DULUTH, Minn. – A popular parking lot along the Lakewalk will be closed for the summer season starting Wednesday, June 3. Along with the parking lot closure, the owner of a popular eatery, the Lakewalk Galley, formally known as Crabby Ol’ Bill’s, is choosing to remain closed for the season as well. The owner says he has been in communication…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A new motorcycle repair shop has opened in Hermantown. Ape Hangers Customs offers a variety of services including full engine and transmission repair. The owner, who is originally from the twin cities, has 10 years of experience working on motorcycles. While there aren’t many shops like this in the area, he says it took a leap of…
DULUTH, Minn.- A & Dubs, the drive in burger spot in West Duluth, opened to a parking lot full of excited customers Monday. A & Dubs normally opens the day after Mother’s Day but they delayed resuming business due to the Coronavirus. Customers said they were anxious to get back to the neighborhood staple they grew up with. “It’s just…
DULUTH, Minn. – Last week Essentia Health announced permanent layoffs for about 900 employees within its health care system, including members of the local steelworkers union. Many of those employees and union members are fighting back with hopes of saving their jobs. The Covid-19 pandemic is putting a financial strain on health care systems around the nation, including Essentia Health….
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An autopsy commissioned for George Floyd’s family found that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression when a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Floyd’s neck for several minutes and ignored his cries of distress, the family’s attorneys said Monday. The autopsy by a doctor who also examined Eric Garner’s body found the…
DULUTH, Minn – The Tavern and Black Woods restaurants are helping give back to the community by holding a food drive. Patrons are being asked to donate a minimum of two non-perishable items to help support the cause. Those who donate can receive a five dollar discount on their curbside or delivery order. All items collected in the food drive…
DULUTH, Minn.- At times Saturday night, Duluth Police said it became difficult to respond to incidents of concern– even with about 100 officers out when normally around 20 patrol at night– because some protesters got in cars to head up Central Entrance at one point. A long line of protesters blocked traffic on both sides of the street, eventually stopping…
DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown businesses spent the day leading up to the protests buckling down, in case things escalated as they have in other cities across the country. The closed Fond-du-Luth Casino on Superior Street started boarding up their doors and windows a couple hours before the demonstration started. Officials with the reservation said they’re trying to be prepared for anything….
CLOQUET, Minn. – After more than 30 years in business, the Salvation Army thrift store in Cloquet is closing its doors for good. The shut down is the result of the new financial climate with Covid-19. The non-profit began looking at their mission of helping people with basic needs, paving the way for a larger good shelf to take the…
DULUTH, Minn- Duluth may have said so long to the former Wendy’s on London Road. But some folks got a chance to take a piece of the old restaurant home with them. A rummage sale hosted at the former restaurant was used to sell off items remaining after it closed in September. Within the first hour of the rummage sale…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has unanimously approved a resolution that will speed up the process for bars and restaurants wanting to apply for outdoor seating, which they will need to be able to serve customers starting June 1. It usually takes 45 days for the county to approve applications, but the process will now…
PROCTOR, Minn. – Minnesota bar owners are speaking out against the state not allowing them to open for indoor service. Many Minnesota bars have been closed for more than two months to comply with the state’s Stay-at-Home and Stay Safe MN orders. While bars can reopen outdoors on June 1, the owners are frustrated as they have no idea as…
DULUTH, Minn. – Fitgers Brewhouse in Duluth is one of many restaurants getting their outdoor seating prepared to welcome customers starting June 1st, under the guidelines of the safe Minnesota executive order. To prepare for the safe return of customers the restaurant staff is taking on some new safety protocols. the restaurant is expanding its patio seating across the front…
DULUTH, Minn – Duluth City Hall has been closed to the public for about two months to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The City of Duluth is looking into a phased plan to slowly begin reopening city hall to staff and the public. But there are going to be a few guidelines to follow to help keep the…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously passed Spirit Mountain’s annual multi-million dollar budget Tuesday evening, which is also calling for extra funding later this year to get the park reopened for the winter season after being shut down for the rest of the summer. Councilors just approved the adventure park’s $4 million operating budget for the 2020-2021 season, but…
DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of bars and restaurants are still dealing with the financial impacts of Covid-19. But many of them in Duluth could get some relief as city officials are proposing a plan to reduce liquor licensing fees. The owners of many of those businesses say every little bit of help the city is offering can bring them…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Memorial Day is looking a lot different in the Northland with parades and firework shows cancelled due to the Coronavirus. So in addition to honoring fallen heroes, people flocked to more popular summer businesses in Wisconsin to get out of the house and try to do something special. “Folks are like ‘I’ve seen enough of my home, it’s…
DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth city officials are making changes to policies and processes to allow greater flexibility for bars and restaurants who may not be outfitted to continue operating without dine-in customers. “Just like the city is struggling with the financial impact of this public health emergency, we know that our local businesses are struggling with this public health emergency,” said…
DULUTH, Minn. – There is growing frustration from Minnesota bar and restaurant owners, including right here in Duluth, who still can’t open to customers for inside dining even though Gov. Tim Walz is allowing businesses like salons to open up inside at a limited capacity come June 1. “I just look at it as, if you can open a salon…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The month of May is typically one of the busiest times of the year for most garden centers. At Engwall Flowers in Hermantown, they are prepared to sell their annuals, perennials, shrubs and cemetery baskets. Staff say, memorial weekend isn’t only a big weekend for gardens, it’s also a time to remember our loved ones. “For vets,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Salons in Minnesota have been given the green light to reopen to the public, but they must follow a few safety protocols. The executive order requires hairstylists, barbers, and their clients to wear masks. And all services are by appointment only. But some salons in Duluth are taking a few extra precautions. London Rayne Salon is using…
DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz loosened restrictions on business beginning June 1st. Bars and restaurants can open on that date with outdoor only seating, serving no more than 50 customers at a time and with employees wearing masks. “That extends to how do we find that new normal, restart Minnesota’s economy and I should say grow it from where…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and city councilors are taking a 10 percent voluntary pay cut through the end of the year. Larson makes roughly $97,000 a year. Councilors make close to $14,000. While the savings won’t be significant to the overall budget shortfall of a projected $38 million on the high end this year, Council President Gary…
DULUTH, Minn. – Aviation company AAR is leaving its aircraft maintenance base at the Duluth Airport. It was not immediately known Wednesday how many jobs will be affected, but AAR employed more than 300 people at the Duluth facility with salaries ranging from $30,000 up to around $80,000 a year. AAR has not spoken publicly yet on the reason behind…
DULUTH, Minn. – Financial impacts of Covid-19 are continuing to hit hard for Spirit Mountain in Duluth. The popular tourist attraction will now remain closed all the way through the end of summer. Spirit Mountain is in bad financial shape as the Covid-19 Pandemic continues to create money problems. Due to the city’s own financial issues, this time around, supporting…
DULUTH, Minn. – “We made significant changes to our operations and the way we do business,” Duluth Transit Authority General Manager, Phil Pumphrey says. Since March, the Duluth Transit Authority has reduced services to just 24 buses running at only 43 percent of what is normal. “When we go back to our higher level service we will be at 83…
EVELETH, Minn.- Businesses across Minnesota are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s announcement Wednesday authorizing them to open June 1st, including up on the range in the small town of Eveleth that has a population of 3,596. “Walz opening up on the first at a capacity of 25%? That’s. Not. Enough,” said one business owner. Bar and restaurant owners in Eveleth said…
DULUTH, Minn. – The financially strapped Spirit Mountain could very well remain closed through the summer because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. And Spirit Mountain officials say the only way to open back up this winter is if the cash-strapped city of Duluth hands over $350,000 before winter revenue at the Mountain starts rolling in again. This information…
DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants in the Northland are still feeling financial setbacks from the Coronavirus Pandemic. That’s why a new voucher program has now launched to help boost the local economy as businesses are still trying to rebuild operations, while they wait to reopen indoor dining to the public. Strong Northland is a collaborative effort to help economically restore local…
DULUTH, Minn.-The Miller Hill Mall opened back up on Monday after being shut down for over two months. “It was kind of sporadic. I think a lot of people were kind of seeing what’s open, who’s here and what’s going on,” Apricot Lane Duluth Owner, Wendy Meyers says. For local businesses like Apricot Lane Duluth, it was a breath of…
DULUTH, Minn.- As summer gets closer, Duluth begins to shine as a waterfront destination again. After looking at summer with uncertainty, boating rental and tour services are excited to say they can provide people that gateway to the big blue lake. The Vista Fleet is missing the big Memorial Day opening, but owner Justin Steinbach expects to be open by…
DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown Duluth is reconnected once again with the Skywalk back open after a two-month closure due to COVID-19. The Skywalk was noticibly emptier than usual, but that didn’t stop businesses from swinging their doors open. Frame Corner and Gallery in the Holiday Center has been selling custom frames through curbside pickup but owner Sara Sarvella said she’s looking…
DULUTH, Minn. – Many summer camps around the Northland are already choosing not open for the season to prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus. Fortunately, University Nursery School isn’t one of them canceling summer programming. University Nursery School’s location, in the Harbor Highlands community, has been transformed to offer a full-time summer program. It can accommodate up to 30…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- More changes could be coming to Downtown Duluth this summer as the Allete Company is working to renovate Minnesota Power Plaza at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. Staff with Allete said the plaza will include increased accessibility including a sidewalk into Canal Park. They’re also looking to put in more seating, shading, gardens, and solar…
DULUTH, Minn.- A sign that summer is just around the corner–the popular Portland Malt Shoppe in Duluth re-opened Friday. People can once again stop in for sundaes, malts, and more frozen treats while walking the lakewalk by Fitger’s. “It’s nice to be able to support local businesses when we can. Just nice to be able to help out the community,”…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- It was the first weekend that businesses in Wisconsin were suddenly given the green light to open after the state’s stay at home order was thrown out by the Wisconsin Supreme Court–now business owners in Superior say it’s time to figure out how to open safely. The jingle of the door opening is a sound not heard at…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local medical uniforms store is moving into a bigger location as the business continues to grow. Scrubs Direct moved into the Duluth area about two years ago. The owners already had stores in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Woodbury, Minnesota. They tell us their Duluth store in the Burning Tree Plaza has done so well, they’ve run…
DULUTH, Minn. – As part of the CARES Act, the Payroll Protection Loan program was developed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed during the pandemic. Minnesota-based Bremer Bank is one of many bank institutions authorized to issue those loans. Bank-wide, including branches in Duluth, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, Bremer has already approved nearly 7,000 applications from small businesses…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some Wisconsin bars and restaurants are legally back open for business for the first time in nearly two months after the state supreme court threw out Gov. Evers’ Safer at Home Order. Superior bars and restaurants were gearing up to open on May 26th, when Safer at Home was set to expire. But many of them opened…
DULUTH, Minn. — Maurices has had to make cuts on the corporate level due to the pandemic. On April 27th, the company let go of 39 employees who worked in the Duluth office, the Design Center team in New York, and the field leadership team. A spokesperson with the company added that all employees who were laid off were offered…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Just as quickly as some say it started, Wisconsin’s safer-at-home order is, for now, finished–struck down by the State Supreme Court. Businesses statewide, including bars and restaurants, now have the green light to “open immediately” according to a social media post by the Tavern League of Wisconsin. “Come on in!” said Cory Gatzke, triumphantly throwing open the shades…
DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 has dealt a financial blow to St. Louis County in the form of a projected budget shortall. According to County Auditor Nancy Nilsen, the budget shortfall is expected to be at least $6 million. She said her office is not looking at layoffs or furloughs, but instead plan to save money with a hiring freeze leaving about…
DULUTH, Minn. – Businesses have struggled across the Northland during the pandemic. Some businesses have been closed for nearly two months under Minnesota’s Stay at Home Order. Other shops have remained opened during the pandemic. While some of those stores have seen an increase in business, for others it’s been much slower. Triple J Service Center has struggled during the…
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– The Dutch Room and Mad Dog’s Pizza in Grand Rapids have seen business change over the last couple months. “It was a huge eye-opener to, ‘Okay, how do we do things? How do we adapt,” said Dutch Room and Mad Dog’s Pizza Owner Gabe Miskovich Restrictions on bars and restaurants in Minnesota have been in effect for…
Ashley Grimm DULUTH, Minn. – Ashley Grimm has landed the DFL endorsement for St. Louis County Commissioner Dist. 3, which represents the western portion of Duluth. Grimm received more than 69 percent of the votes cast by convention delegates at the first-ever electronic virtual convention. This came after a 2-week balloting period. DFL competitor Noah Hobbs received the remaining votes….
DULUTH, Minn.- An arts studio and store on Grand Avenue in Duluth is changing the way they bring handmade gifts to customers. You can now shop Bailey Builds from your car. One of the staff members will meet you at your vehicle with a mask and gloves to find out what you’re looking for, come back with gift ideas, and…
DULUTH, Minn.- As many local businesses in the hospitality industry make adjustments to continue staying open, for others that might not be an option. Dubh Linn Brew Pub in Downtown Duluth is changing their business model, offering delivery of growlers of their in-house brew, cider, wine, and food five days a week from 4pm-8pm. “People are looking for a reason,…
DULUTH, Minn.– Mother’s Day is right around the corner and greenhouses are opening back up just in time. Lilac Hill Greenhouse is getting ready to open a pop-up store in the parking at Super One on West Arrowhead Road in Duluth. The soft opening is tomorrow. 200 hanging baskets will be available along with annuals, perennials and more. The manager…
BAYFIELD, Wis. – The 2020 summer season of entertainment and events at Big Top Chautauqua has been canceled. Big Top’s management announced Monday that they weighed countless scenarios but determined it was best to skip this season with the uncertainty surrounding the safety of large gatherings involving this pandemic. Big Top Summer 2020 Press Release There are refundable options available…
DULUTH, Minn. – Crews have begun removing a 100-year-old steam system on Lake Avenue during Phase 3 of the Superior Street project. With that comes the removal of pipes containing asbestos. The public is asked to stay within the marked pedestrian areas during this time. The first stage of phase three is scheduled to wrap up in July. Categories: Business,…
