Business

Opening Week At Great Lakes Aquarium Brings Strong Turnout

The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium reopened to the public this week after being shutdown due to state guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. During the shutdown, aquarium staff have been polishing up exhibits and making sure safety protocols were up to date in order to prepare for the reopening. Just in the last few days of…

Animal Allies Needs Help Paying For Heart Surgeries For Two Young Pups

The surgeries are estimated to cost $8,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies in Duluth is asking for some community support. A pair of recently rescued pups both need a pricey operation to help save their lives. Animal Allies is looking for donations to pay for the surgeries. Gus and Precious are two dogs waiting to have a life-saving procedure. Animal Allies is hoping community members can help…

A New Pop-Up Restaurant Set To Open At Zeitgeist

Hotbox Duluth is expected to open for takeout on January 27th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hotbox Duluth has called Zeitgeist a home since January 27th. “Right now we’ll just to to-goes and try to give people a good time,” HotBox Duluth Owner, Rob Abrahamson says. The restaurant has a nostalgic, throwback feel. “We’re going to elevate the food a little bit. Like the term that we came up with at home is…

Antique Stores Experience Growth in Traffic During Pandemic

Antique stores throughout the Northland are experiencing an increase in demand.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Antique stores throughout the Northland are experiencing an increase in demand. At Allouez Antiques in Superior, management says they’ve had their best sales in more than five years. They believe it’s because people want to get rekindled more with their past especially during the pandemic. “Nice to just kind of walk through and reminisce,” said Curtis Zamzow,…

Carlton County Public Health Works To Keep Up With Challenges During Vaccination Process

Public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups.

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – The COVID-19 vaccine has been going into arms around the Northland for a few weeks now. Over in Carlton County, public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups. Vaccine administration continues to be a top priority across the state and in the region, but getting the…

MN Power Pushes To Provide More Clean Energy

Minnesota Power has set a goal to reduce carbon emission by 80% by 2035 and be 100% carbon-free by 2050.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power plans to provide more clean energy in the future for the region. The energy company is looking to go carbon-free. The plans include adding about 400 megawatts of wind and solar energy resources. They will also be transitioning from using coal at one of its energy centers. “We hit a key milestone. We hit 50%…

Northland Entrepreneur Develops Crud Cloth for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Crud Cloth was Developed Two Years Ago by Hermantown Resident Tim White

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – If you ever feel the need to freshen up after a long day outdoors or a muddy trip down the bike trail, Northland entrepreneur Tim White is here to help. White developed the Crud Cloth after having dealt with his own messy outdoor adventures. “As a resident of Duluth and enjoyer of the activities here, I developed…

Eased Restrictions Allow Duluth Bars, Indoor Entertainment to Welcome People Back In

The Caddy Shack in Lincoln Park and Incline Station Downtown said they're excited to reopen for the first time since November.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota bars and restaurants are allowed to open with a limited indoor capacity, businesses with entertainment features said they’re looking forward to have people inside again safely. “Being able to open the bar is equal parts exciting and, I think we’re a bit wary,” said Katherine LaFleur of the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub. The Caddy…

Bent Paddle Reopens Indoor Seating While Unveiling Heated Outdoor ‘Patio Camp’

In addition to the roughly 120 people they can safely have inside the brewery, management said the patio is a big help for those who not be ready to sit indoors yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- While reopening their indoor seating per Gov. Tim Walz’s loosened restrictions Monday, Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood also unveiled their new patio seating. “Patio Camp” as they call it is a pet-friendly, heated patio covered in a tent from Frost River down the street. Heat lamps warm the 20-24 people that can sit socially distanced….

Northland Restaurants Open Back Up For Indoor Dining With Some Restrictions

"We're very glad to have customers dine and get us back to a sense of normalcy," said Alina Oswald, the general manager at Vitta Pizza in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota restaurants now can reopen for indoor dining at 50 percent capacity. The change comes after Governor Tim Walz announced his plans to scale back some COVID-19 restrictions last week. “We’re very glad to have customers dine and get us back to a sense of normalcy,” said Alina Oswald, the general manager at Vitta Pizza in Duluth….

A New Housing Option Planned For Central Hillside Neighborhood Helps Homeless Youth

The project is slated to begin construction in the fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new housing option is being planned for the Central Hillside neighborhood. Brewery Creek Apartments is expected to be developed on site of the former Mobil lube station and the Last Chance Liquor store at the corner of Sixth Avenue East and Fourth Street. The new facility will have 52 apartments. About 10 apartments will be set…

Sporting Good Stores Anticipate Rise in Business With Youth Sports Returning

With youth sports returning the expectations are for stores to get even busier.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sporting good stores have seen a rise in business lately. At Play It Again sports located in the Kenwood Shopping Center, managers have seen up to a 45 minute wait to get your skates sharpened on the busiest days. Although that hasn’t stopped customers from coming in during the pandemic, with youth sports returning the expectations are…

Boomtown Delays Duluth Restaurant Opening

The Duluth restaurant is expected to open in the old Sunset Bar and Grill on Martin Road.

DULUTH, Minn. – Diners will have to wait a little longer before they can enjoy food at the new Boomtown Woodfire Bar & Grill location, which was slated to open this month. The grand opening is now being pushed back until the spring. Boomtown currently has two other locations gearing up to reopen now that Governor Tim Walz is allowing…

A Twin Ports Facebook Group Helps Local Restaurants Survive

"It's helped us immensely. Any avenue an owner can get to reach the public during this time is so important," said Matt Berthiaume, the owner of The Social House in Hermantown.

DULUTH, Minn. – Social media is helping many Twin Ports restaurants stay in the spotlight. The “Duluth and Superior Food To-Go During COVID-19” Facebook group is spreading the word by helping restaurants reach customers during these trying times. Restaurants all over the Twin Ports have been fighting just to stay afloat during the pandemic after shutting down to prevent the…

‘Skyline Social & Games’ Ready To Reopen With Loosened State Guidelines

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One of the bigger entertainment venues in Hermantown is gearing up to reopen when state COVID-19 guidelines are loosened again next week. Skyline Social & Games will be opening its restaurant at 50 percent capacity, and the bowling alley/arcade at 25 percent beginning Monday. Managers say reopening for a second time during the pandemic will be challenging…

Entertainment Venues Will Take Time To Reopen

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is now allowing these businesses to reopen at 25% capacity.

DULUTH, Minn – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has now given the green light, but many of those running Northland entertainment venues and tourist attractions say its going to take some time to reopen. Like many other entertainment settings in the Northland, Zeitgeist Arts CafĂ© and Zinema in Duluth has been strongly impacted by the pandemic. “It’s been really difficult. It’s…

Hauling Company Helps Community Get Rid Of Christmas Trees

The free service ended on Thursday, but Twin Ports Trailer Trash will haul away any trees you still have for just $25.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local hauling company is lending a hand by helping families get rid of their Christmas trees for free. In the last couple of days, Twin Ports Trailer Trash picked about 175 trees from residents in the area. This is the second year the company has offered this free service. It started as a way for the…

Local Elks Lodge Donates To Five Area Schools

The Elks typically host a back-to-school carnival every year, which provides kids in the area backpacks filled with school supplies.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Elks Lodge is giving back by awarding five area schools $1,100 each. The Elks typically host a back-to-school carnival every year, which provides kids in the area backpacks filled with school supplies. Due to the pandemic, the event was canceled. Instead, the organization applied for a $5,500 grant to help schools stock up on necessary…

Bar And Restaurant Owners React To Loosened Restrictions on Indoor Dining

"I cannot wait. I am elated. Literally, I cannot wait for people to come into this beautiful restaurant to enjoy what we enjoy, which is beautiful food," said Solomon Witherspoon, the owner of Spoons Bar and Grill.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Walz announced on Wednesday that he is loosening restrictions on indoor dining. Minnesota bar and restaurant owners are happy about the governor’s decision to allow inside dining for the first time since late November. “I cannot wait. I am elated. Literally, I cannot wait for people to come into this beautiful restaurant to enjoy what…

Boys and Girls Clubs of Northland Gets Big Donation to Start New Year

Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event.

DULUTH, Minn.- A local consulting firm has raised more than $11,000 to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland for this new year. Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event. The crew at RSM said they hope the extra money will help during these tougher…

Duluth Businesses Start Planning for Gov. Walz to Loosen Dining Restrictions Wednesday

Some bar and restaurant owners wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected Wednesday to loosen some restrictions for businesses such as restaurants, some in Duluth wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable. “Now what loosening means is still to be determined but let’s be honest, something is better than what we’re doing now,” said Jason Vincent, restaurant owner and Vice…

The Homegrown Music Festival Will Be Virtual For 2021

"Homegrown is the anchor that keeps all these bands in the Twin Ports coming together," said Matthew Sjelin, a member of the Trash Cats Band.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Coronavirus pandemic is already causing organizers of many entertainment events to make difficult decisions about their upcoming scheduling plans in the new year. It has now been announced the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is going virtual for 2021. The music festival has been a big staple in the community for more than 20 years. “Our planning…

Lake Superior Research Institute Gets Matching Donation For Floating Classroom

The organization has been wanting to get a new boat to re-establish hands-on learning and research on Lake Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Generous donors are helping the Lake Superior Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin Superior, inch closer to making a floating classroom a reality. The organization has been wanting to get a new boat to re-establish hands-on learning and research on Lake Superior. Alumni Bill and Lynne Rogers will be matching donations up to $100,000 to help…

Vikre Distillery Offers Toasty ‘Winter Wunderbar’ Outdoor Seating

The "Winter Wunderbar" consists of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Vikre Distillery in Canal Park is joining the list of local bars and restaurants with warm places to sit outside for some food and drink while indoor dining is restricted statewide. Vikre constructed their outdoor seating area: the “Winter Wunderbar,” consisting of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches. Management hopes customers keep toasty while enjoying hand-crafted…

Local Videogame, Book Stores Busy as More Crave At-Home Entertainment

Games Then and Now and The Bookstore at Fitger's are experiencing boosts in sales recently.

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- With so many still schooling and working from home, entertainment has also had to happen at home — so local businesses offering activities like videogames and books are seeing an influx in customers. “As you can see when you guys came in it was constant people in and out of here,” said Jason Matic. co-owner of Games Then and…

KYN: Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts

Starting next week Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

DULUTH, Minn. – After opening less than one month ago, Weeping Willow Heartfelt gifts has had a steady flow of customers who want something local and unique. “Especially with the holidays and everything that is going on people are really trying to go for the shop local.  And just the response has been really awesome,” Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts Manager,…

Some People Enjoy Sledding At Proctor Golf Course

"It's just what the doctor ordered," said Sandra Benney, a parent with her kids visiting the sledding hill at Proctor Golf Course.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Some folks were making the most of a Minnesota winter while spending time at the sledding hill on the Proctor Golf Course. One family, with sleds in tow, made a trip to the hill to find a little excitement. Sandra Benney says this is a weekly activity for her family as a way to make up for…

Gov. Walz To Provide Update Wednesday About COVID-19 Restrictions

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz will be holding a press call on Wednesday to discuss the next steps in the state’s response to COVID-19, including an update on restrictions for indoor dining. In a media advisory Monday evening, the Governor’s Office said, “As COVID-19 numbers improve following the pause on activities around the holidays, Governor Tim Walz will hold…

Yoga Instructor Gives Tips for a Healthy New Year

After the stresses of the pandemic and other challenges of 2020 taking a toll on the mental health of many, local yoga experts are offering tips on how to shake off all the 2020 baggage and enter 2021 with a better state of mind.

DULUTH, Minn. – After the stresses of the pandemic and other challenges of 2020 taking a toll on the mental health of many, local yoga experts are offering tips on how to shake off all the 2020 baggage and enter 2021 with a better state of mind. The co-owner of Yoga North in Duluth details some ways to turn inward…

Bridgeman’s Introduces New Year’s Mega Malt

Bridgeman's Restaurant up on Miller Hill is ringing in the new year with a special sweet treat for all you ice cream lovers...the New Year's Mega Malt!

DULUTH, Minn. – Bridgeman’s Restaurant up on Miller Hill is ringing in the new year with a special sweet treat for all you ice cream lovers…the New Year’s Mega Malt! Mega Malts are over the top versions of Bridgeman’s regular malts. The new year’s edition comes with cotton candy, fun 2021-themed party glasses, and a homemade cake pop representing the…

Natural Black Hair Stylist, Supply ‘Loc’d Up Kreationz Studio’ in Duluth Expanding

LUKS Beauty Supply will hold the grand opening of their new space in the old Pineapple Arts Supply this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- A small braiding and dreadlock stylist and supply store in Downtown Duluth will be expanding in the first days of 2021, to better fill the need they see to serve black hair types in the Northland. Tammy Moll opened up Loc’d Up Kreationz studio on First Street two years ago after hair braiding and dreadlock styling in the…

Duluth Experiences Quiet New Year’s Eve Without Big Venue Celebrations

Normally filled with about 700 people ringing in New Year's, Greysolon Ballroom and other Downtown businesses were empty this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The streets of Duluth were uncharacteristically quiet this New Year’s Eve as the city’s big bashes were all canceled due to COVID-19, including New Year’s on the Lake at Greysolon Ballroom. This time last year the ballroom was decked out in decorations and minibars and filled with suits and gowns for a night of entertainment. New Year’s on…

Liquor Stores Stay Busy During New Year’s Eve

Liquor stores throughout the Northland are experiencing high demand as people get ready to celebrate the new year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Liquor stores throughout the Northland are experiencing high demand as people get ready to celebrate the new year. At Lake Aire Bottle Shoppe in Duluth, sales have been about 5 to 10% higher over the past few days as people anticipate celebrations. They say customers have been eager to bring in the new year as it means…

Minnesota Restaurants Prepare On New Year’s Eve

It's New Year's Eve, but Minnesota bars and restaurants will be dark and quiet tonight as they must close their outdoor-only service by 11 p.m. under the latest restrictions. The restraints are forcing some businesses to get creative with how they can keep customers coming back.

NORTHLAND – It’s New Year’s Eve, but Minnesota bars and restaurants will be dark and quiet tonight as they must close their outdoor-only service by 11 p.m. under the latest restrictions. The restraints are forcing some businesses to get creative with how they can keep customers coming back. While big celebrations aren’t happening for New Year’s Eve, Minnesota restaurants are…

After 52 Years in Business, Cloquet’s Pete & Sons, Inc. Set to Close

The Final Day of Business for Pete & Sons, Inc. will be Dec. 31, 2020

CLOQUET, Minn. – Do you remember the last time you went to gas up your vehicle and an employee at the station did it for you? For one family in Cloquet, they never bat an eye at going above and beyond when it came to serving those who stopped by their business. After more than 50 years in business, the…

MN Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay Gives Out Covid-19 Vaccine

"I am happy I got it," said Frank Stella, an army veteran and resident of the home. "I feel good."

SILVER BAY, Minn. – More than 100 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given out to help protect employees and residents. Dozens of residents and staff at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay rolled up their sleeves to be some of the first to receive COVID-19 vaccines. “I am happy I got it,” said Frank Stella, an army veteran…

Families Head Up The Shore For NYE

"I am hoping COVID-19 will be over," said Wynnie Howard, a 10-year-old visiting from Texas.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Families headed up the North Shore to welcome in the New Year, which is keeping some hotel busy for the weekend. Several hotels, cottages, and cabins up the shore were already filled up for the New Year’s weekend. Some on the other hand, still have a few vacancies. One girl from Texas visiting her family in…

Canal Bark To Temporarily Close, Cites Business Struggles

Canal Bark in Duluth is closing from January 4th to the 31st as the business struggles to stay afloat.

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Bark in Duluth is closing from January 4th to the 31st as the business struggles to stay afloat. Before COVID, Canal Bark had about 30 staff members, some being full time and a lot being part-time. However, management had to lay off everybody in April. Then the business got federal funding and was able to get…

Superior Bars Prepare For More Customers For New Year’s Eve

"We're going to have extra staff on hand," said Brittney Young, a bartender at Top Hat Tavern in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior bars are gearing up for what could be a busy New Year’s Eve. Bars and restaurants in Minnesota won’t get to enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve crowds as they can only open for takeout. “I do feel really bad. I work at another bar in Minnesota,” said Jessica Horn, a bartender and server at…

Carlton County Public Health Hosts Drive-thru Vaccine Clinic

100 doses of the Moderna vaccine was received for Tuesday's clinic.

CARLTON, Minn. – Carlton County’s Public Health and Human Services Division held its first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The county distributed its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine. The clinic was not open to the public. The vaccinations were only for emergency medical services workers and others helping to do community COVID-19 testing. One first responder says getting the vaccine…

Northland Cousins Give Back to Hospital Staff and Families

Two Northland cousins are partnering together to bring some holiday hope to families throughout the area. Their collaboration is bringing smiles to healthcare workers and families in the newborn intensive care unit. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Two Northland cousins are partnering together to bring some holiday hope to families throughout the area. Their collaboration is bringing smiles to healthcare workers and families in the newborn intensive care unit. It was back in 2012 after a long journey of infertility and pregnancy loss. Janelle Wourms carried triplets who ended up passing away, just a…

Line 3 Pipeline Opponents Sue To Shut Down Minnesota Construction

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Opponents of a pipeline project that crosses three states have asked a federal court to halt construction in Minnesota on allegations that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to address several environmental issues when it approved a water quality permit. Two Minnesota Ojibwe bands and two environmental groups filed a lawsuit Thursday that asks for a preliminary…

KYN: McQuade’s Pub And Grill

"Before the shutdown, we were slamming busy," said Frank McQuade, the owner of McQuades Pub and Grill.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – McQuade’s Pub and Grill is continuing to adjust to new normals while settling into its new digs. This popular restaurant was once nestled in the heart of Two Harbors. In November it relocated taking over the building of the former Carmody 61. “We expanded our kitchen size a lot. That was a big thing for us,…

Benedictine Health Center Gets First Shipment of Vaccine

"It's the big first step towards the final end of this pandemic," said Brian Pattock, the administrator for Benedictine Health Center.

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 vaccinations have started at long-term care facilities in Minnesota, including here in the Northland. Benedictine Health Center in Duluth received and distributed doses of the Moderna vaccine to its residents and staff. BHC, like many other long-term care facilities, has been greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “We’ve had a couple of outbreaks within our community….

St. Louis County Public Health Get Doses Of Moderna Vaccine

As of Monday, 150 people have been vaccinated.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis Public Health has received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine. The public health department held a vaccination clinic on Christmas Eve to distribute some of the 500 doses received. As of Monday, 150 people have been vaccinated. Priority is being given to public health nurses and local emergency medical response workers such…

Snowmobiles in Demand During Winter Season

With the snow finally blanketing the ground in parts of the Northland, more people have been getting outside to enjoy winter activities.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With the snow finally blanketing the ground in parts of the Northland, more people have been getting outside to enjoy winter activities. At R J Sport & Cycle, there have been more people buying snowmobiles, especially this year when there’s less to do. The sales team there says that there are six snowmobiles still in stock with…

Local Restaurant Donates Gift Card Proceeds To Employees

Gift cards can be purchased for any dollar amount.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gift cards can be great last-minute gifts this holiday season, and a local restaurant is taking some of the proceeds from gift card sales to give back to its employees. Maya Family Mexican Restaurant in Hermantown will give 20% of the money raised from gift cards to more than 15 employees. Governor Tim Walz recently extended his…

Republicans Shoot Down Trump’s Demand For $2,000 Stimulus Checks

A partial government shutdown could happen next week.

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republicans have shot down a Democratic bid to pass President Donald Trump’s longshot demand for $2,000 direct payments to most Americans. The made-for-TV clash came as the Democratic-controlled chamber convened its session on Thursday. It was scheduled in anticipation of a smooth Washington landing for of unrelated, but bipartisan bills. If Trump were to follow through…