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…
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, 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,…
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…
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,…
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…
SUPERIOR Wis.- A popular coffeehouse and bakery in Superior will be shutting it’s doors, but the owner says it’s not going away. Red Mug Coffeehouse on Hammond Avenue and Broadway will not be reopening in its current location. A post on their Facebook page said that after being closed down since March, the owner sees no way around closing that…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior abruptly canceled their 4th of July fireworks show the day before, causing some businesses to adapt to the change in customer flow. “We weren’t sure what to expect coming through,” Dustin Heckman, Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center said. A year with fireworks would bring both Superiorites and others visiting…
TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Covid-19 crisis may still have a grip on the entire world, but campgrounds like Penmarallter in Two Harbors is giving people a chance to escape that reality. Tucked away behind a busy highway, you can find Penmarallter Campground. “This campground is absolutely beautiful and we enjoy it,” said Kit Hautamaki. It’s quiet and quaint, which…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Douglas County Public Health is reporting seven more people tested positive for COVID-19 this week — specifically in Superior — bringing the total to 37. Common factors contributing to the spread of the virus are visitors from areas with high transmission rates and people who visited multiple public places while symptomatic. At least eight bars in the…
DULUTH, Minn. – After being closed for three years, the Pike Lake Golf & Beach Club has finally reopened its property with a brand new addition for its guests to enjoy. The addition includes a renovated clubhouse from top to bottom. The brand new fully loaded kitchen opened Thursday night, and liquor is now being sold once again on the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Many hardware stores are already keeping busy during this heatwave selling air conditioners and other summer essentials to help people keep cool. Marshall Hardware in Duluth has already sold out of window air conditioners, but their stock of fans are still a hot commodity. Staff say it has been hard to keep certain items in stock. Portable…
DULUTH, Minn. – A study completed by St. Louis County in January uncovered an increase in the number of people dealing with homelessness The County conducts what it calls the “Point in Time” survey every year. This year, surveyors found that homeless people living in shelters or on the streets jumped by nearly 20% compared to last year. The study…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- A local cook who’s Caribbean food business was sidelined after his landlord evicted him is teaming up with a Superior bar owner to serve his food once again. Average Joe’s Pub off Hammond Avenue was packed Tuesday evening, but people weren’t just there for a drink — but for Jamrock Cultural Restaurant in the back of the building….
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been more than a year since Wild State Cider in Duluth opened its doors for the first time. Now it’s expanding. The popular cidery is extending its existing space to make room for six new tanks. A new canning line has already been added and some other building upgrades are taking place. Wild State distributes its…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is proposing an emergency ordinance to require everyone to wear masks while indoors From a statistical standpoint, many health officials believe wearing masks is a no brainer. As the number of Covid-19 cases keeps fluctuating daily around the nation, it can be difficult to see an end to the pandemic. Health experts believe…
SUPERIOR, Wis.– At least five bars in Superior, South Superior and South Range have voluntarily shut their doors for the time being after getting notified they’ve each had a customer in their establishment recently who has tested positive COVID-19. The bar closures come as the health department recorded 30 positive cases in Douglas County since the pandemic began. Log Cabin…
DULUTH, Minn. – At the start of the pandemic, the cost for fuel and other energy resources dropped drastically. But as the world inches closer to an economic recovery those prices are steadily climbing. Fuel companies like Superior Fuel in Duluth are now urging their customers to take advantage of the low pricing while it lasts. In recent weeks, the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Hospitals around the nation are experiencing declines in emergency room visits that are not Covid-19 related, but is a direct impact of the pandemic. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is showing a noticeable drop in emergency room visits for people suffering from heart attacks, strokes, and those living with uncontrolled diabetes….
DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad and Lake Superior Railroad Museum are set to reopen on Wednesday. The two will open together after being shut down for several months allowing directors to take a look at other attractions open around the country to see what was working for them. Now, with an increased emphasis in safety and touchless…
DULUTH, Minn. – After decades of being a dry neighborhood, there’s now an additional liquor store in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood. “I know that for a really long time, Lakeside didn’t have a liquor store. So it’s kind of cool to open in a certain period of time,” assistant manager of Stokke’s Liquor Store Destanie Michelizzi said. Stokke’s Liquor Store expanded…
DULUTH, Minn. – Meat shops in the Twin Ports are getting prepared for a busy fourth of July weekend. Old World Meats in Duluth is already seeing a boost in customers. The popular meat shop is expecting to nearly double the number of customers stopping by to get their favorites for the holiday weekend, compared to the same time last…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Greysolon Plaza located in downtown Duluth has been sold to Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions for a reported $17.45 million. JLL Capital Markets announced the sale on Monday between Sherman Associates and Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions, based out of New Jersey. The Plaza currently offers 150 one-bedroom affordable housing apartments, along with the Greysolon Ballroom and Black…
DULUTH, Minn. – Many teens hoping to begin the process of getting their driver’s license, may have thought they lost their chance this year, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. Fortunately, a local driving school is offering virtual driver’s education courses, so those teens get that opportunity. Northern Lights Driver Education is accepting sign-ups for its upcoming virtual class. The course…
BAYFIELD, Wisc. – This year, the fall season in Bayfield will be looking different. “Certainly overwhelming. Very large crowds come into town over the weekend. When the weather is nice, typically the streets will be packed body to body with people,” Howl Owner, Mary Thiel says. That won’t be happening with the cancellation of the 59th annual Apple Fest, and…
DULUTH, Minn.- Another local business in Lincoln Park is trying new ways to open back up while also following public health guidelines. Liila Boutique on West Superior Street has been bringing their store to the sidewalk the past few weekends. Since they’re located in the Duluth Folk School building which remains closed, they can’t open their doors to the public….
SUPERIOR, Wis.- To celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Zenith City Horror Production Company and the Main Club on Tower Avenue teamed up to send supplies to communities in the Twin Cities, and show support for the Black Lives Matter Movement. “Just like the Black Panthers did with the Queer community in ’69 at Stonewall, we think it’s important to stand together…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation is welcoming an interim president until a replacement is found. Dave Montgomery, who serves on the organization’s Board of Trustees and is Chair of its investment committee, will take over for current President Holly Sampson. Sampson is officially retiring next week. Previously, Montgomery served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based IKONICS Corporation has announced it will furlough about 40 percent of its 81-employee workforce through the end of July. Furloughed employees will continue to receive benefits, but the company is suspending retirement plan contributions. The furloughs are designed to offset revenue lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glenn Sandgren, IKONICS CEO, released this statement in regard to…
DULUTH, Minn. – Wilderness health, a collaborative of independent health providers for rural communities, was recently awarded a grant worth nearly $800,000. The grant will be used to support the development of a telehealth program to offer mental health and other services to be used within its ten health system network. The funds will also be used to provide the…
BIGFORK, Minn. – Friday morning during a press briefing, economic officials in Itasca County provided new details regarding the economic impact COVID-19 is having on residents and businesses in the region. According to Tamara Lowney, President, and CEO of Itasca Economic Development Center, by the end of 2020, Montreal based e2ip Technologies will close its Bigfork location for good. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Whole Foods Co-op locations are increasing safety measures against the coronavirus pandemic by requiring all shoppers and staff to wear some type of face mask while in the stores. The rule goes into effect Friday, June 26. And if a customer doesn’t have a “face covering,” there will be a stock of single-use masks available at…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency in Superior is continuing to help people in need with their week food shelf. The agency began giving out food to people at the start of the pandemic. The organization has implemented some protocols to ensure safety. They screen all employees and require them to wear masks. Also, the weekly food…
CABLE, Wis. – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is hoping the Telemark Resort property will become a prime destination again. The iconic Birkebeiner ski race starts at Telemark every February. Now, the race foundation wants to buy the resort property, and could close on it as early as September. It will cost the Birkie about $2 million to buy the…
DULUTH, Minn. – In April the City of Duluth laid off nearly 100 full-time, temp and seasonal employees, including park maintenance staff. The parks and recreation division announced Wednesday some of the park maintenance crew are being partially reinstated. City staff say with more people visiting the parks and trails, it is causing a need for continuous upkeep. Only about…
DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain in Duluth has suffered many economic blows within the last year. The City of Duluth is working in partnership with spirit mountain to put together a task force to help find solutions for the tourist attraction’s financial problems. Currently, the city is accepting applications to fill up to 11 positions on the task force. It…
DULUTH, Minn. – Maurices has brought back almost all its employees who were temporarily laid off during the shutdown. The Duluth-based women’s clothing chain has already reopened most of its stores. The remaining stores are opening in the next week or so. 6,000 retail employees were furloughed in March. Maurices tells us they are all being hired back. The store…
DULUTH, Minn. – Adventure Zone in Canal Park is settling in on their revamped protocols after opening nearly a week ago. The popular tourist attraction is restricted to about 25% of its capacity, which means only a little over 100 people are allowed to enter at a time. Adventure Zone has designated only one entry and exit into the building….
DULUTH, Minn. –Â A recent national survey discovered one out of six high school seniors are unsure about their fall college plans as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a threat to health. This statistic is pushing the University of Wisconsin Superior to create alternative options for students to begin their college education. The university is introducing planU, which is…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Spirit Room cocktail bar in Superior is back open this week as it celebrates its sixth year in business. Outdoor tables now line the sidewalk along Broadway Street. Guests can sit there or bring their own lawn chair and enjoy the makeshift lawn in the parking lot. Staff are excited to be back open and say…
BAYFIELD, Wisc. – “Apple Fest is a lot of work and its the most fun I’ve ever had,” Bayfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, David Eades says. But because of Covid-19, the lack of Bayfield’s largest event will leave hole in the heart of city. “The energy. The community. The food vendors, the orchards, the parade the contests. There’s something…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Grilled cheese fans tasted some gourmet creations while listening to live music at the Cedar Lounge in Superior. Guests enjoyed culinary creations from the K&B Grilled Cheese Food Truck. The local business serves several original sandwiches like a bacon and cheddar grilled cheese, a spinach and artichoke grilled cheese, and a buffalo chicken grilled cheese. “No one…
DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College is sending a big “thank you” to Subaru of American and Miller Hill Subaru for donating more than $100,000 worth of equipment for the automotive program. The extra equipment will help to further expand training for students to allow them to have a long-standing career. The automotive industry took a hit due to the…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital is the first healthcare facility in the region to utilize a spectrometer to help identify microorganisms much faster. Traditional methods to classify bacteria, viruses, and fungi typically take days to return results. The equipment uses a laser to break down the microorganisms for identification in a matter of minutes. “It allows us to deliver…
(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) – State health officials say the Amazon fulfillment center in Shakopee has one of the larger coronavirus outbreaks in a warehouse or distribution plant setting. At least 88 of its approximately 1,000 workers have tested positive for the disease caused by the virus. Another 99 workers at other Amazon sites in the…
DULUTH, Minn- If you are looking for ideas on where to host a party, now that small gathering are allowed to take place, Wade Stadium might be the perfect location. While the Duluth Huskies are on hiatus due to the pandemic, the City of Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Division is reopening the stadium to the public for small group events….
DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Federal Credit Union has now opened its newest branch location in Lincoln Park. North Shore Credit Union is a full-service banking institution, which now has seven locations between Grand Portage and Duluth. But this is the second location in the Duluth area. There are a variety of products and services, such as an on-site…
DULUTH, Minn. – At the start of the pandemic, owners of OMC Smokehouse and Duluth Best Bread started the “Lifting Up Lincoln Park” campaign to help the community support local businesses and charities. Thanks to the fundraising efforts the group presented Ecolibrium3 with a $10,000 check, on Friday. The pair of owners began selling cookbooks, with OMC’s most popular barbecue…
DULUTH, Minn – A pop-up shop in Canal Park is encouraging runners who planned to run this year’s Grandma’s Marathon. Something as simple as Grandma’s Marathon merchandise might be the added motivation for runners as they deal with this new way of participating in the annual race. Leadership for the Grandma’s Marathon had to make the difficult call to cancel…
DULUTH, Minn – The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded a $3 million grant to the Duluth Transit Authority as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. The grant is part of $25 billion set aside from the C.A.R.E.S Act to support transportation systems in the nation. During the pandemic, DTA has offered free bus rides to minimize financial constraints for…
