DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic is continuing to put a strain on restaurant capacities, but low temperatures across the northland are making it harder to offer outdoor seating. As a result, the demand for patio heaters and fire pits has drastically increased. Restaurant owners are doing the most they can to overcome the hurdle of limited indoor capacities. Patio seating…
CANADA — Husky Energy, which operates a refinery in Superior, announced on Sunday that it is merging with one of its rivals in the oil and natural gas market, Cenovus Energy. The Husky name will be no more, as the company will begin operating under Cenovus Energy. The deal is “all-stock transaction valued at $23.6 billion, inclusive of debt,” according…
DULUTH, Minn. – Marinas in the area have begun winterizing boats. The process usually takes under two hours depending on the size of the boat. Although experts say it’s a bit earlier than they are used to, it doesn’t make it any less important when getting your boat ready for winter. “The process is basically draining out the water that…
DULUTH, Minn. – Working in law enforcement can be stressful for officers in the line of duty. Hoping to combat potential mental health concerns, the Duluth Police Department is testing out a new app called Peer Connect to help provide additional support for officers dealing with stressful situations. “Everybody in this organization, because of the type of work we do,…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development has recently released unemployment numbers showing a decline in the month of September for Superior. After high unemployment rates in the spring, the Mayor attributes the drop in those numbers to more businesses opening up. The city saw numbers drop from 21% in April to just under 7% in September. That…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior YMCA is putting on its own drive-thru Halloween event for children to safely enjoy. Knowing that Halloween would be different this year, the organization wanted to help offer a fun activity for the youth in the community. The event will take place in the west parking lot of the YMCA. Families are encouraged to dress…
DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is now offering a flu shot clinic at the Miller Hill Mall, to help accommodate the need for more people to be vaccinated. Patient volumes for Essentia Health’s walk-in vaccination clinic at the mall have been a little slower than anticipated so far. Health officials are expecting a surge to start soon. The pandemic poses…
DULUTH, Minn. – Expanding a business is no easy task, but for the owners of one local pet supply store, this year has been full of first-time adventures. The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t putting a pause on expansion plans at A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s complex. “One thing that’s super exciting is we’re going to have a lake view,”…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- A pumpkin patch outside a local church in Superior is raising money for community outreach. Faith United Methodist Church is selling pumpkins in the Hardee’s parking lot off Belknap. They’ve sold about 600 of the roughly 1,000 they’ve been selling since the beginning of October. “We got a lot of carving pumpkins, we got a lot of different…
DULUTH, Minn.- A new black-owned salon in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood is hoping to bring a new style and hair care catered to a more diverse part of the community. Natural Braiding and Beauty on East 4th Street opened this past week. While barbers work on all types of hair, owner Denisa Ford-Washington braids and cares for the African American…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Sacred Heart Music Center is looking to raise $7,500 to recover their losses after several break-ins during the pandemic. Some of the items stolen include a computer, speakers, several tv monitors, and a few guitars. Sacred Heart typically runs musical concerts, weddings, and youth programs at the facility several times a month. The pandemic has forced…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The popular pizza shop, Toppers, is officially open in Superior. The goal was to open back in March, but it wasn’t the right time. Unfortunately, the global pandemic put a pause on the plan for opening. Now that the restaurant is open to the public, it is providing job opportunities that may be desperately needed during this…
DULUTH, Minn. – As more snow heads toward the Northland, you don’t want want to wait any longer to get your snowblower in for repair. To make sure your equipment is ready before the snow begins to fall, experts say to get it into a shop for a tune-up. This particular service examines the snowblower and provides the opportunity to…
DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth launched a new social media campaign encouraging more people to shop local. The “Locally Rooted” campaign highlights local restaurants, retail and hospitality establishments by featuring a photo of the business owner, a quote, and a link to the business’ social media pages. The City hopes to shed light on businesses the public may have…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Once again a 25 percent capacity restriction on indoor public places in Wisconsin is back in effect Monday, reimposed by a Wisconsin judge. Governor Tony Evers issued the order on Oct. 6th, amid a surge of coronavirus cases across the state. More action must be done, he said, to avoid overwhelming Wisconsin’s healthcare systems. About a week later…
DULUTH, Minn. – East West Property Management in Duluth took the opportunity to get more involved in the community by hosting a blood drive. The property company partnered with the American Red Cross to fill the need for blood. About forty people signed up to give blood for the event. A property manager at East West Property Management says donating…
DULUTH, Minn. – The South Pier Inn, located across the Lift Bridge on Park Point, has had an occupancy well over ninety percent for the last few months. Management says that people still have the need to get outside, but they are traveling differently making Duluth a prime destination. “Even though MEA is not in session- it’s virtual sessions they…
DULUTH, Minn. – Both St. Luke’s Hospital and Essentia Health are becoming overwhelmed with patients and most of them are non-COVID-19 related hospitalizations. On Thursday, leaders from the two hospitals hosted a press conference pleading with the public to get care when needed. Health officials from St. Luke’s Hospital say they have already reached capacity, while Essentia Health is also…
DULUTH, Minn. – Ecolibrium3 has started a new program to help homeowners in low-income communities address energy efficiency in their homes. Homeowners can sign up for virtually energy efficiency audits. These audits will analyze a house’s energy usage and help give recommendations on ways to make improvements. This can also help estimate some of the savings homeowners can get by…
DULUTH, Minn. – The sisters of the Benedictine Monastery of Duluth spent the day selling some of their homemade jams and other treats for a fundraiser. Typically the jams are sold at the monastery’s Christmas Bazaar, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has since been canceled. The jams are usually a hot ticket item every year at the…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority will be temporarily reducing its routes starting on Tuesday. This change is the reflection of a bus driver shortage the company is currently experiencing. DTA officials say this is due to one of their drivers testing positive for the Coronavirus and four others out for quarantine as a result of contact tracing. “We…
DULUTH, Minn. – Colder weather has already started showing up in the Northland, leading many restaurants to think about the challenges they face this coming winter. One major concern is outdoor dining no longer being an option for them as temperatures drop. This dining option has been a big advantage for many Northland restaurants and has helped them get through…
DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain is gearing up for the skiing season. The ski hill has opened up eligibility to purchase season passes for the winter. After shutting down for the entire summer season due to the pandemic, management says that they have a plan for the hill in place and are ready to re-open. “We’re really excited to be…
DULUTH, Minn. — After the DECC announced earlier this week that the roughly 400 employees it furloughed are now permanently laid off, the city of Duluth’s Workforce Development Program wants to help those former workers find new opportunities. The program can first connect Duluth residents to emergency assistance, such as healthcare, housing, and making sure services like heat aren’t turned…
DULUTH, Minn. – A hometown restaurant in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is closing its doors after nearly 40 years in business. Mike’s Western Cafe has lasted through multiple generations of many in the Lincoln Park Community. Those who have come to love the local restaurant will now have to say farewell. Mike Pracher, the owner of Mike’s Western Cafe, has…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland’s own Fitger’s on the Lake was recognized as the Best Retail Place to Work in the state of Minnesota in 2020. The award comes from the Minnesota Retailers Association. Every year they award one recipient based on treatment of employees and the overall work environment. The president and owner of Fitger’s said it’s an honor to…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cases continue to steadily rise in Wisconsin. Starting Thursday, Governor Tony Evers is limiting the capacity for indoor places like bars, restaurants, and stores across the state to help reduce the public’s exposure to the virus. The newly issued order only allows these indoor businesses in Wisconsin to operate with 25% capacity or less. For some of…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Dozens gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the new Cobblestone Hotel and Suites expected to be built on Tower Avenue in Superior. The new hotel will include 60 rooms including a mixture of suites. A high-end steak house will also take residency at Cobblestone, which will serve specialty wines and craft beers from wisconsin. Cobblestone has…
MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced Tuesday he is dialing back the opening of the state, issuing his third emergency order to limit indoor building capacity to 25%, effective Thursday. While ramping up restrictions the Governor also announced $100 million in additional funding to support the state’s small businesses. No more than 25% the total capacity of an indoor…
DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Depot is looking for your opinions to help create a new vision for its future. The community is being asked to complete a short survey. The organization has been coming up with ideas to improve the experience for visitors and generate more engagement for the Depot. Some of the ideas range from potentially…
DULUTH, Minn. – Roughly 400 previously furloughed employees at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center are now being permanently laid off — some who have only been employed for months and others for decades. This move comes as big economic blows to the center continue to happen during the ongoing global pandemic. The organization is now losing about $200,000 a month….
DULUTH, Minn. – A new wellness option is now available in the Twin Ports for patients who suffer from anxiety and depression. Since opening up the Ketamine North Infusion Center last year, anesthetists Natalie Johnson and Patrick Bailey have seen a number of people coming in for a variety of ailments. “Someone who has struggled with lifelong depression, anxiety, PTSD….
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Valentini’s Restaurant is officially open for business in Hermantown after moving from its old location on London Road in Duluth. The bistro-style restaurant has a freshly new décor and is open for sit down dining or takeout. Many of the same items are back on the menu along with a few new additions. The owner says it…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Fall is here, and so are the pumpkins! DC Farms set up their pumpkin and gourd stand on Tower Avenue in Superior, across from the fire station. The stand looks more like a small pumpkin farm with all types of gourds and squashes available. While it’s that variety that Tim W., the pumpkin farmer there said makes them…
DULUTH, Minn.- A pop-up fundraiser at Peace United Church in Duluth Sunday raised money to help bring a new, black-owned soul food restaurant to the city next year. A line of cars snaked around the church, filled with anxious customers all hungry for some new soul food. “It’s a dream come true,” said Solomon Witherspoon, “I have tears of joy…
DULUTH, Minn. – If you don’t believe in magic, a local pop-up craft market and garage sale might persuade you to think differently. Dozens of handcrafted items, some with magical properties, were being sold including smudging sprays, fairy terrariums, and energy cleansing kits. The crafts aren’t only about introducing people to magic. It’s more about helping create positive energy. “It…
DULUTH, Minn. – Tommy’s Car wash will soon be coming to Central Entrance in Duluth right next to the Vietnamese restaurant Phoholic. The company originated in Holland, Michigan and currently has two other locations in Minnesota in New Hope and Rochester. Construction is already well underway, and the grand opening is scheduled for February 2021 Categories: Business, Minnesota, News Tags:…
DULUTH, Minn.- An annual architecture and design expo found a way to showcase this year’s newest products in a safe way during the pandemic. The third annual Duluth Design Expo at the Clyde Malting Building in Lincoln Park was modified this year to be a trade show only. All vendors and attendees took COVID-19 questionnaires and had their temperatures checked…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council voted unanimously to fork over $300,000 to Spirit Mountain to help it re-open this coming winter. Council also tabled another resolution Monday night which proposed leaving some homes and condominiums along the lake disconnected from the main Lakewalk. The $300,000 to Spirit Mountain is to reimburse most of the $340,000 the Mountain spent on…
HIBBING, Minn. – One of the other high profile political races in the Northland involves the Congressional seat in the 8th District. On Monday, incumbent Republican Pete Stauber and Democratic challenger Quinn Nystrom took part in an online debate. The Hibbing Chamber of Commerce hosted the virtual debate between the candidates. Stauber and Nystrom fielded questions on topics ranging from…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Two new businesses are opening up during the pandemic in a vacant building in the city of Superior. A new Toppers Pizza and CBD Shop called Port City Collective are opening in October at 1214 Tower Avenue in the heart of downtown. The young business owners of the Toppers also own the Duluth location in the East Hillside…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- A crowd of people in Superior gathered for one last hurrah at a popular cocktail bar that’s closing for the colder months due to the pandemic. The Spirit Room is closing for the fall and winter seasons after being in business in the old city hall building on Hammond Avenue for the past six years. The owner says…
DULUTH, Minn.- Spirit Mountain could see life this coming winter, if Duluth City Council approves a new proposal to use money from the city’s half-and-half tourism tax to cover operation costs. Heard at an agenda session Thursday, the proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system,…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire Department is receiving a generous donation from Enbridge Energy. Company officials visited the fire department to present them a check for $7,500. This is the first annual donation from Enbridge’s commitment over the next 16 years to help the department lease a new ladder truck. I’ts going to be 100-foot tall and its also…
DULUTH, Minn. – If you are on the hunt for your Halloween costumes, this year some of your favorite stores may not have such a large supply. Savers, one of Duluth’s popular locations to find Halloween gear, is only carrying a small selection of costumes and accessories this year. The reason for the change is to help ensure the safety…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Friends of Lake Superior Reserve is looking for more people to join in on their beach cleanup this weekend. The cleanup is part of the adopt-a-beach program by the Alliance for the Great Lakes. People in groups of two or three are invited to help pick up litter at Wisconsin Point to allow for social distancing….
DULUTH, Minn. – After closing its doors about six months ago, Frost River in Duluth is finally reopening to the public. The store closed at the start of the pandemic to serve as a space to create personal protective equipment for area hospitals. The closure was also an ideal time to do some major renovations around the store to get…
DULUTH, Minn. – A professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology at UMD recently received a grant for more than $100,000 from the Minnesota Sea Grant to look further into the impacts plastic has on Lake Superior and the St. Louis River Estuary. The research will provide solutions for unanswered questions such as how plastic in Lake Superior can…
MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Taking a business from point A to point B is no easy task – toss in a global pandemic, and things can get messy. For one company with deep roots on the Iron Range, sales show huge growth in the past year, and the product that helped get it all started decades ago could be one…
DULUTH, Minn. – The advisory boards for the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and Visit Duluth are starting conversations about potentially merging together as they face severe financial setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Both entities have assembled their own sub-committees to discuss what a merger could look like. The committees would develop an idea for an organizational structure that would serve…
