Business Archives - Page 48 of 94

Aluminum Can Shortage Having Huge Impacts On Northland Breweries And Cideries

Canned beverage sales account for 90% of revenue for Bent Paddle Brewing.

July 28, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Breweries and cideries in the Northland are being thrown another curveball as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A national aluminum can shortage is beginning to have major impacts on those businesses, which is causing some big concerns. Many breweries and cideries are scrambling to get their hands on a supply of aluminum cans to survive the…

Duluth Mayor Reacts to Costco Officially Coming to the City

July 28, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. –With about $2 million in tax breaks now approved for infrastructure improvements, Costco is officially coming to Duluth next fall. After a year of negotiating with the retailer, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said she’s excited that both the city and county tax abatement proposals were approved. St. Louis County commissioners unanimously approved $650,000 in tax abatement for Costco…

Local Campgrounds Busy This Summer

All sites are full at Buffalo Valley Campground

July 28, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

MIDWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Local campgrounds are having what could be their busiest summer ever. One campground manager tells us it’s tough to get a site between Duluth and Canada. All 130 campsites are full at Buffalo Valley Campground. Manager Darrell Eckenberg says weekend sites are filling up weeks in advance. “My phone doesn’t stop ringing now. It starts at…

Congressman Pete Stauber Speaks on Legislative Session While Attending Trump Visit

July 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Eighth district Congressman Pete Stauber was also in attendance… for the signing of the Pledge to America’s Workers at Duluth Pack. Congress is back in legislative session this week after closing for the weekend. As some of the C.A.R.E.S. Act funding is set to expire, Congressman Stauber says they are taking on a variety of issues. “There’s…

Protesters Rally Outside of Duluth Pack During Ivanka Trump Visit

Some protesters believe hosting Ivanka Trump will have a negative effect on Duluth Pack's reputation.

July 27, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of protesters gathered outside of Duluth Pack to protest the visit of the president’s daughter. Many of them are calling for change expressing frustration over the administration’s handling of the Covid-19 outbreak. One protester was even dressed as a doctor from the medieval times of the black plague. “So my question is, who speaks for the…

Superior Mayor Encourages Compliance of Mask Mandate Effective Monday

July 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Starting Monday masks will be required in all indoor public places in Superior. Last week the Superior City Council voted 9-1 in favor of the mandate, with Councilor and bar owner Keith Kern the only vote against. Businesses that don’t enforce the rule could be punished of for a licensing violation, and face the same consequences as they…

Coin Shortage Impacting The Northland

Consumers are being asked to spend coins or use exact change when making purchases.

July 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Across the nation many communities are currently in the middle of a coin shortage. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are disrupting the circulation of coins needed to supply businesses and banks. According to the United States Mint, there is an adequate amount of coin in the economy. As many businesses shut down during the pandemic, the…

Thunderbird Mall In Virginia Gets A Name Change

Three national brands are interested in opening stores at Uptown Virginia.

July 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Thunderbird Mall in Virginia is now going by a new name. It is now called Uptown Virginia. RockStep Capital,which owns the mall, recently announced the name change as part of a company wide rebranding initiative. Many malls across the nation are losing retailers due to bankruptcy issues. The president of RockStep says rebranding during pandemic was…

Duluth Hotel Industry Slowly Picking Up, Hoping to Reach Last Summer Numbers

According to Visit Duluth hotels citywide during the pandemic saw 15-20% of available rooms early at their lowest point.

July 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The largest hotel in Duluth, Holiday Inn and Suites on First Street Downtown says while business doesn’t look like last summer, it is picking up. The staff at Holiday Inn say occupancy is down 50% from what it was last summer. According to Visit Duluth hotels citywide during the pandemic saw 15-20% of available rooms early at their…

Gov. Walz Says Mask Mandate Will Help Keep Businesses Open, Infection Rate Down

As of Saturday masks will be required in all indoor public spaces.

July 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA- On Wednesday, Minnesota joined over two dozen other states in requiring masks to be worn in all indoor public places statewide. That new Executive Order by Governor Tim Walz goes into effect Saturday morning. You can find the full executive order here. “This is a small sacrifice for a potentially big gain,” Gov. Walz said. “The upside of the…

Thrift Stores Are Becoming Another Resource For Back-To-School Shopping

Studies show parents across the country spend an average of about $700 per child during the back to school season.

July 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The school year is quickly approaching, and many parents may be facing some challenges as they work to get their kids prepared. Many are turning to thrift stores as the pandemic continues to create financial struggles. Studies show parents across the country spend an average of about $700 per child during the back to school season. Due…

It’s National Hot Dog Day

On average Americans eat more than 5 million hot dogs between Memorial Day to Labor Day.

July 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

CLOQUET, Minn. – If you want to relish in the joys of a good old fashion hot dog, here’s your chance because it’s National Hot Dog Day. The holiday is celebrated every year to pay homage to the popular summer fan favorite. On average Americans eat more than 5 million hot dogs between Memorial Day to Labor Day. One of the…

Cloquet Mayor Reacts To Passing Of Mask Ordinance

July 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Less than 24 hours before Governor Tim Walz made his announcement the Cloquet City Council approved an ordinance requiring residents to wear masks while at indoor businesses. Cloquet Mayor Roger Maki initially had some concerns the vote would fail. He says although the vote was not unanimous he is grateful for the councilors who changed their minds….

Inflatable Pools Are Selling Out At Many Stores

July 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you were looking to buy an inflatable pool to help cool off this summer, you may have missed your chance. Inflatable pools have become such a hot ticket item that big box and hardware stores have already sold out. Marshall Hardware in Duluth sold over 100 of the inflatables after temperatures have been pretty high for…

New Sanitizer Outlet Store Opens

With a soft opening, Owner Rick Lampton calls, the Clear-San Pro outlet store was unique business opportunity.

July 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – What started as a pop-up shop in superior has now turned to a full-fledged business. With a soft opening, Owner Rick Lampton calls, the Clear-San Pro outlet store was unique business opportunity. “We were going to put the product in our establishments. Then we thought this might be an opportunity to sell some of it to the…

Northland Natives Formulate Healthy Boost with Boomerang Energy

Duluthians Donny and Will Pearson Wanted to Create a Healthier Alternative to Traditional Energy Drinks

July 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – We’ve all been there – Long days at work making for sleepy afternoons waiting for the clock to strive five. Each year millions of energy drinks are sold in the United States. Now the Northland has a local option for those looking to sip on a healthier boost of energy. “You throw it out, it comes back,”…

Cloquet City Council Passes Mask Mandate; Votes to Take Effect August 1st

While some councilors supported the language of the ordinance, others thought enforcement would be an issue.

July 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- A mask mandate for indoor public places was passed by the Cloquet City Council Monday evening, taking effect August 1st. Unlike Duluth, the vote was not unanimous — the council, it seems, as divided as they said the community is on the issue. The Council passed the ordinance 5-2, the only change being making it effective August 1st….

Construction Of Mixed-Use Space At Board Of Trade Building Nears Completion

The housing units are about 50% full.

July 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The transformation of the historic Board of Trade building in downtown Duluth is inching closer to completion. In October, construction crews began renovating the century-old building to turn it into the next mixed-used space in the city. The building will offer more than 80 mixed-income housing units and commercial space. Nearly 20%of those are affordable units. Each…

Fairlawn Mansion’s Ice Cream Social Goes Virtual

July 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One of Fairlawn Mansion’s biggest fundraisers of the year is going virtual. The Twin Ports community will get a chance to participate in the annual Ice Cream Social right from the comfort of their homes. There will be tons of activities such as a coloring and sundae making contest. Also, participants will get a virtual tour of…

New Federally Funded Construction Projects at Duluth International Airport to Infuse $2 Million into Local Construction

Asphalt will be replaced on Taxiway A and the Commercial Service Apron will be expanded.

July 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport announced two new construction plans that are fully funded by the federal CARES Act, which will infuse $2 million into the regional construction community. Starting this week, the top layer of asphalt will be replaced on Taxiway A, which officials said is necessary for safety. It is a short-term solution while they evaluate permanent…

Sports Garden’s Future Uncertain, Flame Nightclub Adapts Amid Pandemic

July 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Two of Duluth’s biggest nightclubs are operating very differently during COVID-19. For The Flame Nightclub, it’s a shutdown dance floor. For Grandma’s Sports Garden — it’s a temporary closure of the entire venue. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger takes a look at the balance of health and safety versus bigger entertainment venues designed to bring hundreds of people…

City Green-Lights Tax Breaks For Costco, County To Have Public Hearing Next Week

July 20, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city council unanimously approved a tax abatement plan on Monday evening for Costco to build on the corner of Arrowhead and Haines roads. St. Louis County still needs to approve tax breaks for Costco for the company to agree to build in Duluth. $1.3 million will come from the city of Duluth, and $650,000 may come…

Live Music, Food Enjoyed While Social Distanced at Earth Rider Brewery

July 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some people spent the warm Sunday outside listening to live music — socially distanced of course — at Earth Rider Brewery. At the outdoor space at Earth Rider’s Cedar Lounge, customers enjoyed a few drinks, some live music, and Thai-fusion cuisine from the “One Night in Bangkok” Food Truck. Staff at Earth Rider say they are happy their…

Some Cloquet Business Owners Ready for Mask Mandate Ahead of Council Vote Tuesday

While city officials' views on the ordinance are divided, these business owners say it's a good idea.

July 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- Coming up Tuesday two Northland cities, Cloquet and Superior, will vote on a mask mandate for indoor public places. In Cloquet, some business owners say it’s a good idea if it means continuing their operations as safely as possible. “I think it’s good for the community overall, just to keep the spread of the Coronavirus,” said Cindy Peterson,…

Owner of Twin Ports Bars, Restaurants Weighs in On Proposed Superior Mask Mandate

After abiding by the new ordinance at his Duluth locations, Rick Lampton says he expects adjusting at Grizzly's and 7 West in Superior to go smoothly.

July 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In just three days the Superior City Council will vote on whether to implement an indoor public mask mandate similar to Duluth. Now more bar and restaurant owners are speaking out on that proposed ordinance. Rick Lampton, owner of many establishments in both Duluth and Superior, including Grizzly’s and 7 West Taphouse, has already adjusted his businesses to…

Sen. Tina Smith Visits Duluth Businesses, Discusses COVID-19 Response

July 18, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (DFL-Minn.) visited with small businesses in Duluth about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted them. Smith met with leaders in the Lincoln Park neighborhood about efforts to make personal protective equipment locally. Duluth-based Ecolibrium3 has brought various organizations together to manufacture hundreds of thousands of face shields. The senator says that kind of…

Local Businesses Helps Community Prepare To Follow Duluth Mask Mandate

"I can hardly keep up. It's really busy. I am thinking about hiring somebody to help me out," said Jeaneth Deterling, owner of West Duluth Sewing and Design.

July 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week the Duluth City Council passed an ordinance requiring masks in numerous indoor environments. Now some local businesses are using their services to help the community follow those rules. This new rule could be creating a need for face covering and even signage to be placed in area businesses explaining the requirement. To help people from…

Essentia Health Moves Mobile Testing Site To Old Sears Building At Miller Hill Mall

The testing site is open seven days a week.

July 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health in Duluth has moved its mobile COVID-19 testing site from West Duluth to the former Sears building at Miller Hill Mall. Hospital leaders say the mobile site has outgrown the area as testing volumes are increasing. With more people visiting the site, it caused traffic disruption for the West Duluth neighborhood, including drivers blocking a…

A Unanimous Vote For Mask Wearing In Cloquet Could Be a Longshot

Enforcement is one of the biggest issues which could cause the vote to fail.

July 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet City Council is expected to vote on Tuesday on a proposal that could force everyone to use face coverings while indoors. The possible new rule could be shot down as some council members do not agree with implementing the proposed ordinance. Duluth is the latest Northland community to move forward with a face covering requirement….

PAVSA Hosts Annual BBQ And Cupcake Sale

July 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault, also known as PAVSA, hosted its annual summer barbeque and cupcake sale to raise money for the people they serve. This year the group had to rethink one of its biggest fundraisers and add some protocols to ensure everyone’s safety during the pandemic. The Rambler food truck teamed…

With Superior Mask Mandate on Horizon, Business Owners Prepare for its Passage

Some retail businesses like Annie's Attic already recommend masks, so making it a city-wide requirement will take some stress of enforcement, owner says.

July 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Across the bridge in Superior, businesses are preparing for a city wide mask mandate that could take effect July 27th, if the City Council approves a proposed ordinance at next week’s council meeting. All signs show it will be passed for indoor public places, as only Councilor Keith Kern, a bar owner himself, voted against moving forward with…

Duluth Mask Ordinance Creates Difference Of Opinions

July 14, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is now being added to a growing list of cities in Minnesota mandating everyone to wear masks to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The Duluth City Council passed an ordinance on Monday requiring face coverings in indoor public places. This new change is stirring up a difference of opinions from members…

Adult Day Centers Reopen in Minnesota

July 14, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Adult day centers in Minnesota have now been given the green light to reopen. and return to servicing those with disabilities. Many of those utilizing those services have not been able to participate since March due to the pandemic. Choice Unlimited, in Duluth, is a community-based day program for people with disabilities. The organization provides a variety…

Duluth Becomes First City in Northland to Approve Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Places

Duluth City Council voted unanimously to require masks indoors in public, with penalties for businesses and individuals that don't comply.

July 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth is now the first city in the Northland to require masks in all public indoor spaces to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, after City Council voted unanimously to pass the historic ordinance Monday night, effective immediately. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, and in apartment building…

A New CBD Store Opens In Canal Park

The Superior Cannabis Company also has store in southern Minnesota.

July 13, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new CBD is store is now open in Canal Park. Superior Cannabis Company, which also has a flagship store in southern Minnesota sells a wide range of products used mainly for health and wellness. This includes CBD infused creams for body ailments and pet health products. The co-owner says opening in the middle of a pandemic…

Face Coverings Now Required For Customers At ‘Super One Foods’

July 13, 2020

Dan Hanger,

Super One Foods and its liquor store locations in the Northland will now require face coverings for all customers starting Tuesday, July 14, including children “old enough to walk.” The announcement was made Monday evening before the city council’s mask mandate ordinance was unanimously passed. The Hermantown-based company says face coverings must cover the nose and mouth while in-store. Single-use…

City Wants To Help Get People Back Into The Workforce

July 10, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Only 15 days remain until the $600 bonus now being added to weekly unemployment checks is scheduled to end. This is why the city of Duluth’ s Workforce Development Department wants to connect people who are unemployed with available opportunities. For many of those people out of a job, the weekly unemployment bonus has helped give them…

Nearly $7,000 Worth of Restaurant Vouchers Donated to E.M.S, Police Officers and Firefighters

These vouchers can be used at a number of locations in the Twin Ports area.

July 10, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of Duluth’s E.M.S workers, firefighters and police officers received a big donation today in the form of more than 300 “Strong Northland” vouchers. Combined, the vouchers are worth almost $7,000. These vouchers can be used at a number of locations in the Twin Ports area. With this donation, both local businesses and people on the front…

Portion of Michigan Street to Close Friday

July 10, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. -A section of Michigan Street at 2nd Avenue West will be closed for critical utility tie-in work. The work will be done on the water main. The closure will start at 7 p.m. Crews will work for a full 24 hours and reopen the street on Saturday, July 11th. Categories: Business, Community, Minnesota, News Tags: closures, duluth, traffic

Minnesota Nurses Association Shoots Down St. Luke’s Proposed Delay to Wage Increase

Nurses wanted St. Luke's to honor MNA contract should the hospital be sold

July 9, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) tells us they recently shot down a proposal from St. Luke’s that would have postponed scheduled pay increases for nurses. This comes less than a year after nurses voted to strike during the last round of negotiations with the hospital before the current contract was agreed upon. Healthcare providers across the country…

Hills Youth And Family Services Is In Need Of Masks

The group is hoping for a donation of 100 masks.

July 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Hills Youth and Family Services in Duluth is looking for the community’s help. The organization is still in need of masks to give to the children they serve. Hills Youth is hoping to receive a donation of at least 100 of the protective wear. Each one will go to protect children and their families visiting the Neighborhood…

World of Wheels Skate Center Reopens

July 8, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – World of Wheels had been closed since the shutdown began in March. Now, the local skate center is back open for family fun five days a week. On opening day, skaters sped around the rink. Kids tell us they’re excited to be back at one of their favorite Superior attractions and to have fun alongside their friends…

Shipping Decline Forces Layoffs For Nearly 100 Workers

Compared to last year the total amount of cargo entering the Duluth -Superior port has dropped by about 30%.

July 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 100 northland shipping workers are out of a job. A big drop in business is forcing Pennsylvania-based Key Lakes, which has a facility in Duluth, to layoff dozens of its employees. Representatives from the company say the pandemic has caused unforeseeable business circumstances and a strong economic decline in the shipping industry. That’s causing the company…

Endion Station Inn Seeing Steady Business

Since it opened the inn has encountered both a pandemic, and now construction resuming on the Lakewalk.

July 8, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this year, the historic Endion Station in Canal Park transitioned into a new boutique hotel. Since it opened the inn has encountered both a pandemic, and now construction resuming on the Lakewalk. Despite these obstacles, Owner Rod Raymond says his business is doing fine and has some words of wisdom for anyone who has to drastically…

CHUM Holds Annual Backpack Drive

Since 2006, CHUM has provided more than 10,000 backpacks to students in need.

July 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Min. – CHUM is once again partnering with Duluth Public Schools for their annual backpack drive. Since 2006, CHUM has provided more than 10,000 backpacks to students in need. This year the goal is to give away about 1,00 bags filled with school supplies, which will go to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The upcoming academic year could…

3 Great Lakes Ships Go Idle Amid Pandemic, Dozens of Jobs Lost in Duluth

July 8, 2020

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 100 shipping workers have been laid off in Duluth as the pandemic forces three Great Lakes ships to go idle for the rest of the season. According to the Star Tribune, the 94 employees out of a job are from Duluth-based Key Lakes. Some shipboard employees could return to work later this year. A company spokesperson…

Duluth Bars Extra Cautious as Gov. Walz Threatens Statewide Bar Shutdown

Bar owners in Duluth say a second closure could prove disastrous.

July 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As COVID-19 cases grow nationwide, many states are already turning back to restrictions on business. Now states like Minnesota may be considering the same, as Governor Tim Walz warns that mass gatherings without masks in bars will cause numbers to rise faster. “The bars right now are not safe,” said the Governor at a press conference last week,…

DLH Airport Sets Safety Plan As Passenger Numbers Go Up

July 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – More people are choosing to fly this summer as the pandemic continues. Officials from the Duluth International Airport say the number of passengers traveling through is on the rise. Due to the increase in passengers, the airport is now implementing a plan to protect everyone. That plan includes requiring all employees to wear masks and the continuous…

City of Duluth, St. Louis County to Consider $2 Million in Tax Abatements for Proposed Costco Store

July 7, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Costco may move forward with a new store in Duluth if the retailer gets tax abatement money from local government. This news comes after the international chain had ended a previous agreement to build a store at the same site because of high project bids. The site, located at the intersection of West Arrowhead Road and Haines Road,…

‘At Sara’s Table’ Among Duluth Businesses Requiring Customers to Wear Masks

Duluth City Council expected to take up mask ordinance on July 13th

July 7, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is expected to vote on requiring masks in some indoor public places on July 13th, but some local businesses have required mask-wearing for weeks. At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe tells us many customers have been happy with the restaurant’s mask requirement, but it has upset some. Staff say the cafe-goers do not…