Business

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…

Sunday Liquor Sales Ban On MN House’s Chopping Block

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota could take the first step toward erasing the state’s ban on Sunday liquor sales. The House was expected to vote Monday on a bill that would allow liquor stores to open on Sundays. It’s a perennial issue at the Capitol that consumes plenty of attention but has never moved forward. House Speaker Kurt Daudt…

Lieutenant Governor Visits Duluth to Celebrate Local Businesses

Highlights Many Different Local Businesses

DULUTH, Minn.-Lt. Gov. Tina Smith visited Duluth today highlighting Minnesota’s innovative economy. The event followed the recent launch of the Innovative Minnesota Campaign. It’s meant to celebrate emerging discoveries in technology throughout the state. “Innovation is embedded in our Minnesota identity,” she said. “Our state annually ranks among the top five in new patents and is home to many leading…

Northland Beer Lovers to fill Brewer’s Row

Brewer's Row Poker Pub Crawl

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the 1st Annual Brewer’s Row Poker Pub Crawl is taking place. Brewer’s Row recognizes craft beer establishments along Superior St. in downtown Duluth. The crawl begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Blind Pig where participants will receive a glass to bring to each bar. Then, participants will drink one beer from each location, starting with…

Walker Signs Pro-Cheese Bill, First to Pass this Year

MADISON (AP) – Governor Scott Walker has signed into law the first bill to pass the Legislature this session, a measure to help Wisconsin’s cheese industry. Walker on Thursday, signed the bill making it possible for tax incentives to be extended to help finance construction of a $30 million cheese packaging and distributing plant in the village of Oostburg near…

Michigan St. to go into Construction

Expect Delays To Start This Spring

Duluth, Minn Expect delays this coming spring along Michigan St. in downtown Duluth. Minnesota Power is teaming up with the city to further strengthen their energy output in hopes to cut down on future power outages. At the same time the city of Duluth plans to replace gas lines and water mains. They hope to minimize travel impacts as much…

Bachand Group Building New Headquarters

Property Management Company Needed New Space As Expansion in Superior Continues

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some of you may have seen a new building under construction on Tower Avenue in superior and wondered what it could be. The building will be the new headquarters of Bachand Group, which specializes in property management, and the oversight of Fen-Tech vinyl manufacturing. The new headquarters will combine the three current Bachand sites into one building…

Minnesota Democrats Work to Pass Wage Theft Prevention Protections

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lt. Governor Tina Smith was joined by Minnesota workers and legislators at the State Capitol today, to rally and urge the Legislature to hold employees that commit wage theft accountable for their failure to pay for work already performed. Wage theft occurs when employers don’t pay workers what is owed to them for work performed. The…

Mediation Program Helps Struggling Minnesota Farmers

ST. PAUL (AP) – Low commodity prices are causing financial pain on Minnesota farms, but bankruptcies are rare thanks in part to a state mediation program. Minnesota Public Radio reports the farmer-lender program requires lenders to offer struggling farmers the chance to renegotiate debt terms with the help of a mediator before repossessing any property. The program began during the…

Busy Day for The Rose Man

Bouquets are Blowing out the Door at Duluth's Iconic Pink Place on Central Entrance

DULUTH, Minn. – We all know roses are red, violets can be blue, and on Tuesday, Duluth’s iconic Rose Man was a popular destination too! Those working at the popular Duluth flower shop this Valentine’s Day, say they didn’t get much sleep last night. “I just like to make sure that everyone gets what they want to come for, and…

Fourth Street Market Closed After 40 Years

Grocery Store's Closing May Cause Food Desert in Central Hillside

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fourth Street Market in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood has closed its doors, possibly for good. Fourth Street Market is now closed after more than 40 years in its current location on the corner of Fourth Street and First Avenue East. There is concern that the grocery store’s closing could cause a food desert in the Central Hillside…

Local Business Receives $20,000 Grant

Canal Bark Will Use Grant Money for Marketing Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. – A local business got a $20,000 grant today. Canal Bark–a one-stop pet facility that boards dogs and cats, offers dog day care, pet grooming, and training classes–was selected to receive the grant from Giant Voices. Canal Bark will use the money to improve their marketing efforts. “We have expertise with dogs and maybe some of the business…

Cast Iron Bar & Grill

This Weeks Knowing Your Neighbor

PIKE LAKE, Minn. – Fresh never frozen burgers and steaks, daily specials behind the bar and in the kitchen and a crazy fun atmosphere that will make you want to come back. If you’ve ever been there you’ll know I’m talking about the Cast Iron Bar and Grill. If you haven’t, that’s where we’re headed for this week’s knowing you…

Historical Exhibit Honors Minnesota Ballet

Costumes Displayed at St. Louis County Historical Society

DULUTH, Minn. – The stories of the Minnesota Ballet are on display at the St. Louis County Historical Society, along with the corresponding costume. The exhibit called, “Once upon a Ballet,” features costumes and props from Minnesota Ballet official productions of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and 1997-2008 The Nutcracker. The exhibit is located in the Small Fesler Gallery on the main…

‘Crooked Pint’ Construction Underway

Pub And Restaurant Expected To Open In May

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction is now fully on for Duluth’s newest pub and restaurant, which is scheduled to open in just month’s in a neighborhood that’s starving for this type of flavor. The Crooked Pint Ale House is set to open in early May on the corner of Kenwood Avenue and Arrowhead Road. The business will be on the lower…

Props Landing Opens in Hayward

New Restaurant Sits on Site of Original Famous Dave's

HAYWARD, Wis. – Props Landing isn’t a Bar–B–Que joint, but the new restaurant at the site of the original Famous Dave’s on Round Lake is open for business. Hayward lost a landmark when Famous Dave’s burned down in late 2014, but the owners of Props Landing hope to start a new tradition. Brian Weidendorf, and his wife Shari bought the…

4th Street Market Closes

The Only Grocery Store in the Neighborhood Closes

DULUTH, Minn.-  The 4th Street Market in Duluth closed its doors possibly for good, Monday. The market is the only grocery store in the neighborhood, and according to Tom Potter, the owner of the market, many people in the neighborhood who don’t have transportation depend on the store for groceries.  Potter says the closure is because Zeppa Foundation, the owner…

Buzz Frenzy Software Promotes Local Businesses on Facebook

Coffee Conversation: Buzz Frenzy

DULUTH, Minn. – A new tech company, Buzz Frenzy, is offering a software to help small businesses propel their marketing on Facebook. This new tool Buzz Frenzy created allows businesses to add a specific hashtag anywhere in their Facebook post and when posted, the post will spread over Facebook. Founder and CEO, Dan Stocke, came up with the idea to…

Love Your Local Artist

Local Artist Show Off Their Art Work

Superior, Northland artists showed off their talents tonight in Superior. The Superior Public Library hosted the 7th annual love your local artist fundraiser. It’s a popular even which gives artists a chance to sell their one of a kind piece. “I think this community loves local art, we love our artist. We’re looking for creative things, new things, we love…