Business

New Car Wash Set To Open In Duluth

The company originated in Holland, Michigan and currently has two other locations in Minnesota in New Hope and Rochester.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tommy’s Car wash will soon be coming to Central Entrance in Duluth right next to the Vietnamese restaurant Phoholic. The company originated in Holland, Michigan and currently has two other locations in Minnesota in New Hope and Rochester. Construction is already well underway, and the grand opening is scheduled for February 2021 Categories: Business, Minnesota, News Tags:…

Clyde Malting Building Provides Safe Venue for Architecture, Design Expo

All vendors and attendees took COVID-19 questionnaires and had their temperatures checked before entering. 

DULUTH, Minn.- An annual architecture and design expo found a way to showcase this year’s newest products in a safe way during the pandemic. The third annual Duluth Design Expo at the Clyde Malting Building in Lincoln Park was modified this year to be a trade show only. All vendors and attendees took COVID-19 questionnaires and had their temperatures checked…

Council Approves Funds to Re-Open Spirit Mountain This Winter, Tables Lakewalk Extension Talks

The Duluth City Council voted unanimously to fork over $300,000 to Spirit Mountain to help it re-open this coming winter, and tabled a resolution which would cancel work on the Lakewalk by Beacon Pointe.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council voted unanimously to fork over $300,000 to Spirit Mountain to help it re-open this coming winter. Council also tabled another resolution Monday night which proposed leaving some homes and condominiums along the lake disconnected from the main Lakewalk. The $300,000 to Spirit Mountain is to reimburse most of the $340,000 the Mountain spent on…

8th District Candidates Hold Virtual Debate

The Hibbing Chamber of Commerce hosted the virtual debate between the candidates.

HIBBING, Minn. – One of the other high profile political races in the Northland involves the Congressional seat in the 8th District. On Monday, incumbent Republican Pete Stauber and Democratic challenger Quinn Nystrom took part in an online debate. The Hibbing Chamber of Commerce hosted the virtual debate between the candidates. Stauber and Nystrom fielded questions on topics ranging from…

New Toppers Pizza, CBD Shop To Open October on Tower Avenue in Superior

Port City Collective opens on Halloween. Toppers is set to open October 19th and they're still hiring. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Two new businesses are opening up during the pandemic in a vacant building in the city of Superior. A new Toppers Pizza and CBD Shop called Port City Collective are opening in October at 1214 Tower Avenue in the heart of downtown. The young business owners of the Toppers also own the Duluth location in the East Hillside…

Customers Enjoy Spirit Room One Last Time Before Temporary Winter Closure

The owner says she simply can't provide a safe space inside the quaint social setting, but this is not a permanent closure. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A crowd of people in Superior gathered for one last hurrah at a popular cocktail bar that’s closing for the colder months due to the pandemic. The Spirit Room is closing for the fall and winter seasons after being in business in the old city hall building on Hammond Avenue for the past six years. The owner says…

Duluth City Council to Vote On Proposal Monday to Fund Spirit Mountain Through Winter

The proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system, snow-making equipment and alpine coaster over 2018, 2019, and 2020.

DULUTH, Minn.- Spirit Mountain could see life this coming winter, if Duluth City Council approves a new proposal to use money from the city’s half-and-half tourism tax to cover operation costs. Heard at an agenda session Thursday, the proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system,…

Superior Fire Department Gets Donation For New Ladder Truck

The new ladder truck will be in commission for at least 15 years.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire Department is receiving a generous donation from Enbridge Energy. Company officials visited the fire department to present them a check for $7,500. This is the first annual donation from Enbridge’s commitment over the next 16 years to help the department lease a new ladder truck. I’ts going to be 100-foot tall and its also…

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…

Grant Helps UMD Look Into Impacts Plastic Has On Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – A professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology at UMD recently received a grant for more than $100,000 from the Minnesota Sea Grant to look further into the impacts plastic has on Lake Superior and the St. Louis River Estuary. The research will provide solutions for unanswered questions such as how plastic in Lake Superior can…

Spring Creek Manufacturing Seeing Increase in Business Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The Company Dates Back to 1985, With Tom and Grant Sega Purchasing the Business Back in 2017

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Taking a business from point A to point B is no easy task – toss in a global pandemic, and things can get messy. For one company with deep roots on the Iron Range, sales show huge growth in the past year, and the product that helped get it all started decades ago could be one…

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…

LSC Makes COVID-19 Case Numbers Public Through Database

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior College is one of many Northland higher education institutions choosing to keep the public informed of its COVID-19 case numbers. LSC along with other schools like Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College have signed on to report case numbers to a public database. Every Wednesday, the colleges and universities will report their status and the…

Utah Aviation Company Eyes Abandoned Duluth AAR Hangar

DEDA will vote on a resolution allowing the company Borsight to submit a bid to the US Air Force, to lease out the former AAR building to service aircraft for one year. 

DULUTH, Minn.- There’s growing certainty that a new aviation company will move into a Duluth maintenance hangar that AAR abruptly abandoned earlier this year, forcing people 300 people to lose their jobs. This Friday the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) will vote on a resolution allowing the company Borsight to submit a bid to the US Air Force, to lease…

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…

DTA Buses Collecting Fares Again in October, Plexiglass Barriers Added

Service has been free since March, DTA officials said, because drivers lacked the protection needed to collect fares at the front door. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting October 1st, it’ll now cost you to ride DTA buses again. Fare collection is resuming as new plexiglass barriers have been installed to protect drivers. Service has been free since March, DTA officials said, because drivers lacked the protection needed to collect fares at the front door. “We started looking for a way to go back to…

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…

Duluth’s 2020 Projected Budget Shortfall Falls To $12 Million; 2021 Deficit Projection Announced

DULUTH, Minn. – There is some good news for the city of Duluth’s budget crisis related to millions of dollars in lost revenue this year because of the pandemic. The projected 2020 budget shortfall that was once nearly $40 million in April and was decreased in June to $25 million is now projected to land around $11.88 million. Duluth Mayor…

Waters of Superior to Close, Noting Difficulties Due To Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– A popular canal park business for the last two decades will be closing its doors for good later this fall. The reason for shutting down is financial difficulties due to COVID-19. Waters of Superior has been an icon in Canal Park since the store opened in 2000. Providing not only a unique shopping experience but also an opportunity…

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…

Waters of Superior in Canal Park Closing its Doors for Good

(courtesy: Waters of Superior) DULUTH, Minn. – Waters of Superior in Canal Park is closing its doors for good. The business made the announcement on Thursday saying that the store will close on October 25. “While the store has been profitable, COVID-19 has reduced sales dramatically, and projections showed it would have been impossible to make it through the winter…

Donald Trump Jr. Makes Pitch for Father on Duluth Stage

"They say we can't win Minnesota. I disagree, what about you?" he said at the podium at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- To a DECC ballroom of 250 Trump supporters, Donald Trump Jr. used his “Make America Great Again” event to bolster his father’s first term in office while bashing his Democratic opponent Joe Biden. “They say we can’t win Minnesota. I disagree, what about you?” he said at the podium to an eruption of cheers. The eldest Trump son…

First Frost Of Season Could Be Concerning For Gardeners

Gardeners say frost can cause a plant's growth rate to decline immediately.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Temperatures are starting to drop for the season and maybe creating frost concerns for local gardeners. Experts say when frost hits the vegetation will go into conservation mode and save nutrients down into the roots. The pores on leaves will also close to prevent the cold from coming in, which could cause the plant’s cells to freeze…

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…

The EPA Awards Funding To Restore Environmental Areas Of Concern In Twin Ports

"When you clean up the water, remove the contamination, and restore the habitat, it is an immediate benefit for the environment and the community," said Kurt Thiede, Regional Administrator for the EPA.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it will be providing nearly $14 million in funding to help rehabilitate environmental areas of concern along the St. Louis River and the Great Lakes. The financial support is part of the EPA’s five-year plan to restore environments within the great lakes. The St. Louis River in the Twin Ports has…

OMC Smokehouse Shuts Doors Temporarily After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

The restaurant says they will be identifying anyone who may have been in contact with the employee and encourage them to get tested.

  DULUTH, Minn. — A popular restaurant in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood, OMC Smokehouse is closing temporarily due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19 Sunday. “We are just working on trying to understand this and trying to do it the right way,” said owner Tom Hanson. In a post on their Facebook page Sunday, OMC Smokehouse said they will…

Labor Day Gas Prices May Hit Lowest Since 2004

The lowest price per gallon since 2004 was $1.82 according to Gas Buddy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gas prices may be the lowest they’ve been in over a decade just in time for those Labor Day travelers. According to Gas Buddy, fuel prices during Labor Day are expected to be the lowest since 2004. Experts are predicting the national price per gallon for gas to hit $2.19. This is down by nearly 40% from…

Surly Brewing to Close Beer Hall, Other Breweries Impacted Due to Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– The Coronavirus’ financial fallout is forcing Surly Brewing Company in Minneapolis to close its popular beer hall this fall. This comes as breweries across the state prepare for an uncertain winter season without outdoor seating. The impact financially of the Coronavirus has been taking its toll on businesses across the country, including one of Minnesota’s most popular industries….

Organizations Shed Light On National Recovery Month

The month was started to bring awareness and celebrate those in recovery from substance abuse.

DULUTH, Minn. – September is National Recovery Month. Recovery is real from many people who have dealt with substance abuse and the Thunderbird Wren Halfway House and Recovery Alliance Duluth are making sure that the journey doesn’t go unrecognized. The halfway house has been a safe haven for native and indigenous people battling with their dependence on drugs and alcohol….

Red Mug Coffee House Opens Coffee Truck

Owners are waiting for construction to be completed for their new location inside the library.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – After closing at their previous location, the Superior coffee shop is now housed in a coffee truck outside of the Carnegie Library on Hammond Avenue in Superior. Owners are waiting for construction to be completed for their new location inside the library. Now in their second day back in business, the coffee house continues to serve up…

COVID-19 Creates New Connections in the World of Ballroom Dance

Superior Ballroom Dance Studio is Seeing a Slight Increase in Customers Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses across the Northland are facing extreme financial challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. From restaurants to boutiques, and even ballroom dance studios, changes are being made daily to keep clients engaged and revenue coming in. “I like to dance all day long and share knowledge,” said Benjamin Welch, head instructor at Superior Ballroom Dance Studio. “I…

Sports Card Sales Going Up Throughout Pandemic

Record setting sales of high-profile sports cards illustrates the high demand.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just this month LA Angels center fielder Mike Trout’s rookie baseball card sold for a record $3 million at auction. That’s on trend with a growing demand for sports cards according to local card shops. The manager at Collector’s Connection by the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth said Minnesota Twins and Vikings Players cards have typically been popular….

Superior Mayor’s 2021 Budget Proposes More Officer Training, Adding Social Worker to Police Dept.

The budget makes use of the roughly $385,000 surplus from last year.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Mayor Jim Paine announced his 2021 budget proposal Monday. Calling it the most ambitious budget of his administration, it includes the largest investment into police training in the city’s history, and adding a social worker to the department. According to Mayor Paine, excess funds of $385,468 from the year 2019 will help the city forward through the…

Iron Range Mayors Endorse U.S. Senate Candidate Jason Lewis

"Mining is the engine that runs our economy. We don't have a lot of adversity in the city of Virginia," said Larry Cuffe Jr., mayor of Virginia.

EVELETH, Minn. – More than five Iron Range mayors endorsed President Trump for re-election during Vice President Mike Pence’s visit on Friday. Some of those politicians sat down for a round table discussion with republican U. S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis to talk about key issues impacting the area. The Iron Range can be mostly known for its mining industry….

Rebuild Duluth Program Accepting Applications To Fill Housing Needs

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth’s Planning and Economic Development Department is going for round two of its Rebuild Duluth program. The program was started to help reduce the cost of building new housing within existing residential areas. Applications are currently being accepted from individuals and organizations. More than a half dozen vacant lots that are capable of being…

Lake Superior Maritime Museum Gift Shop Drops Anchor Outside

Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk, as there are no plans to reopen the museum yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Lake Superior Maritime Museum remains closed in Canal Park due to the pandemic, the gift shop is still finding a way to get little pieces of Duluth memories out to customers. Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk. The manager says while transitioning to an outdoor tent setting has…

Bremer Bank Opens In Downtown Duluth

The branch is open Monday through Friday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bremer Bank has opened its newest location in downtown Duluth. The new branch, which is located in the Holiday Center, is a full-service banking institution. It offers traditional banking products and services such as checking and savings accounts. The branch was originally scheduled to open in march but the COVID-19 outbreak caused a delay. “We are opening…

DECC Interim Exec. Dir. Roger Reinert Wants To Innovate Venue’s Use During Pandemic

Bringing a local brewery's outside beer garden inside the DECC is just one idea Reinert is looking into.

DULUTH, Minn. — Roger Reinert — known in the world of politics in Duluth and St. Paul after stints as a city councilor, state senator and representative — is the new interim executive director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center – replacing Chelly Townsend whose contract was not renewed for reason not disclosed by the board. Reinert is not new…

Domestic Abuse Shelter Looking to Build Playground

The center is still seeking an additional $15,000 for the playground

ASHLAND, Wis. –  After moving into a new location in 2019 the New Day Advocacy Center in Ashland is now seeking donations to help them build a playground and more. With Covid-19 limiting what their clients can and can’t do, having an outdoor space would cater to those families who enter their facility. “Here if they go outside they are…