Business Archives - Page 44 of 94

Support for Ashland Small Businesses Remains Strong Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Local Business Owners Speak Out During a Difficult Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

December 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

ASHLAND, Wis. – The importance of shopping local is even more polarizing this year amid the ongoing pandemic. Many longtime business owners are thankful for continues support, while some new owners are grateful for a successful start during a global health crisis. “I try to bring things from all around the state,” said Jerry Henderson, owner of Taste of Wisconsin….

Knowing Your Neighbors: Redneck ‘Meats’ BBQ

After 14 years of running the well-known Arts Café in Moose Lake, management sold the café to new owners, who transformed it into a barbecue restaurant.

December 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – After 14 years of running the well-known Arts Café in Moose Lake, management sold the café to new owners who transformed it into a barbecue restaurant known as Redneck ‘Meats’ BBQ. Dinel and Lance Hollarbach have been in the barbecue business for almost 19 years, and now they have branched out, opening their own restaurant in…

Two Essentia Health Employees Had Allergic Reactions To COVID-19 Vaccine

Some of the symptoms that brought concern for health experts included hives, swelling of the lips or mouth, and shortness of breath.

December 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have already been given to frontline workers at Essentia Health. So far, only two employees had allergic reactions to the vaccine. Essentia Health officials say the reactions weren’t severe, but out of caution each worker was treated and evaluated. It is believed the reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine may be…

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.

December 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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…

Estate Planning Increases During Pandemic

December 19, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic continues into its ninth month, local lawyers say more people have begun the process of getting your affairs in order. Dahlberg Law Office has seen an increase in estate planning during the pandemic. The head of Dahlberg says estate planning makes up most of his business. And that it takes a crisis event like Coronavirus…

Ashland Residents, Businesses Deck the Halls for Decorating Contest

57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area.

December 18, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

ASHLAND, Wis.- The city of Ashland won’t behaving their long-standing Garland City of the North Parade this year because of the pandemic. Instead, it was replaced by a Christmas decorating contest. 57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area, with the winners receiving a prize package….

Minnesota Power Installs Wind Turbine Blade Outside Duluth Headquarters

December 16, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was quite the scene Wednesday outside Minnesota Power in downtown Duluth as a giant wind turbine blade was lifted into place on the building. Two cranes were called in to lift the 82-foot, 6,000-pound blade. Allete said the blade symbolizes the company’s focus on sustainability as Minnesota Power is on the cusp of reaching 50 percent…

Duluth Cider Receives Gold Medal at 2020 US Open Cider Championship

Duluth Cider is Also Giving Back to the Community by Donating $1 of Every Cider Sold to the Children's Museum

December 16, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all of the negative news in 2020, Duluth Cider is ending the year on a positive note, and they’re also helping give back to our community. Jake Scott, owner of Duluth Cider, says their Greenstone Hopped Semi-Dry Cider has won a Gold Medal at the 2020 US Open Cider Championship. This is the second US Open…

City Council Approves Tourism Tax Funding For Glensheen Mansion And Duluth Children’s Museum

Nearly 60% of the tourism tax budget will help fund many of the city's debt obligations.

December 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn- The tax money generated from hotels, food, and beverage sales in the city of Duluth, is down by nearly 30% due to the financial impacts of the pandemic. This loss of revenue is forcing the city to tighten the belt on the distribution of money collected from tourism. Nearly 60% of the tourism tax budget will help fund…

Line 5 Supporters Announce Jobs & Energy Coalition

December 15, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Groups in support of the Enbridge Line 5 relocation project gathered Tuesday morning to announce the Wisconsin Jobs and Energy Coalition. The goal of the group is to help bring attention to different energy projects going on in the state and to raise awareness of the positive economic impacts of Line 5 and beyond. Recently the Line…

15th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest Winners Announced

The winners have been announced for the Greater Downtown Council’s 15th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest.

December 15, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The winners have been announced for the Greater Downtown Council’s 15th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest. Ballots from the public were also totaled for Peoples’ Choice Awards and Facebook Favorite categories. Some of the top displays were at Fitger’s, Lester River Trading Company, and Frost River. One of the winners says it’s always nice to…

Loll Designs Acquired, Keeps 85 Jobs in Duluth

Loll designs has been sold but it will continue to stick around Duluth, providing jobs for 85 people.

December 15, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Loll designs has been sold but it will continue to stick around Duluth, providing jobs for 85 people. The company was acquired by Landscape Forms, which is headquartered in Michigan. In the past, Landscape Forms collaborated on products with Loll designs and CEO Greg Benson says it’s going to be a great cultural fit to be working…

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.

December 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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…

Gift Card Sales Are Increasing For Local Businesses

"It's going to get better. This will keep us going," said Dawn Moen, the store manager at Frost River.

December 14, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – With fewer people not wanting to spend much time shopping in person due to the pandemic, gift card sales have been on the rise at some local retail outlets. Staff at Frost River in Lincoln Park says gift cards are very popular during this time. The store manager says increased gift card sales can really give a…

Duluth Business Sells Spruce Tops As Small and Sustainable Christmas Trees

December 14, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — A new company in Duluth that sells small, sustainable Christmas trees created from black spruce tops is taking off this holiday season. It’s called “Little C Tree,” created by Duluth residents Benjy Christensen, Nola Wilson, and Wilson’s brother. These trees can fit into smaller spaces, such as apartments, and can even be mailed to loved ones you…

Essentia Health Hiring Healthcare Workers

"It's been an unbelievable amount of stress on our staff. We're used to taking care of people who are very sick and used to seeing people die, but not in these numbers," said Jon Pryor, president of Essentia Health.

December 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand for healthcare workers is becoming critical in the Northland. Essentia Health is now hiring, hoping to find skilled healthcare employees to fill the gaps brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. A shortage of frontline workers such as nurses is already creating a strain for hospitals in the region. Many hospital officials are getting concerned for the…

Winter West Market Taking Place This Weekend

This weekend, the annual Winter West Market will be held throughout west Duluth.

December 11, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the annual Winter West Market will be held throughout west Duluth. The third annual event is aimed at supporting small businesses as many in the area will be offering up discounts. Owners at Wussow’s Café say it’s important to be supporting your local business for the market, especially during these times. “I think it’s easy…

Handmade in the Northland: Northern Exposure Art & Sjofn’s Musings

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

December 11, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of many…

Holiday Gatherings Still Discouraged Even As A Vaccine Nears Approval

More than 50% of the total COVID-19 cases in the county since March were reported last month.

December 10, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Coronavirus vaccine could be available in the Northland within the next few weeks. Although a treatment is on the way health officials are still urging the community to avoid holiday gatherings to help slow surges in COVID-19 cases. Demand for a Coronavirus vaccine in the northland is expected to be far greater than the doses available….

Fan Cutouts Available For Purchase For UMD Bulldog Hockey Games

The cutouts costs $75 each.

December 10, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – This season, the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldog hockey fans won’t be allowed into Amsoil Arena to watch any of the games, but you still have a chance to show your support for the teams in a creative way. Fans can now purchase a cardboard cutout of themselves to be displayed in the arena during the home…

Bakeries Adjust to Changing Times

With COVID-19 changing the way social gatherings are held, some area bakeries are feeling the impact.

December 10, 2020

Jane Kim,

NORTHLAND – With COVID-19 changing the way social gatherings are held, some area bakeries are feeling the impact. Bakeries throughout the region are having to be flexible in the way they distribute their treats with the pandemic changing the way they do business. At Johnson’s Bakery on west 3rd street in Duluth, business has changed drastically mainly because its catering…

Handmade in the Northland: Sprig Design Co.

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

December 10, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of many…

First Responders Are Feeling Strained From Impacts Of COVID-19

December 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

NORTHLAND, Minn. – First responders have been strained by this pandemic, especially ambulance crews that may respond to someone having symptoms. Communities rely on first responders when emergencies happen, but as coronavirus case numbers surge in the region, the job is becoming more challenging. “We need some help in being able to respond to the emergencies,” said Virginia Mayor Larry…

McQuade’s Pub And Grill Opens In Old Carmody 61 Location In Two Harbors

December 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – McQuade’s Pub and Grill is now open for take out after relocating to a bigger space. The restaurant used to be in downtown Two Harbors, but now takes over the Old Carmody 61 on Highway 61. The restaurant expanded its seating and size of the kitchen. The owner says the pandemic has also allowed him to…

Increased Demand for Technology Repairs During Pandemic

With kids doing distance learning and adults working from home, there has been an increase in the number of repairs being done at tech shops throughout the area.

December 9, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – With kids doing distance learning and adults working from home, there has been an increase in the number of repairs being done at tech shops throughout the area. As more and more people either work or learn from home, local electronic repair shops have been busier than usual, fixing up Northlanders’ devices. Over at Box Tronics in…

Duluth Flower Farm Sells Homeschool Kits for Students of All Ages

Distance learning is becoming the norm for students but that doesn’t mean they have to be bored during these times. Duluth Flower Farm now has different homeschool kits for students of all ages.

December 9, 2020

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Distance learning is becoming the norm for students but that doesn’t mean they have to be bored during these times. Duluth Flower Farm now has different homeschool kits for students of all ages. Kids can come to the store and buy their own homemade crafts, which range from winter decorated pots to wreath kits. “I just think…

Mike’s Cafe and Pizzeria Opens in Esko

December 9, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

ESKO, Minn. – A familiar restaurant has moved into the building previously occupied by Eskomo Pizza Pies in Esko. Mike’s Cafe and Pizzeria, which spent nearly four decades in western Duluth as Mike’s Western Cafe, opened up in early November. With the owner growing up in the town, he says that despite the pandemic, the community response has been uplifting…

Great Outdoors: Giant’s Ridge

Giant's Ridge is officially open despite the pandemic to help Northlanders get outside to enjoy some beautiful scenery while getting some exercise.

December 9, 2020

Jane Kim,

BIWABIK, Minn. – Giant’s Ridge is officially open despite the pandemic to help Northlanders get outside to enjoy some beautiful scenery while getting some exercise. Fred Seymour, the general manager at Giant’s Ridge, says that with COVID, it has been difficult adjusting to the different precautions, but visitors are likewise being flexible as well. While skiers enjoy all Giant’s Ridge…

Handmade in the Northland: Clover + Cotton

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

December 9, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of…

City of Virginia Closes City Hall For Covid-19 Precautions

December 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Virginia City Hall has closed to the public after one city staff member tested positive for the coronavirus. The closure is just a precaution to prevent the spread of the virus. The individual exposed to the virus worked as an evidence technician for the police department as well as staffed the general public services window. Unfortunately,…

City Of Duluth Make Recommendations For Tourism Tax Dollars

"We are expecting to collect 25% less in 2021 than we anticipated collecting this year in 2020," said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson.

December 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues to hurt many parts of the Northland tourism industry Duluth city leaders are starting the process of deciding how tourism generated tax dollars should be spent next year. Last year, about $12 million in tourism tax revenue ended up being set aside for Duluth community investments and to help pay for some of…

Hermantown Government Services Building Reopens After Covid-19 Related Closure

The Hermantown Government Services building is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

December 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown Government Services building has reopened to the public once again after some staff members were diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19. The facility is home to the Hermantown City Hall, Police, and Fire Departments. The building was closed for about a month as a precaution for the safety of the public, but staff continued to work…

Handmade in the Northland: The Big Lake

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

December 8, 2020

Brett Scott,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – During the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year…

Storefront Windows Celebrate Cultural Traditions With Holiday Displays

December 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some vacant storefronts in Lincoln Park are being dressed up with holiday displays created by local artists. The windows showcase holiday cultural traditions like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. People passing by can read and learn more about those traditions. A local artist says she hopes the displays remind the community of the importance of sticking together. The first…

Funeral Homes Having A Hard Time Keeping Up With Rise In Covid-19 Deaths

"Were finding it more and more of a challenge to keep up with it," said Cody Downs, the manager of the Cremation Services of Superior.

December 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to put a strain on the funeral industry. The rapidly rising case numbers are making it difficult for funeral homes just to keep up. Since the start of the pandemic, the Lenroot- Maetzold funeral home in superior has been getting hit hard. “We had a difficult time trying to get PPE. The…

Mailing And Shipping Stores Staying Busy For The Holidays

It is recommended to get those out as early as possible to make it in time for Christmas.

December 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local mailing and shipping stores are keeping busy as more people are sending holiday gifts during the pandemic. The Pack and Mail on Grand Avenue has seen an uptick in customers sending packages all across the country. The steady business hasn’t left any downtime for the workers. A clerk says in the last couple of years mailing…

Northlanders Take On Snowmobiling During COVID Restrictions

With some snow on the horizon, snowmobilers will soon be hitting the Northland trails.

December 7, 2020

Jane Kim,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With some snow on the horizon, snowmobilers will soon be hitting the Northland trails. Over at RJ Sport & Cycle, the store currently has about 50% less inventory in stock as more Northlanders want to get outdoors away from quarantining. “Because of the restrictions and stuff in place, people have been using the cabins more, they haven’t…

Handmade in the Northland: Beyond Nuts

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

December 7, 2020

Brett Scott,

FINLAND, Minn. – During the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of…

‘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.

December 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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…

Proctor Holds ‘Mayor For A Day’ Essay Contest For Students

December 4, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Ever wondered what it would be like if kids ran local city governments? The City of Proctor is giving fourth through sixth graders a chance to compete in an essay contest to be mayor for a day. The idea is inspired by a similar contest held annually by the League of Minnesota Cities. Proctor students can write…

Holiday Shopping In Stores Can Be Risky As Pandemic Continues

Your risk of catching the virus depends on the situation, but medical professionals want to remind everyone to be aware that COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly throughout the Northland.

December 4, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – There might be the one gift you can’t find online, or maybe going to a store to purchase a gift is more convenient, but health experts are cautioning people to be aware of the COVID-19 risks when you are out among crowds. Any time a person goes shopping in public settings, there is a chance you will…

Bridgeman’s Launches Ice Cream Concoctions for Holiday Season

You can celebrate the holidays with both your favorite movie and favorite ice cream.

December 3, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – You can celebrate the holidays with both your favorite movie and favorite ice cream. Whether it’s the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, or even the movie Frozen, Bridgeman’s has come up with a variety of holiday-themed Mega Malts. These ice cream concoctions have things like candy canes, pop tarts, and cotton candy. “It’s really fun,” said Emily Broman,…

Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Kitchen Finds A Permanent Home

Doc Witherspoon's Soul Kitchen is currently open for curbside Thursday through Saturday from 4-6 p.m.

December 2, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Kitchen has finally found its permanent home. The restaurant is now taking over Mitch’s Bar and Grill in Lincoln Park. The new space includes both a dining and bar area. Customers can expect to enjoy some of the most popular dishes like fried chicken, cornbread, and much more. The Witherspoon family has been raising…

Wind Cargo Import Creates Record For Duluth-Superior Port

The wind cargo brought into the region this year topped the previous record by more than 200,000 tons.

December 2, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth-Superior port has had a record-breaking shipping season when it comes to wind energy cargo. This year, in the midst of the pandemic, imports for that type of cargo nearly doubled the previous record set in 2019. Like many other industries, shipping has been hit hard by the pandemic. This record-setting achievement is highlighting the strong…

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.

December 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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…

Duluth Pack Hosts Food Drive For Giving Tuesday

December 1, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s Giving Tuesday. Duluth pack put out a call for action to “fill the pack” so they can give back to one local organization. The company partnered with Duluth’s Ruby’s Pantry for an in-store food drive. The goal was to fill up one of its largest canoe bags with non-perishable items. Duluth Pack has been a part…

Lake Superior Zoo Animals Are Missing Visitor Interactions

"You guys as visitors are the main sources of entertainment for the animals at the zoo," said Lizzy Larson, the head carnivore zookeeper.

December 1, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is one of the many tourist attractions in the state now shut down as part of new safety guidelines from Governor Tim Walz. The closure is taking away all the attention the animals would normally be getting from zoo visitors. “You guys as visitors are the main sources of entertainment for the animals…

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.

November 30, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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…

Yellow Bike Coffee Celebrates Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is a good excuse to shop local and area businesses are putting together their own special deals for the special day.

November 30, 2020

Jane Kim,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Cyber Monday is a good excuse to shop local and area businesses are putting together their own special deals for the special day. Yellow Bike Coffee in Hermantown has a gift card deal just for Cyber Monday. If you purchase $100 at Yellow Bike Coffee, you get $20 free. Owners say it’s important to support local especially…

Local Businesses Are Taking Advantage Of Cyber Monday

This year's nearly $13 billion projection for Cyber Monday is up by about 35% compared to 2019.

November 30, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts predict consumers will spend nearly $13-billion on Cyber Monday online purchases. This would make it the biggest online shopping day in history for the United States. Many Northland businesses are taking advantage of the financial boost the shopping day could bring. Cyber Monday deals can be a motivator for people to spend their money and the…