Business

Losing Outdoor Dining As Winter Approaches May Create More Challenges For Restaurants

"My fear is that, come next spring, the restaurant scene could look a lot different and there may be fewer of us around," said Tony Bronson, director of business development for Grandma's Restaurant Company.

DULUTH, Minn. – Colder weather has already started showing up in the Northland, leading many restaurants to think about the challenges they face this coming winter. One major concern is outdoor dining no longer being an option for them as temperatures drop. This dining option has been a big advantage for many Northland restaurants and has helped them get through…

Duluth Workforce Development Program Looking to Help Recently Laid Off DECC Employees

DULUTH, Minn. — After the DECC announced earlier this week that the roughly 400 employees it furloughed are now permanently laid off, the city of Duluth’s Workforce Development Program wants to help those former workers find new opportunities. The program can first connect Duluth residents to emergency assistance, such as healthcare, housing, and making sure services like heat aren’t turned…

Mike’s Western Cafe Closes After Nearly Four Decades

"I met so many nice people. I met fishing buddies, golfing buddies, and bowling buddies. It's really been a fun experience," said Mike Pracher, the owner of Mike's Western Cafe.

DULUTH, Minn. – A hometown restaurant in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is closing its doors after nearly 40 years in business. Mike’s Western Cafe has lasted through multiple generations of many in the Lincoln Park Community. Those who have come to love the local restaurant will now have to say farewell. Mike Pracher, the owner of Mike’s Western Cafe, has…

St. Louis County Depot Needs Your Opinions

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Depot is looking for your opinions to help create a new vision for its future. The community is being asked to complete a short survey. The organization has been coming up with ideas to improve the experience for visitors and generate more engagement for the Depot. Some of the ideas range from potentially…

Previously Furloughed Employees At The DECC Permanently Laid Off

The DECC now only has about $1 million left in its cash reserve.

DULUTH, Minn. – Roughly 400 previously furloughed employees at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center are now being permanently laid off — some who have only been employed for months and others for decades. This move comes as big economic blows to the center continue to happen during the ongoing global pandemic. The organization is now losing about $200,000 a month….

Valentini’s Opens in Hermantown

"I think it means they like my food. I am assuming that's why they are coming here," said Owner Carol Valentini.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Valentini’s Restaurant is officially open for business in Hermantown after moving from its old location on London Road in Duluth. The bistro-style restaurant has a freshly new décor and is open for sit down dining or takeout. Many of the same items are back on the menu along with a few new additions. The owner says it…

Halloween Costumes May Be In Limited Supply In Stores Due To Covid-19

DULUTH, Minn. – If you are on the hunt for your Halloween costumes, this year some of your favorite stores may not have such a large supply. Savers, one of Duluth’s popular locations to find Halloween gear, is only carrying a small selection of costumes and accessories this year. The reason for the change is to help ensure the safety…

Volunteers Needed For Wisconsin Point Beach Cleanup

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Friends of Lake Superior Reserve is looking for more people to join in on their beach cleanup this weekend. The cleanup is part of the adopt-a-beach program by the Alliance for the Great Lakes. People in groups of two or three are invited to help pick up litter at Wisconsin Point to allow for social distancing….

Frost River Reopens To The Public

DULUTH, Minn. – After closing its doors about six months ago, Frost River in Duluth is finally reopening to the public. The store closed at the start of the pandemic to serve as a space to create personal protective equipment for area hospitals. The closure was also an ideal time to do some major renovations around the store to get…

DECC, Visit Duluth Discussing Potential Merger

DULUTH, Minn. – The advisory boards for the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and Visit Duluth are starting conversations about potentially merging together as they face severe financial setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Both entities have assembled their own sub-committees to discuss what a merger could look like. The committees would develop an idea for an organizational structure that would serve…

Wild State Cider Collects Apples For Community Cider

DULUTH, Minn. – Wild State Cider is working on creating this year batch of “Duluth People’s Cider”, which is being made from backyard apples. Community members dropped off their donations of apples on Friday. This is the second time the cidery has created this community-based beverage. Every year the flavor comes out differently due to the multiple varieties of apples….

Cloquet Airport Gets Financial Support To Build on Emerging Aviation Industry

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Carlton County-Cloquet Airport is receiving some extra financial support to help it continue to be a valuable asset to the community. The U.S. Economic Development Administrations is awarding the county a $1 million grant to establish a new aviation workforce training center. The aviation industry is rapidly growing in the region and the EDA recognizes investing…

The Lincoln Park Solar Garden Takes Shape

DULUTH, Minn. – The first two solar panels from the new Lincoln Park Solar Garden were lifted as part of the initial phase of the ongoing project. Last year, Ecolibrium3, a non-profit organization that works to create renewable energy programs, received a 50,000  grant from Minnesota Power to build the new solar garden. The 40-kilowatt energy resource will provide power…

Essentia Health’s Vision Northland Project Progresses

Patients will be able to begin utilizing the facility by the third quarter of 2023.

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health’s Vision northland project is continuing to make strides. The hospital’s main goal is to build a facility that has longevity. Dozens of construction crews have been working tirelessly to make the Vision Northland project a reality. “This building is going to outlast me. it’s a landmark. It will be a fixture of Duluth for a…

Duluth Art Institute Hosts Virtual Gala

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year the Duluth Art Institute hosts its fundraising gala, but this year will be a little different as the pandemic continues to linger. The Art Institute will be hosting its annual gala virtually this year. The event will be similar to an award show where people will get to explore the art and take part in…

Wild State Cider Needs Your Backyard Apples For The “Duluth People’s Cider”

DULUTH, Minn. – Wild state cider is bringing back its “Duluth People’s Cider” and they want your help with creating this year’s batch. The cidery is asking community members to donate their backyard apples and a specialty “Duluth” flavored cider will be produced. This is the second time Wild State has created the “Duluth People’s Cider.” Staff believes this year…

Northland Catering Businesses Feeling Impacts Of Covid-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northland catering companies are experiencing big impacts as the covid-19 pandemic continues. Midcoast Catering in Duluth is holding on strong in the midst of the global pandemic, but the business continues to face a lot of uncertainty. The ongoing health crisis has forced many area companies into having their employees work from home. With many more…

The Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Will Happen Without Spectators

DULUTH, Minn. – The Beargrease Marathon is one of the most anticipated winter events in the Northland. While the marathon is scheduled to take place this coming January, it will happen without any spectators. This year, onlookers will have to view the live race from home. Minnesota guidelines only allow for a 250 person capacity for the event. Most of…

A COVID-19 Inspired Exhibit Headed For UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art

The exhibition will showcase the art of more than a half dozen local artists.

DULUTH, Minn. – A COVID-19 pandemic inspired exhibit is coming to UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art. The exhibition is titled “Creating Apart.” It will showcase the art of more than a half dozen local artists. Each piece of artwork will also tell the artists stories and how the pandemic has impacted them differently. By sharing this artwork the exhibit’s curator…