DULUTH, Minn. – The national unemployment rate landed to 14.7% for the month of April, the highest number since the Bureau of Labor Statistics started tracking the percentage in 1948. What does this look like for the Duluth area? In March, the unemployment rate for Duluth was 4.9% compared to 3.9% for the state of Minnesota. Local numbers for the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Both Sam’s Florist and Greenhouses along with Boat Club Restaurant are still preparing for Mother’s Day, even with the coronavirus’ impact on the Northland. For Sam’s Florist and Greenhouses, the shop has special flowers made for Mother’s Day, something they hope brings smiles to the faces of mothers all around the area. “There’s all kinds of beautiful…
VIRGINIA, Minn. – Technology is a way for businesses to get their word out to the public. The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce put together a new app called “Shop the Range,” which is a resource for community members and businesses to access. Those on the Iron Range are able to look up businesses and their store hours along with whether…
DULUTH, Minn. – Restrictions are about to be lifted for veterinarian clinics all across the state of Minnesota. Starting on Monday, vet clinics like Dougherty in Duluth will be able to see routine patients for annual exams and will be able to do routine surgeries and dentistry as well. Vet clinics were only allowed to see sick and injured animals…
DULUTH, Minn. – As regular graduations are being switched for the virtual variety, students are finding new ways to celebrate in the Northland. Students from Duluth East received yard signs to stick in their lawns last week. The signs signify their accomplishments and graduation. And now, Duluth East and Denfeld are putting together videos of their own virtual ceremonies, which…
DULUTH, Minn. – Maggie Hoppe is a deaf person who lives in Duluth. She says that she is used to having obstacles when talking to people. “I’m used to communication barriers with hearing people in general, and sometimes people will come up to me and talk to me and I won’t understand them because I can’t hear what they say…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local flower shops are also busy, preparing for the big floral holiday coming up this weekend. Superior Blooms is taking orders right now for Mother’s Day. Management says the business is a bit busier than they usually are. They recently upgraded their website and have gotten more traffic. They also have been getting sales through Instagram and…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local breweries are giving back to those on the front lines of the pandemic. Bent Paddle, located on West Michigan Street, is offering a buy one get one free option for its Crowlers and Growlers. For first responders and for healthcare workers, grocery store employees as well as gas station clerks. Management says it’s about providing for…
DULUTH, Minn. – Normal routines have changed a lot for area dentists during the coronavirus pandemic, with non-emergency procedures on hold. “It’s a tough position because we’re trying to be here for patients that need us but we want to keep our staff and our patients safe and there’s a lot of limitations to things in society right now,” said…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has received a new fire truck. It arrived about a week ago, but it has been in the works for more than a year since July of 2018. The department has been short a truck up until this new one arrived. Some characteristics of this truck include a higher horsepower motor, which allows…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local bakery is asking the public for donations so it can continue with its business. Positively 3rd Street Bakery is needing to raise $25,000. This will pay workers with reduced hours, continue to provide the baked goods and will help with replacing the business’ industrial mixer, which is getting close to not be being usable anymore….
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Nearly one month ago, controversy swirled in Wisconsin as in-person voting was allowed during an election. Later reports from the state department of health indicate that more than 50 people connected with the election tested positive for COVID-19, and now another election is on the horizon in the 7th district between Republican Tom Tiffany and Democrat Tricia…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local flower shops have been busy on this mayday. Engwall Florist and Gifts in Duluth is putting together flower arrangements for the special day. Traditionally for the holiday, small baskets of flowers are placed on peoples’ doorsteps and the giver runs away without letting the recipient know. “I think that everything going on in the world was…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Some local landscaping businesses have launched online marketplaces for their customers during the pandemic. Miller Creek Lawn and Landscape launched its platform today where clients can purchase and shop safely from the comfort of their homes and have their products delivered to them. Leadership from Miller Creek say they have not seen a decrease in customers during…
DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it’s herbs, flowers or succulents, Spring at Last offers up plenty of options to make local homes greener on Mayday. “It’s nice and I can see the smiles on their faces when they come in to see something nice flowery, get away from what’s going on. They seem to really enjoy it.” Owners say visiting the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Ski Hut in Duluth is up and running, still fixing and selling bikes, as they are considered an essential business. According to workers, the service department has been very busy, with about a 30 to 40% increase from this time last year. With regard to bike demand, workers say they are selling a third more compared to…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A local high school celebrated its graduating class today by handing out yard signs. Earlier this month, the Minnesota governor announced the end to face to face classes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, students are finding new ways to celebrate graduation over in Hermantown. Yard signs celebrating the graduating seniors have been handed out to seniors….
DULUTH, Minn. – Staff members and kids at Lowell Elementary School celebrated their principal earlier today. About 20 to 25 cars filled with staff members honked their way around the elementary school, while 50 students help up signs to celebrate a beloved principal who has been working hard to stay connected to kids during this time. “It feels really good,…
DULUTH, Minn. – If you need help caring for your pets during this crisis, there are still options available for you in the Northland. Canal Bark in Duluth has stayed open because it is considered an essential business. The company, which serves as a daycare for dogs, recently received federal loans, which gives them more incentives for small businesses to…
DULUTH, Minn. – Cliff Bars partnered with Grandma’s Marathon to give back to healthcare workers. Throughout the country, Cliff Bars has been reaching out to a variety of special events that they typically support. However, because of the coronavirus, those events have been canceled. But, they are giving away millions of Cliff Bars to multiple organizations, including right here in…
DULUTH, Minn. – Dylan Merriman owns a life insurance business in Duluth. He says a lot of people are being more cautious during this time when it comes to their coverage. “People are calling a lot more, inquiring a lot more, they’re scared, people are scared, and I think that’s valid,” said Merriman. “We’ve seen a lot of uptick on…
DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, CDC guidelines singled out vision care and said no to anything routine. No routine examinations whatsoever and Minnesota has been following these guidelines. Relf Eyecare Specialists has been closed except for emergency services since mid-March, but a variety of procedures considered to be emergencies are still being done. “Injuries, trauma, foreign bodies in the eye,…
TWIN PORTS – At both libraries, patrons have to call into the library and schedule an appointment to pick up materials. They can also request the items on their own through the online catalog. Staff also wear protective gear when handling items before being given to their visitors. “People have been missing the library, we’ve heard from them on Facebook…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local church has set up a food shelf drive-thru for guests. The Vineyard Church in Duluth organized the Fruit of the Vine Food Shelf. The shelf is usually set up like a grocery store where people can pick out what they want. However, during the pandemic, the shelf is now a drive-thrum model where those in…
DULUTH, Minn. – Arrowhead Printing is putting together big thank you cards with signatures from Northland Residents who want to show their gratitude to area hospitals, fire and police departments, grocery stores, and mail and delivery carriers. When folded, the cards will be 24 inches by 36 inches. “We are getting a lot of positive feedback so far but the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Despite a lot of businesses closing, auto repair shops are seeing a steady stream of customers. Workers at 4th Street Auto Repair have been taking extra precautions when it comes to cleaning and wiping down vehicles at all touchpoints and contact points, including steering wheels and seat belts. “We’re thankful right now, I can’t say we’re busy,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Masks, masks, and more masks. This is what St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are trying to raise in their “Land of 10,000 Masks” campaign. “When we get masks like this, it really feels like the community is stepping up for us and it feels like they’re giving us love too in a very concrete way that really…
DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth will be working with multiple local businesses tomorrow to help clean up the city. The organizations are asking the community to go around and clean up outside around the house or go to their favorite park or trail and participate in some trash clean-up. At the end of the day tomorrow, people will…
DULUTH, Minn. – A roadside farmer’s market has popped up near Proctor after two businesses decided to work together. Farmer Doug’s Christmas Tree Farm along with Jules Flower Farm decided to start the market three weeks ago on Lindahl Road near Proctor to help better serve the community. They started the enterprise after they saw a constant flow of neighbors…
DULUTH, Minn. – Some businesses have expanded their hours amidst the coronavirus to meet demand. Duluth Best Bread, located on W. 3rd Street in Duluth, has doubled business during the pandemic. It is now open from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bread is sold through the store’s front window. “During the pandemic, I think a lot…
New unemployment numbers were released by the U.S. government, showing that about 26 million people have filed for unemployment, which is the worst its been since the Great Depression. Locally, analysts are also compiling data to learn more about the Northland’s economic situation. Economic experts from the University of Minnesota Extension say 17 percent of workers, which is more than…
Corktown Deli in Lincoln Park is now also serving as a partial grocery store. It recently reopened for to-go service while also making room for some grocery store shelving in the store, which includes items like baking supplies, beverages, and breakfast items. Owners say they are trying different things and seeing what works. “Overall the support from the community has…
Coffee isn’t necessarily an essential need. But to some, it’s a special delicacy. Scott Nelson owns Dunn Brothers Coffee in Duluth, and he is donating about 100 pounds of freshly roasted coffee beans to the Salvation Army to be handed out and served to those in need. “It’s kind of a win-win where we can keep people employed and people…
DULUTH, Minn. – April 22nd is Earth Day, and today, some businesses are offering promotions to give back in a green way. Duluth Pack in Canal Park, which makes canvas and leather bags and packs, launched its “Buy a Pack, We Give Back” campaign this week. With every customer purchase, a tree will be planted in the local area with…
DULUTH, Minn. – Mix Cosmetiques in Duluth is a locally-owned makeup shop that sells custom and organic homemade makeup products. Owner Lanae Rhoads attributes it to peoples’ desire to still look their best, even if it’s just for a Zoom call. She says there has been an increase of 35 to 40 percent in sales. While the business is not…
WRENSHALL, Minn. – Several Northland farms are partnering with communities during this uncertain time to help support their businesses. CSA stands for community supported agriculture. Food Farm in Wrenshall has been participating in the CSA movement since 1994. CSAs are getting a lot of increased attention during the pandemic. At Food Farm, the summer CSA program shares have filled up…
DULUTH, Minn. – Even during this time of coronavirus, it is still important with those with a heart condition to be in touch with healthcare professionals. Medical professionals say if patient symptoms are more urgent and need evaluations in person, the in-person appointments need to be made, which would still follow the rules of social distancing. Patients wait in the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Chiropractic clinics are also keeping to CDC recommendations during this coronavirus pandemic. Chester Creek Chiropractic is a relatively new business, and according to officials, many patients are putting chiropractic visits on pause, even though the business is considered essential. In many cases, appointments have been shifted online. Officials say there have been cases of upper back tensions…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local business owner is in a unique position, having one business say open while another closed. London Road Rental has been deemed an essential business by the state of Minnesota. While Party Express in Superior is closed because it’s considered non-essential by Wisconsin. Jerry Kortesmaki owns both. “Being a guy that has an opened business and…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local veterinary clinic in Duluth is still open as it is considered an essential business, but it is also taking extra precautions. Leadership from Dougherty Veterinary Clinic on East 14th Street is not doing routine annual exams at the moment. However, the clinic is just seeing sick animals and injured animals, including emergency surgeries in order…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Local physical therapy clinics are seeing a dramatic decrease in customers in recent weeks as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Superior’s Center for Muscle and Joint Therapy is one business that’s having to rework how they go about serving their customers. The center has a slower decrease in patients from the start, which has lead to staff cuts….
DULUTH, Minn. – One local hotel is stepping up to help healthcare workers. The AmericInn by the Miller Hill Mall is having a special rate for them during the pandemic. Right now, people staying at the hotel are those who work in the healthcare field. Healthcare workers staying at the hotel are those who work at a local nursing home….
DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army received a sweet donation from a couple of employees. The workers got their stimulus checks and decided to give a portion of that to help feed those who use their lunch program. They purchased 30 boxes of pizza to feed roughly 100 people who lately have been taking a meal home with them from…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Good news for some Minnesota restaurants: The Minnesota Senate and the House have passed a bill authorizing restaurants to sell wine and beer with takeout orders. Final approval is still pending from the governor, but that seems almost certain to happen. Many Minnesota restaurant owners had been pushing for this change to open up a…
DULUTH, Minn. – While some gatherings are closed, others are still happening virtually, including speech competitions. Toastmasters is a speech club that has groups throughout the nation and the world. Recently, a speech competition for the region was held virtually, featuring competitors from the Northland and Iron Range. The Technical Director for the competition says its important to have these…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local company is creating merchandise to help out Northland residents. Locally Laid Egg Company wanted to help with fighting off food insecurity for Northlanders, so they partnered with Duluth Screen Printing to create clothes to sell. Proceeds will be donated to multiple groups such as Duluth Screen Printing, Second Harvest Food Bank and Feeding America. “I’m…
ESKO, Minn. – 4-H is an organization that gives young people opportunities for service projects. Here in the Northland, 4-H members have made more than 400 masks and have also been making scrub caps. The items are being donated to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities in the Carlton County area, Fond Du Lac Reservation, and Duluth. For…
DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the challenges with the coronavirus, one local choir group is still finding a way to sing. The Lake Superior Youth Chorus has now created virtual orchestra spaces for each choir. The organization is also hosting musical moments, where choir members can submit pictures or videos of themselves making music in their homes. Winners are chosen from…
DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus has impacted businesses throughout the Northland. Touching Hearts at Home located is an in-home services and transportation provider. The company hasn’t laid off any of its employees. Owners say it’s important to keep home healthcare services available. “I would say a big part of it is an isolation factor that sometimes the only person they…
DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of gatherings are being canceled these days because of the coronavirus, but people are still figuring out alternative ways to do things like baby showers. Lynsey Haala and her husband Chad are expecting a new baby in June. When they had to cancel their planned baby shower, they knew they needed to get creative. Then…
