Business

Frost River Unveils New Solid Brass Thimble as April Fools Product

Every April they think of a new one to help promote their spring catalog and staff say the community seems to look forward to their annual joke.

DULUTH, Minn.- A local outdoor gear store in Duluth’s Lincoln Park is now getting into the outdoor sewing business with their new brass product. Frost River unveiled their new solid brass thimble. Staff says more than 30 thousand years of history is packed into less than a cubic inch, now in Frost River’s solid brass. If you’re confused, don’t’ worry,…

Poultry Sales, Exhibits Temporarily Banned due to Bird Flu

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota animal health officials are imposing a ban on all poultry sales and exhibitions through the month of April after the presence of bird flu was found in the state. The ban, which includes poultry community sales, swaps, fairs, exhibitions, and other events where birds are brought together, is effective Friday and lasts through May…

Crane Hauls In New HVAC System For Historic Douglas County Courthouse

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A massive crane could be seen hovering over downtown Superior Thursday. The Douglas County administrator told FOX 21 the crane is there to replace an outdated HVAC system on the historic Douglas County Courthouse. Crews could be seen taking 15 to 20-year-old heating and cooling equipment off the top of the building. The new $345,000 HVAC system…

Blue Rock Grill Grand Opening

The Restaurant features high quality spirits and fresh ingredients.

DULUTH, Minn.– The Blue Rock Grill located near the Miller Hill Mall is opening its doors again after making some changes from its original coffee and wine bar. The restaurant’s new revamped look focuses more on high quality spirits and craft cocktails, with shareable plates. Management tells us they think the new look helps make the spot the perfect date…

Pho Cali to Close at End of April

Pho Cali is located on the corner of Belknap Street and Hammond Avenue.

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– A downtown Superior Vietnamese Restaurant is sadly closing its doors in just weeks. The owners of Pho Cali say they won’t be continuing their lease when it’s up at the end of the month. In a Facebook post they thanked their customers for the support over the past five years. Customers are encouraged to stop by the restaurant…

Arrowhead Home and Builders Show Returns to the DECC

Soaring Tiny Builds was just one of the many vendors at the show.

DULUTH, Minn.– After a two year hiatus, the Arrowhead Home and Builders Show returned to the DECC Wednesday.. The event is the largest home show in the region and features all the latest trends and technology for your home, and much more. The show began today and will run through Sunday of this week. Categories: Business, Entertainment, Great Outdoors, Minnesota,…

Mayor Larson’s 2022 Focus: Economic Development, Public Safety, Connectivity, Sustainability

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson was face-to-face with fellow leaders and supporters Tuesday evening for her first in-person State of the City Address in two years because of the pandemic. The theme of the speech was “lighting a path forward” to focus on economic development, public safety, connectivity and sustainability. As for economic development, Larson said the city…

Barker’s Island Inn Ready For Busy Summer, Especially With Canadian Border Reopen

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Barker’s Island Inn is ready for a comeback after the pandemic didn’t allow the hotel and convention center to reach its full potential the past two years. Weddings and gatherings of all kinds had been rescheduled, and they are gearing up to have a busy 2022 summer season – especially with the Canadian border back open. “COVID…

New Co-op Space for Businesses in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, and one doesn’t have to look hard in the Northland to see how they collaborate to help each other out. A recent example of this comes through the work of Reimagined by T-Underwood in downtown Duluth.  The painting, do-it-yourself project, home staging, and redesign business made available…

As the Temperatures Rise, It’s Time to Grill Outside

London Road Rental anticipates a busy grill and barbeque season.

DULUTH, Minn.–As we get closer to summer to summer you might be dusting off your grill that’s been sitting in storage all winter, or looking to fire up a new one! The owner of London Road Rental in Duluth tells us now that the temperatures are rising, they’re seeing more customers coming in to check out brand-name grill and smokers…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Heide’s Mastectomy Store in Duluth

Heide's specializes in post-mastectomy care and compression garments for men and women with vascular and lymphatic disorders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Getting fitted for medical garments post-surgery or procedure can feel like a dry expressionless experience. But the folks at Heide’s Mastectomy Store in Duluth are hoping to change that. “So it feels almost like a boutique but we bill insurance for the products,” said Nicole Wrazidlo, a mastectomy fitter and Lymphedema master fitter. The mastectomy and compression store…

Memorial Day Parade Saved By Duluth City Council, Fee Dispute Resolved

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council approved a resolution Monday to keep the longstanding Memorial Day Parade in West Duluth by dropping the event’s fee from thousands of dollars to just under $200. Council President Arik Forsman and Council Vice President Janet Kennedy were behind the resolution. The resolution changes the fee for the parade to $187.10, which is…

The annual Arrowhead Home and Builders Show Preps are Underway

Nearly four hundred exhibitors are setting up for the 54th annual show at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn.–The 54th annual Arrowhead Home and Builders Show is back at the DECC beginning this Wednesday. Currently almost four hundred exhibitors are setting up for thousands of people to check out the five day event. The show is known as a one-stop destination for any home remodeling or garden project need. The Home and Builders Show Manager Christ Navratil…

Sun Country Flight Cancellations Cause Spring Break Travel Troubles For Some Passengers

BLOOMINGTON, Minn (FOX 9) – Katie Nelson recently spent a picture-perfect week in Orlando with her family, soaking up the sun and enjoying Disney World with her niece and nephew. As they were getting ready to board a Sun Country flight home to Minneapolis last Friday night, that all changed. “We had just parked the rental car in the ramp and I got…

Commercial Space, Event Center for Rent Opens in Old Billings Park Cafe Building

Since mid-February businesses like the new Superior Roux restaurant have been renting out the commercial space which is registered with the Douglas County Department of Health.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- New life is coming to the once vacant billings park cafe in Superior as one business owner hopes it’s the start of a new direction for the neighborhood. Craig Sutherland has turned the building into “Venue in the Park.” Since mid-February businesses like the new Superior Roux restaurant have been renting out the commercial space which is registered…

Minnesota Sending Out Estimated Market Value Notifications

Over the next several weeks residents will receive their Estimated Market Value notification.

DULUTH, Minn. -St. Louis County officials say some property owners might be surprised to learn how much the value of their property went up. Over the next several weeks residents will receive their Estimated Market Value notification. Officials say a few factors may have caused the value of their property to go up, like the busiest real estate market the…

Lake Superior College Hosts Career And Transfer Fair

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College is having its first big networking event since the pandemic as employers set up their booths in hopes of connecting with students walking through. More than 70 employers turned out Wednesday representing fields such as healthcare, trade jobs, military, and much more. Kaitlyn Steffen, director of career services, said it’s an opportunity for students…

Port Of Duluth-Superior Pulls Out Of Hibernation With Arrival Of Cutter Vessels

DULUTH, Minn. – The Port of Duluth-Superior is pulling out of hibernation with the Soo Locks opening in just days and ice cutting now underway. Two ice cutting vessels arrived in the port Wednesday and will focus first on freeing tugboats so they can free five domestic ships that have been docked all winter. The arrival also means the return…

Round Here Records Pop-Up at Bent Paddle

DULUTH, Minn. – Listen up music lovers, a vinyl pop-up shop is making it’s way through the Twin Ports. Round Here Records Duluth sells, buys, and trades vinyl’s and features many genres, including Classic Rock, Soundtracks, and even a local section. The company started doing pop-ups last summer, showing up at places like Pizza Luce and the Duluth Clothing Company….

Gordy’s Hi-Hat has Reopened for its 62nd Season

CLOQUET, MN – Gordy’s Hi-Hat in Cloquet is officially open and ready to serve up classic American cheeseburgers that haven’t changed since they first opened 62 years ago. Every year around the first day of spring regardless of the weather, they are excited to see their regulars again and serve the community.  After Gordy’s passing last year, they look forward…

Visit Duluth’s New President A Native Of Italy, Ready To Move Forward ‘Like A Rocket’

DULUTH, Minn. – The newly configured Visit Duluth officially has a new president to lead its convention and visitor center operations. This comes as Twin Cities marketing firm Bellmont Partners now handles all marketing for the city. Daniele Villa was born and raised in Italy, most recently managed luxury shows and conventions in Dubai and has lived in Duluth the…

Minnesota DNR: Line 3 Work Harmed Groundwater More Than We Knew

The state Department of Natural Resources says Enbridge Energy crews ruptured three groundwater aquifers while building the 340-mile pipeline across northern Minnesota last year.

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9/AP) – The damage to public groundwater resources in Minnesota from missteps during construction of the Line 3 oil pipeline is more severe than previously known, state environmental regulators said. Enbridge Energy crews ruptured three groundwater aquifers while building the 340-mile (550-kilometer) pipeline across northern Minnesota last year and the company faces…

Wisconsin Anglers Ready For Steelhead Trout Opener On Brule River

A late-season storm is on its way, but anglers are getting anxious for this weekend’s steelhead trout opener in Wisconsin. The owner of Great Lakes Fly Shop, John Fehnel, says fly fishing this early in the season isn’t the easiest because many rivers are still iced up, but the diehards will get out this weekend on the popular Brule River,…

Local Café Helps Raise Awareness with Ukrainian Inspired Menu

DULUTH, MN – Over the weekend, Sara’s Table in Duluth was raising awareness for Ukraine by creating a menu of Ukrainian inspired dishes.  Aside from the eastern European cuisine, they shared information on how customers could get involved in donating to the Ukrainian relief effort themselves. “Well that’s sort of the mission statement of the restaurant, is to help the…

UMD Students Root for Bulldog Women in Frozen Four with Gear from UMD Stores

Management says orders have been steady for t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating the team making it to the Frozen Four.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though the UMD Women’s Hockey Team lost to Ohio State after a hard-fought game, leading up to the championship excitement was bubbling on the UMD campus and merch was flying off the shelves at the school’s Store. Management says orders have been steady for t-shirts and sweatshirts celebrating the team making it to the Frozen Four. And…

Preservation Alliance Rallies to Save Former Hotel Astoria Building from Demolition After Businesses Forced Out

The Duluth Preservation Alliance said this is part of an attack on the Historic Arts and Theater, or HART District.

DULUTH, Minn.- Historic preservationists in Duluth met to call on the City not to demolish the former Hotel Astoria building months after the small businesses inside were forced out by a California-based developer. Hall Equities, a real estate investment, and development company announced plans to demolish the Hotel Astoria building on Superior Street across the street from the Duluth Candy…

Pre-Pandemic Features Back at Valentini’s in the Holiday Center

DULUTH, MN – After having to restructure their business to accommodate for Covid restrictions, Valentini’s in the Holiday Center moved their food service area across the hallway and have brought back some of their signature features.  With the new set up and lifted restrictions, Valentini’s was able to bring back self-serve, so customers can dish up as much soup and…

Dubh Linn Celebrates St. Paddy’s

It’s St. Patrick’s day Thursday, and one of the biggest days of the year for the Dubh Linn Irish Pub. The Pub on West Superior Street had a busier holiday than the previous couple of years, with Covid putting a damper on social activity. Popular drinks being served were black and tans, ugly betty’s, Jameson and other Irish whiskeys. When…

Canada To Drop COVID Tests For Vaccinated Visitors: Official

TORONTO (AP) — Canada will no longer require a pre-arrival COVID-19 test for vaccinated travelers as of April 1.A senior government official confirmed the change Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly ahead of the announcement this week.Last month, Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced that travelers coming to Canada would be able to present a…

World of Fish Experiencing Supply Chain Issues

HERMANTOWN, MN – With more people staying home over the last couple of years, the fish hobby has become more popular and the folks at World of Fish in Hermantown saw an uptick in business during that time. The struggle for them during Covid has been on the supply side with international trade shutting down along with the increase in…

Gourmet Cookie Shop to Open in Duluth

DULUTH, MN – A new gourmet cookie shop is coming to Duluth and will be holding its grand opening next Friday, March 25.  Each week, Crumbl Cookies features six unique cookie flavors to choose from with one always being their milk chocolate, chocolate chip cookie. The other cookies are selected from 170 other flavor profiles and they announce on Sunday’s…

Spirit Mountain Nearing End of Winter Season, Waiting to Transition to Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – Time is running out to enjoy the slopes of Spirit Mountain this winter season as they will soon begin their transition to summer activities. Interim Executive Director Ann Glumac says they will reduce their hours next week during the weekdays from 10 to 6.  After their last formal day March 27, they will remain open as long as…

Catalyst Story Institute Hires Anna Tanski For Leadership Role

DULUTH, Minn. — The Catalyst Story Institute has hired the former president and CEO of Visit Duluth, Anna Tanski, as the new Head of Festivals And Events for its organizations. It also hired four other women for leadership roles in New York and Los Angeles. The Institute’s headquarters are in Duluth, and is known for holding its Catalyst Content Festival…

Car Detailers Ready For Big Business As Sloppy Spring Approaches

DULUTH, Minn. – As spring approaches and the snow begins to melt, car washes and detailing businesses are seeing more customers. Zach Tharge, owner of Detail & Dash in Superior, says this time of year is definitely one of the busiest. “In the winter we stay busy enough, but in the summer I’d say we’re doing 8-10 vehicles per day….

Mayor Larson, Sen. Klobuchar Celebrate $1.25 Million In Funding For Duluth Projects

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke from Washington, D.C. Tuesday to celebrate a win for Duluth with more than $1 million on the way for infrastructure improvements to the Lift Bridge and to modernize Duluth’s 911 system. “We are so grateful to Senators Klobuchar and Smith for their advocating for us for the city…

Duluth’s ‘Wild Birds Unlimited’ To Close Storefront, Try Online-Only Business

DULUTH, Minn. – Wild Birds Unlimited, the only bird feeding franchise store in northern Minnesota, is closing its storefront in Duluth next month. But the owners are going to try to keep doing business online. Misty Bristol has owned Wild Birds Unlimited since 2013 in the Burning Tree Plaza. She bought the business from longtime owner Bob Heller, who opened…

Perkins Location Next to Miller Hill Mall Closed

DULUTH, Minn. – After 37 years, Perkins next to Miller Hill Mall has closed its doors. “It’s a sad day,” says owner Dillon Flaherty.  “I didn’t plan my 37 year career ending this way, but it has.  It just wasn’t sustainable anymore.” Flaherty says a number of factors, from COVID to inflation to staffing, led to this decision.  “It’s not one…

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ‘Spar’ Headed For New Homeport In Duluth

With the deep freeze moving past us, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter known as the Spar is on its way to its new home right here in Duluth. The Spar was commissioned in 2001 and originally based in Kodiak, Alaska. The 225-foot buoy tender left in 2020 for the Coast Guard Yard to undergo maintenance in Baltimore, Maryland. The Coast…

Duluth Cider To Host ‘Stand With Ukraine’ Benefit Concert Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Cider is getting ready to host a “Stand with Ukraine” benefit concert this Saturday for Ukrainian refugees. Charlie Parr and the Black-Eyed Snakes will be taking the stage starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door with an option to donate more. And Duluth Cider will donate $1 for every pint sold. The proceeds…

Duluth Crews To Remove Snow In Downtown Business District Wed., Thurs.

DULUTH, Minn. – With spring-like air on the way, the city of Duluth will be removing piles of snow throughout the Downtown Business District this week. Starting Wednesday, crews will begin removing snow on Michigan Street from 6th Avenue West to 3rd Avenue East. Then on Thursday, crews will remove snow from 6th Avenue West down to Michigan on the…

Senators Klobuchar, Smith Secure Funding For Lift Bridge, Duluth 911

DULUTH, Minn. – More than $1 million in federal funding is headed to Duluth to revitalize the Aerial Lift Bridge and modernize the city’s 911 system. U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, both Democrats representing Minnesota, made the announcement Monday. They say $500,000 will go to infrastructure improvements on the Lift Bridge and $750,000 will help modernize the Duluth…

Duluth Improving Seawall, Preparing Harbor Drive Behind DECC for Cruise Ships this May

The global supply chain crisis drove up the cost of the seawall reconstruction, the head of the DECC said.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just in time for Duluth to welcome 7 Viking Cruise Ships beginning this May, the city has secured $5 million in federal CARES Act funding for the $8 million reconstruction of the aging seawall behind the DECC. “It’ll be ADA accessible, it’ll have, the whole plaza will be more pedestrian-friendly,” said Chris Fleege, Planning and Economic Development Director…