KNIFE RIVER, Minn.– Tourism this year has continued to be a question mark due to the effects of COVID-19, but businesses in Knife River have been making the most of the summer for those making the trip. Penmarallter Campground Owner Penny Burton has been busy, seeing guests from 49 different states coming in this summer. She’s seen a lot more…
DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses across the Northland are facing extreme financial challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. From restaurants to boutiques, and even ballroom dance studios, changes are being made daily to keep clients engaged and revenue coming in. “I like to dance all day long and share knowledge,” said Benjamin Welch, head instructor at Superior Ballroom Dance Studio. “I…
DULUTH, Minn.- Just this month LA Angels center fielder Mike Trout’s rookie baseball card sold for a record $3 million at auction. That’s on trend with a growing demand for sports cards according to local card shops. The manager at Collector’s Connection by the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth said Minnesota Twins and Vikings Players cards have typically been popular….
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Mayor Jim Paine announced his 2021 budget proposal Monday. Calling it the most ambitious budget of his administration, it includes the largest investment into police training in the city’s history, and adding a social worker to the department. According to Mayor Paine, excess funds of $385,468 from the year 2019 will help the city forward through the…
EVELETH, Minn. – More than five Iron Range mayors endorsed President Trump for re-election during Vice President Mike Pence’s visit on Friday. Some of those politicians sat down for a round table discussion with republican U. S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis to talk about key issues impacting the area. The Iron Range can be mostly known for its mining industry….
DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth’s Planning and Economic Development Department is going for round two of its Rebuild Duluth program. The program was started to help reduce the cost of building new housing within existing residential areas. Applications are currently being accepted from individuals and organizations. More than a half dozen vacant lots that are capable of being…
DULUTH, Minn.- As the Lake Superior Maritime Museum remains closed in Canal Park due to the pandemic, the gift shop is still finding a way to get little pieces of Duluth memories out to customers. Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk. The manager says while transitioning to an outdoor tent setting has…
DULUTH, Minn. – Bremer Bank has opened its newest location in downtown Duluth. The new branch, which is located in the Holiday Center, is a full-service banking institution. It offers traditional banking products and services such as checking and savings accounts. The branch was originally scheduled to open in march but the COVID-19 outbreak caused a delay. “We are opening…
DULUTH, Minn. — Roger Reinert — known in the world of politics in Duluth and St. Paul after stints as a city councilor, state senator and representative — is the new interim executive director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center – replacing Chelly Townsend whose contract was not renewed for reason not disclosed by the board. Reinert is not new…
ASHLAND, Wis. – After moving into a new location in 2019 the New Day Advocacy Center in Ashland is now seeking donations to help them build a playground and more. With Covid-19 limiting what their clients can and can’t do, having an outdoor space would cater to those families who enter their facility. “Here if they go outside they are…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- One Superior cocktail bar is interacting with its neighborhood and selling products in a unique way every Wednesday. The Wine Stand outside the Spirit Room on Broadway Street is like a lemonade stand, but with something a bit stronger for adults. You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive…
DULUTH, Minn. – National Dog Day might be the perfect day to show your dog a little extra love. The honorary day pays homage to all breeds and encourages dog ownership. One place you might be able to find the perfect treat to celebrate is at Matilda’s Dog Bakery and Boutique. The owner believes national dog day is a little…
DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in the Northland have been taking huge financial hits due to the global pandemic. The Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner visited Duluth on Wednesday to hear first-hand stories from some of those business owners and how grant funding has helped them rebuild. India Palace in Duluth has been serving traditional Indian cuisine to…
DULUTH, Minn.- A local non-profit is searching for mentors to help provide additional support to families as they navigate through the upcoming school year. Mentor North in Duluth is a one on one community based mentoring program. The organization is launching its new academic mentoring program to be a positive re-enforcement as many students and their families may be facing…
Chelly Townsend DULUTH, Minn. – A major shake-up is underway at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center as the DECC’s board is parting ways with its executive director, and the No. 2 person under her has decided to retire. All of this comes as the DECC is virtually empty and facing a serious financial challenge during the pandemic. Chelly Townsend told…
DULUTH, Minn.- A packed crowd in Nashwauk rallied around keeping the Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Togo and Willow River open. “Keep the program that is actually putting people, taking people out of prisons and putting them to work,” said District 6 Senator David Tomassoni. Hundreds from both sides of the political aisle packed the Nashwauk Area Veterans Memorial Park, including…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Thrift stores in the Twin Ports are staying busy as people are continuing to deal with the financial struggle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Superior has seen an increase in sales in the last several weeks. The most popular items being purchased are clothing and household items. “Some people aren’t working and…
DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota’s Board of %egents voted in favor of a proposal to pump the brakes on the start of the fall semester as a way to further evaluate the potential impacts the global pandemic could have on students if they return to campus. 18- 24-year-olds are among the fastest-growing age group testing positive for COVID-19….
DULUTH, Minn.- Officials at Duluth International Airport say businesses during this peak time of year, June-September, is being hurt by the pandemic. According to Executive Director Tom Werner, commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing. Normally most passengers fly out of DLH for business, Werner said. But due…
DULUTH, Minn. – It may have felt like forever, but the Marcus Duluth Cinema is open and ready to offer a safe distraction to everyone. Going to the movies just might be everyone’s favorite entertainment activity. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause of a lot of extracurricular fun. The Marcus Duluth Cinema has finally reopened its doors, but not…
VIRGINIA, Minn.- As it has everywhere, the pandemic has put a damper on business on the Iron Range this summer — a time when many businesses just began opening back up after three months shut down. “It’s hard to know what’s going to happen with the virus,” Brooke Forseen, an employee at Canelake’s Candies in Virginia said. “It’s really just…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Rookie Basketball Association, which is a year-round basketball program for young boys and girls through the salvation army, is hoping to raise money to keep kids playing the game. One of the RBA players came up with the idea to host a fundraiser called “Bikes for Basketball.” More than a dozen bikes and tons of…
VIRGINIA, Minn.- Businesses on the Iron Range were recognized for their contributions to the community at Olcott Park in Virginia Wednesday. The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Honored them as part of this year’s award ceremony. The normal awards banquet scheduled this year was canceled due to coronavirus-related restrictions, but the chamber still found a way to honor Range businesses. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Fitger’s Bookstore is helping teachers get ready for the upcoming school year. Wednesday was dedicated specifically to show support to those educators. Twice a year the bookstore hosts a teacher’s day to help them learn more about the benefits of shopping at an independent bookstore. Some educators also had the opportunity to have a one-on-one shopping…
DULUTH, Minn. – If you have any extra household items you no longer need, the Damiano Center in Duluth is asking to take them off your hands. The center is in need of variety of items such as men’s clothing, pots & pans, blankets, and winter coats that can be given to help the people they serve. The organization has…
DULUTH, Minn. – Community Action Duluth is hoping to narrow the technology gap one person at a time. The organization’s Community Tech-Up program aims to provide free laptops and wifi to those who may not be able to afford it. The program is geared towards giving those individuals more access to educational and employment opportunities. The digital divide has already…
DULUTH, Minn. – At times, hospitals can be overwhelmed with testing for Covid-19 resulting in different times an individual may receive their tests back. Now, local business owner Rod Raymond has partnered with a clinical laboratory improvement amendment certified lab to provide accurate test results in 36 hours or less. This allows businesses who wish to get tested to get…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the Lake Superior Zoo continues to catch up from the impacts of COVID -19, the Duluth city council is throwing them a lifeline. The council voted on Monday to extend the deadline on a credit line that was scheduled to be repaid to the city by October. The extension will give popular tourist attraction an additional…
DULUTH, Minn.- In ordinary times, employers filling open jobs may have been an easier task, but with so much uncertainty surrounding the ongoing global pandemic, finding those job seekers has become much more difficult for many Northland hospitality businesses. The pandemic continues to force people to adjust to new normals. One of those is how businesses such as hotels and…
Tutoring services are becoming in high demand as many Northland parents are looking for help homeschooling their kids. Duluth Core Learning is now adding homeschooling support to its list of services. The organization typically offers one-on-one therapy services to children to strengthen skills that help them function through the school year such as attention and memory processing. The need for…
DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth has been open since July 1st. They are currently operating at 50% capacity and about 70% of those tickets have been selling. Railroad management is unsure if trains will be departing this Fall and Christmas season. “An older group comes for fall colors. Whether or not those people travel, is…
DULUTH, Minn.- A local cook is bringing barbecue to the East Hillside Neighborhood in Duluth while making the most of being out of work during the pandemic. Howard’s Q is serving fresh ribs, rib tips, Jerk Chicken and more right next to the Shanty Bottle Shop on 4th Street on weekends. The cook, Howard Ross, was a Sous Chef at…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary New Duluth Recreational Center, which serves a safe space for the community in that neighborhood, was recently vandalized. Someone drove their car through the turf near the center causing some damage. The Gary New Duluth Development Alliance has spent tons of money and resources revitalizing the area. A board member of the organization says it is…
DULUTH, Minn. – In the midst of the global pandemic ice cream just might make life a little bit sweeter. A new ice cream shop in Lincoln Park helping to add that extra sugar to life. Camp Creemee, which resides inside wild state cider in Duluth, officially opened for business. The Vermont-style soft serve offers a creamier texture than most…
Duluth, Minn. – The fruit truck made a stop in West Duluth on Thursday. The semi-truck full of fresh fruit from farms and orchards all across the upper Midwest. Today, the hot ticket items were plums, peaches and nectarines all of which are sold in bulk. “It’s for canning or freezing. Nothing like something you’d buy a little bit of…
DULUTH, Minn. – a local insurance company gave thanks to its loyal customers. The Patrick Shelton Insurance Agency hosted a customer appreciation event to show how much they value those they serve. The first 15 customers at the event received free lunch from Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ. There were also tons of giveaways and prize drawings. “You have to show…
DULUTH, Minn. – A Northland preschool is hoping to remain open to stay a reliable resource for parents as the need for childcare in the area continues to grow. The school is now looking for help from the community to raise money to purchase the building they now use. Lakeside Early Learning in Duluth hopes to raise $50,000 for a…
DULUTH, Minn.- After months shut down due to the pandemic, food is available at New Scenic Cafe on Highway 61 again — this time on wheels, as the Scenic 61 food truck opened Wednesday. Originally set up to carry food down to the now canceled Minnesota State Fair, Scenic 61 is now carrying the business through the summer as its…
DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth has released tourism tax revenue totals for the month of June, and it confirms what city officials expected — a significant loss. Hotel, motel, food and beverage taxes added up to $701,156 for June, which is also half of the dollars collected in June of 2019. To date, tourism tax revenue is down…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health recently released new COVID-19 guidelines for longterm care facilities in the state. Long term care centers can be in either level one or level two. Each facility must factor in if they have had a case within the last 28 days before restrictions for visitation can be relaxed. Other factors such as…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – After being bought nearly two years ago by a North Carolina-based architectural company, the Carnegie Library in superior is a step closer to starting construction. The plan for the historic landmark is to turn it into a co-working space. There has been a growing need for commercial space in Superior, which has helped expand the plans for…
DULUTH, Minn. – Static Clean Duluth is giving back to local non-profits in the area to help them stay safe during the pandemic. The company uses electrostatic technology to disinfect surfaces in establishments like bars and restaurants. Each month static clean will choose one organization to receive its service free of charge. Chester Creek Academy in Duluth is the lucky…
DULUTH, Minn. – In the midst of the uncertain times of the pandemic, the primary elections in Minnesota and Wisconsin must carry on. On Tuesday, voters will be heading to the polls for these elections. Duluth city officials are spreading the word on what to look out for as this year’s primary might look a little different. The city has…
DULUTH, Minn. – A coalition of businesses located in the Historic Arts and Theater District in Downtown, Duluth, also known as HART, have come together to create HART Happy Hour every Friday in August. HART Happy Hour is meant to provide an atmosphere for the community to connect, socialize, and help stimulate the local economy. Every Friday in August from…
Mick Paulucci 2019 (Facebook) DULUTH, Minn. – The co-founder of Grandma’s Saloon & Grill in Canal Park died over the weekend. Michael Paulucci, who was known to many as Mick, died Saturday morning. He had underlying health issues and was fighting COVID-19, according to Grandma’s Restaurant Company President Brian Daugherty. Paulucci, who is the son of the late Duluth businessman…
DULUTH, Minn.- A new retail store held its grand opening in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood Saturday. The blast of a real ship’s foghorn signaled the opening of Boathouse Treats and Treasures. The store is packed with vintage books and home goods, along with some nautical and Minnesota-themed knick knacks. Owner Beth Petrowske, a former public affairs official for MnDOT, said…
DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited the Second Harvest Food Bank in Duluth on Friday to shed light on how the state is using food distribution organizations to get thousands of reusable masks into the hands of Minnesotans in need. Mask wearing is widely considered to be one of the keys to slowing the spread of the Coronavirus….
DULUTH, Minn. – Food insecurity is becoming one of the biggest disparities impacting the Northland. A local real estate agency is taking the initiative to help fight the growing number of people missing out on their next meal. today… Real Living Messina and Associates in Duluth presented the Damiano Center with a check to help its continued effort to feed…
DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company in Duluth is bringing awareness to injustices impacting people of color. The brewery is collaborating with more than 1,000 other breweries in the nation by creating their own version of a beer called “Black is Beautiful.” The beer is an imperial stout with hints of chocolate and roasted coffee. The original recipe was…
DULUTH, Minn. – Crooked Pint in Duluth is inviting patrons to host their fantasy football parties at the restaurant. Guests of up to 12 people can enjoy food and drink specials while doing a little trash talking. This is the third year the restaurant has opened its doors to fantasy football fans. This year may be different due to the…
