Business Archives - Page 15 of 94

Duluth School Officials Explain Need and Goals of Referendum

Technology education and technology itself would get much attention.

February 5, 2024

Pat Brink,

May 14th, the Duluth Public School district will once again be asking voters if they would pass a referendum. It would raise $5.2 million a year for ten years for technology needs. It’s not that long ago that blackboards, textbooks, and overhead projectors were as advanced as school technology got. However today technology is everywhere, with teachers and students now…

Duluth-Based Maurices Announces ‘Painful’ Layoffs

February 1, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Maurices Downtown Duluth Headquarters DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based retailer Maurices says it has made the “painful” decision to lay off 10 percent of its corporate office positions. Maurices told FOX 21 on Thursday that 14 associates are being impacted at the downtown Duluth office, and 29 employees from its Brooklyn, New York design office and remote workers. Maurices Chief Administrative…

One-On-One: Reinert Talks First Month As Duluth Mayor; ‘The Time Is Now’

January 31, 2024

Dan Hanger, Nathaniel LeCapitaine,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is closing in on his first 30 days in office. And in his first sit-down interview since Inauguration Day, 53-year-old Reinert shares how the jobs is going so far, his management style and his lack of patience when it comes to the status quo. “You know, we need ‘the time is now’. Most…

Enbridge Energy Announces 650 Layoffs By March

January 31, 2024

Dan Hanger,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) Enbridge Energy has announced it is reducing its force by 650 people, according to an internal email sent to all employees. The Calgary, Albert-based company says the cuts will be completed by March 1. Enbridge has offices and operations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Duluth and Superior. Enbridge says the reduction will not impact safety within…

Palestinian Cafe, Market To Open In Former ‘New London Cafe’ Building

January 30, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Palestinian cafe and market is opening in Duluth, replacing a longtime restaurant that recently closed. That longtime favorite is New London Café in the 4700 block of East Superior Street. The new restaurant that’s moving in is called Falastin. For the past year and a half, Lyla Abukhodair, has operated Falastin as a pop-up restaurant to…

‘Nautical Bowls’ Coming To Duluth’s London Road

January 30, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — So-called “superfood bowls” are coming to Duluth as a fresh alternative to your meal choices. The company, Nautical Bowls, will be located in the area of 21st Avenue East and London Road. Company officials tell FOX 21 they are “currently in final site selection for this location.” Nautical Bowls is located throughout the Twin Cities and in…

Chilly Billy’s On The Move In Duluth With Expansion Plans

January 30, 2024

Pat Brink,

DULUTH, Minn. — Last November a pair of local men bought the two Chilly Billy’s frozen yogurt shops in Duluth. Now, the owners want everyone to know that Chilly Billy’s is not going away. The Miller Hill Mall location is there to stay. However, Andrew Weisz, one of the owners, said the lease on the Bluestone shop ends in February….

Man Who Stole ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers Allowed to Die at Home

Judge's sentence is time-served and restitution for man with months to live.

January 29, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

The man who stole the ruby slippers of Wizard of Oz fame, now moves only by wheelchair and is on oxygen 24/7. Doctors give him only months to live. His attorney said Monday’s sentencing gives at least partial closure to investigators, the museum, and Terry Jon Martin himself–the man who confessed to stealing the slippers. “At the end of your…

Donna Howard Community Connect Offers Free Services In One Location

January 26, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — Community members gathered at the Damiano Center in Duluth to receive much needed services all in one place. Traveling around town may not be easy for everyone, especially on a day like Thursday with icy roads. The Donna Howard Community Connect is a place for multiple providers to offer their services all for free. Organizations such as…

Delayed Lincoln Park Housing Project Finds New Lender

Merge Development now plans to complete the apartment building this summer.

January 26, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The developer of a delayed housing project in Duluth told FOX 21 on Friday that he has found a new lender to get the job done this summer after significant delays. Urbane 218, as it is being dubbed, is located at 2011 W. Superior Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Rendering of Urbane 218 The site, which…

Amazon To Build Distribution Center In Duluth

January 25, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Big development news out of Duluth. Amazon is building a distribution center in the city. Location of Amazon site County records show the two large parcels of land purchased by Amazon are at the Atlas Industrial Park, between Morgan Park and Gary-New Duluth, along Commonwealth Avenue. Amazon will join Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, which recently…

FOX 21 Live Coverage Thursday Of President Biden’s Visit To Twin Ports

January 25, 2024

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 will break into programming within the 11 a.m. hour Thursday, as President Joe Biden lands in Duluth and heads over to Earth Rider Brewery in Superior around 1 p.m. to deliver remarks on “Investing in America and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” according to the White House. FOX 21 will then have team coverage on the…

UMD Expert Talks Mild Winter Economic Impact

January 25, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — Northern Minnesota had a mild start to winter. So, experts at UMD all got together and wrote an article on the lasting effects the warmer temps may have. One part of the article is on the economic impact the weather has had. Monica Haynes, the director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at UMD says…

Duluth-Based Developer Bringing New Life To Former Bank Building In Lincoln Park

January 24, 2024

Dan Hanger, Nathaniel LeCapitaine,

DULUTH, Minn. – Titanium Partners’ Brian Forcier, one of downtown Duluth’s leading developers, has begun his first investment into the resurging Lincoln Park Craft District. It’s not in the form of housing or another eatery. But Forcier told says the space he’s creating is all part of what’s needed to make a neighborhood tick, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports….

NTEC Neighborhood Meetings To Answer Questions And Concerns

Two meetings Tuesday on the project.

January 23, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

People interested in the new natural gas-powered electric plant being planned in Superior had a couple of chances to get their questions answered Tuesday. Two open houses were put on in Superior for the Nemadji Trail Energy Center. At mid-day and late afternoon sessions, representatives were available to answer questions, and citizens could learn more about the plant. Although the…

Council To Vote Monday On Mayor Reinert’s 2024 Legislative Bonding Priorities

January 22, 2024

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Roger Reinert has released his top legislative priorities for 2024, which the city council will vote on Monday night, Jan. 22. Below is a news release sent out Monday afternoon by Mayor Reinert’s office: Mayor Roger J. Reinert has proposed the City of Duluth’s top legislative bonding priorities for 2024. The priorities, which are outlined as…

Local Quilt Shop Celebrates New Location In Duluth

January 19, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — A quilt shop in Duluth is celebrating their move into a new space. Creations Quilt Shop, now located at 1731 West Superior Street is owned by a mother and her daughter. It is an all-inclusive space with many fun and affordable options. The new spot will provide an enhanced experience for quilting enthusiasts, as well as a…

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

January 19, 2024

The Associated Press,

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…

The Duluth Art Institute Searches for New Location

January 18, 2024

Lucretia Free,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Art Institute has been at the Depot for half a century. After years of stability, the DAI is poised for change in 2024. The Duluth Art Institute, or DAI, considers itself to be the premier arts institution in the region, but after 50 years of being housed in The Depot, they will have to find…

Marcus Theatres Ready To Celebrate National Popcorn Day

January 18, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — Friday is National Popcorn Day and of course, Marcus Theatres is celebrating it. The General Manager at Marcus Duluth Cinema says popcorn has been around for 4,000 years and is a staple when going to the movies. For Magical Movie Reward members and those who sign up for it you can get $5 off any size popcorn…

Lake Superior Zoo Brings Back Keeper Talks

January 18, 2024

Emma Propp,

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….

New London Cafe In Duluth Closing After 20 Years

January 18, 2024

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — New London Cafe in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood is closing after 20 years. According to a Facebook post the closure was announced on Thursday with the last day of operations being January 29. The restaurant is a breakfast and lunch spot that has been under new ownership for the last 2 years. The Facebook post does not say…

Super One Donates Over $100,000 To The Salvation Army

January 17, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — Super One is donating over $100,000 to the Salvation Army thanks to their Roundup Campaign. During the 2023 holiday season customers at 42 Super One locations were able to donate rounding up their transaction or donating $1, $3, or $5 when checking out. On top of the generous donation, Miner’s Inc. is also donating 50-thousand dollars as…

Organized Labor Calls On Superior Mayor, Council To Support NTEC

January 16, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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.

January 16, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

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

January 16, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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

January 16, 2024

KQDS Staff,

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.

January 12, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

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’

January 11, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Yes, Cheese

January 9, 2024

Ken Slama,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — If you are feeling bleu, but want to feel cheddar, a gouda idea would be to head over to Yes, Cheese in Superior and they will have you feeling sharp again in no time. Kimber Johnson grew up on a dairy farm and is well acquainted with what cheeses the various creameries in Wisconsin have to offer….

Popular Mexican Restaurant Close To Opening In Superior

January 7, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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

January 5, 2024

Pat Brink,

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…

Twin Ports Trailer Trash Dress Up As The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Trees

January 5, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Grinch was in the Northland Thursday stealing Christmas trees! The Twin Ports Trailer Trash crew was out for their first day of holiday tree removals. This year they have seen in uptick in requests and have many more trees to pick up than they did last year. The Grinch could be seen all over in Duluth…

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

January 3, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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…

Twin Ports Trailer Trash Offering Free Christmas Tree Removals

January 3, 2024

Emma Propp,

TWIN PORTS — Twin Ports Trailer Trash is once again offering their free Christmas tree removals. This is their fifth annual holiday event. It is a free service where people can sign up to have their Christmas tree picked up from their curb. All trees will go back to WLSSD’s drop off sites. Those in Duluth, Superior, Hermantown, and Proctor…

Great Lakes Aquarium Breaks Record Attendance

January 2, 2024

Emma Propp,

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.

December 29, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

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.

December 29, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

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…

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Setting Record For Off Season Attendance

December 28, 2023

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — Warmer weather may be taking a toll on the winter businesses, but for indoor attractions such as the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, business has been booming. The museum was going into the season already with a 5 to 7% increase in attendance, but within the last week with all the rain, it went up 10 to 12%….

Snowblowers Went Out The Door Early; Now Waiting For Snow

Last winter primed people to get new machines.

December 28, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

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

December 27, 2023

Emma Propp,

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

December 26, 2023

Jenna VanSickle,

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

December 26, 2023

Jenna VanSickle,

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

December 22, 2023

Emma Propp,

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…

Spirit Mountain Doing Well With The Warmer Weather

December 22, 2023

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — Warmer weather may put a damper on winter businesses, but Spirit Mountain in Duluth says they are not letting that stop them. The hill has runs open for all ability levels including a terrain park, beginner hills, and longer runs. And this time of year, is especially busy with people in town visiting family and kids off…

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

December 22, 2023

Emma Propp,

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

December 21, 2023

Dan Hanger,

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

December 21, 2023

Pat Brink,

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 International Airport Ready For Christmas Travelers

December 21, 2023

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth International Airport is ready for all of the Christmas travelers in the coming days. Many people will soon be heading out to visit family and friends. The Director of Communication and Marketing for the airport says business is as usual for them and that they are used to these busy travel seasons. TSA and ground…

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

December 19, 2023

Emma Propp,

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…