Business

Hermantown Government Services Building Reopens After Covid-19 Related Closure

The Hermantown Government Services building is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown Government Services building has reopened to the public once again after some staff members were diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19. The facility is home to the Hermantown City Hall, Police, and Fire Departments. The building was closed for about a month as a precaution for the safety of the public, but staff continued to work…

Storefront Windows Celebrate Cultural Traditions With Holiday Displays

DULUTH, Minn. – Some vacant storefronts in Lincoln Park are being dressed up with holiday displays created by local artists. The windows showcase holiday cultural traditions like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. People passing by can read and learn more about those traditions. A local artist says she hopes the displays remind the community of the importance of sticking together. The first…

Mailing And Shipping Stores Staying Busy For The Holidays

It is recommended to get those out as early as possible to make it in time for Christmas.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local mailing and shipping stores are keeping busy as more people are sending holiday gifts during the pandemic. The Pack and Mail on Grand Avenue has seen an uptick in customers sending packages all across the country. The steady business hasn’t left any downtime for the workers. A clerk says in the last couple of years mailing…

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…

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…

Duluth Pack Hosts Food Drive For Giving Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s Giving Tuesday. Duluth pack put out a call for action to “fill the pack” so they can give back to one local organization. The company partnered with Duluth’s Ruby’s Pantry for an in-store food drive. The goal was to fill up one of its largest canoe bags with non-perishable items. Duluth Pack has been a part…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Union Gospel Mission Needs Help Purchasing A New Van

DULUTH, Minn. – A local organization is wishing for the ultimate Christmas gift of a new van to continue helping to feed the community. Union Gospel Mission in Duluth is one of two soup kitchens in the city and has been serving the community throughout the pandemic. Members of the group say its current van is becoming very unsafe and…

Local Art Studio Spreading Holiday Cheer

DULUTH, Minn. – A local art studio is helping to spread a little holiday cheer. Bailey Builds in Duluth is kicking off its 12 days of Christmas festivities. Community members can enjoy six weekends of fun and interactive pop-up events at the gallery in West Duluth. The events are in partnership with other local artists and small businesses to help…

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…

CSS Students Help Save Lives By Donating Blood

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at the College of St. Scholastica are stepping up to give blood in an effort to help save lives especially during a pandemic. It’s said giving blood can be the one selfless thing any person can do to potentially help another individual. Many students at the college of St. Scholastica made that commitment to donate their…