Business

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…

Gronk’s in Superior Busy for Fish Fry Fridays

Over at Gronks off Highway 53 in Superior, their fish fry includes deep-fried Alaskan cod and catfish along with sides of potatoes or coleslaw.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the second Friday of lent and many people are biting at local restaurants’ fish fry. Over at Gronks off Highway 53 in Superior, their fish fry includes deep-fried Alaskan cod and catfish along with sides of potatoes or coleslaw. Staff say the seasonal offering keeps them busy all day. “Especially being in Northern Wisconsin the Friday night…

Positively Third Street Bakery Cooking Up Pies for ‘Pi Day’

The pies cost 12 dollars and will only be available Monday so they suggest preordering one ahead of time.

DULUTH, Minn.- This coming Monday is 3-14 the shorthand for the number pi! So to celebrate Pi Day Positively 3rd Street Bakery in Duluth is offering up some delicious mini strawberry rhubarb pies. These will make the perfect treat for the math or pie enthusiast in your life. “I think it’s a fun opportunity for families and for math students,…

Caddy Shack Gears up for St. Patty’s Day Next Week

The pub's chief operating officer says they will be offering pitcher specials and St Patty's themed merchandise next Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.-Time to start thinking green with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner. The Caddy Shack welcomes you to the Lincoln Park neighborhood for a holiday celebration. The pub’s chief operating officer says they will be offering pitcher specials and St Patty’s themed merchandise next Thursday. Some new beers will also be introduced such as Finnegan’s or the Irish…

UW President Visits Site of Future One-Stop Business Site

SUPERIOR, Wis. — On his tour of the 13 UW schools system President Tommy Thompson stopped at UWS to visit the site of a future business center. The former post office on Tower Ave is becoming a one stop business center. Thompson expressed that economic development is a main priority for the state of Wisconsin, especially when sending new graduates…

Pain at the Pump Impacting Moving Trucks

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A moving company in Superior is feeling the pain at the pump and other places as gas prices continue to rise nationwide. A1 movers in Superior travels almost a million miles a year moving people both locally and nationwide. Owners say they’ve spent about a hundred thousand dollars more due to high gas prices. They began charging…

Observing Women’s History Month Through Books

DULUTH, Minn. – March is Women’s History Month, and one area bookstore is helping to spread the word about those who have been major female figures in the past. Zenith Bookstore has set up a display of several dozen books that are by women, for women about women, ranging from history and autobiographies to children’s books and gifts. Manager Sarah Brown…

Councilor Hobbs: Reduce Speed Limits In Neighborhoods, Change Parking Requirements For Developers

DULUTH, Minn. – Newly appointed Duluth City Councilor Noah Hobbs is giving us an idea of what issues he’d like to tackle over the next two years of Derek Medved’s term.  Medved recently resigned to focus on his growing business. Hobbs said he’d like to lower the speed limit on residential streets from 30 miles an hour to 20 to…

Former Esmund Building Leveled To Dirt, Ready For Housing, Retail Development

DULUTH, Minn. – The Esmond Building in Lincoln Park began getting demolished just under a month ago, and now there’s no sight of the structure – just dirt. The flattened lot now makes room for a new multi-story housing unit to be constructed. DLH Clothing, which is located across from the now-vacant lot, moved from downtown Duluth to Lincoln Park…

‘Superior Roux’ Joins ‘Venue in the Park’

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Venue in the Park, a new venture in Superior, is opening its doors for small businesses in the area. The building previously known as the Billings Park Café was purchased by the Sutherland family in an effort to resurrect it as a commercial kitchen rental and event space. Superior Roux, a new pop-up, will be the first restaurant…

Republican Candidate Wants ‘New Voice’ For MN House Dist. 3B

A Republican is stepping up with the hope to take longtime Minnesota Rep. Mary Murphy’s DFL seat. Natalie Zeleznikar, a 30-year resident of Northeast Minnesota announced Wednesday she is entering the race for Minnesota House Dist. 3B. Zeleznikar is a mother of two adult sons, an accomplished author, and has spent decades as an executive for assisted living facilities. “I…

Winter Weather Doesn’t Slow Work at Marina

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The ice on area lakes, rivers, and streams have kept boats off the water the past several months.  That doesn’t means companies that help keep boats in top shape have been enjoying an off season. Barker’s Island Marina says this winter has been their busiest on record, having their largest staff ever to help repair and touch up…

‘Tacos Tacos Tacos’ Lands New Location In Downtown Duluth For Better Mexican Vibe

Owner Robert Giuliani recently spent three months in Mexico to visit family and explore all types of Mexican dishes to improve the menu in the new Duluth location.

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner behind Duluth’s Tacos Tacos Tacos is preparing to reopen in a new location in downtown Duluth’s Historic Arts and Theatre District as the business model begins to expand into the Twin Cities. Tacos Tacos Tacos will open in the former T-Icy Roll location later this year Robert Giuliani has secured the new location in the…

KornerStore Owner, Former Duluth City Councilor Purchases 7 Northland Minit Marts

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved, who owns the KornerStore gas stations in the Northland, says gas prices have been changing by the hour.  And it comes as he recently purchased multiple Minit Marts in the area. KornerStore in Gary Medved is a bit frustrated with rising gas prices, but in a different way than consumers. He…

Bent Paddle Celebrates International Women’s Day

DULUTH, Minn.-Tuesday was international women’s day, which recognizes the many achievements of women around the world, and some local businesses got in on the celebration. Breweries are one industry that can typically be male-dominated, but the ownership at Bent Paddle in Lincoln Park is split between a woman and a man. They recognized this day with trivia related to women’s…

Burrito Union ‘Stands With Ukraine,’ Offers UNICEF Promotion

DULUTH, Minn. – Burrito Union says it “stands with Ukraine” after the owner said the restaurant’s Russian-themed cantina raised a few eyebrows recently. Rod Raymond said Burrito Union’s strong soviet-style art deco appearance and branding has always been in good fun and in no way supports Russia’s war on Ukraine. Raymond, who has friends in Ukraine and Russia, and has…

Essentia Health To Open New Outpatient Surgery Center At Miller Hill Mall This Summer

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is getting ready to open its new outpatient surgery center at the Miller Hill Mall this summer. The Miller Hill Surgery Center will take over the empty building that sears left behind. The 41,000 square-foot building will have 12 operating rooms. The goal is to offer a place where patients can go home in less…

Coffee Conversation: ShamROCK the House with 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities

DULUTH, Minn.- March is here, and so are some favorite green seasonal treats. 225 McDonald’s Restaurants in the upper Midwest are back with the 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser, “ShamROCK THE HOUSE!” From March 7-17 McDonald’s owner/operators in MN, western WI, and Ironwood will donate 25 cents of every Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry sold to Ronald McDonald House…

Bucktales Cantina & Grill Moving To Former Shorty’s Building In Downtown Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A popular downtown Superior restaurant known as Shorty’s closed suddenly last June, but the space is about to get new life and new flavor. Dee Morales, owner of Bucktales Cantina & Grill in Pattison Park, finalized the purchase of the Shorty’s building on Tower Avenue a couple weeks ago. Morales said while it’s a big task to…

Some City of Duluth Plow Drivers Refuse to Work Overtime For Saturday Storm as Union Members Prepare to Vote on Contract Agreement

On Saturday city officials said snowplows would be out for this storm through the city, but the fleet would be operating fewer than normal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some plow drivers refused to come in to work overtime for this weekend’s winter storm as the City of Duluth says their contract requires them to do. While the reasoning is unclear at this time, this comes as a tentative contract agreement was reached in the 11th hour between union workers and the city administration. On Saturday city…

Northlanders, Hundreds Globally Bid For Railroad Items at Nordic Auction

Along with Northlanders there live, about 550 people worldwide joined in online.

DULUTH, Minn.- Railroad enthusiasts got a chance to get their hands on some unique pieces of locomotive history. 300 items including signs and bells were up for bid at Nordic Auction. Along with Northlanders there live, about 550 people worldwide joined in online from so many countries that they even had to bring in a translator for some exchanges. “Growing…

UMD Planetarium Sells Out First Weekend Back

DULUTH, Minn. — The UMD Planetarium re-opened on Friday after 2 years of being closed, and it was obvious children and families were eager to be back inside, exploring the galaxies. The director tells us Friday night exceeded her expectations. She was nervous people wouldn’t buy tickets after being closed due to covid concerns, but they sold out for the…

Nordic Auction’s New Format Proving Popular With Railroad Collectors

DULUTH, Minn. — This weekend local locomotive lovers will be showcasing historic items from the Midwest and beyond at a railroad auction in Duluth. After the seven auctions last June that came from the Carr’s Hobby Shop closing, the owner of Nordic Auction began doing his sales half in person and half online which he says gained him more traction…

Wellness Center Hosts Prayer Service For Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. – A local wellness center gathered to hold a prayer service Thursday night to express their compassion for Ukraine and the world. In Harmony Reiki and Inner Wellness held a non-denominational prayer to give people a voice to their inter peace. The owner, Debbie Merrick, said she thinks the community needed a place to meditate and draw positive…