Business

Spirit Room in Superior Sets Up ‘Wine Stand’ Every Wednesday Outside

You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive plate and take it to-go or enjoy it at any of their outdoor tables. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- One Superior cocktail bar is interacting with its neighborhood and selling products in a unique way every Wednesday. The Wine Stand outside the Spirit Room on Broadway Street is like a lemonade stand, but with something a bit stronger for adults. You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive…

DEED Commissioner Steve Grove Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in the Northland have been taking huge financial hits due to the global pandemic. The Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner visited Duluth on Wednesday to hear first-hand stories from some of those business owners and how grant funding has helped them rebuild. India Palace in Duluth has been serving traditional Indian cuisine to…

Mentors Needed To Help Support Students During The School Year

DULUTH, Minn.- A local non-profit is searching for mentors to help provide additional support to families as they navigate through the upcoming school year. Mentor North in Duluth is a one on one community based mentoring program. The organization is launching its new academic mentoring program to be a positive re-enforcement as many students and their families may be facing…

DECC Board Parts Ways With Executive Director, No. 2 Leader To Retire

Chelly Townsend DULUTH, Minn. – A major shake-up is underway at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center as the DECC’s board is parting ways with its executive director, and the No. 2 person under her has decided to retire. All of this comes as the DECC is virtually empty and facing a serious financial challenge during the pandemic. Chelly Townsend told…

Iron Range Communities, Officials Rally in Nashwauk to Keep Togo Prison Open

They say if the Governor needs to make cuts to address the state's budget, a big source of jobs and criminal reform on the Range isn't the place to do it.

DULUTH, Minn.- A packed crowd in Nashwauk rallied around keeping the Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Togo and Willow River open. “Keep the program that is actually putting people, taking people out of prisons and putting them to work,” said District 6 Senator David Tomassoni. Hundreds from both sides of the political aisle packed the Nashwauk Area Veterans Memorial Park, including…

Thrift Stores Are Busy Helping Those In Need

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Thrift stores in the Twin Ports are staying busy as people are continuing to deal with the financial struggle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Superior has seen an increase in sales in the last several weeks. The most popular items being purchased are clothing and household items. “Some people aren’t working and…

Students At UMD Will Have To Wait To Return To Campus

"Despite extensive preparation research planning and advice, the landscape is shifting yet again and we need to reevaluate our fall plans," said U of M system President Joan Gabel.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota’s Board of %egents voted in favor of a proposal to pump the brakes on the start of the fall semester as a way to further evaluate the potential impacts the global pandemic could have on students if they return to campus. 18- 24-year-olds are among the fastest-growing age group testing positive for COVID-19….

DLH Airport Seeing Less Flights This Summer Due to Pandemic

Commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Officials at Duluth International Airport say businesses during this peak time of year, June-September, is being hurt by the pandemic. According to Executive Director Tom Werner, commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing. Normally most passengers fly out of DLH for business, Werner said. But due…

Marcus Duluth Cinema Reopens To Movie-Goers

Marcus Duluth Cinema will continue discount days like $5 Tuesday or Student Thursdays.

DULUTH, Minn. – It may have felt like forever, but the Marcus Duluth Cinema is open and ready to offer a safe distraction to everyone. Going to the movies just might be everyone’s favorite entertainment activity. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause of a lot of extracurricular fun. The Marcus Duluth Cinema has finally reopened its doors, but not…

Businesses on Iron Range Work to Recover After Slower Summer Due to COVID-19

Businesses owners say they're keeping their heads up, while local officials say the Fall and Winter seasons look bleak.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- As it has everywhere, the pandemic has put a damper on business on the Iron Range this summer — a time when many businesses just began opening back up after three months shut down. “It’s hard to know what’s going to happen with the virus,” Brooke Forseen, an employee at Canelake’s Candies in Virginia said. “It’s really just…

“Bikes For Basketball” Fundraiser Looks To Provide Opportunities For Young Boys And Girls

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Rookie Basketball Association, which is a year-round basketball program for young boys and girls through the salvation army, is hoping to raise money to keep kids playing the game. One of the RBA players came up with the idea to host a fundraiser called “Bikes for Basketball.” More than a dozen bikes and tons of…

Iron Range Businesses Recognized by Chamber of Commerce with Awards Ceremony

The normal awards banquet scheduled this year was canceled due to coronavirus-related restrictions, but the chamber still found a way to honor Range businesses. 

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Businesses on the Iron Range were recognized for their contributions to the community at Olcott Park in Virginia Wednesday. The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Honored them as part of this year’s award ceremony. The normal awards banquet scheduled this year was canceled due to coronavirus-related restrictions, but the chamber still found a way to honor Range businesses. The…

Fitger’s Bookstore Shows Support For Local Educators

Teachers can receive a discount at Fitger's Bookstore every day.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fitger’s Bookstore is helping teachers get ready for the upcoming school year. Wednesday was dedicated specifically to show support to those educators. Twice a year the bookstore hosts a teacher’s day to help them learn more about the benefits of shopping at an independent bookstore. Some educators also had the opportunity to have a one-on-one shopping…

The Damiano Center Is In Need Of Donations

The center serves 19 meals a day to the people they serve.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have any extra household items you no longer need, the Damiano Center in Duluth is asking to take them off your hands. The center is in need of variety of items such as men’s clothing, pots & pans, blankets, and winter coats that can be given to help the people they serve. The organization has…

Tech-Up Program Helps Give Laptops To Those In Need

The program has given out nearly 150 laptops.

DULUTH, Minn. – Community Action Duluth is hoping to narrow the technology gap one person at a time. The organization’s Community Tech-Up program aims to provide free laptops and wifi to those who may not be able to afford it. The program is geared towards giving those individuals more access to educational and employment opportunities. The digital divide has already…

New Covid Lab For Businesses Allows Fast Testing

This allows businesses who wish to get tested to get those results fast.

DULUTH, Minn. – At times, hospitals can be overwhelmed with testing for Covid-19 resulting in different times an individual may receive their tests back. Now, local business owner Rod Raymond has partnered with a clinical laboratory improvement amendment certified lab to provide accurate test results in 36 hours or less. This allows businesses who wish to get tested to get…

City Gives Extension To Lake Superior Zoo To Pay Back Debt

Lake Superior Zoo has set a fundraising goal of 150,000 to help minimize its current deficit.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Lake Superior Zoo continues to catch up from the impacts of COVID -19, the Duluth city council is throwing them a lifeline. The council voted on Monday to extend the deadline on a credit line that was scheduled to be repaid to the city by October. The extension will give popular tourist attraction an additional…

Hospitality Industry Businesses In The Northland Are In Need Of Workers

DULUTH, Minn.- In ordinary times, employers filling open jobs may have been an easier task, but with so much uncertainty surrounding the ongoing global pandemic, finding those job seekers has become much more difficult for many Northland hospitality businesses. The pandemic continues to force people to adjust to new normals. One of those is how businesses such as hotels and…

Tutors Are In Demand As Parents Look For Support With Homeschool

The homeschool support program will help students with reading, writing, and spelling.

Tutoring services are becoming in high demand as many Northland parents are looking for help homeschooling their kids. Duluth Core Learning is now adding homeschooling support to its list of services. The organization typically offers one-on-one therapy services to children to strengthen skills that help them function through the school year such as attention and memory processing. The need for…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Thinking Ahead To Fall and Christmas Season

Right now, the North Shore Scenic Railroad is one of the only railways operating in the Midwest during the pandemic. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth has been open since July 1st. They are currently operating at 50% capacity and about 70% of those tickets have been selling. Railroad management is unsure if trains will be departing this Fall and Christmas season. “An older group comes for fall colors. Whether or not those people travel, is…

DECC Chef Brings Barbecue to Hillside with Pop-Up ‘Howard’s Q’ to Stay Afloat Without Work

Howard's Q is serving fresh ribs, rib tips, Jerk Chicken and more right next to the Shanty Bottle Shop on 4th Street on weekends. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A local cook is bringing barbecue to the East Hillside Neighborhood in Duluth while making the most of being out of work during the pandemic. Howard’s Q is serving fresh ribs, rib tips, Jerk Chicken and more right next to the Shanty Bottle Shop on 4th Street on weekends. The cook, Howard Ross, was a Sous Chef at…

Someone Drove Through Turf At GND Rec Center Causing Damage

The cost to fix the damage is estimated in the thousands.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary New Duluth Recreational Center, which serves a safe space for the community in that neighborhood, was recently vandalized. Someone drove their car through the turf near the center causing some damage. The Gary New Duluth Development Alliance has spent tons of money and resources revitalizing the area. A board member of the organization says it is…

A New Ice Cream Shop Opens in Lincoln Park

Camp Creemee is open daily.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the midst of the global pandemic ice cream just might make life a little bit sweeter. A new ice cream shop in Lincoln Park helping to add that extra sugar to life. Camp Creemee, which resides inside wild state cider in Duluth, officially opened for business. The Vermont-style soft serve offers a creamier texture than most…

Fruit Truck Stops In Duluth

The semi-truck full of fresh fruit from farms and orchards all across the upper Midwest.

Duluth, Minn. –  The fruit truck made a stop in West Duluth on Thursday. The semi-truck full of fresh fruit from farms and orchards all across the upper Midwest. Today, the hot ticket items were plums, peaches and nectarines all of which are sold in bulk. “It’s for canning or freezing. Nothing like something you’d buy a little bit of…

Local Insurance Company Says Thank You To Customers

DULUTH, Minn. – a local insurance company gave thanks to its loyal customers. The Patrick Shelton Insurance Agency hosted a customer appreciation event to show how much they value those they serve. The first 15 customers at the event received free lunch from Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ. There were also tons of giveaways and prize drawings. “You have to show…

Local Preschool Looking For Help To Raise $50,000

More than $2,000 has already been raised through a Go Fund Me page.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Northland preschool is hoping to remain open to stay a reliable resource for parents as the need for childcare in the area continues to grow. The school is now looking for help from the community to raise money to purchase the building they now use. Lakeside Early Learning in Duluth hopes to raise $50,000 for a…

New Scenic Cafe Hitting the Road with ‘Scenic 61’ Food Truck

Restaurant owner adds food truck to methods of staying afloat while dine-in restaurant remains closed.

DULUTH, Minn.- After months shut down due to the pandemic, food is available at New Scenic Cafe on Highway 61 again — this time on wheels, as the Scenic 61 food truck opened Wednesday. Originally set up to carry food down to the now canceled Minnesota State Fair, Scenic 61 is now carrying the business through the summer as its…

New Guidelines For Long Term Care Facilities Released By MN Dept. Of Health

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health recently released new COVID-19 guidelines for longterm care facilities in the state. Long term care centers can be in either level one or level two. Each facility must factor in if they have had a case within the last 28 days before restrictions for visitation can be relaxed. Other factors such as…

Carnegie Library Looking For Tenants Before Starting Construction

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After being bought nearly two years ago by a North Carolina-based architectural company, the Carnegie Library in superior is a step closer to starting construction. The plan for the historic landmark is to turn it into a co-working space. There has been a growing need for commercial space in Superior, which has helped expand the plans for…

Static Clean Duluth Gives Back To Non-Profits

The company is planning to offer its services to the Damiano Center next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – Static Clean Duluth is giving back to local non-profits in the area to help them stay safe during the pandemic. The company uses electrostatic technology to disinfect surfaces in establishments like bars and restaurants. Each month static clean will choose one organization to receive its service free of charge. Chester Creek Academy in Duluth is the lucky…

Safety Protocols Put In Place For Primary Elections

DULUTH, Minn. – In the midst of the uncertain times of the pandemic, the primary elections in Minnesota and Wisconsin must carry on. On Tuesday, voters will be heading to the polls for these elections. Duluth city officials are spreading the word on what to look out for as this year’s primary might look a little different. The city has…

Coalition of Downtown Duluth Businesses Kick off Friday ‘HART Happy Hour’

HART Happy Hour Takes Place Every Friday in August

DULUTH, Minn. – A coalition of businesses located in the Historic Arts and Theater District in Downtown, Duluth, also known as HART, have come together to create HART Happy Hour every Friday in August. HART Happy Hour is meant to provide an atmosphere for the community to connect, socialize, and help stimulate the local economy. Every Friday in August from…

Cofounder of Grandma’s Restaurant in Canal Park Dies

Mick Paulucci 2019 (Facebook) DULUTH, Minn. – The co-founder of Grandma’s Saloon & Grill in Canal Park died over the weekend. Michael Paulucci, who was known to many as Mick, died Saturday morning. He had underlying health issues and was fighting COVID-19, according to Grandma’s Restaurant Company President Brian Daugherty. Paulucci, who is the son of the late Duluth businessman…

New Boat, Minnesota-Themed Retail Store Opens in Duluth’s Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn.- A new retail store held its grand opening in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood Saturday. The blast of a real ship’s foghorn signaled the opening of Boathouse Treats and Treasures. The store is packed with vintage books and home goods, along with some nautical and Minnesota-themed knick knacks. Owner Beth Petrowske, a former public affairs official for MnDOT, said…

Governor Tim Walz Sheds Light On Making Masks Available Across The State

Second Harvest will be distributing hundreds of faces masks to more than 30 food shelves in northern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited the Second Harvest Food Bank in Duluth on Friday to shed light on how the state is using food distribution organizations to get thousands of reusable masks into the hands of Minnesotans in need. Mask wearing is widely considered to be one of the keys to slowing the spread of the Coronavirus….

Real Estate Company Makes Donation To Help Fight Food Insecurities

DULUTH, Minn. – Food insecurity is becoming one of the biggest disparities impacting the Northland. A local real estate agency is taking the initiative to help fight the growing number of people missing out on their next meal. today… Real Living Messina and Associates in Duluth presented the Damiano Center with a check to help its continued effort to feed…

“Black Is Beautiful” Beer Debuts At Bent Paddle

The new beer flavor is being shared to shed light on injustice impacting people of color.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company in Duluth is bringing awareness to injustices impacting people of color. The brewery is collaborating with more than 1,000 other breweries in the nation by creating their own version of a beer called “Black is Beautiful.” The beer is an imperial stout with hints of chocolate and roasted coffee. The original recipe was…

Produce Stand on Central Entrance in Duluth Busy During Pandemic

DC's Best Produce Farms has been selling their fresh-picked tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelon there for years. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Fresh produce is in full bloom throughout the Northland, including at a stand on Central Entrance Road. DC’s Best Produce Farms in Esko has been selling their fresh-picked tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelon there for years. They say during the pandemic, they’ve seen more people stopping by for some locally-grown goodies. “It’s coming straight from the farm to here…

Trampoline Park Re-Opens Under New Name

After opening back up in 2017, the tramponline park has been undergoing some changes including its name.

DULUTH, Minn. – The entertainment venue known as Planet 3 is no more. After opening in 2017, the trampoline park has been undergoing some changes including its name after reopening in mid-June. “Anywhere hands can touch is being sanitized. We’re spraying down all the trampolines, pads. All of the hard surfaces are being wiped down every half an hour or…

Lake Superior Art Glass Hosts Terrarium Design Class

Organizers say, that the designer classes have become more accessible then ever. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Art Glass has been hosting new designer events since October, one of those being for designing your own terrarium. The program is one of several put on by the shop, allowing anyone to design the globe which would then house a plant. Organizers say that the designer classes have become more accessible then ever. “For…

Duluth Shop Sees Decline in Business, Attributes Dip to Less Tourism

Yarn Harbor says, despite lower sales numbers, people are still knitting in pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic has been tough on small businesses across the region. One local shop in Duluth says business has been slower than usual since it reopened to in-person shopping. Summer is usually the slower season for Yarn Harbor on East Superior Street in Lakeside. But, according to the owner, the store usually gets more tourists stopping in….

Senator Amy Klobuchar Introduces Bill To Save Independent Live Music Venues

About 90% of venue owners in the nation have reported they are at risk of closing without extra financial support.

  MINNESOTA – Independent live music and entertainment venues across the nation are continuing to feel the devastating effects of the global pandemic. As a result, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Texas Senator John Cornyn are introducing a bill to help keep those venues from going under. About 90% of venue owners in the nation have reported they are at…

Reopening Of Attractions Brings Hope For Douglas County Tourism

SUPERIOR, Wis. – More local attractions in Douglas County are beginning to reopen with precautions in place. This may be building more confidence in the future of the tourism industry. Tourism contributes a significant amount of revenue for Douglas County. Reopening attractions is another way of bringing back hope to an industry being hit hard by the global pandemic. The…

Aluminum Can Shortage Having Huge Impacts On Northland Breweries And Cideries

Canned beverage sales account for 90% of revenue for Bent Paddle Brewing.

DULUTH, Minn. – Breweries and cideries in the Northland are being thrown another curveball as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A national aluminum can shortage is beginning to have major impacts on those businesses, which is causing some big concerns. Many breweries and cideries are scrambling to get their hands on a supply of aluminum cans to survive the…

Duluth Mayor Reacts to Costco Officially Coming to the City

DULUTH, Minn. –With about $2 million in tax breaks now approved for infrastructure improvements, Costco is officially coming to Duluth next fall. After a year of negotiating with the retailer, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said she’s excited that both the city and county tax abatement proposals were approved. St. Louis County commissioners unanimously approved $650,000 in tax abatement for Costco…

Local Campgrounds Busy This Summer

All sites are full at Buffalo Valley Campground

MIDWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Local campgrounds are having what could be their busiest summer ever. One campground manager tells us it’s tough to get a site between Duluth and Canada. All 130 campsites are full at Buffalo Valley Campground. Manager Darrell Eckenberg says weekend sites are filling up weeks in advance. “My phone doesn’t stop ringing now. It starts at…

Congressman Pete Stauber Speaks on Legislative Session While Attending Trump Visit

DULUTH, Minn. – Eighth district Congressman Pete Stauber was also in attendance… for the signing of the Pledge to America’s Workers at Duluth Pack. Congress is back in legislative session this week after closing for the weekend. As some of the C.A.R.E.S. Act funding is set to expire, Congressman Stauber says they are taking on a variety of issues. “There’s…