Business

Northlanders Take On Snowmobiling During COVID Restrictions

With some snow on the horizon, snowmobilers will soon be hitting the Northland trails.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With some snow on the horizon, snowmobilers will soon be hitting the Northland trails. Over at RJ Sport & Cycle, the store currently has about 50% less inventory in stock as more Northlanders want to get outdoors away from quarantining. “Because of the restrictions and stuff in place, people have been using the cabins more, they haven’t…

Handmade in the Northland: Beyond Nuts

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

FINLAND, Minn. – During the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of…

‘Little C Tree’ Christmas Trees Spreading Holiday Cheer, Help to Lincoln Park Restaurant Employees

50% of the businesses's profits will go to help employees at restaurants in the neighborhood who may have lost their jobs during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new business harvesting and selling Christmas trees in Duluth is doing their part to give back to the community during the holidays. Little C Tree has been selling small sustainable Christmas trees at Dovetail Cafe and Marketplace in the Lincoln Park Craft District. Each tree is hand-cut from the tops of spruce trees throughout the state, with…

Proctor Holds ‘Mayor For A Day’ Essay Contest For Students

PROCTOR, Minn. – Ever wondered what it would be like if kids ran local city governments? The City of Proctor is giving fourth through sixth graders a chance to compete in an essay contest to be mayor for a day. The idea is inspired by a similar contest held annually by the League of Minnesota Cities. Proctor students can write…

Holiday Shopping In Stores Can Be Risky As Pandemic Continues

Your risk of catching the virus depends on the situation, but medical professionals want to remind everyone to be aware that COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly throughout the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – There might be the one gift you can’t find online, or maybe going to a store to purchase a gift is more convenient, but health experts are cautioning people to be aware of the COVID-19 risks when you are out among crowds. Any time a person goes shopping in public settings, there is a chance you will…

Bridgeman’s Launches Ice Cream Concoctions for Holiday Season

You can celebrate the holidays with both your favorite movie and favorite ice cream.

DULUTH, Minn. – You can celebrate the holidays with both your favorite movie and favorite ice cream. Whether it’s the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, or even the movie Frozen, Bridgeman’s has come up with a variety of holiday-themed Mega Malts. These ice cream concoctions have things like candy canes, pop tarts, and cotton candy. “It’s really fun,” said Emily Broman,…

Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Kitchen Finds A Permanent Home

Doc Witherspoon's Soul Kitchen is currently open for curbside Thursday through Saturday from 4-6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Kitchen has finally found its permanent home. The restaurant is now taking over Mitch’s Bar and Grill in Lincoln Park. The new space includes both a dining and bar area. Customers can expect to enjoy some of the most popular dishes like fried chicken, cornbread, and much more. The Witherspoon family has been raising…

Wind Cargo Import Creates Record For Duluth-Superior Port

The wind cargo brought into the region this year topped the previous record by more than 200,000 tons.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth-Superior port has had a record-breaking shipping season when it comes to wind energy cargo. This year, in the midst of the pandemic, imports for that type of cargo nearly doubled the previous record set in 2019. Like many other industries, shipping has been hit hard by the pandemic. This record-setting achievement is highlighting the strong…

Local Christmas Tree Farms See Boost in Sales As Big Box Retailers See Shortage

Retail Christmas tree sellers are experiencing a shortage, though that's not a problem for small, local farmers who have their own natural inventory, they said.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holidays draw closer, owners of Christmas Tree Farms in the Northland are seeing a boost in business this year, as a shortage at bigger box retailers is drawing people to shop local farms for their trees and wreaths. “I probably have a million trees and about half of my farm is, I would say 100-120 acres…

Lake Superior Zoo Animals Are Missing Visitor Interactions

"You guys as visitors are the main sources of entertainment for the animals at the zoo," said Lizzy Larson, the head carnivore zookeeper.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is one of the many tourist attractions in the state now shut down as part of new safety guidelines from Governor Tim Walz. The closure is taking away all the attention the animals would normally be getting from zoo visitors. “You guys as visitors are the main sources of entertainment for the animals…

Online Traffic Helps Ivy Moon Clothing Store through Black Friday, Cyber Monday

Staff said they have seen more online traffic over Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- A clothing business in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood is seeing more online business going into its only second holiday season open. Staff at women’s clothing boutique Ivy Moon over on Superior Street said they have seen more online traffic over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While their entire inventory isn’t online just yet, the popularity of the items they…

Yellow Bike Coffee Celebrates Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is a good excuse to shop local and area businesses are putting together their own special deals for the special day.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Cyber Monday is a good excuse to shop local and area businesses are putting together their own special deals for the special day. Yellow Bike Coffee in Hermantown has a gift card deal just for Cyber Monday. If you purchase $100 at Yellow Bike Coffee, you get $20 free. Owners say it’s important to support local especially…

Local Businesses Are Taking Advantage Of Cyber Monday

This year's nearly $13 billion projection for Cyber Monday is up by about 35% compared to 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts predict consumers will spend nearly $13-billion on Cyber Monday online purchases. This would make it the biggest online shopping day in history for the United States. Many Northland businesses are taking advantage of the financial boost the shopping day could bring. Cyber Monday deals can be a motivator for people to spend their money and the…

Holiday Lights Are Selling Fast

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s that time of the season many families are beginning to decorate for Christmas. Some local hardware stores are seeing more people coming in purchasing Christmas lights. Staff at Denny’s Hardware store say holiday lights have been flying off the shelves. The most popular type of lights being purchased is LED, which can be brighter and are…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, November 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,801 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 318,763 in the state. Health officials also reported 15 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,593 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,262,806 tests have been completed to date. There are…

OMC Cookbook Brings Smokehouse Recipes to Customers, Help to Lincoln Park Businesses

Staff at OMC said last year they raised about $67,000 from book sales for an IndieGoGo campaign supporting Lincoln Park businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- For a second year in a row you can now make recipes of Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District restaurant OMC Smokehouse at home, while also helping out local businesses in the area. The OMC Smokehouse Cookbook is out again this year with money going toward Lifting Lincoln Park, an IndieGoGo campaign aimed at helping businesses in the neighborhood….

A “Lure” of Lights Expected to Help Hayward Businesses

This year Hayward community members are hopeful that people still get out in a safe manner and shop local.

HAYWARD, Wisc. – As the annual “Lure” of Lights display in downtown Hayward Wisconsin kicked off Friday, community members say it’s just one of the many activities that will hopefully mean a successful winter for tourism. “We know it’s going to be a holiday season like no other,” Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Chris Ruckdaschel says. This year…

New Textile Store Brings Swedish Touch to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Kirsten Aune opened Kirsten Aune Textiles on 21st Ave W

DULUTH, Minn.- On Small Business Saturday in Duluth, a new shop specializing in Scandinavian-inspired fabric items opened in the Lincoln Park Craft District. Kirsten Aune opened Kirsten Aune Textiles on 21st Ave W. She handcrafts all the clothes, home goods, Swedish dolls and more out of organic cotton and screen-prints the designs. Aune said she hopes she can bring a…

Make Your Own Organic Lotion at Mix Cosmetiques

Along with their 30 plus varieties of classes offered, you can now learn how to make your own handmade organic lotion. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Mix Cosmetiques on Woodland Avenue is offering another DIY idea for holiday gifts: lotion. Along with their 30 plus varieties of classes offered, you can now learn how to make your own handmade organic lotion. Owner Lanae Rhoads said she has seen a spike in people wanting to know what goes into — and onto — their body…

Vikre Distillery Puts Together Cocktail Kits for Holiday Season

Some bars in Duluth are using creative means to weather the impacts of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's recent executive orders.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some bars in Duluth are getting creative to weather the impacts of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s recent executive orders. Vikre Distillery in Canal Park is putting together holiday cocktail kits for people to order. Some of the cocktails include Hot Cedar Gin & Spiced Cider, Gin and Tonic, and the Minnesota Mule, which includes Lake Superior vodka,…

Cast Your Vote for Red Curtain Storefront Window Display and Lighting Contest

There's still time to cast your vote for the red curtain Storefront Window Display and Lighting Contest in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s still time to cast your vote for the red curtain Storefront Window Display and Lighting Contest in Duluth. Hosted by the Greater Downtown Council, the contest is taking place throughout the downtown waterfront where people can vote on their favorite storefront decorations previously covered by red curtains. 17 business storefronts now have displays including Hucklebeary Duluth…

Local Businesses Celebrate Black Friday During Pandemic

As shoppers across the country celebrate Black Friday, local stores throughout the Northland celebrated with bargains as they learn to accommodate to shopping during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – As shoppers across the country celebrate Black Friday, local stores throughout the Northland celebrated with bargains as they learn to accommodate to shopping during the pandemic. After a nontraditional Thanksgiving holiday, small businesses across Duluth opened for an equally unconventional Black Friday. For Blue Heron in Duluth, it was a slower shopping holiday this year. The store…

DLH Airport Staying Ahead Of The Trend

Last month, U.S. passenger bookings were down by nearly 60% whereas the DLH Airport only reported a decline of more than 30%.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 900,000 Americans traveled through airports across the nation, this week. Compared to last year that number was just over 2 million. Locally, the Duluth International Airport is staying busy this year for the thanksgiving holiday. Airport officials say they are continuing to stay ahead of the trend Last month, U.S. passenger bookings were down by…

Bridgeman’s Gives Proceeds From Thanksgiving To-Go Special To Workers

DULUTH, Minn. – Bridgeman’s Restaurant in Duluth is helping to make the holiday special for everyone with its thanksgiving to-go meals. On Wednesday, restaurant staff packed up about 500 meals pre-ordered for Thanksgiving. Each individual-sized platter comes with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and much more Of course, the best part is the pumpkin bars for dessert. Bridgman’s is also making…

Lake Superior Art Glass Offers ‘Design Your Own Ornament’ Sessions

Pick the color, shape, and size of your glass ornaments, then glass blowers then work on your special creation ready for pickup the next day.

DULUTH, Minn.- As holiday shopping begins for many in the Northland, Lake Superior Art Glass in Canal Park hopes to offer a fun way to add a bit of your creativity to a gift, while also supporting small businesses. You can design your own glass ornaments in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Those interested must reserve a 30-minute…

New Black-Owned ‘Stop and Go Pizza’ Aims to Bring Diversity in Pizza, People to Superior

Stop and Go Pizza opened Friday on Tower Avenue in the old Sammy's Pizza location. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new black-owned pizzeria has opened up in Superior with such a focus on carryout, that it inspired the name. Stop and Go Pizza opened Friday on Tower Avenue in the old Sammy’s Pizza location. The family-run business makes all dough, sauce, and other ingredients in-house — including what they say is a favorite, the sweet chili pineapple…

Superior Restaurants See Extra Customers from Minnesota After Gov. Walz’s Restrictions

While business owners in Superior said they welcome the extra business, they said they feel for the restaurants suffering in Duluth.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Restaurants in Superior are seeing more customers from across the bridge four days into Minnesota’s four-week-long restrictions closing in-person dining. Governor Tim Walz turned the dial back Friday, to try and keep the mounting COVID-19 case numbers from maxing out capacity at hospitals statewide. While business owners in Superior said they welcome the extra business, they said they…

Local Entertainment Venues Awaiting Financial Relief

With the future of some of these local businesses resting on seeing financial relief at the state level all they can do now is wait.

DULUTH, Minn. – Entertainment Venues are among the many Northland businesses hit hard financially by the pandemic. During these next four weeks, they will get some help through the Minnesota Governor’s recently announced plan for a Business Assistance Program. Without this relief, they may not be able to survive. Fresh off of a multi-million dollar renovation in 2019, Skyline Lanes…

City Of Superior Working To Increase Internet Access For Residents And Businesses

The survey has a total of seven questions and can be completed in less than five minutes.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is making it a priority to provide better internet access for residents, through its initiative called Connect Superior. Now Superior residents are being asked to participate in a survey, which will help city staff understand how current broadband networks are working from their households. Some of the goals of the intiative are to…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Bentleyville Gift Shop

From snow globes to holiday sweaters, Bentleyville Gift Shop is officially open to the public and is ready to provide all kinds of holiday-esque items to visitors, near and far. 

DULUTH, Minn. – From snow globes to holiday sweaters, the Bentleyville Gift Shop is officially open to the public and is ready to provide all kinds of holiday-esque items to visitors, near and far. The store is usually at Bayfront Festival Park in a smaller building but this year, the shop is located in Grandma’s Sports Garden for the purpose…

Earth Rider Selling Wreaths, Christmas Trees to Celebrate Holidays

Earth Rider will be selling the wreaths and trees through December 13th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- While most people first think of lights when decorating for the holidays, Earth Rider Brewery in Superior doesn’t want you to forget about another way to “spruce” up your decor — wreaths. Balsam wreaths and Christmas trees from Duluth Flower Farm are being sold outside the Brewery on Tower Avenue. You can also buy some twine to wrap…

New Heavy Equipment’s Arrival Marks Milestone in 2022 Completion of Husky Rebuild

So far the Spring of 2022 is when operations are set to resume, and officials said the arrival of the Vacuum Column is a big step.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Husky Refinery in Superior makes another step forward in rebuilding after the 2018 explosion with a major piece of hardware stored at Fraser Shipyards — ready for installation. So far officials with Husky say the project is still pushed back a year after the pandemic halted construction from March until June, but they said they’re on track…

Saturday’s Fire on First Street Causes Concerns of Duluth’s Old Structures

Staff at Legacy Glassworks said that fires are a problem them, and other businesses on that street should be prepared for with structures this old.

DULUTH, Minn.- Following the fire in Downtown Duluth that destroyed a building at 118 E. 1st Street, other businesses along that road said the number of fires happening to older buildings on their street is cause for a little alarm. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the Duluth Fire Marshal’s office is asking the public for…

Small Town Bars And Restaurants May Be Hit Harder In Latest Shutdown

By being such a strong staple for these communities, the sense of togetherness will be missed.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bars and restaurants get by thanks to the support from their own community members, but due to smaller population sizes in certain communities, the impacts from this second shutdown may hit even harder. Many businesses like the Mainline Station Bar in Floodwood, were just beginning to get back to normal operations after shutting down at the start…

Marine General Collecting Donations For Kids In The Community

DULUTH, Minn. – Marine General is lending a hand this holiday season after being forced to cancel its annual Turkey Fry fundraiser. The store is continuing to put on its annual bike drive. Unfortunately,  bikes are in such high demand and very little are being donated. Now the store is working with the salvation army to collect essentials for children….

Governor Walz Is Turning The Dial Again On Covid-19 Restrictions; Bars And Restaurant May be Impacted

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to tighten the belt on safety guidelines as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the state. One of the new rules slated to be announced would require bars and restaurants to only be open for takeout orders. Restaurant owners around the region are reacting to the impacts this curveball could have…

Gov. Walz Expected to Force Tighter COVID Restrictions on Sports, Dining, Gyms — Again

The Governor is expected to announce new restrictions on bars, restaurants, sports, gyms, and social gatherings Wednesday Evening.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz is preparing to announce sweeping new COVID-19 restrictions during a statewide televised speech Wednesday night –as the amount of Minnesotans defying the rules he said, is hampering the state’s fight against the virus and pushing hospitals to the brink. According to a spokesperson with the Governor Tuesday, those new limits will involve bars, restaurants,…

Report on Possible Merger of DECC, Visit Duluth to be Released Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. — The possibility of merging the DECC and Visit Duluth will come to the table Wednesday as board members for both entities are presented a report on the pros and cons of the idea. The possible merger was first made public in September as severe budget woes from the pandemic became very real for the convention center and…

St. Regis Apartments Now Condemned; Tenants React

"It's been a lot of stress and anguish," said Page Koski, a tenant of the building.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly a month ago, residents at the St. Regis Apartments in Duluth were given just over a week to leave after the building had a heating issue. “It’s been a lot of stress and anguish,” said Page Koski, a tenant of the building. Several tenants share similar feelings because their living situation is now very uncertain. “My…

Chester Bowl Hosting A Virtual Fundraiser To Help Send Kids To Camp

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester bowl is collecting donations for its annual Ski, Suds, and Slices fundraiser to help keep kids attending their annual camp programs. This year the event is being held virtually due to the pandemic. Donors can buy tickets to an exclusive livestream concert of local bands. Attendees can also bid on items in a silent auction. “Last…

Governor Walz Imposes New Restrictions For Weddings

Glensheen mansion typically hosts nearly 50 weddings in a normal season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is turning back the dial to help slow the pace of rising covid-19 cases in the state. These new restrictions will put additional limitations on bars and restaurants starting Friday. Both indoor and outdoor private social gatherings will also be capped at ten people at that point. The number of guests allowed at…