Business

Sports Shop Sees Merchandise Sales Increase for Super Bowl Teams

Patriots gear sells well in the Northland, but Atlanta Falcons merchandise has also been popular in the last week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though there might not be a lot of Atlanta Falcons or New England Patriots fans in the Northland, jerseys for both teams have been flying off the shelves. Pro Image in the Miller Hill Mall said that Patriots gear is their number three seller behind the Vikings and the Packers. The Falcons aren’t as popular in…

Wis. Attorney General Renews Rebate Agreement for Opiate Antidote

$6 rebate given for each syringe purchased by public entities in Wisconsin

Gretchen Ertl/Reuters/LandovMADISON – Attorney General Brad Schimel announced today, that he has renewed the State’s agreement with Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, which established a rebate program for the heroin and prescription painkiller antidote naloxone. Naloxone is often branded as Narcan, and can be administered as a nasal spray or injection. It works within minutes to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose….

United Healthcare Adding 100 Jobs

Applications Can be Submitted by May 1

DULUTH, Minn. – Good news in the local job market. United Healthcare is hiring 100 people for its Duluth office. Positions include customer service and enrollment representatives. United Healthcare told Fox 21 that they are seeing a growth in customers across the country for their health insurance plans. Applications can be submitted on their website between now and May 1….

History of The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce

Northland Uncovered

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth is bustling with growing businesses moving into the Zenith City. The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce played a role in that as they were founded the same year the city was incorporated. “We started in the core of downtown when there were very few buildings in the entire city,” said David Ross, President and CEO…

Northwind Book & Fiber

Knowing Your Neighbor

  SPOONER, Wis. –  Picture it now staying in a lakeside cabin, feet up, sitting by a nice fire snuggled up with a favorite blanket reading a book with not a care in the world. That’s exactly the scenario that Carol Dunn lives for to keep her book store thriving. “Book stores across the country right now are seeing a…

Former Nettleton School to Become Senior Housing

A purchase agreement was made between the school district and the Minneapolis based developer United Properties

DULUTH, Minn. – A plan for new senior housing is in the works at an old Duluth school. The proposed development would be at the former Nettleton Elementary. A purchase agreement was made between the school district and the Minneapolis based developer United Properties. The city of Duluth says about 50 to 60 units of independent senior houses are expected…

Panel of Women Leaders Share Advice

Women in Leadership

DULUTH, Minn. – This week Northland women are getting together to lift one another up and share advice for a successful career. Aim High Network is assembling a panel of achievers to discuss success. The Women in Leadership event is Wednesday, February 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the Kitchi Gammi Club. The panel will be sharing their experiences, philosophies, advice…

Giant Voices Giving Away $20,000 in Free Marketing Services

Local Northland Businesses can Apply for Prize

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re a small business looking to improve your marketing efforts, you’re in luck. Giant Voices is giving away $20,000 worth of free marketing services. Depending on the growth ambitions and needs of the winning business, marketing services will vary and may include: Ambition planning Brand development marketing plan development Advertising campaign development Lead generation strategy development…

DFL Legislators Propose $100 Million Broadband Investment

Minnesota currently ranks 19th for average connection speed

ST. PAUL , Minn – Legislators from across greater Minnesota have joined together to call for a $100 million investment in broadband. They’re stressing the economic development reach that investment in broadband creates, something they say Minnesota is in need of. “For every dollar invested in broadband in the state, $10 is generated in economic activity. That kind of return…

Barker’s Island Readies for Ice Festival

Festival Opens Friday with Events Planned for the Whole Family

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior is ready for another Lake Superior Ice Festival. “The community has really pulled together,” said Linda Cadotte; Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director for the City of Superior.  “Non–profits, businesses, partners, to put on a festival to showcase the coolest aspects of our region and have something for everybody.” Unlike the past couple of years, which centered…

Irving Community Club Makes Donation

Club Donated Over $85,000 to Local Non-Profits, Police

DULUTH, Minn. – The Irving Community Club continued its tradition of giving back to the community Wednesday. The club donated more than $85,000 to non–profits and police. Among the donations, $60,000 to Valley Youth Centers for a new teen building, and $15,000 each to the Duluth Police Department’s K–9 unit and to the West Duluth Little League. The club raises…

Lady Brew “Pantsuit” on Tap in Superior

Female Brewers and Beer Drinkers Taking on Craft Brew Scene

The Women’s March on Washington happened the same weekend a Northland brewery released a one- of-its- kind beer called “Pantsuit.” The timing wasn’t a coincidence; it’s a beer with a meaning at Thirsty Pagan in Superior. Allyson Rolph is one of few female master brewers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. She says her gender hasn’t affected her success, apart from some…

Two Harbors Ready for Another Beargrease

Local Businesses Look Forward to Annual Boom from Sled-Dog Race

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Already a popular winter destination, this week there’s a little more excitement in the air in Two Harbors. “It’s exciting because it brings businesses some more business, it brings in people,” said Marsha Snowdon.  “It’s exciting to see all the mushers.” The week of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon also means booming business for Snowdon,…

Retired Wisconsin Brewery Head, Leinenkugel Going to D.C.

Jake Leinenkugel Photo: Ross Evavold Chippewa HeraldCHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP) – The retired head of the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company is joining President Trump’s administration as an adviser on Veterans issues. The Chippewa Herald reported, Tuesday, that Jake Leinenkugel had accepted a position as a senior White House adviser to the Office of Veterans Affairs. The White House would not…

Wisconsin Manufacturing Tax Credit Continues to Grow

MADISON (AP) – A manufacturing tax credit touted by Republicans is projected to cost the state more than $650 million over the next two years. Democratic critic Representative Gordon Hintz, of Oshkosh, on Tuesday released the latest estimates from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau. It shows that the program will have reduced state tax collections by about $1.4 billion by…

A Taste of Home at Carlson’s Diner

Local Diner Serves Up Hearty Plates of Homemade Fair

HERMANTOWN, Minn- Carlson’s Diner opened their doors August 24th, after taking over the location of a Hermantown community staple Starvin’ Marvins. Owner of Carlson’s Diner Amber Carlson says, “We updated the interior a lot, new cabinets, counters, light fixtures and things, just warmed it up a little bit.” Since then, Carlson’s Diner, has been committed to sticking to their roots….

Warm Temperatures Affecting Local Businesses

Stores See an Increase in Sales with More People Taking Part in Outdoor Activities

DULUTH, Minn. -With above average temperatures across the Northland, people are getting outside more than usual this January. Today doesn’t feel like a typical January day in northern Minnesota.  And for most Northlanders wanting to enjoy themselves outdoors, the warm temperatures have been more than welcome. Stores like Marine General in Duluth have seen a big increase in sales as…

Businesses Voice Concern of Duluth City Council’s Standing Rock Resolution

The group of 51 businesses believe city council should spend more time focusing on local issues

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of Twin Ports businesses are voicing concern over the Duluth city council’s resolution of support with the Standing Rock protestors back in December. Today, some of those businesses involved in the pipeline industry gathered at United Piping in Duluth to express their disappointment toward city council’s decision. “They never took the opportunity to listen to…

New Miller Creek Medical Clinic Now Open

Clinic Holds Community Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Today

HERMANTOWN, Minn. -The new Miller Creek Medical Clinic in Hermantown is now open. The clinic opened its doors on December 19th and held their community open house and ribbon cutting ceremony today. St. Luke’s officials are hoping the new clinic will allow them to expand on services they offered at their old location. “We’re trying to create a more convenient…

Co-op Light & Power Outage Scheduled

Set for January 26

A planned power outage for Co-op Light & Power is scheduled for Thursday, January 26. The outage will take place to safely perform substation repairs and is expected to last from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. It will impact consumers in and around Bassett, Northstar, Ault, and Fairbanks Townships, as well as the Pequaywan Lakes area. For more information: http://www.clpower.com/…

2017 Sees Expansion of Lake Superior Ice Festival

Coffee Conversation: Winter Fun on Barker's Island

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Ice Festival is expanding in 2017. The winter festival has added more events for the whole family. The fun kicks off on Friday, January 27 and runs through January 29. The festival takes place on Barker’s Island with many businesses throughout town hosting sales in honor of the event. On Friday, Northlanders can enjoy…

Ho-Chunk Casino Could Draw $37 Million from Other Casinos

WITTENBERG, Wis. (AP) – An economic impact study finds an expansion of the Ho-Chunk casino in Northern Wisconsin, could draw $37 million a year from other American Indian tribes that own casinos in Wisconsin. The Stockbridge-Munsee Band commissioned the study. It stands to lose about $22 million, or 37-percent, of its gambling revenue annually at its North Star Mohican Casino…

Wisconsin Farmers Could be Affected by Late Cabinet Pick

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) – A congressman and political scientist say the late nomination of Georgia governor as U.S. agricultural secretary could impact Wisconsin farmers. U.S. Representative Ron Kind, D-La Cross, tells Wisconsin Public Radio that the late pick could delay work on the next farm bill. Kind says if, and when, Governor Sonny Perdue is confirmed he will not…

Assembly Republicans Call for $300 Million for Roads

Framework of the plan released on Thursday

MADISON (AP) – Wisconsin state Assembly Republicans are calling for $300 million in tax and fee increases to pay for roads while cutting at least $300 million in taxes. Republicans released the framework of the plan on Thursday. It comes after the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau said the state would be taking in $454 million more tax collections over the…

New Business Brings Balloons to You

DuluthBalloonCompany.com is trying to make balloon buying easy for the Twin Ports

DULUTH, MINN.- A first of its kind business has opened its virtual doors. Duluth ballooncompany.com started taking orders January 8 and has been seeing steady business since, with orders coming in as early as 1 am. The company allows customers to order their balloon creations online and have them delivered anywhere in the Twin Ports. “If you can bring us…

Zen House Moving To New Location

Local Business Opening Up in a New Neighborhood

A former Hermantown sushi spot, will soon be opening its door in a new neck of the woods. Zen House serves traditional Japanese sushi and entrees. After closing up shop next to the ICO in Hermantown during late fall of 2016, they’re moving to a new location at the corner of Calvary Road and Woodland, something the restaurant’s owner is…

Dark Skies Protest Party

People Protest Duluth's New Street Lights

There’s been some concern about new street lighting in Duluth’s downtown district. Those involved are protesting the cities decision to use intense LED lighting along certain streets in Duluth. The protests’ supporters claim that the new lights will ruin Duluth’s historic feel but won’t make the streets any safer. Owner of Take Action Inc. Rod Raymond says, “When it comes…

Animal Answers: Diving in the Door at World of Fish

Acquariums are Proven to Lower Stress Levels, as Well as Blood Pressure Levels

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The winter months can be difficult for your mood when dealing with cold temperatures and lack of sunlight. But what if you could easily transform your mind to a tropical destination, easing your worry and level of stress? It can be tricky to find open water in the winter, across Northern Minnesota. “You have to create this…

Duluth Police Warn of an Increase in Fake Money

"Motion Picture Use Only" printed on them

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is warning the public of an increase in fake and counterfeit bills circulating in the Duluth area. Specifically bills that have “Motion Picture Use Only” printed on them. The bills may appear real, with the exception of the “Motion Picture Use Only” text, but will be detected using a counterfeit detection pen. Officials…

Superior Bar Sells Special Drink to Celebrate Betty White’s 95th Birthday

95 cents of each drink was given to the Douglas County Humane Society

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – “Golden Girl” Betty White turned 95 years old today and one local bar held a party in her honor and helped out a good cause at the same time. For Betty’s big day, the Spirit Room in Superior donated 95 cents from each sale of their “Betty White Russian” drink to the Humane Society of Douglas County….

Duluth’s Global Village Settles into New Location in Canal Park

Ahead of Superior Street Reconstruction, Global Village of Duluth Relocates to Bigger Space

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner of Duluth’s Global Village is working on settling in after switching locations nearly two months ago. Rachel Mock says she’s sinking into the honeymoon phase, enjoying every day in her new Canal Park location. “It’s all brand new so we’re really learning as we go and taking it as it comes,” said Mock. Global Village sells…

Local Tanning Salon Seeing Spike in Customers

Northlanders Looking to Fight the Winter Blues are Turning to Tanning

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether you’re taking a trip or just trying to manage your mood this winter, local tanning salons across the Northland are seeing a spike in business. “The base of customers this time of year just increases dramatically, almost day–by–day,” said Chris Verhel, Owner of AJ’s Tanning in Duluth. This time of year many customers can be referred to…

Wisconsin Republican Senator Circulates Marijuana Extract Bill

MADISON (AP) – State Senator Van Wanggaard is circulating a bill that would make possessing a marijuana extract used to prevent seizures legal, in Wisconsin, with a doctor’s certification. Parents of children who suffer from seizures have been pushing for legislation that would allow them to use CBD oil to ease the symptoms. A similar bill passed the Assembly last…

Dayton Announces $350M in Federal Funds for Water Quality

Will provide direct funding to MN farmers, while working to protect and improve waters in 54 Minnesota counties

ST. PAUL – Governor Mark Dayton, today, January 17, signed an agreement with the United State Department of Agriculture, to secure $350 million in federal funding to protect and improve waters in 60,000 acres across 54 Minnesota counties. The new state-federal effort, the Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), will target areas of southern and western Minnesota facing significant water…

Wisconsin State Senate Passes Bill to Help Cheese Plant

MADISON (AP) – The Wisconsin state Senate has passed a bill extending tax incentives to help a cheese distributor. The Senate unanimously passed the bill Tuesday that is designed to assist with Plymouth-based Masters Gallery Foods building of a $30 million cheese packaging and distributing plant in the village of Oostburg. The bill would allow Oostburg, in Sheboygan County, to…

Minnesota Extends Subsidized Health Care Coverage

Coverage extended to those participating in deportation reprieve programs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is the fourth state in the nation to extend subsidized health care coverage to those participating in the Obama administration’s deportation reprieve program. The Star Tribune reports that this month the state opened subsidized health coverage to recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which gives short-term work permits and deportation stays to…

Three Duluth Projects are Finalists in Knight Cities Challenge

MIAMI – The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation today, January 17, 2017, announced 144 finalists, including 3 in Duluth, in the third annual Knight Cities Challenge, a national call for ideas to make the 26 communities where Knights invests more vibrant places to live and work. Applicants were asked to answer the question: What’s your best idea to…

Majority of Superior Shipyard Workers Test Positive for Lead

Investigation began last Spring

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Health officials say the majority of more than 200 workers tested for lead exposure at a Superior shipyard had elevated levels of lead in their blood. Wisconsin and Minnesota health departments began a joint investigation last spring after workers at Fraser Shipyards were exposed to lead while retrofitting the Herbert C. Jackson originally built in 1959. Wisconsin…

2016 Shipping Season Coming to a Close

Coal and Iron Ore Shipments Went Down, Grain Shipments Saw Record Numbers

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2016 shipping season is coming to a close, with the last Last Laker of the Season, the Lee A. Tregurtha arriving in the Twin Ports earlier today. Duluth Seaway Port Authority representatives say this year’s shipping season was a bit steady. Though grain shipping saw record numbers, The Iron Ore shipments didn’t pick up until the…

DOJ Says KleinBank Used Discriminatory Lending Practices

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The United States Department of Justice has sued a Minnesota bank for allegedly engaging in mortgage lending practices that discriminate against minorities. In a lawsuit filed Friday, the DOJ says KleinBank engaged in “redlining.” The DOJ says that’s when banks will actively deny or avoid providing credit services to consumers because of racial demographics or because of…

Trump Calls on Americans to Honor Dr. King

ATLANTA (AP) – Civil rights leaders and activists are gathering around the country to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. In a message sent on Twitter on Monday, Trump said: “Celebrate Martin Luther King Day and all of the many wonderful things he stood for. honor him for being the great man that he was!” As American’s celebrate…

Finding Natural Remedies for Body Pain During Cold Winter Months

Holistic Healing Methods Could Be What the Doctor Ordered

DULUTH, Minn. — For people suffering from joint pain or other chronic pain, the extreme cold in winter can make certain symptoms even worse. At Duluth Natural Medicine and Chiropractic, several natural remedies are recommended to help relieve body pain during these frigid months. Massages or regular chiropractic visits come to mind, as well as light and laser therapy. Dr….

Indoor Plants Liven Up Homes

Experts Give Us a Tip on How to Keep Them Alive

DULUTH, Minn. – Many people use indoor plants to liven up the inside of their homes. And though taking care of indoor plants can seem effortless, it’s important to learn about the type of plant to have to avoid giving it too much or not enough water or light. In the winter time, keep plants away from the window to…

Shipping Season Heading into Winter Layup

The last few freighters are heading into port as the season wraps up

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2016 Great Lakes commercial shipping season wraps up this weekend with the Soo Locks (Sault Ste. Marie) set to close at midnight Sunday, January 15. The last four freighters heading into the Port of Duluth-Superior for winter layup will be the Philip R. Clarke, Arthur M. Anderson, Lee A. Tregurtha, and the Roger Blough. Two outbound vessels left the…