Rue Pet Grooming said. Boo takes pride in her little shop located…

Slip Bridge Repairs Come with Hefty Price Tag

Work on the 25-Year Old Bridge Expected to Cost $3.5M

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Duluthians are concerned after a recent published article put the price tag of repairs to the Minnesota Slip Bridge at more than $2 million.  Turns out, the price is actually higher. “This was supposed to be kind of a nice icon for the City of Duluth and it’s turned into more of an albatross over the…

Wrenshall School District Hoping For Millions

Referendum To Be Voted On In April

Wrenshall, Minn. Wrenshall School District is hoping to invest 12.5 million dollars into their school system if a proposed referendum is passed Tonight hundreds showed up to the meeting held by the school board to make sure their voices were heard. The referendum discussed tonight has been years I the making. Some approve while some are apprehensive It was a…

Local Shop Offers Free Coffee to Law Enforcement

Grand World Coffee Gives Free Coffee to Police to Thank Them for Their Service

DULUTH, Minn. – Grand World Coffee in West Duluth is offering a special treat for law enforcement officers. Any officer who comes into the coffee shop will receive a free cup of coffee. The Grand World owners say they think it’s an important way to reach out to law enforcement and make them feel welcome in the community. “City, county,…

New Terminal in Twin Ports will Increase Imports and Exports

New Facility Will Allow Imports and Exports from Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts

DULUTH, Minn. – A new intermodal container ramp is now open in Duluth. The new terminal is the first of its kind in the Twin Ports. The facility makes it possible to transfer containers between rail cars and trucks, and connects the Twin Ports region with imports and exports to and from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf coasts through the Canadian…

Uber, Lyft Excited to Start Duluth Operations

Ride Sharing Services were Recently Approved by City Council

DULUTH, Minn. – While local cab companies aren’t happy, the Duluth City Council passed an ordinance Monday, allowing ride share companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in the city. Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft are excited to enter the Duluth market. In a statement to FOX 21, an Uber spokesperson said “We’re pleased that the Duluth city council passed regulations…

Minnesota Wine Lawsuit Challenges Out-of-State Grape Ban

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KMSP) – A federal lawsuit has been filed by two Minnesota farm wineries, challenging the state’s ban on using out-of-state grapes to make wine. The wineries point to Minnesota’s booming beer industry, with some of the most successful breweries like Summit and Surly using out-of-state hops to craft signature beers. Represented by attorneys with the Institute of Justice,…

Runway Closure Possible at Duluth International Airport in 2018

Reconstruction could temporarily close runway for 60 days next summer

Duluth, Minn. The reconstruction of the main runway at the Duluth International Airport is running into some delays. The 60–year–old concrete on the main runway is currently in the process of being replaced. While the project is being completed in phases to minimize air traffic disruption, these current delays may potentially close the runway for two months in the summer…

First Intermodal Container Terminal Established in the Twin Ports

Has the opportunity to increase local economy

DULUTH, Minn. – Canadian National (CN) Railway and Duluth Cargo Connect announced Monday, a new alliance establishing the first rail-served intermodal container ramp in the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Lake Superior Warehousing will team up to operate the new facility at the port’s Clure Public Marine Terminal. This new terminal will transfer…

Taking Advantage of Spring with New Technology

Verizon Technology Expert Visits FOX 21

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is here and many may be heading outdoors to enjoy the weather or heading on a family vacation. This morning Mathew Verbout, Solutions Specialist with Verizon, visited FOX 21 to show some technology that families could enjoy. The Waterkeeper Swim Guide app helps find the nearest beach. Folks can also use the Surf Report or Surfline app helps…

Giants Ridge to Begin Operations Under Single Management May 1

IRRRB will continue to own Giants Ridge physical assets and property

BIWABIK, Minn. – Contract agreements have finally been made with the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) and a private management firm for the management of Giants Ridge operations. IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips announced today, that the contract was finalized with Guest Services, Inc. in partnership with Billy Casper Golf, to manage all Giants Ridge operations, effective May 1,…

Keeping Card and Comic Collecting Alive

Collector's Connection offers a Wide Variety of Nostalgic Comics, Cards, and More

DULUTH, Minn. – Chances are the sight of baseball or Pokémon cards bring back a few childhood memories for many. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we’re taking a look at how the industry has grown as millennials move forward. “Back when I was growing up, sports cards were the big deal,” said Glen Booth, Manager at Collectors Connection in…

It’s A Yes For Uber & Lyft

City Council Votes 7-1 In Favor Of Share Transportation Ordinance

Duluth, Minn With a vote of 7–1, the Duluth City Council approves the ride sharing ordinance to allow transportation such as Uber and Lyft to operate within the city. In about 30 days everyone that lives in Duluth or visits will have the choice of what transportation they prefer. Nearly all city council members spoke in favor of the ordinance….

Bachand Group Responds To Apt. Building’s Delinquency

Full Utilities Payment Was Made Monday Morning To SWL&P

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Bachand Group released a statement Monday after FOX 21’s report on Sunday about tenants up in arms over potential disconnection of water, heat and electric at Lund Hill Apartments on Tower Avenue.  A Superior Water Light & Power spokesperson said the utilities for the building were at least 90 days past due with no contact or arrangements…

Teens Wearing Leggings Barred from United Flight

DENVER (AP) – Two teenage girls were barred by a gate agent from boarding a United Airlines flight from Denver to Minneapolis because they were wearing leggings. United spokesman Jonathan Guerin said the girls were not allowed onto the Sunday morning flight because they were traveling under an employee travel pass that includes a dress code. That dress code bars…

Enbridge Tax Appeal Could Cost Counties Millions

BAGLEY, Minn. (AP) – Some northern Minnesota counties could end up paying millions of dollars to Enbridge Energy if the company is successful in its tax appeal. Enbridge claims the Minnesota Department of Revenue unfairly valued its oil pipeline network and overcharged it in five years of tax collections. Clearwater and Red Lake counties could end up refunding more money…

Kenwood Village Open for Business

Developers Held Ribbon-Cutting Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Another in a series of mixed use developments in Duluth is open for business. United properties celebrated the opening of Kenwood Village with a ribbon cutting Friday afternoon. The new building features luxury apartments as well as retail space.  Developers say Friday’s opening marked the end of a three year process. “Our vison from three years ago…

Keystone XL Pipeline Approved

Was Originally Blocked by President Obama

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump says, “It’s a great day for American jobs” after his administration issued a permit to build the long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline. The decision marks a reversal from the Obama administration and clears the way for the $8 billion project to be completed. The president says the decision ushers in a “new era”…

Police Issue Search Warrant of Minneapolis Liquor Store

After the store opened on a Sunday...several months early

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Minneapolis police are seeking surveillance video and sales records for Surdyk’s Liquor from Sunday, March 12, when the liquor store opened its doors for premature, illegal Sunday liquor sales. A search warrant filed in Hennepin County court seeks video footage from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day, as well as point of sale transaction records and…

Tuning Bicycles for Spring Season

Active Adventures: Bicycling

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is here and many folks are getting their bicycles ready for the riding season. Over at Twin Ports Cyclery, Owner Denis Sauve helped FOX 21’s William Seay pick out the right fit. Sauve says the main thing people should check when tuning up their bikes for the season is the chain. He says Twin Ports Cyclery…

Hibbing Airport Officials Concerned Over Budget

Delta Airlines Could Leave Airport if $2.8 Million Subsidy is Lost

HIBBING, Minn. – The proposed federal budget concerns another local community. This time the focus is on Hibbing’s Range Regional Airport. As one of 12 weekly flights from Range Regional Airport prepared for take–off Thursday, airport officials’ thoughts were in Washington, D.C. as the Federal Aviation Administration Re-Authorization Bill hits Congress. “The FAA Re-Authorization Bill is reintroduced every couple of…