DULUTH, Minn. – Big Daddy’s Burgers on Piedmont Avenue is celebrated its 20th anniversary Friday. During the first portion of the pandemic, the restaurant didn’t do takeout and was shut down completely. But now that they are back open, owners say the support for their restaurant during these difficult times has been amazing. “It’s amazing that we’ve made it this…
DULUTH, Minn.- As people are slowly starting to travel again, doggy daycare facilities like Canal Bark are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel after a quiet year. Before the pandemic, about 50 to 70 dogs would board at Canal Bark per night. But last year, there were no more than 5 at a time throughout…
DULUTH, Minn.- A slice of authentic Mexican cuisine opened up downtown in the old Coney Island space on East Superior Street. The joint is called Tacos Tacos Tacos. They serve a variety of authentic Mexican taqueria favorites most notably Al Pastor style: pork rotating on a spit cooked over a low flame. The owner says opening up during the pandemic…
DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime photo printing and photography store in Duluth is closing its doors after more than 28 years in business. The owner of First Photo on Central Entrance Road says it wasn’t necessarily just the pandemic. He says demand for high quality photo orders and prints has dropped over the years as more people took to sharing photos…
CLOQUET, Minn. – A longtime hardware store in Cloquet will soon be shutting its doors for good. But new hope is on the horizon for the space. “It’s just wonderful to be part of the community,” said Linda Erickson, former owner of Erickson Hardware in Cloquet. Erickson has a love for helping residents in her community fix just about anything…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal regulator has suspended the PolyMet Mining Corp.’s permit to dredge more than 900 acres of wetland for Minnesota’s first copper mine. The ruling is a victory for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa which attempted to protect Indigenous water quality standards as a “downstream state” under the Clean Water Act. The…
ELY, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, there’s no doubt about it, many of us are counting down the days until summer finally sets in, allowing for more time outdoors, and the perfect setting to safely visit with friends and family. “All the campsites are at least 1/8 mile apart, so I guess social distancing is just perfect. You can’t…
TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A family-owned Two Harbors business is opening a new location in the city’s former Shopko building, which has been sitting empty since the summer of 2019. The husband-and-wife owners of Seagren’s True Value in downtown Two Harbors will transform the old Shopko into Seagren’s Home, Hardware, and Outdoors. They say they’re going to offer virtually all…
DULUTH, Minn.- The streets of Downtown Duluth will be busy with entertainment this summer. The Greater Downtown Council is planning on putting on Eat Downtown week next month while Sidewalk Days and Movies in the Park will return in June and July. President Kristi Stokes says after months planning before the governor eased restrictions it’s nice to know those events…
DULUTH, Minn.- Entertainment is on its way back to Bayfront Festival Park this summer, a true sign the pandemic is being pushed farther behind us to allow the City of Duluth to showcase its water front view, full of concerts and even Fourth Fest. “It will be busy, we’ll see cars and we’ll see bodies down in Bayfront Park this…
DULUTH, Minn.- With spring in the air Bike Shops are getting busier. The owner of Stewart’s Bikes, Sports and Trophies in Duluth’s Lincoln Park says business was pretty steady last year with more people wanting to get outside during the pandemic. As for right now, he’s seeing an uptick in bike tune-ups, and customers looking for electric bikes. “They’re ready…
DULUTH, Minn.- Foster’s Bar And Grill along with other Irish pubs and bars in Duluth are preparing for a St. Patrick’s Day party that’s closer to normal, after Governor Walz’s loosened restrictions kicked in today. Foster’s Bar and Grill on Arrowhead Road is prepping hundreds of pounds of corned beef, cabbage, Irish potato soup, and more traditional eats. Owners say…
AURORA, Minn.- 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber stopped by the Aurora Community Center Monday for a town hall style meeting with Iron Rangers, joining them in wanting to bring critical minerals mining to the Iron Range. “It’d be nice to see a new generation of people coming to the Iron Range to take on the next generation of mining,” said…
DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota’s loosened restrictions take effect on Monday — just in time For St. Patrick’s Day in Duluth. Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub in Downtown Duluth is hosting an in-person family friendly event starting at 11:00 Wednesday morning with live music, corned beef and cabbage made from scratch, and more. Owner Mike Maxim says after a year stuck inside…
DULUTH, Minn.- As stimulus checks start landing in the accounts of Americans this weekend, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar stopped by Duluth today to talk with the mayor and restaurant owners about the federal aid they’ll now receive from the American Rescue Plan. It’s a part of President Biden’s new COVID relief bill called the Restaurants Act. “This is focused on…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – CVS Health and Goodrich Pharmacy have been added to the expanding network of pharmacies vaccinating Minnesotans across the state. Three CVS in-store pharmacies at Target stores in Duluth, Rochester and Eden Prairie will receive 3,510 vaccine doses this week. The announcement Saturday by Gov. Tim Walz means Minnesota now has five pharmacies with dozens of…
DULUTH, Minn. – With changes coming to salons where they won’t have to deal with capacity limits, some local owners say it will be a big help to their business. At Rue 48 in Canal Park, owners say they’ve been taking extra precautions to help keep people safe and comfortable no matter how many people can be in the business…
VIRGINIA, Minn. – Several local businesses on the Iron Range gathered at the Sawmill Saloon and Restaurant in Virginia to voice their concerns about how the pandemic has impacted their revenue. “Turning of the dials came as a surprise which is hard to plan for. Businesses have a plan. They have their own plan and Minnesota should have a plan…
DULUTH, Minn. – This week President Biden signed the new American Rescue Plan into law. The 1.9 trillion dollar stimulus plan includes money for unemployment benefits through Sept. 6, 2021. Locally, St. Louis County reports 3,500 residents continue to file for weekly unemployment benefits, which are down significantly from the peak of 15,000 workers when the pandemic first began. Those…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is no longer carrying the burden of more than $2 million in debt caused by the Kestrel Aircraft Company project deal. The Superior City Council recently approved to pay off the debt a year early. In 2012, the company had plans to build a manufacturing plant for its aircrafts, which would have brought…
DULUTH, Minn.- After nine months of work, the Spirit Mountain Task Force has released its findings involving the ski resort’s financial stability. The task force appointed by Mayor Larson found that for every one dollar in tourism tax Spirit Mountain produced an $18 economic impact return to the city. The 250-page report included eight business improvement strategies. The task force…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local frame up shop in Grand Rapids has been thriving during the pandemic with owner Eric Mann taking it over nearly three years ago. “The majority of our work is custom framing. So people bring in their own artwork and pick out mats, pick out frames and make it look good,” Frame Up Owner, Eric Mann…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Family YMCA is giving a special thank you to AmeriCorps members that have dedicated their time helping make a difference in the Duluth community. This week is National AmeriCorps week. Local chapter members and their families will get a chance to enjoy free entry to the YMCA all week. Currently, there are about 100…
DULUTH, Minn.- Small breweries across Duluth say the unseasonably warm temperatures — pushing 50 degrees in some places Sunday — has brought their businesses closer to normal than they’ve ever felt in the past year. “It has been nice to do things back to, quote-unquote, ‘normal,’” said Niki McArthur, Bartender and Pizza Oven Tender at Ursa Minor Brewing. It looked…
COHASSET, Minn. – The city of Cohasset will soon be building a brand new manufacturing facility with the hope of attracting new businesses. Last week Cohasset city officials announced they’ve received over $4 million in funding courtesy of a multi-million dollar grant from the economic development administration and other funds from the city of Cohasset economic development. “We’ve known we…
DULUTH, Minn. – Northland leaders gathered Thursday morning for a virtual event to discuss this years legislative session. The event hosted by the Duluth Chamber of Commerce was geared towards showing support for Northland projects in the 2021 legislative session. One of the focuses being on providing broadband internet access to all Minnesotans with many schools having more virtual options…
DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially changing its business model — saying goodbye to the college nightclub weekend vibe that the pandemic sidelined and saying hello to a unique, rentable space for all types of special events. Brian Daugherty, president of Grandma’s Restaurant Company Pictures were posted on The Sports Garden’s social media Wednesday with…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization is working to promote more energy efficiency during all seasons. Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they’re not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic. The thermostats should be set at 68 in the winter and 72 in the summer, and…
CLOQUET, Minn.- After months of pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions where some or all of their establishments sat unused, some bar and restaurant owners in Cloquet are asking the City Administration for a break in liquor license fees. “Quite honestly at this point we’re just asking them to help us with something. Whether it be prorated by day, prorated by month,…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport has just received $1.6 million as part of grant money from Congress given to airports across Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District. It’s part of $4 million in federal dollars Congress awarded to help maintain a clean and safe environment for airport employees and travelers. Leadership at DLH say the money will go toward maintenance safety…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – As warmer days start popping up in the forecast, many Northlanders are thinking spring and preparing for summer adventures. One family who recently moved to the area is now settling in as they prepare for their first year in business at The Backyard on Amnicon Lake. “This last year has been a different year for us, and…
DULUTH, Minn.- While many restaurants have re-opened for limited indoor service after Minnesota’s last shutdown, one restaurant has remained closed since the pandemic began last march. Management at Lyric Kitchen Bar in Downtown Duluth’s Holiday Center says when businesses were first closed in response to coronavirus spreading they thought it would just be for a few weeks. But the cases…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- The search is on to find two individuals, who were caught on camera stealing believed to be stealing the catalytic converter from a box truck owned by the Salvation Army in Superior on Friday night. Video given to Fox 21 by the Salvation Army shows two people walking up to the truck and looking to see if anyone…
HAYWARD, Wis. – During an average year, the American Birkebeiner welcomes over 10,000 participants from around the world to the town of Hayward and surrounding communities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a damper on the normalcy of this year’s event. Not only are the participants feeling the impact, but local businesses are also adjusting to the new reality. “We…
DULUTH, Minn. – Although the cafe struggled shortly after opening, now they are becoming a Northland staple. “People are knowing our name and coming in,” Blue Rock Coffee & Wine Cafe Barista, Molly Henderson says. With the cafe split in two- half of the building for coffee and the other a wine bar, customers have different choices of scenery. “It’s…
DULUTH, Minn – RJ Sport and Cycle in Hermantown is helping boat enthusiasts fantasize about warmer weather and spending time out on the water. The shop hosted its first annual boat show. Their supply of boats are typically showcased during the yearly boat show at the DECC, but the pandemic forced RJ Sport and Cycle to host their own. A…
DULUTH, Minn. – Sound Central along with T& E Concert Services and Audio Visual Resources of Duluth are having a moving sale featuring everything from computers to cables and a variety of audio and video equipment. While the move isn’t COVID related, the businesses have experienced a big change because previous to the pandemic, 80% of what they did was…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth entrepreneur and community leader Joel Labovitz passed away over the weekend at the age of 93 and now he is being remembered. “He was really larger than life and extremely optimistic,” said Anne Labovitz. Anne and Mark Labovitz go down memory lane expressing the type of person their father Joel Labovitz was just days after his…
CARLTON, Minn. – It was a roller coaster 2020 for restaurants like The Street Car in Carlton. “That’s when it really hit hard for us. That brought a whole different style of business. We had to essentially recreate how we do business,” Street Car Kitchen & Pub General Manager, Mike Walsh says. Going to only curbside the pandemic forced them…
DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth has announced it is permanently closing Lester Park Golf Course after the 2023 golf season. Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman said the failure to sell Lester Golf real estate, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the collapse of the economy has made it “painfully clear” Duluth can’t operate two golf courses anymore. “When we continued…
DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders looking to start jobs in the IT field can now take a free class in Duluth to refine their skills and get them started. Duluth Workforce Development is once again partnering with SOAR Career Solutions to hold its third set of online IT Support Specialist Classes. Anyone 18 and older, living in St. Louis County with a…
TWO HARBORS, Minn.- One popular restaurant along the North Shore, Betty’s Pies has adapted to the pandemic well. But owners say they’re ready for the spring and summer months to bring more traffic again. Betty’s was bumping Monday, staying open an extra day for the President’s Day Weekend. The owner says even with limited dine-in seating takeout orders have remained…
DULUTH, Minn.- The recent arctic weather has been harder on homes in the area, especially Duluth’s older, more heat-inefficient houses and apartments. And some property managers say they’re finding their hands full with maintenance. At ShipRock Management, maintenance staff says their 10 full-time crew members have been working around the clock to combat frozen water lines and drains. “This past…
DULUTH, Minn.- It seemed Valentine’s Day was the first, closest-to-normal holiday in almost a year, especially for restaurants in the Northland. For some, it was the first time opening up to dine-in customers during the pandemic. “Love is in the air and we’re happy to be a part of it,” said Patrick Moore, co-owner of Va Bene Caffe. The Italian…
DULUTH, Minn. – The clock is ticking before time runs out to pre-order your significant other something special. If you’re unaware, Valentine’s Day is coming up this Sunday! Two local businesses in the Northland are doing all they can to make sure your experience is beyond excellent and easy. “You have that instant good feeling when you walk into the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Walmart and Sams Club Pharmacies will be yet another location for people to get Covid-19 vaccinations. The two stores will begin administering the vaccinations in Minnesota starting on Friday as part of the U.S Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Any eligible customers are urged to schedule an appointment via the companies websites once they are available. For more…
MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Dee Jirovec and her husband have owned Gampers in Moose Lake for eight years and are grateful to be back open following a second shut down. “It’s wonderful to be open again and have the customers come in to be able and talk and have a good time with them,” Gampers Owner, Dee Jirovec says. And…
DULUTH, Minn. – Over at Impact Sports Training CrossFit gym in Duluth, management says they made a few changes during the pandemic that are now permanent. To keep up with the restrictions on gyms, they dropped the size of classes from 40 people to 22, but then realized that actually makes it easier to coach and give clients more attention….
DULUTH, Minn.- Convention Centers and Theaters across Minnesota received their own share of $13 million in grants from the state Monday, and two convention centers in the Northland say it is a much needed relief from the effects of the pandemic. The DECC was a recipient of the highest grant amount allowed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – On this Black History Month, and for the first time in the city of Superior’s history, Mayor Jim Paine has proclaimed this week as “Black Owned Business Week” in the city. The goal is to shine a light on the success of more than a half-dozen black-owned businesses that have opened in Superior over the last…
