Business

Duluth’s Largest Employee Union Reaches Tentative Deal With City

The vote comes after tense negotiations that lasted months.

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth’s largest employee union, AFSCME Local 66, reached a tentative agreement Monday night with the city of Duluth that includes “no major concessions,” according to the union. The union announced the news to its nearly 500 members at 9 p.m. after 12 hours of “long, hard negotiations.” The tentative agreement came after historic tensions…

Limited Time: ‘Twin Ports Trailer Trash’ Free Christmas Tree Dump

DULUTH, Minn.– One person’s Christmas tree is a Duluth company’s trash. And once again, they’re helping clean up after the holidays — for free. For seven years, Twin Ports Trailer Trash has given back to the community by collecting Christmas trees at no cost. Of all people, the Grinch is involved in this operation and is responsible for much of…

Unseasonal Winter Weather Impacts Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn.– The winter programs are looking a little different this year for Hartley Nature Center, but they have several ways to overcome this. Following last year’s lack of winter, this year’s season is trailing behind with a different problem. Over the course of several weeks, many of the trails at Hartley Nature Center have developed a thick coat of…

Embark Supported Employment Acquires Twin Ports Guardianship

SUPERIOR, Wis. — As the calendar turned to the new year, Embark Supported Employment acquired a fellow disability service organization. Embark Supported Employment offers support and resources to adults with disabilities. The organization has a staff of job coaches who bring participants into the community to complete jobs. On January 1, Embark Supported Employment is officially became a partner and…

Local Stores Packed with Shoppers After Holidays

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite the holidays wrapping up, stores are still keeping busy with shopping crowds. Local stores in Duluth such as TrailFitters in the Fitgers Inn hasn’t seen the end of the holiday crowds. Shoppers are packing the store many of them using up gift cards. For this season, many people had a common theme with their gift giving. “The…

Spirit Mountain Celebrates 50th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn.– This weekend, Spirit Mountain has plenty to celebrate after now being in business for 50 years. Spirit Mountain has been an outlet for ski lovers since 1974. And they’re focusing on celebrating the vision and idea community leaders had, that ultimately became the outdoor sports center Duluthians know and love. The weekend will be filled with a medallion…

Credit Union Partners With Harbor House Crisis Shelters For Christmas Joy

DULUTH, Minn.– Today, the efforts of the Duluth community is paying off. Because every child at the Harbor House Crisis Shelters will experience a Christmas this year. For over a month, toy donations have been accumulating at all of the Harbor Pointe Credit Union banks in the Duluth area. The toys are heading to Harbor House Crisis Shelters. This is…

7 Stars Horse Ranch Grateful for Donation From Genereau & Co. Jewelry Store

DULUTH, Minn. — 7 Stars Ranch is feeling grateful after receiving a donation from a local jewelry store. Genereau & Co. Jewelry hosted a Whiskey and Watches event, with a portion of the proceeds going towards supporting 7 Stars Ranch. The horse ranch offers programs for youth, military veterans, first responders and their family. This year, Genereau was able to…

KYN: “Chicken and Whaat?!” Opens Up Shop

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite this restaurant’s name being a big question there’s no doubt about it, “Chicken and Whaaat?!” is attracting chicken lovers in West Duluth. “My wife has been eagerly anticipating the opening here for a long time so yeah, we had it on the calendar,” said customer Jack Beahler. What used to be Charley’s Cheesesteaks on North Central Ave,…

DECC Dir.: Managing Bayfront Again Ensures Non-Competing Events Among All DECC Venues

DULUTH, Minn. – DECC Exec. Dir. Dan Hartman is pleased management at Bayfront Festival Park is coming back under the DECC’s control in a new five-year contract agreement beginning in January 2025. The council approved the RFP process Monday night lead by city staff who chose the DECC as Bayfront’s next manager. The contract is worth around $443,000 over five…

Mayor Wants ‘Visit Duluth’ Back In Control Of Tourism Marketing After Arizona Firm

DULUTH, Minn. – As the city of Duluth gets ready to welcome in its new tourism marketing agency, Madden Media of Arizona, for the next two years, Mayor Roger Reinert told FOX 21 Monday that the goal during this new contract is to build Visit Duluth back up to a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that will once again handle all…

Sen. Hauschild Asks President To Rescind Clemency Of Former Duluth Headshop Owner Jim Carlson

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) is calling on President Joe Biden to rescind his clemency ruling for former Last Place On Earth owner Jim Carlson. Carlson is among roughly 1,500 people whose sentences have been commuted by Biden — people who were “serving sentences in home confinement during the pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their…

Essentia Health Strike at Standstill

With no meetings scheduled, Essentia and union workers are stuck in an open-ended strike

DEER RIVER, Minn. – As workers strike for better pay, Essentia Health says some patient services may be suspended at their Deer River location. Workers with the Service Employees International Union held a picket line Friday, as their open-ended strike for wage increases drags on. Those who braved the cold claimed the wages at the Deer River facilities, are lower…

Management Of Bayfront Festival Park Set To Return To DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Management of Duluth’s premier entertainment venue, Bayfront Festival Park, is headed back to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center for the next five years if the council signs off on Monday. For the last year, Winterfell Management has handled all promotions, productions and management of Bayfront with a one-year agreement with the city. Newly elected Mayor Roger Reinert…

City Of Duluth’s Largest Employee Union Authorizes Strike Mid-January If Needed

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s largest employee union, AFSCME Local 66, voted Tuesday to authorize a strike, demanded “fair wages and dignity” and called on Mayor Roger Reinert to fix it. AFSCME called the city’s next contract offer “insulting, inadequate and unacceptable,” according to a news release. The union said the police and fire departments got 8% market…

Former Central HS Site to become $500 Million Housing Development

The groundbreaking of 'Incline Village' comes 13 years after the school's controversial closure, and a period of vacancy

DULUTH, Minn. – After sitting largely dormant for years, the wheels have begun turning on a development plan for the former Central High School site. Incline Village’s groundbreaking, today, at the former site of Central High School marks the beginning of the second-largest private development in the city’s history. Developers and city officials gathered at the site today to mark…

‘Chicken And Whaaat?!’ Opens In West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.–‘Chicken and Whaaat?!’ is now open in West Duluth. The Hansen family is behind the new eatery and responsible for restaurants like Duluth Grill, Corktown Deli, and OMC Smokehouse. Chicken and Whaaat?! is located in the former Charley’s Cheesesteaks at 231 North Central Avenue. The new business specializing in chicken tenders and six different sandwich options, with quick service…

Scores Released For Top 5 Finalists Of Duluth’s Next Tourism Marketing Contract

Council to vote for or against Madden Media of Arizona at Monday night's city council meeting (Dec. 9)

DULUTH, Minn. — We now know the scores for the top five marketing agencies that applied for Duluth’s next multi-million dollar tourism marketing contract. Below are the scores based off a 100-point scale: Madden Media of Arizona: 81.65 Hailey Sault of Duluth: 78.31 AIMCLEAR of Duluth: 78.29 Lawrence & Schiller of South Dakota: 75.20 Swim Creative of Duluth: 73.55 Any…

Stolen Ruby Slippers Worn By Judy Garland In ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Auctioned For $28M

  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A pair of iconic ruby slippers that were worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” and stolen from a museum nearly two decades ago sold for a winning bid of $28 million at auction Saturday. Heritage Auctions had estimated that they would fetch $3 million or more, but the fast-paced bidding far outpaced that…

Finishing Touches on the 8th Annual Winter Village at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the DECC, as they prepare for their 8th annual winter village weekend. Taking inspiration from European winter villages the DECC is excited to bring this back for another year. This year, they’re introducing their tinsel tavern, where you can immerse yourself in a Christmas wonderland. In addition, they’re featuring…

New $16.5M Snowmaking Operation At Giants Ridge

BIWABIK, Minn. — 74 new automated snow machines are now operating at Giants Ridge in Biwabik as part of a $16.5-million dollar investment there. A small ceremony was held on Thursday, Dec. 5, to celebrate. The new snow-making system is weather controlled turning on and off automatically for optimal snow production based on optimal air conditions. The 74 new snow…

‘Tinsel Tavern’ to Shine at Duluth Winter Village

DULUTH, Minn. — This year’s Duluth Winter Village at the DECC is expanding to include a Tinsel Tavern. The tavern includes 1,000 feet of tinsel, 600 feet of wrapping paper and 36 strings of lights.  As for the tavern, Vikre Distillery will be creating holiday cocktails and mocktails, like a Gingerbread Old Fashion. The Winter Village is Saturday and Sunday…

Trump Vows To Block Japanese Steelmaker From Buying US Steel

President-elect Donald Trump is underscoring his intention to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp., and he’s pledging to use tax incentives and tariffs to strengthen the iconic American steelmaker. Trump said during the campaign that he would “instantaneously” block the deal, and he reiterated that sentiment in a Monday night statement. President Joe Biden…

4th Annual Holiday Decor Sale at Boulder Lake ELC

DULUTH, Minn.– Boulder Lake is also taking advantage of holiday sales by using materials on their property. For 4 years now, Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center has sold homemade wreathes, porch pots, and even kits to make your very own wreath. This is the largest fundraiser for that Boulder Lake hosts every year. They use freshly harvested material to create…

CASDA Launches ‘Give the Gift of Healing’ Silent Auction

SUPERIOR, Wis.– In Superior, there’s an opportunity to help victims and survivors of abuse though the “Give the Gift of Healing” fundraiser. The virtual silent auction goes live on Black Friday. CASDA is a clinic in Superior that helps victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Funds raised through this event will help support the shelter’s operations as they…

Duluth Bridgeman’s Offering Thanksgiving Meals To-Go

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Bridgeman’s is once again offering Thanksgiving meals to go. A meal includes fresh baked turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, roasted vegetables, a dinner roll, and dessert. All meals are fully cooked and ready to reheat at home. These meals are great for those who don’t have somewhere to go or just don’t feel like cooking a whole…

CAO: Arizona Firm’s Win For Duluth’s Tourism Marketing Is ‘Tremendously Fair’; Local Finalist Disagrees

In March, Mayor Roger Reinert said he believed Duluth talent was best to tell Duluth's story.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Chief Administrative Officer David Montgomery talked publicly Sunday for the first time since the Star Tribune broke the news Friday that a committee he appointed had chosen an Arizona firm to handle Duluth’s next multi-million-dollar tourism marketing contract – something Mayor Roger Reinert said earlier in the year should be handled by Duluth talent. “We feel…

Pink Friday Celebrates Women Owned Small Businesses

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Women owned small businesses are being celebrated over in Superior. It is all part of Pink Friday. This nationwide event takes place annually the Friday before Black Friday encouraging shoppers to shop local ahead of the holidays. This is the 2nd year the Superior Business Improvement District is celebrating this day with many deals and discounts. There…

Superior Meats Processing Deer for 2024 Season

SUPERIOR, Wis.– After hunting is over, the question of what to do with your deer harvest often comes to mind. Superior Meats is excited to cater to the hunters and help them produce venison products. Some of those products, you wouldn’t initially expect. “Make it into whatever you’re looking for. Whether it be bratwurst, summer sausage, bacon. We do a…

2024 Deer Hunting Season Begins in Wisconsin

  SUPERIOR, Wis.– Deer hunting is a beloved Midwest tradition that brings families together year after year. “My husband, son and I hunt together. You know, they’re not quite in the area, that’s real important too. You know, I’m really looking forward to it,” said Pat Kukull, owner of Superior Shooter Supply. Many enthusiastic hunters, counting down the days until…

Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce Reflects on 2024

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– The Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce recognized and celebrated volunteers, members, and efforts of this year. Around 200 members gathered at today’s celebration got an overall look to the 2024 year — the successes from businesses in Hermantown, Proctor, Duluth, and Rice Lake. There are now 300 Chamber of Commerce members. A slide show recognized all of the…

Update: Duluth Tourism Marketing Finalist Chosen; Name Announced Dec. 5

DULUTH, Minn. (Nov. 21) — The city of Duluth announced Thursday that a special selection committee has determined its finalist for Duluth’s next two-year tourism marketing contract. The top-scoring finalist will be announced at a committee of the whole meeting on Dec. 5 before the council makes a vote to deny or approve during the council meeting Dec. 9. The…

Superior Meats Prepping for Thanksgiving

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s getting down to crunch time when it comes to getting ready for Thanksgiving, and Superior Meats is getting ready for the big day. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and staying on top of your turkey plan is key for a happier, stress-free holiday. Superior Meats will be rolling out the fresh turkeys on Thursday…

Keeping Tabs on Tire Safety for Winter

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s beginning to feel a lot like winter, and it’s never too early to prepare your car for the ice and snow. With the unpredictable Midwest winters, checking out your car’s tires and making sure they’re safe is crucial for a smooth winter. Discount Tire in Duluth is hard at work to help change tires seeing 24 cars…

First Bookstore in 17 Years Opens in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– After nearly two decades, the first bookstore in Superior recently opened their doors. The lack of bookstores in the area sparked owner Maria Lockwood to take the leap and open up Foxes and Fireflies. The shop opened up back in October of this year and they’re located at the Superior Business Improvement building. Foxes and Fireflies is homing…