Business

2023 Was Slowest Year For US Home Sales In Nearly 30 Years As High Mortgage Rates Frustrated Buyers

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank in 2023 to a nearly 30-year low, as sharply higher mortgage rates, rising prices and a persistently low level of homes on the market combined to push homeownership out of reach for many Americans. The National Association of Realtors said Friday that existing U.S. home sales totaled 4.09 million…

Lake Superior Zoo Brings Back Keeper Talks

DULUTH, Minn. — A new way to learn more about animals is back at the Lake Superior Zoo. Keeper Talks is what they are calling it. That’s where animal care specialists can speak to guests more about a specific species. It can involve training, enrichment, or feeding. This is the first time the talks have been back since the pandemic….

Organized Labor Calls On Superior Mayor, Council To Support NTEC

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Organized labor came together inside Superior City Hall Tuesday to debunk what they call false information from Mayor Jim Paine and some city councilors involving the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). Members of the Northern Wisconsin Buildings Trades took to the podium for a press conference Tuesday night.  They’re calling on the community to educate themselves…

Hang In There On Those New Year’s Resolutions!

Duluth store trying to help people reach their goals.

DULUTH, Minn. — The holidays are over, and all those parties and plates of cookies are in the rearview mirror. Those with resolutions for the new year are sixteen days into 2024. Many people looking for added motivation were making their way into All-Star Nutrition in Duluth, Tuesday. Everyone had their own goals and benchmarks for reshaping themselves a bit…

Superior Mayor Determined To Stop NTEC As Labor Ramps Up Support

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Billboards and yard signs are beginning to pop up in Superior in support of building the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). This comes as Mayor Jim Paine says he’s continuing to do whatever he can to derail the natural gas power plant for good. Mayor Paine is banking on Wisconsin state regulators to change their approval of…

Starbucks Woodland Avenue Location Unionizes

DULUTH, Minn. — Starbucks workers at a Duluth location have voted to unionize. The 11 to 8 vote of approval adds the Woodland Avenue Starbucks as the 7th location in Minnesota to join the Starbucks Workers United. Video shown is from a one-day strike the workers held in November. The Duluth workers are among more than 9,000 Starbucks union workers…

Hold The Presses! Lincoln Park Gets New Vacation Rentals

Eight suites going into historic press building.

There will soon be some new places for out-of-town visitors to stay in Duluth. Eight of them to be exact. Or, at least eight suites. There was a good-old-fashioned ribbon-cutting Friday in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. It was next to the outdoor seating area of the OMC Smokehouse. That’s not a coincidence, because the restaurant owners bought the long-standing Duluth…

Cirrus Aircraft Unveils New ‘SR Series G7’

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s largest employer, Cirrus Aircraft, unveiled its newest aircraft Thursday night in multi-state live production broadcast on YouTube. Cirrus says the SR Series G7 features touchscreen interfaces, large high-resolution displays, advanced safety systems and increased legroom. Cirrus Aircraft was founded in 1984. The company has six locations in the United States, including Duluth, Grand Forks, Knoxville, Greater…

Popular Mexican Restaurant Close To Opening In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A popular Mexican restaurant in Cloquet is getting closer to opening its second location in Superior. Pedro’s Grill and Cantina posted pictures on social media showing the inside of the new restaurant. It’s located in the 3200 block of Tower Avenue in the former Epic Restaurant building. Pedro’s has a capacity to serve 240 people. An opening…

ST Paper to Be Sold

DULUTH, Minn. — Last January ST Paper re-opened the Duluth paper-making plant that had been closed since 2020. It now appears the plant will be sold to an Italian Company, Sofidel, the world’s seventh-largest maker of tissue paper. A spokesman for ST Paper, Bill Broydrick, says the sale is not being made because of any distress, but because it is…

50th Annual Birkebeiner To Ski Forward Despite Lack Of Snow

Officials may be forced to scale back, but they say Birkie week will not be canceled

HAYWARD, Wis. – The 2024 American Birkebeiner is expected to attract 14,000 to as many as 15,000 skiers for the race’s 50th anniversary.  Organizers say, the lack of snow isn’t going to ruin the fun. “It’s non-negotiable. We will be doing something in Hayward during Birkie week,” said Blair Flickinger, marketing director for the race. “I would say we are…

Great Lakes Aquarium Breaks Record Attendance

DULUTH, Minn. — The Great Lakes Aquarium finished the year in record-breaking fashion. In fact, they’ve broken their attendance record for the second year in a row. The final attendance numbers show that in 2023 they had ten thousand more visitors than last year at 214,533. That was without a new exhibit or adding animal attractions. The aquarium has big…

“No Snow Sale” A Sign of Winter (or Non-Winter)

Outdoors Gear Store Northwest Outlet adapts to what Mother Nature serves up.

Those who want to get outside and enjoy a real winter, don’t know how long they will have to wait. And there is a different kind of waiting going on for those who sell winter gear. Superior’s outdoors gear store, Northwest Outlet, has decided it can’t wait forever for cold and snow, so they’re putting out the sale sign for…

Great Lakes Aquarium Sets Attendance Record in 2023–Again

The number of visitors was up 10,000 from year before.

While the weather has forced many businesses to adjust, others keep on trucking. Or maybe swimming? The Great Lakes Aquarium is finishing the year in record-breaking fashion. In fact, they’ve broken their attendance record for the second year in a row. In 2023 they had ten thousand more visitors than last year—hitting the 210,000 mark. Aquarium leaders say the holiday…

Snowblowers Went Out The Door Early; Now Waiting For Snow

Last winter primed people to get new machines.

While no snow and a lot of rain may have driven people inside to do things like check out Duluth’s trains and railroad museum, there are also those who think winter is going to come–eventually. There were still plenty of snowblowers lined up at Northern Tool and Equipment in Hermantown on Thursday. Store manager Mike Surface said it’s been quiet…

Lincoln Park Craft District’s Lights On! Competition Winner Announced

DULUTH, Minn. — A local competition is lighting up the Lincoln Park Craft District during the darker times of the year. The Lights On! Competition is an annual event taking place around the holiday season featuring storefronts filled with festive lights and decorations. This year the winner is the North Shore Federal Credit Union with a hand-painted Charlie Brown tribute……

Bourbon, A Popular, Hard-to-Find Holiday Drink

Fitger's Wine Cellar Stocked Up on Drinks For Any Taste Before the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. — When you think of the holiday season, there’s some classic drinks that come to mind: spiked eggnog, festive cocktails, champagne. At Fitger’s Wine Cellar, however, they make sure to have options for anyone of legal drinking age. This year, store manager David Anderson said bourbon has been flying off the shelves, even with increasing prices. “A lot…

Indoor Shopping Offers Escape From Dreary Weather

Post-Christmas Shopping Provides Exercise and Entertainment as Rain Continues

DULUTH, Minn. — Christmas shopping might be over, but there’s still plenty of reasons to head to your favorite stores. After spending the holiday weekend indoors, shopping offers a way to get your steps in — without the rain and fog. Visitors from across Minnesota were enjoying Fitger’s Shopping Mall today, including Heidi Hilderth and her family from St. Paul….

Chachos Taqueria Celebrating New Hot Sauce, And Expansion

DULUTH, Minn. — A local restaurant is spicing things up for the holidays with a brand-new hot sauce. Although Chachos Taqueria in Canal Park is closed for the season, they are excited to say their new Bandito Sauce is available for the community to try. The sauce is made by roasting vegetables, peppers and habaneros and then soaking golden raisins…

Stokke’s Meat Market Selling Holiday Boxes For Last Minute Christmas Shoppers

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — A local meat shop is selling the perfect last-minute gift for those wondering what to cook this holiday season. Stokke’s Meat Market in Hermantown has holiday boxes with a variety of foods. This is the busiest time of year as prep starts right after Thanksgiving. Boxes can include an assortment of brats, wings, pork links, bacon, steak,…

Ann Glumac Officially Named Exec. Director Of Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. — Spirit Mountain’s Board has officially named Ann Glumac as the attraction’s new executive director. This comes after Glumac served as interim executive director since 2020 after the previous husband-and-wife leadership team resigned. Glumac is a former deputy commissioner of the MPCA, IRRB, and former president of the Great Lakes Aquarium. Under her first season at Spirit Mountain,…

Developer Given Option To Buy Part of Lester Park

DULUTH, Minn. –The Duluth Economic Development Authority, DEDA, voted unanimously to approve an option agreement to sell a part of the Lester Park Golf Property to Oppidan Investment Company, a developer based in Excelsior. The option, which begins January 1, gives the developer the right to purchase nearly 37 acres of the Lester Park property. However, DEDA is requiring certain…

Duluth Salvation Army Receives Toys And Socks, Still In Need Of Red Kettle Donations

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Salvation Army was feeling the Christmas cheer on Monday. Local organizations are giving to the non-profit. The Duluth Fire Department, along with the Duluth Firefighters Local 101 donating toys for people in need. This is the 23rd year of fundraising. The first year they raised under $500. And this year they had just over $6,800…

The Perfect Christmas Tree

Duluth MN – Monte Miller says business is booming. Even with the proliferation and convenience of artificial, he says, real trees seem to be making a comeback. ” Now we have quite a few people in their 30s with children getting out of their mini vans, Suvs and stuff like that. So yeah, I’ve been pretty pleased with that. There…

Problematic Downtown Duluth Parking Ramp Secured With Fencing

DULUTH, Minn. — A problematic downtown Duluth parking ramp has been secured with new fencing to help curb unwanted behavior — and more improvements are on the way. The fencing at the HART District Ramp on East Superior Street now covers all open areas, except where vehicles enter and leave. In May, the city council approved $165,000 to install an…

Fitger’s Shopping Mall Stores Remain Busy During Christmas Season

DULUTH, Minn. — At Fitger’s Shopping Mall, 15 shops sell a variety of goods; ranging from children’s clothes to outdoor wear, and even a little special something for our furry companions. But this holiday season, shoppers turned a page back into shopping local. “You can buy a book from lots and lots of places these days. Big box stores, online,”…

DSGW Architecture Creates Annual Gingerbread Village

DULUTH, Minn. — An architectural firm in Duluth is bringing the holiday spirit to the Northland. DSGW Architecture has built their annual Gingerbread Village. The company started this tradition during the pandemic as a way to get together and celebrate when they couldn’t have their Christmas parties. It has expanded over the years with themes such as a ski village…

Northwood Children’s Service Receives Support From RSM

DULUTH, Minn. — Northwood Children’s Services received a big check Tuesday, thanks to a generous donation from RSM Duluth. It’s all part of the financial service’s Power of Love, nationwide fundraising initiative supporting youth in the areas of education, hunger, housing, and health. They chose Northwood Children’s Services because the non-profit aligns perfectly with those areas. And along with the…

Yes Cheese Offering Christmas Boxes This Holiday Season

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A local business is keeping it cheesy this holiday season. Yes, Cheese located in Superior, is offering Christmas boxes filled with festive treats for any family gatherings or holiday work parties. They are even selling “12 Days of Cheese-mas” advent calendar style boxes. A majority of the cheeses are from Wisconsin, and they have also partnered with…

Council OKs Mayor Larson Appointments Against Mayor-Elect Reinert’s Plea To Deny

DULUTH, Minn. – Without discussion and against the wishes of Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert, the Duluth City Council approved three appointments by outgoing Mayor Emily Larson at Monday night’s city council meeting, and it included appointing former city councilor Zack Filipovich to the DECC’s board. Reinert had called on the council to deny Larson’s appointments, He said the 60-40 win on…

Mayor Larson Appoints Filipovich To DECC Board, Mayor-Elect Reinert Asks Council To Deny

This comes after Reinert asked Larson to let him appoint board, commission seats opening in December

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is in power until Jan. 2, and she is using that power to appoint former city councilor Zack Filipovich to a seat on the DECC board that’s opening up at the end of the year. It’s a move by Larson that goes against the request of Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert. Last week, Reinert told…

Northern Lights Express Gets Additional Money

DULUTH, Minn. — There is news that the Northern Lights Express passenger rail project between Duluth Superior and Minneapolis is getting federal funding for more planning. The Northern Light Express route is one of 47 projects that will each receive up to $500,000. The Minnesota DOT will use the money to update the work it completed in 2017. The money…

Newest Caribou Coffee Open In Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — There’s a new place for you to get your Bou’ in Hermantown. After many requests for a location in Hermantown, the new spot for Caribou Coffee is officially open. The shop serves more than just coffee with plenty of options including baked goods, smoothies, teas, and more. It is drive-thru and walk up only with a mission…

Proposed Passenger Train Between Duluth and Twin Cities Gets Limited Federal Funding

Northern Lights Express misses out on biggest chunk of federal funds announced Friday.

Ten rail projects across the country received over $8 billion in funding Friday, but the proposed Northern Lights Express was not one of them. The Federal Railroad Administration announced its choices Friday. While not included in the major funding for projects, the Duluth/Superior to the Twin Cities proposal was among dozens of ideas that will receive much smaller funding of…

Duluth’s Planet Fitness Newest Chamber Member

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Planet Fitness to the community Wednesday. A ribbon cutting was held as a way to officially announce the fitness center as the newest Chamber members. Planet Fitness prides itself on being a judgement free zone meaning they offer a clean, comfortable, and non-intimidating environment. They are open 24 hours and…

Duluth Mayor-Elect Reinert On Inheriting 2024 Budget, Securing Leadership Team, Campaign Promises

DULUTH, Minn. – With one month to go before a change in office at Duluth City Hall, Duluth Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert is wrapping up his civilian life and securing a core leadership team to join him in January.  Beyond that, he told FOX 21 how he’ll handle inheriting Mayor Emily Larson’s budget for 2024, and he addressed his critics who…