Business

Holiday Travel Remaining Steady This Year

DULUTH, Minn. — “What we have found is that we continue to observe and watch and see what types of things need to be adjusted or changed but we’ve stayed pretty consistent around here,” Duluth Airport Authority Director of Communications & Marketing, Natalie Peterson says. Air travel in Duluth is going steady heading into the holiday season with more than…

Shop Small in Downtown Duluth this Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Businesses in Downtown Duluth are gearing up for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27. Kristi Stokes, President of the Greater Downtown Council in Duluth, says this is typically one of the busier shopping days of the year for small businesses throughout the Downtown Waterfront District. Many will have special promotions, demonstrations, and open houses. “Shopping on Small Business…

Juice Pharm Makes Shepherd’s Pies That Are Vegan, Gluten-Free For Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. — The Juice Pharm in Duluth has created gluten-free and vegan Shepherd’s Pies for the holidays. It’s the first time the business has tried it, and it’s been pretty successful in its first run. The general manager said she was expecting about 25 orders, but instead 56 came in. Personal-sized pies are $10, while family-sized ones are $35….

AICHO Moves Up Food Distribution Day For Thanksgiving Preps

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a special Thanksgiving food distribution day at the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) in Duluth. Every two weeks on a Wednesday, AICHO gives out 200 bags of food to whoever needs it in the community. They moved this week’s distribution ahead a day to help with Thanksgiving preps for families. “It is certainly important…

No Concern: Duluth Whole Foods Co-op Has Plenty of Turkeys, Options Available

With National Supply Chain Issues Impacting the Thanksgiving Table, Whole Foods Co-op Explains Why They're Prepared

DULUTH, Minn. – The two Whole Foods Co-op locations in Duluth are preparing to help you secure the final menu items on your list ahead of Thanksgiving. After hearing nationally of turkey shortages, and a spike in the price for your Thanksgiving bird, we’re learning local might be your best option this holiday season. The Co-op offers frozen and fresh…

Pedro’s Grill & Cantina Settling in to New Location

Pedro's Grill & Cantina is Now Located at 7 8th Street in Cloquet, Minnesota

CLOQUET, Minn. – Throughout the past 20 months amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve witnessed multiple businesses that were forced to shut their doors or change the way they operate just to make ends meet. This week’s Knowing Your Neighbors shines the spotlight on one success story from the community of Cloquet. “We love the atmosphere! It’s really nice in here,”…

Depot Foundation Announces Depot United Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Depot will be getting an added boost in its fundraising efforts to support programs within the building. The Depot United Campaign will raise money to be equally distributed among all the organizations and non-profits housed in the depot. The campaign falls under the depot foundation which has been around since 1979. They are…

Expect To Pay More For Christmas Trees, Experts Say

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (AP) – Add Christmas trees to the list of items facing shortages and higher prices this year. Several factors are driving the trend, Newsday reported. These include over-the-top sales last year during the first Christmas during the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues this year. Experts said tree buyers should expect to pay between 10% and 30% more…

Round Table Held to Talk Supply Chains and Labor Shortage

TWIN PORTS, Minn. — Friday morning Minnesota and Wisconsin congressmen Pete Stauber and Tom Tiffany sat down with local business owners to address the supply chain crisis and labor shortage, and they’re hoping to bring some of these ideas to Washington. Multiple supply chain issues continue plaguing the nation, including in the Twin Ports, where its making business difficult. Now…

Mont Du Lac Snowmaking Underway to Open Hills Thanksgiving Weekend

Since Sunday night crews say nighttime conditions have been best to make snow and keep monitoring weather on their 9 ski runs.

DULUTH, Minn.- While we may have seen less snow falling from the sky than usual this November, the hills of Mont Du Lac are in the process of getting powdered up to open in the coming weeks. Since Sunday night crews say nighttime conditions have been best to make snow and keep monitoring weather on their 9 ski runs. They…

Zeitgeist Restaurant Reopens

DULUTH, Minn. — After nearly 18 months the Zeitgeist Restaurant finally reopened its doors to the public after hosting several pop-up restaurants throughout the pandemic. Among the changes, customers can expect no longer having the option to tip your server. After hiring a new general manager and executive chef with 17 years of experience the restaurant is back open with…

Shoe Store Moves Locations, Still Experiencing Some Pandemic Related Inventory Shortages

DULUTH, Minn. — Long-time Duluth shoe store Austin Jarrow has moved into a larger location. The owner says inventory shortages are following, due to the nationwide supply chain backlog. After spending 17 years at their previous location in the Stone Ridge Shopping Center along center entrance. Owner Jarrow Wahman says they needed more space to put all of their products….

Dustin Heckman Starts as Glensheen’s New Executive Director

Heckman previously served as Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior.

DULUTH, Minn.- Someone new is at the helm of Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, and he’s a familiar face when it comes to educating people about the Northland’s history. Dustin Heckman has just started as Executive Director of Glensheen. Heckman served as Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior since 2019. Before that, he was the…

‘Heaven On Earth Wellness Spa’ On Central Entrance

DULUTH, Minn. — A new modernized day spa has opened in Duluth that prides itself on using non toxic products for all. ‘Heaven on Earth Wellness Spa’ is located on the 300 block of East Central Entrance. It offers everything from Colon hydrotherapy to infrared saunas and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. They use natural and organic ingredients in products. And…

‘Pure Hockey’ Chain Acquires Duluth Hockey Company

The location on Maple Grove Road up by the Miller Hill Mall was bought this year, making it Pure Hockey's 8th store in Minnesota.  

DULUTH, Minn.- Longtime local store Duluth Hockey Company is now under new, corporate ownership — and they say it’s allowed them to score big in the inventory they offer to the Northland’s hockey community. Pure Hockey is the new owner of Duluth Hockey Company. The location on Maple Grove Road up by the Miller Hill Mall was bought this year,…

Superior Chamber & Visitor Bureau Receives Large Grant

The bureau hopes to receive the funds by the end of the month.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently awarded $15 million in grants to local tourism organizations. The Superior-Douglas County Visitor Bureau will be receiving more than $135,000. The bureau is one of several dozen organizations recognized in the grant which puts tourism as a priority in the state as travel is a priority for many people again. “We are…

Local Christmas Tree Farmers Seeing Customers Deck the Halls Early

While weather issues have impacted some of their crops, two tree farmers in Duluth said they're excited to see the big crowds they saw last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first measurable snow of the season has got people in the mood to spruce up their homes for the holidays, shopping for locally grown Christmas trees early this year. While the weather has affected some of their growth, they’re still ready for crowds as big as they saw last year. “Happens every year,” said Bob Abrahamson…

Minnesota Gov. Walz Departs for Europe Trade Mission

He will also be joined by over 40 executives from Minnesota businesses and organizations at various points of the trip.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is leaving for a six-day trip to Europe to promote the state’s businesses. The Democratic governor said says he will travel to the United Kingdom and Finland to promote trade with a focus on health care, environmental technology, agriculture, and education. Walz will spend the first three days of the tour in London,…

Structure of Essentia’s Vision Northland Project Marked Complete with Topping Out Ceremony

According to hospital and construction officials, the project is ahead of schedule at 53% complete.

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health, city and state officials celebrated a big milestone in the multimillion-dollar Vision Northland project — the end of structural construction. The “topping out” ceremony was held Tuesday. For the construction tradition, the beam is adorned with an American flag and a small tree.“They all symbolize positive things,” said Jeff Dzurik, Executive Vice President of McGough Construction….

New Duluth Boutique Hotel in Old City Hall Brings Hope for Struggling Downtown

The Inn is named after famous Duluth architect, Oliver Traphagen, responsible for many of Duluth’s buildings still used today.

DULUTH, Minn.- As downtown businesses continue to pull themselves up through labor shortages and safety issues, officials say the arrival of a new boutique hotel, the Oliver Inn, is a light on the horizon. The Old City Hall building on East Superior Street is getting a new look and new life as the Oliver Inn. “I think each experience that…

Heating Supply Stores Nearing Busy Season

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Stove and Fireplace business has moved to a new location to expand their product inventory. The business held on strong through the pandemic with home construction and renovations continuing to fuel their demand. As they approach what they call their ‘burn season” they needed an expanded building to showcase a growing product line in gas…

Klobuchar, MN Business Owner Celebrate Border Reopening, But New Requirements for Canadians Dampen Full Economic Rebound Stateside

Canadians visiting must complete a negative covid-19 test, regardless of their vaccination status to return home, and they have to pay for the test themselves here in the states.

DULUTH, Minn.- The U.S. has fully reopened its borders with Canada, after almost 20 months closed due to the pandemic. But some border businesses in Minnesota are still feeling like the door isn’t fully open as some Canadians are still hesitant to travel — knowing they face testing requirements to return home. “Our biggest trading partner, one of our best…

Duluth Council Approves DEDA’s Help in Paying Rising Cost of Historic Old Central Redevelopment

Supply chain issues and the rising cost of materials have brought the project cost up an additional $4.3 million.

DULUTH, Minn,- Supply chain issues and the rising cost of materials have affected the redevelopment of Duluth’s Historic Old Central High School into housing units. According to Councilor Zack Filipovich, the project cost has gone up an additional $4.3 million dollars due to those issues. With the developer covering about $2.7 million of that, Duluth City Council voted unanimously Monday…

Burrito Union Unveils First-Ever Disinfecting Robot Server

Owner Rod Raymond assures it's not there to replace human servers but make their jobs easier.

DULUTH, Minn.- Stopping by Burrito Union for some food can now be like taking a trip to the future, as the restaurant is unveiling its first-ever robot server. Owner Rod Raymond tells us, “Rasputin” is the first robot in the world to both serve food and disinfect with U-V rays that even kill the coronavirus and other viruses at night…

KYN: Port City Nutrition

That's why she decided to bring Herbalife products such as proteins and herbal teas to downtown Two Harbors along with a positive environment.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — “I like being in a place that people can go to get nutrition and to get coaching and get into an active lifestyle and a healthy lifestyle,” Port City Nutrition Owner, Quinn Kasell says. After moving from Grand Rapids to Two Harbors with her family, owner Quinn Kasell knew she had to bring her drive for…

Miller Hill Subaru to Host Pet Adoption Event

DULUTH, Minn.- Miller Hill Subaru in Hermantown is hosting a pet adoption event this weekend collaborating with four animal shelters. Canal bark, Youth Allies, Riley Rue, and Animal Allies will be vendors at the dealership’s 13th annual Love-a-Pet event. Four humane organizations will be on-site Saturday with 75 cats and kittens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and five organizations…

Poplar Golf Course Staying Open Due to Snow-Free Weather

DULUTH, Minn.- Poplar Golf Course in Wisconsin encourages people to take advantage of the snow-free weather and come out for a round of golf this weekend. Golf courses in the Northland are usually closed this time of year due to the snow season. But with temperatures rising the next few days, the family-owned golf course is still open. Poplar is…

Ski Hills Gearing Up for Winter Season

Right now, Lutsen Mountain's top priority is snowmaking which will happen when we get consecutive colder.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northland’s Ski mountains are getting ready for the winter season. Right now, Lutsen Mountain’s top priority is snowmaking which will happen when we get consecutive colder days. With snow-making staff on standby, they have a goal of people coming in and skiing by Thanksgiving and are expecting a big season. “Last year we were in the…

City Of Duluth To Require Employees Get Vaccinated Or Test For Covid Weekly

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth will soon be requiring its employees to get vaccinated or get weekly COVID tests. A city spokesperson said the new requirement will start in December. This comes after President Joe Biden made an executive order in September telling employers with 100 or more people to require workers to get vaccinated or get weekly…

Bent Paddle Helping Raise Money, Awareness of Mental Health Services with New Beer Launch Thursday

$1 for each pint and $5 for every growler or crowler of the new Pay It Forward pale ale purchased will go back to Amberwing.

DULUTH, Minn.- Experts say mental health issues in kids and teens are rising, so one organization and brewery are teaming up to promote a new beer that raises money for mental health resources. Bell Bank’s Pay-It-Forward Launch Party at Bent Paddle Brewing this Thursday is raising funds for Amberwing, a Duluth-based center for youth and family wellbeing. In a survey…

Indigenous Business Owners Network at First-Ever Tribal Contractors Council Summit in Duluth

They also hope the event will help them connect and build relationships not only within the more than 65 industry members present but with other outside businesses or entities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Indigenous business owners throughout Northern Minnesota got together to network and discuss their industry at the first-ever Minnesota Tribal Contractors Council Summit at Pier B Resort in Duluth. Organizers say many tribal contractors and businesses who worked on the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline replacement project are in need of new work. They also hope the event will help…

Minnesota Power Requesting 18% Rate Increase to Offset Clean Energy Investments

An interim rate increase of 14% will start January 1st lasting until the Commission approves 18%.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Power is filing a request with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to increase its annual operating revenue by $108 million. This would mean an 18% increase or about $15 dollars more on customers’ monthly bills. But as the commission takes up to a year to approve their request, the company asked for an interim rate increase of…

Minnesota Power Requests 18% Rate Increase

Minnesota Power Files Request for Rate Change to Support Sustainable Energy Future

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power announced Monday it’s filing a request with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to increase its annual operating revenue by $108 million and adjust rates for its retail electric customers. The company says the approximately 18% increase reflects changes in revenue and expenses related to Minnesota Power’s ongoing EnergyForward clean energy transition, evolving customer demand,…

Halloween Brings Boost to Local Liquor Stores after Record-Breaking 2020

According to the Minnesota State Auditor, sales at the state's more than 200 municipal liquor stores jumped 10% during the first year of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- Halloween weekend didn’t only fill up buckets with candy, it filled up many local liquor stores with customers. Over at Canal Park Liquors, staff say they saw heavy traffic Saturday, which thinned out Sunday. Beverages that were hot this Halloween included single shooters of Fireball and Tito’s, as well as cider to get into the fall mood. This…

Minnesota Liquor Sales Soared in 2020 for a Record Year

Sales at the state’s 213 “munis” jumped 10% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Sales at municipal liquor stores in Minnesota soared in 2020 for a record-breaking year. Sales at the state’s 213 “munis” jumped 10% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by State Auditor Julie Blaha. In recent years, a typical sales increase has been in the range of 1 to 3%. With many…

Vintage Hideaway Market Brings Out Christmas Decor

With eight vendors now using the new space, they wanted to make sure they get their holiday products out early for crafters.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas? One local shop in Hermantown doesn’t think so. Vintage Hideaway Market has already set out a variety of Christmas items as they anticipate a busy holiday season. With eight vendors now using the new space, they wanted to make sure they get their holiday products out early for…

Costco Hosts Grand Opening In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. —  “I think they will be impressed with their first time at a Costco,” Duluth Costco General Manager John Kuzas said Thursday. The wholesale retail store is now officially open in Duluth. “There was a lot of excitement this morning we had people lining up at about seven o’clock,” Kuzas said. One of those people was Myra Cloud…

Duluth Consignment Shop Stocked With Winter Apparel

DULUTH, Minn. – With the weather turning cooler, a Duluth consignment shop has ditched its summer items for winter apparel. The Great Lakes Gear Exchange on East 4th Street has more than 1,600 consigners with cold-weather items in their store right now. The switchover to winter was made in early October and will continue until the end of March with…

Outfitters Preparing for Winter Camping

The business' manager says there's nothing quite like winter camping at the BWCA.

ELY, Minn. — Camping became more popular as people changed up their hobbies and habits during the pandemic, and that includes even camping in the cold. The Piragis Northwoods Company in Ely is one of the few outfitting companies in the area which continues to draw in campers during the winter time. The shelves are stocked with everything they need…

Zup’s Opens In New Location

Store owners say they have added 30 employees giving them 90 total. 

ELY, Minn. — Folks in one part of the Northland have a brand new option for buying groceries. After closing their old location in mid-October, Zup’s has now officially opened a new store in Ely formerly occupied by Shopko. “They needed to expand, and they did. It’s a wonderful location,” Ely Resident James Stone says. While it’s still on the…