Author: Arman Rahman

Vikre Distillery Offers Toasty ‘Winter Wunderbar’ Outdoor Seating

The "Winter Wunderbar" consists of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Vikre Distillery in Canal Park is joining the list of local bars and restaurants with warm places to sit outside for some food and drink while indoor dining is restricted statewide. Vikre constructed their outdoor seating area: the “Winter Wunderbar,” consisting of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches. Management hopes customers keep toasty while enjoying hand-crafted…

Local Videogame, Book Stores Busy as More Crave At-Home Entertainment

Games Then and Now and The Bookstore at Fitger's are experiencing boosts in sales recently.

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- With so many still schooling and working from home, entertainment has also had to happen at home — so local businesses offering activities like videogames and books are seeing an influx in customers. “As you can see when you guys came in it was constant people in and out of here,” said Jason Matic. co-owner of Games Then and…

Beargrease Without Fans Hard But Better Than Canceled Mushers, Businesses Say

Bar and restaurant owners said Beargrease is the busiest time of their year, so not having spectators will hurt business.

DULUTH, Minn.- The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are stretching to the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, causing changes including not allowing fans to watch in-person. “Safety has always been the #1 priority for our organization whether it’s a COVID year or non-COVID year,” race spokesperson Monica Hendrickson said. Some of this year’s changes include closing all buildings used along the…

No Spectators for 2021 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Officials say they see no way to properly social distance the thousands that come out to the start.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 41st Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is planned to go on this year, but it will look different as no spectators will be allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. Every year thousands of spectators gather at the start of the race at Billy’s Bar in Duluth. But according to Beargrease spokesperson Monica Hendrickson, organizers saw…

Natural Black Hair Stylist, Supply ‘Loc’d Up Kreationz Studio’ in Duluth Expanding

LUKS Beauty Supply will hold the grand opening of their new space in the old Pineapple Arts Supply this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- A small braiding and dreadlock stylist and supply store in Downtown Duluth will be expanding in the first days of 2021, to better fill the need they see to serve black hair types in the Northland. Tammy Moll opened up Loc’d Up Kreationz studio on First Street two years ago after hair braiding and dreadlock styling in the…

Duluth Experiences Quiet New Year’s Eve Without Big Venue Celebrations

Normally filled with about 700 people ringing in New Year's, Greysolon Ballroom and other Downtown businesses were empty this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The streets of Duluth were uncharacteristically quiet this New Year’s Eve as the city’s big bashes were all canceled due to COVID-19, including New Year’s on the Lake at Greysolon Ballroom. This time last year the ballroom was decked out in decorations and minibars and filled with suits and gowns for a night of entertainment. New Year’s on…

Tubing Season at Spirit Mountain Slides in with Blizzard Snow

Duluth's Christmas Eve Blizzard brought with it the perfect weather for tubing.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland’s recent snowstorm, while a nuisance for some, was perfect to usher in the tubing season at Spirit Mountain. “The tubing hill’s fun,” said Jon Regenold, co-director of Resort Services. “You hear laughter and smiles all over the place. And then the ride is exhilarating too.” As of Tuesday those looking for a winter thrill a bit…

Duluth YMCA Wraps Up Distribution of Thousands of Meal Kits During Pandemic

The need has always been there, they said, but was exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic. 

DULUTH, Minn.- This week is the last for the Duluth Area Family YMCA’s Meal Kit Distribution Program, which donated thousands of meals to people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership with the YMCA said since March of this year they have given out more than 45,000 meal kits at the Downtown Duluth YMCA, Gary New Duluth Recreation Center, Harbor…

Young Duluth Native Singer’s Christmas Music Video Gets Thousands of Views

He hopes it reminds people of the little things to be thankful for during the holidays. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A young, up-and-coming singer originally from Duluth decided to make a fun Christmas song and music video which is starting to gain popularity on Youtube. Tanner Zahn moved to Los Angeles with his family to pursue a career in music. “We normally come back even during Christmas. So this year because of COVID it’s been really weird being…

Chester Bowl Ski Hill Packed for Opening Weekend

This year they started the season with a check donation of $25,000 from local design company Loll Designs. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The weather was perfect for opening weekend at Chester Bowl’s ski hill, the ski lifts and slopes alive for another season. Greg Benson of Loll Designs skis down the hill with their donation. New COVID-19 protocols involve masks being required in certain areas, and letting only members of the same household to ride ski lifts together. This year…

Santa Makes Social Distanced Stops in Duluth, Two Harbors

A Duluth couple and the city of Two Harbors got creative with drive-thru's to have Santa safely spread cheer.

TWO HARBORS/DULUTH, Minn.- While the traditional ways to see Santa Claus are paused this year due to the pandemic, Santa always finds a way — with a little help from a Duluth couple and the city of Two Harbors. “Big smiles. We like big smiles. Parents are happy, kids are happy, what more can you ask for at Christmas?” said…

Christmas City Express Goes Full Steam Ahead as Virtual Webcast This Year

About two thousand people were signed up to watch the webcast according to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Christmas City Express in Duluth still went on full steam ahead this year, just as a different experience. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s annual holiday event went virtual with a webcast, completely free. About two thousand people were signed up according to the Museum’s Executive Director, to watch the performance of the Christmas City Express book done…

Sir Ben’s Welcomes Back Customers for Outdoor Dining with Fire Pit Tables

The new toasty furniture makes it easier for customers to come and follow Gov. Walz's updated orders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake in Duluth’s Central Hillside got creative to welcome customers back outside, per Governor Tim Walz’s updated restrictions on Minnesota businesses which went into effect Saturday. New fire pit tables powered by propane tanks replaced most of their patio furniture, giving customers a toasty way to enjoy a beverage and food. On Wednesday…

Duluth Police Investigate Two Separate Shootings in One Night

One shooting left a female with three gunshot wounds, the other with no reported injuries.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department responded to two separate shootings Friday night — bringing the city’s total this year to 40. One of Friday’s shootings left a female with three non-life threatening gunshot wounds. In the first, according to a department spokesperson, shortly after 10 p.m. officers responded to a report of the sound of gunshots at a residence…

FDA Authorizes Second COVID-19 Vaccine from Moderna

The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is adding a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal. The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. The decision comes days after health workers and nursing home residents began getting a similar coronavirus shot from Pfizer and BioNTech. Extra doses from a…

Cooking Connection: Homemade Chai and Pastries from Yellow Bike Coffee

We take you to Yellow Bike Coffee for some beverages and treats to warm you up.

In this week’s Cooking Connection Meteorologist Ken Slama sits down with the owner of Yellow Bike Coffee in Hermantown, Shannon Tanski Cornelius, to learn about some of their recipes for Chai, Cinnamon Rolls, and other bakery items. Categories: Community, Cooking Connection

Duluth Council Talks Commission to Focus On Concerns of LGBTQ+ Community

Council read an ordinance which would establish the Duluth LGBTQ+ Commission. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A new commission focused on the concerns of Duluth’s LGBTQ+ community was on the docket of Monday nights Duluth City Council meeting. Council read an ordinance by President Gary Anderson which would establish the Duluth Nonbinary, Queer, Trans, Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex and Asexual Commission. It would advise city administration and council on issues impacting that…

Wisconsin Health Leaders Explain Vaccine Distribution as State Gets First Shipment

Meanwhile, the spread of the virus isn't slowing down in the state. 

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin received 10,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, with about 35,000 more doses expected by the end of the week. The first rounds are going to frontline healthcare workers and to nursing home residents in a couple weeks. The general public will not have access to the vaccine for months as the state deploys this historic rollout…

Duluth Council Amends Mayor Larson’s 2021 Tourism Tax Revenue Distribution

The Council's unanimous decision is the ultimate say beyond the Mayor's recommendations for the money allocations.

DULUTH, Minn.- At their second to last meeting of the year Duluth City Council voted on, among other things, next year’s distribution of a smaller pot of Tourism Tax Revenue due to the effects of the pandemic. Last year, about $12 million in Tourism Tax — or Hotel, Motel, Food and Beverage Tax — Revenue was collected for Duluth tourism-related…

Bentleyville Founder Urges Weekday Visits as Saturday Nights Get Busy

The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights is coming off another busy Saturday night. Ahead of the coming holiday weekend, founder Nathan Bentley is again asking future attendees to seriously consider coming during the week. The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. Bentley has asked attendees…

UWS Student, Professor Track Waste of Disposable Masks, PPE in Superior

So far of the 200 pieces of data collected, most are concentrated in the East End and on the University Campus.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Superior are tracking a different kind of waste that is newer in the city this year — personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Those researchers said so far without the pandemic, the amount of plastics in the oceans is set to surpass the amount of fish by the year 2050. Now the…

UPDATE: Bentleyville Line Fills Up, Guests Turned Away Hours Early Saturday

Guests were asked to come back during the week for shorter wait times.

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights completely closed to new vehicles Saturday night, after reaching capacity early in the evening according to their website. Around 5:30 Saturday evening the attraction posted on their Facebook page that to “alleviate the number of vehicles on the roadways,” they would close the line until 7:30. But when 7:30 rolled around, that post changed…

Bentleyville Backed Up, Line Closes for Two Hours Saturday

The line for the Tour of Lights was at capacity, closing from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- Traffic at Bentleyville once again backed up Saturday, forcing the line for the drive-thru attraction to close for part of the evening. According to a post on their Facebook page, the line was at capacity around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. They closed the line for two hours until 7:30 p.m., and asked guests to return after that to alleviate…

Superior Police Investigate Shooting in Fight Outside Tower Ave Businesses

One person had non-gunfire injuries after the fight, another was injured when some suspects crashed their vehicle fleeing.

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department is investigating a report of shots fired in an altercation Saturday morning resulting in two injuries and a car crash on the Blatnik Bridge. According to a department spokesperson, around 12:32 a.m. Saturday officers responded to a report of gunfire in the vicinity of 628 Tower Avenue and 702 Tower Avenue, the locations…

Supreme Court Rejects Republican Attack on Biden Victory

The Electoral College meets Monday to formally elect Biden as the next president.  

  (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit backed by President Donald Trump to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory, ending a desperate attempt to get legal issues rejected by state and federal judges before the nation’s highest court. Trump had called the lawsuit filed by Texas against Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin “the big…

Gov Walz: ‘The end of COVID is out there’ with Vaccine Rollout Likely Next Week

If approved, the state would receive 46,800 shots from Pfizer by next week.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz unveiled the state’s plan for getting Minnesotans vaccinated against coronavirus, some as soon as the coming weeks. “This day is real, it’s happening, it is really here. In Minnesota, we’re prepared for it,” said the Governor in a press conference Tuesday. “We are on the doorstep of starting this.” According to the Minnesota…

Gov. Evers Asks Wisconsin for Caution Over Holidays As COVID-19 Surge Continues

Wisconsin is getting close to having 420,000 total cases since March with 3,800 deaths.

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin will get 50,000 vaccines to start once it’s approved and will first go to long-term care facility residents and healthcare workers. Governor Evers said in a virtual briefing Tuesday that even through the United States is closer to approving the vaccine, there’s no backing away from all the precautions we still need to take to keep ourselves,…

Wisconsin Health Officials Discuss How COVID-19 Vaccine Will Be Distributed

WI DHS stressed the safety of the vaccines, and how long they still have to go before reaching the public.

MADISON, Wis.- In Wisconsin Monday, health experts held a news conference answering COVID-19 vaccine questions. They say of the two vaccines awaiting FDA approval, Pfizer’s would require cold storage at -70°C±10°C for up to 10 days unopened in the state’s Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition (HERC) regions before going to clinics. Moderna’s, which does not require cold storage, would go directly to…

Gov. Walz, MDH Trim Recommended Quarantine to 10 or 7 Days After COVID Exposure

A full 14-day quarantine after being exposed to someone with COVID-19 is still the most safe, officials said.

ST.PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz and state health leaders announced changes Monday to how long people should quarantine if exposed to someone with coronavirus, and also prepped the state for new mitigation efforts to come within the week. “The fact of the matter is a 14-day quarantine is the best thing to do. But the science has been refined enough…

‘Little C Tree’ Christmas Trees Spreading Holiday Cheer, Help to Lincoln Park Restaurant Employees

50% of the businesses's profits will go to help employees at restaurants in the neighborhood who may have lost their jobs during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new business harvesting and selling Christmas trees in Duluth is doing their part to give back to the community during the holidays. Little C Tree has been selling small sustainable Christmas trees at Dovetail Cafe and Marketplace in the Lincoln Park Craft District. Each tree is hand-cut from the tops of spruce trees throughout the state, with…

Deputies Fatally Shoot 19-Year-Old Man in Mt. Iron

Deputies learned that the man matched the description of a suspect in a drive-by shooting incident that happened on December 4 in Virginia.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- An investigation is underway after a suspect search resulted in a fatal officer-involved shooting Saturday in Mountain Iron, and according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the man killed matched the description of a suspect in a drive-by shooting in Virginia Friday. According to a spokesperson with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to…

Duluthian Selected to Help Deck the White House Halls for the Holidays

Kynze Lundeen was one of 125 volunteers from across the country selected to help decorate.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many Northlanders are probably busy decking the halls, getting last minute decorations on the tree and stringing lights outside. But can you imagine getting picked to help decorate the White House for the Holidays? One Duluthian did. Kynze Lundeen applied for the opportunity a few months ago while waiting at an airport in Texas. Weeks after applying, she…

Superior City Council Approves CARES Act Fund Request for Housing, Community Programs

This could bring about $139,000 to help with housing programs and other community aid organizations. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- New federal CARES Act money could be going to help housing and community development programs in Superior. The Superior City Council Tuesday voted to approve the 2019 Community Development Block Grant Cooperative Action Plan authorizing staff to submit a plan to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This could bring about $139,000 to help with housing programs…

Local Christmas Tree Farms See Boost in Sales As Big Box Retailers See Shortage

Retail Christmas tree sellers are experiencing a shortage, though that's not a problem for small, local farmers who have their own natural inventory, they said.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holidays draw closer, owners of Christmas Tree Farms in the Northland are seeing a boost in business this year, as a shortage at bigger box retailers is drawing people to shop local farms for their trees and wreaths. “I probably have a million trees and about half of my farm is, I would say 100-120 acres…

Online Traffic Helps Ivy Moon Clothing Store through Black Friday, Cyber Monday

Staff said they have seen more online traffic over Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- A clothing business in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood is seeing more online business going into its only second holiday season open. Staff at women’s clothing boutique Ivy Moon over on Superior Street said they have seen more online traffic over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While their entire inventory isn’t online just yet, the popularity of the items they…

Caution Again Advised for Christmas; Vaccine on Horizon for Public in 2021 Gov. Walz Says

After a surge in cases over Thanksgiving, the Governor said guidance will likely remain for Christmas, and public access to the vaccine in 2021.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz and State Health leaders spoke out in a COVID-19 briefing Monday after a Thanksgiving weekend like no other. They stressed continued mitigation efforts by Minnesotans, with the horizon of a vaccine in the distance — in 2021. “Minnesotans did a pretty good job staying home, but there’s some data on movement especially the airport…

OMC Cookbook Brings Smokehouse Recipes to Customers, Help to Lincoln Park Businesses

Staff at OMC said last year they raised about $67,000 from book sales for an IndieGoGo campaign supporting Lincoln Park businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- For a second year in a row you can now make recipes of Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District restaurant OMC Smokehouse at home, while also helping out local businesses in the area. The OMC Smokehouse Cookbook is out again this year with money going toward Lifting Lincoln Park, an IndieGoGo campaign aimed at helping businesses in the neighborhood….

Skiers, Snowboarders Excited to Hit the Reopened Spirit Mountain Slopes

After a summer spent closed, Spirit Mountain reopened Thanksgiving weekend and was filled with excited guests.

DULUTH, Minn- Spirit Mountain reopened Friday after months closed due to financial woes caused by both the coronavirus pandemic and past financial struggles, and Northland winter sport lovers couldn’t wait to get back on the slopes. “We get this every winter,” Co-Director of Resort Services Jon Regenold said. “This is normal every winter, skiers and boarders are ready to get…

Police Investigate 35th Shooting in Duluth of 2020, This Time in Gary-New Duluth

There were no injuries reported at the shooting in the 1200 Block of 104th Ave W.  

DULUTH, Minn.- No one was injured in a reported shooting in Duluth’s Gary-New Duluth neighborhood Saturday evening. According to a Duluth Police Department spokesperson, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday officers responded to the report of shots fired on the 1200 Block of 104th Ave West. Investigating officers learned that the victim, who was not injured, found a hole in a window…

Late Duluth Hobby Shop Owner’s Private Train Collection Auctioned to Enthusiasts

Bids flew for hundreds of parts of Jack Carr's collection at Nordic Auction on Courtland Street Near 27th Avenue West. 

DULUTH, Minn,- The passion of one local model train collector who past away back in May lived on as more of Jack Carr’s private train collection was auctioned off to friends and fellow enthusiasts. Bids flew for hundreds of parts of Carr’s collection at Nordic Auction on Courtland Street Near 27th Avenue West. Everything from trains and tracks to trees…

Spirit Mountain Starts Season Busy After Being Closed During Summer

The chalet is only open for restrooms and tickets while people are encouraged to warm up in their cars and no food or beverage is allowed on the snow. 

DULUTH, Minn.- After months being closed due to financial woes caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, the slopes at Spirit Mountain were alive again as they reopened this weekend. Spirit Mountain reopened to season pass holders Friday. Like other businesses it looks different due to the pandemic. The chalet is only open for restrooms and tickets while people are encouraged to…

New Textile Store Brings Swedish Touch to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Kirsten Aune opened Kirsten Aune Textiles on 21st Ave W

DULUTH, Minn.- On Small Business Saturday in Duluth, a new shop specializing in Scandinavian-inspired fabric items opened in the Lincoln Park Craft District. Kirsten Aune opened Kirsten Aune Textiles on 21st Ave W. She handcrafts all the clothes, home goods, Swedish dolls and more out of organic cotton and screen-prints the designs. Aune said she hopes she can bring a…

Make Your Own Organic Lotion at Mix Cosmetiques

Along with their 30 plus varieties of classes offered, you can now learn how to make your own handmade organic lotion. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Mix Cosmetiques on Woodland Avenue is offering another DIY idea for holiday gifts: lotion. Along with their 30 plus varieties of classes offered, you can now learn how to make your own handmade organic lotion. Owner Lanae Rhoads said she has seen a spike in people wanting to know what goes into — and onto — their body…

Lake Superior Art Glass Offers ‘Design Your Own Ornament’ Sessions

Pick the color, shape, and size of your glass ornaments, then glass blowers then work on your special creation ready for pickup the next day.

DULUTH, Minn.- As holiday shopping begins for many in the Northland, Lake Superior Art Glass in Canal Park hopes to offer a fun way to add a bit of your creativity to a gift, while also supporting small businesses. You can design your own glass ornaments in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Those interested must reserve a 30-minute…

New Black-Owned ‘Stop and Go Pizza’ Aims to Bring Diversity in Pizza, People to Superior

Stop and Go Pizza opened Friday on Tower Avenue in the old Sammy's Pizza location. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new black-owned pizzeria has opened up in Superior with such a focus on carryout, that it inspired the name. Stop and Go Pizza opened Friday on Tower Avenue in the old Sammy’s Pizza location. The family-run business makes all dough, sauce, and other ingredients in-house — including what they say is a favorite, the sweet chili pineapple…

Superior Restaurants See Extra Customers from Minnesota After Gov. Walz’s Restrictions

While business owners in Superior said they welcome the extra business, they said they feel for the restaurants suffering in Duluth.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Restaurants in Superior are seeing more customers from across the bridge four days into Minnesota’s four-week-long restrictions closing in-person dining. Governor Tim Walz turned the dial back Friday, to try and keep the mounting COVID-19 case numbers from maxing out capacity at hospitals statewide. While business owners in Superior said they welcome the extra business, they said they…

Plans Underway for 2021 Lake Superior Ice Festival with COVID-19 Changes

The Ice Festival is tentatively set for the last weekend of January, but officials said nothing is for sure with the pandemic.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The annual Lake Superior Ice Festival in Superior is so far still a go this year, with changes to follow COVID-19 health guidelines. According to organizers the popular snow-slide is expected to be back, you’ll just need to bring your own sleds this time around with a limited supply of disinfected ones available for those who won’t be…

Earth Rider Selling Wreaths, Christmas Trees to Celebrate Holidays

Earth Rider will be selling the wreaths and trees through December 13th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- While most people first think of lights when decorating for the holidays, Earth Rider Brewery in Superior doesn’t want you to forget about another way to “spruce” up your decor — wreaths. Balsam wreaths and Christmas trees from Duluth Flower Farm are being sold outside the Brewery on Tower Avenue. You can also buy some twine to wrap…

New Heavy Equipment’s Arrival Marks Milestone in 2022 Completion of Husky Rebuild

So far the Spring of 2022 is when operations are set to resume, and officials said the arrival of the Vacuum Column is a big step.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Husky Refinery in Superior makes another step forward in rebuilding after the 2018 explosion with a major piece of hardware stored at Fraser Shipyards — ready for installation. So far officials with Husky say the project is still pushed back a year after the pandemic halted construction from March until June, but they said they’re on track…

Keene Creek Dog Park Partially Reopens After Summer Construction

About a third of the large dog area and small dog area are now open. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A popular dog park in West Duluth is now partially reopened to the public. Keene Creek Dog Park near Grand Avenue had been under construction during the summer season. About a third of the large dog area and small dog area are now open. According to city officials a large part of the park remains closed to allow…