Business

Savory Meals for a Good Deal

Eat Downtown: Duluth Restaurant Week

DULUTH, Minn. – This week Northlanders can experience a delicious dish at many restaurants in the city. Eat Downtown: Duluth Restaurant Week is running Monday, March 6 through Friday, March 10. Participating restaurants are offering $10 lunch and $25 dinner deals. For a full list of restaurants participating, and to view the menus, head to the Greater Downtown Council website….

Women’s Expo Returns to DECC

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Women's Expo

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Women’s Expo is back in Duluth. The annual event will be taking place Saturday, March 11 at the DECC. This year there will be more than 100 exhibitors. Women Rock, a fundraising organization benefiting breast cancer, will also have a presence at the event this year. Doors will be open for the expo from 9…

High School Girls Get Free Prom Dresses

33 Dresses Have Been Chosen Already

DULUTH, Minn.- High school girls had the chance to pick out a perfect dress for free Sunday at the 2nd Annual Prom Dress Giveaway. Girls chose their favorite dress from 170 formal dresses, donated from community members over the past year. The event is put on by If the Dress Fits, a local non-profit that helps high school girls get…

Salvation Army Fundraiser

40 Days Of Lint And Donations

Duluth, Minn The Salvation Army in Duluth hopes a new fund raiser will stock their food shelf by the end of lent. Happening now the “lent challenge” encourages people to put an item in a box or trash bag each day. The items can consist of food, clothing or anything they can sell in the Salvation Army store. When the…

Wisconsin Company Vies to Build Wall Along US-Mexico Border

BROWNSVILLE, Wis. (AP) – A Dodge County construction company is the lone Wisconsin firm bidding on the federal government’s call for designing and building a wall along the U.S. Mexico border. The Fond du Lac Reporter reports that Brownsville-based Michels Corp. is answering the government’s early call for bids to build a wall spanning the roughly 2,000 mile border with…

Fraser Shipyards Working with OSHA on Burn Investigation

Company reported incident which required worker to be hospitalized

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Fraser Shipyards Inc. said today that it is working with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers after reporting an incident involving an employee being burned, which required hospitalization. The incident occurred on February 6 during work on a vessel undergoing services and repairs by Fraser during winter layup…

House Endorses State Authority Over Wages, Sick Leave

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has taken a step toward giving the state sole authority over whether to hike the minimum wage or require sick leave, a move opponents say strips local control from cities in favor of the state businesses. The Republican-controlled House passed the bill following hours of debate Thursday, mainly along party lines. The…

The Duluth Experience Promotes New Tour, Duluth in Europe

Active Adventures: Promoting Duluth to European Mountain Bike Enthusiasts

DULUTH, Minn. – Dave Grandmaison, Co-Founder and CEO of The Duluth Experience, has such a passion for the outdoors he started a company promoting them. Now, he’s traveling internationally to tell Europeans about the City of Duluth and all it has to offer. Twice, in 2015 and 2017, Grandmaison made appearances at conventions to promote mountain biking and the beautiful…

Spring Is In The Air

West Duluth Dairy Queen Opens Their Doors

  Meteorologist may say that today is the start of their Spring season. The Dairy Queen in West Duluth says it’s the start of Spring for all of us. Closed for the winter the Dairy Queen on Grand Avenue in West Duluth now has their doors open. The store has been a staple in the community of west Duluth since…

Study: Minnesota Millennials Stressed Over Health Care

Minnesotans Show Striking Generational Gap in Knowledge of Health Insurance

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to texting terms such as “LOL” or “BRB” it’s no secret millennials have no problem understanding what’s being conveyed. However, a new study released by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is showing stunning statistics. The study show while nearly 80 percent of Minnesotans think managing their health is an important topic, far…

Bent Paddle Set to Release New Beer With Eastern European Inspiration

DULUTH, Minn. — Craft breweries are known to be creative with their beers from time to time, and Bent Paddle is doing just that with its new series of beers called “Valve Jockeys.” Named after the brewers that work day in and day out making the flagship beers that Duluthians currently enjoy, these beers are from the brewers themselves. Brewer…

Austin-Jarrow Celebrates 33 Years in Business

Specialty Running Store Offers 33% Off for Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. – Austin-Jarrow, Duluth’s original running specialty store, is celebrating 33 years in business today. The store is marking the anniversary by offering a 33% discount on everything in stock. Austin–Jarrow owners say the sale is how they kick off running season every year, as runners start to prepare for Grandma’s Marathon and other races. “We’re just going month to…

Wild Winter Temperature Swings Have Been Damaging to Plants, Experts Say

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — We have seen some pretty dramatic temperature swings this winter, which, according to some experts, has not been good for our plants or lawns. At Miller Creek Lawn and Landscape in Hermantown, all the plants are buried under snow, which is good for the plants that need to lay dormant during the winter. Landscape Architect Trish Crego…

Indoor Golf Range Open Again

The Sweet Spot Re-Opened in January Under New Management

DULUTH, Minn. – With Spring on the way, many local golfers have the itch to hit the links. The Sweet Spot, West Duluth’s indoor golf range re–opened in mid–January in a new location and with new owners who say business is booming like a Bubba Watson drive. The Sweet Spot hosted three times the golfers in February as the month…

Macy’s Downtown Sells for $59 Million

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis has sold for $59 million cash, the company announced on Wednesday. The store will close this spring. The store was bought by 601W Companies, which is planning a major mixed-used redevelopment for the historic building, according to a press release. Back in January, Macy’s announced it had signed an agreement to sell the…

Business is Booming at Local Bait Shops

A Mid-Winter Warmup Has Not Impacted Ice Fishing, According to Local Businesses

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re learning the recent mid-winter warm-up has not impacted business at local bait shops in the Northland. Store owners at Chalstrom’s Bait and Tackle, and Fisherman’s Corner tell FOX 21 it’s been the best year for ice fishing business in the past five years. It’s a passion for many, only Mother Nature can deny. “Once you’re into…

IRRRB to Privatize Skiing Operations

Much of Facility Already Privately Run

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A private management firm will take over skiing operations at Giants Ridge. The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board approved that plan on a 5-4 vote today in St. Paul. Much of the Biwabik resort is already privatized, including the golf course. IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips believes some employees will now take an early retirement option. Giants Ridge…

Community Groups Team Up to Squash Hunger

35th Minnesota Food Share Runs Through March

DULUTH, Minn. – The 35th Minnesota Food Share kicks off March 1st, the start of a big month for CHUM. While donations are accepted and encouraged year round, the March Food Share is one of CHUM’s most important drives. And even more important than food, is money. With cash donations, CHUM has access to food sources only available to charitable…

New Apartment Complex Closer to Being Built

Duluth City Council Approves a Tax Abatement for the Proposed 80-Unit Development

DULUTH, Minn. – A proposed 80-unit apartment complex took a step closer to being built last night. The Duluth City Council approved a $278,000 tax abatement for the development. The proposed Capstone Apartment Complex is located off of Matterhorn Drive, west of Burning Tree Road. It is part of the project that began with the construction of the Village at Matterhorn…

Target Rattles Wall Street with Weak Quarter

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – Target Corp. on Tuesday reported a fiscal fourth-quarter net income of $817 million. The Minneapolis-based company said it had profit of $1.45 per share. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 10 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.50 per share. The retailer posted revenue of $20.69…

Local Business Remains Family-Owned for Decades

Northland Uncovered: Dee Independent Launders and Cleaners

DULUTH, Minn. – Family businesses fill the Northland and inside the doors of one Duluth business everyone is family. Driving down Superior Street it’s hard to miss the vintage sign marking Dee Independent Launders and Cleaners. The business has been owned by this family for 37 years and the previous owner had the business for 40 years. “We have a…

Grand Portage Lodge Gets Makeover

The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Finished with Phase Two Renovations

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – One popular place along the North Shore is now prepared for played to try their luck once again. The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino is undergoing a three-phase project, opening a fresh chapter for its guests. It’s a popular place for thousands of visitors each year, no matter what season it is. Now, visitors will have…

Sunday Liquor Sales Passes Minnesota Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ The Minnesota Legislature has voted to repeal the state’s long-standing ban on Sunday liquor sales. The state Senate passed a bill undoing the Prohibition-era ban on a 38-28 vote Monday. It follows the House’s overwhelming approval of similar legislation last week. Lawmakers have struggled for years to lift the ban but those efforts have regularly…

Despite Cancelled Race, Businesses In Hayward Still Saw Revenue

Birkebeiner May Have Been Cancelled But People Still Supported Local Businesses

This year’s Birkebeiner was different, due to the race being cancelled. With the race being cancelled for only the 2nd time in 44 years, many were celebrating. ‘Birkie Fever’ is what they call and some businesses say this weekend was one of the best. The Birkebeiner brings thousands of people to the small town of Hayward every year. Birkie or…

Kozy Development Projects Rejected

Dilapidated Building Has Been Vacant Since 2010

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s back to the drawing board for officials hoping to redevelop the Kozy Apartments. The City of Duluth and its review committee determined three proposed plans for the site weren’t good enough for the future of East 1st Street downtown. City officials want to find the right development to revitalize the area. “The ones that we received,…

Downtown Businesses Prepare for Birkie Crowds

With Over 40,000 visitors in One Weekend, Local Eateries are Prepared for Big Business

HAYWARD, Wisc. – Thousands of skiers, fans, and followers are heading to the Hayward area this weekend, taking part in the annual American Birkebeiner tradition despite this year’s lack of snow. However, trail conditions aren’t keeping folks from enjoying cold brews, Birkie fever, and friendship. The owner of the Gridiron Pub and Grub in Downtown Hayward tells FOX 21, his…

Weather Shaping Sales Goals of Local Retailers

Businesses Still Have Hope for More Snow

DULUTH, Minn.-With the recent warm weather, local retailers are taking advantage of it. Duluth Lawn and Sport has quite a mix of snowmobiles and ATV’s on its showroom floor, as they are currently sitting in the crux between winter and spring. Management at the business told us that it was a good season for them, but just a little short….

Trump Signs Executive Order to Reduce Regulation

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump  has signed a new executive order taking aim at government regulations. The president says the order will direct each federal agency to establish a regulator reform task force. The task forces will then recommend which regulations they can simplify or eliminate. The president has long argued that excessive regulations are “killing jobs, driving companies…

Thousands Bunking in Hayward for Annual American Birkebeiner

Hotels are Filling Up Across Many Parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota in Preparation for the Annual Ski Race

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The annual American Birkebeiner calls for a lot of booking when it comes to travel reservations. Officials say the average commute from from hotel to the trail for a race participant can be up to two-and-a-half hours long. It’s why local hotels receive calls nearly one year in advance before the big weekend. “It is very important…

Walker Appoints Risch to Head Financial Institutions

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker has appointed a former lobbyist for the Wisconsin Bankers Association to head the state agency that regulates the banking industry. Walker announced Thursday that he was appointing Jay Risch to head the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Risch currently serves as deputy secretary of the department. He is replacing Lon Roberts whom Walker appointed…

Aviation Career Night

Career's Possible At Job Fair

Duluth, Minn It was aviation career night at LSC’s center for advanced aviation. For community members and Lake Superior College’s graduating students it was an opportunity to meet possible future employers. Aviation jobs are a growing commodity in Duluth and having everyone in the same building makes it easier for those seeking employment. “We’re able to meet the workforce needs…

Spirit Mountain Closed Temporarily

Unseasonable Weather Forced Closure Until Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – February Should be peak ski season at Spirit Mountain, but warm temperatures and rain have temporarily closed the slopes. The mountain closed Monday with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees.  The closure couldn’t come at a worse time with Duluth Public Schools out for spring break. “We want to be their backyard playground,” said Brandy Ream, Spirit Mountain…

Over 3,500 Minnesota Power Customers Without Power in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Reports of power outages began just before 5 p.m. Wednesday evening. Areas including the Woodland, Congdon Park, Lester Park, and the edge of the Lakeside neighborhoods are experience outages. Minnesota Power is currently assessing the situation and crews are on scene. An estimated restoration for the red section of the map is expected around 7:30 p.m. The…

DTA Route and Schedule Changes go into Effect on Sunday, March 5, 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority will implement operational schedule changes to a limited number of bus routes on Sunday, March 5. All passenger hand schedules and shelter schedules impacted by these changes have been updated and will be distributed to the public one week before the schedule changes go into effect. The most significant change will be the…

Wisconsin Veterans Warn Eliminating Prevailing Wage Will Cost Jobs

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The American Legion is warning Republicans that eliminating the prevailing wage on state projects could cost hundreds of veterans their jobs in the construction industry. The prevailing wage law sets minimum salaries for construction workers on public projects. Republican Governor Scott Walker has proposed wiping out the prevailing wage for state projects in the state budget….

Duluth Transit Authority Works on Five Year Plan

The DTA is looking for help form the public in developing their new five year development plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority is asking for the public’s help in coming up with their five year transit development plan. They specifically asked riders what they’re doing well and in what ways can they improve. Early respondents at an open house said the DTA has many courteous drivers but could use more buses and routes. The DTA…

Judge Allows Environmentalists to Intervene in Twin Metals Lawsuit

ST. PAUL (AP) – A federal judge has approved an environmental group’s request to intervene in a lawsuit over mineral rights leases for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel min near Ely in northeastern Minnesota. Judge Susan Richard Nelson said in a ruling, Tuesday, that Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness meets the legal requirements for becoming a defendant in the lawsuit. Twin…

Enrollment Continues to Rise in Aviation Programs at Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College to Host Aviation Career Night

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is a large aviation hub. With an international airport and several independent aviation companies, there are several jobs available for Northlanders who would like to work in aviation. Dan Traska, Director of the Center for Advanced Aviation, stopped by FOX 21 to talk about the career opportunities within the aviation industry. Lake Superior…

Sticky Bun Fun With Lake Superior Bakehouse

On Tuesday, February 21, We Celebrate National Sticky Buns Day!

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a lot to celebrate in the bakery world on Tuesday, February 21, 2017! The staff at Lake Superior Bakehouse stopped by the FOX 21 Tuesday morning with a few special treats to help celebrate. They say their fresh, homemade sticky buns are a top seller at the bakehouse, located at 102 West Superior Street in Duluth. National…

Rain, Warm Temperatures Lead to Change In Plans for Birkie Events

Officials say they will have a plan of action for race events by Wednesday

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The mix of rain and warm temperatures across the Northland are leading to some big changes for the American Birkebiner events this week. Race officials are keeping a close eye on the sky and monitoring conditions on the course. Most years, fans of the American Birkibiner are used to seeing thousands of cross country skiers flying down…

Energy Design Conference and Expo to Open at DECC

Event Gives Professionals and Homeowners Chance to Learn Green Methods and Technology

DULUTH, Minn. – A conference opens tomorrow at the DECC to showcase energy saving designs for homes and other buildings. The event offers a chance for contractors, architects, students and homeowners to learn the latest in green building methods and new energy efficient technology. “We live in a region that really takes energy efficiency and energy conservation very seriously. I think when…

Minnesota House Approves Sunday Liquor Sales Bill

The bill now moves onto the State Senate

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House passed legislation, Monday, that would legalize the sale of liquor, beer, and wine on Sunday, the first time in state history that standalone legislation on the issue has been voted on or approved. The bill passed on a bipartisan 85-45 vote, and now heads to the Senate for consideration. Sunday liquor sales has been…

Walker Asks Public for Help Selling His Budget

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Gov. Scott Walker wants Wisconsinites who like his budget to help him rally support. Walker’s campaign launched digital ads Monday encouraging citizens to write to their legislators in support of key elements of his budget proposal. Republican legislative leaders have been cautious about Walker’s proposed spending increases since he unveiled his budget earlier this month. Democrats…