Business Archives - Page 48 of 93

Minnesota Nurses Association Shoots Down St. Luke’s Proposed Delay to Wage Increase

Nurses wanted St. Luke's to honor MNA contract should the hospital be sold

July 9, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) tells us they recently shot down a proposal from St. Luke’s that would have postponed scheduled pay increases for nurses. This comes less than a year after nurses voted to strike during the last round of negotiations with the hospital before the current contract was agreed upon. Healthcare providers across the country…

Hills Youth And Family Services Is In Need Of Masks

The group is hoping for a donation of 100 masks.

July 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Hills Youth and Family Services in Duluth is looking for the community’s help. The organization is still in need of masks to give to the children they serve. Hills Youth is hoping to receive a donation of at least 100 of the protective wear. Each one will go to protect children and their families visiting the Neighborhood…

World of Wheels Skate Center Reopens

July 8, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – World of Wheels had been closed since the shutdown began in March. Now, the local skate center is back open for family fun five days a week. On opening day, skaters sped around the rink. Kids tell us they’re excited to be back at one of their favorite Superior attractions and to have fun alongside their friends…

Shipping Decline Forces Layoffs For Nearly 100 Workers

Compared to last year the total amount of cargo entering the Duluth -Superior port has dropped by about 30%.

July 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 100 northland shipping workers are out of a job. A big drop in business is forcing Pennsylvania-based Key Lakes, which has a facility in Duluth, to layoff dozens of its employees. Representatives from the company say the pandemic has caused unforeseeable business circumstances and a strong economic decline in the shipping industry. That’s causing the company…

Endion Station Inn Seeing Steady Business

Since it opened the inn has encountered both a pandemic, and now construction resuming on the Lakewalk.

July 8, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this year, the historic Endion Station in Canal Park transitioned into a new boutique hotel. Since it opened the inn has encountered both a pandemic, and now construction resuming on the Lakewalk. Despite these obstacles, Owner Rod Raymond says his business is doing fine and has some words of wisdom for anyone who has to drastically…

CHUM Holds Annual Backpack Drive

Since 2006, CHUM has provided more than 10,000 backpacks to students in need.

July 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Min. – CHUM is once again partnering with Duluth Public Schools for their annual backpack drive. Since 2006, CHUM has provided more than 10,000 backpacks to students in need. This year the goal is to give away about 1,00 bags filled with school supplies, which will go to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The upcoming academic year could…

3 Great Lakes Ships Go Idle Amid Pandemic, Dozens of Jobs Lost in Duluth

July 8, 2020

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 100 shipping workers have been laid off in Duluth as the pandemic forces three Great Lakes ships to go idle for the rest of the season. According to the Star Tribune, the 94 employees out of a job are from Duluth-based Key Lakes. Some shipboard employees could return to work later this year. A company spokesperson…

Duluth Bars Extra Cautious as Gov. Walz Threatens Statewide Bar Shutdown

Bar owners in Duluth say a second closure could prove disastrous.

July 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As COVID-19 cases grow nationwide, many states are already turning back to restrictions on business. Now states like Minnesota may be considering the same, as Governor Tim Walz warns that mass gatherings without masks in bars will cause numbers to rise faster. “The bars right now are not safe,” said the Governor at a press conference last week,…

DLH Airport Sets Safety Plan As Passenger Numbers Go Up

July 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – More people are choosing to fly this summer as the pandemic continues. Officials from the Duluth International Airport say the number of passengers traveling through is on the rise. Due to the increase in passengers, the airport is now implementing a plan to protect everyone. That plan includes requiring all employees to wear masks and the continuous…

City of Duluth, St. Louis County to Consider $2 Million in Tax Abatements for Proposed Costco Store

July 7, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Costco may move forward with a new store in Duluth if the retailer gets tax abatement money from local government. This news comes after the international chain had ended a previous agreement to build a store at the same site because of high project bids. The site, located at the intersection of West Arrowhead Road and Haines Road,…

‘At Sara’s Table’ Among Duluth Businesses Requiring Customers to Wear Masks

Duluth City Council expected to take up mask ordinance on July 13th

July 7, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is expected to vote on requiring masks in some indoor public places on July 13th, but some local businesses have required mask-wearing for weeks. At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe tells us many customers have been happy with the restaurant’s mask requirement, but it has upset some. Staff say the cafe-goers do not…

Superior’s Red Mug Announces Not Reopening at Hammond Avenue Location

July 5, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR Wis.- A popular coffeehouse and bakery in Superior will be shutting it’s doors, but the owner says it’s not going away. Red Mug Coffeehouse on Hammond Avenue and Broadway will not be reopening in its current location. A post on their Facebook page said that after being closed down since March, the owner sees no way around closing that…

Some Superior Businesses See Different Customer Traffic Due to Canceled Fireworks Show

Bars and restaurants and attractions seeing a bit more customers, but many staying home.

July 4, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior abruptly canceled their 4th of July fireworks show the day before, causing some businesses to adapt to the change in customer flow. “We weren’t sure what to expect coming through,” Dustin Heckman, Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center said. A year with fireworks would bring both Superiorites and others visiting…

Campgrounds Are Helping People Escape Impacts Of The Pandemic

"We're very pleasantly pleased and surprised that people are coming from so many places," said Penmarallter Campground's Owner Pennie Burton.

July 3, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Covid-19 crisis may still have a grip on the entire world, but campgrounds like Penmarallter in Two Harbors is giving people a chance to escape that reality. Tucked away behind a busy highway, you can find Penmarallter Campground. “This campground is absolutely beautiful and we enjoy it,” said Kit Hautamaki. It’s quiet and quaint, which…

COVID-19 Cases Rise in Douglas County, More Superior Bars Linked to Surge

Health Dept. has tracked "several" COVID-19 cases to President's Bar.

July 2, 2020

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Douglas County Public Health is reporting seven more people tested positive for COVID-19 this week — specifically in Superior — bringing the total to 37. Common factors contributing to the spread of the virus are visitors from areas with high transmission rates and people who visited multiple public places while symptomatic. At least eight bars in the…

Pike Lake Golf & Beach Club Reopens With New Clubhouse

July 2, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – After being closed for three years, the Pike Lake Golf & Beach Club has finally reopened its property with a brand new addition for its guests to enjoy. The addition includes a renovated clubhouse from top to bottom. The brand new fully loaded kitchen opened Thursday night, and liquor is now being sold once again on the…

Air Conditioners Are Selling Out During Hot Days

July 2, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Many hardware stores are already keeping busy during this heatwave selling air conditioners and other summer essentials to help people keep cool. Marshall Hardware in Duluth has already sold out of window air conditioners, but their stock of fans are still a hot commodity. Staff say it has been hard to keep certain items in stock. Portable…

Homeless Rate Goes Up In St. Louis County

Last year more than 500 people in the county said they were experiencing homelessness, but this year, it's up to 600 people.

July 2, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A study completed by St. Louis County in January uncovered an increase in the number of people dealing with homelessness The County conducts what it calls the “Point in Time” survey every year. This year, surveyors found that homeless people living in shelters or on the streets jumped by nearly 20% compared to last year. The study…

Jamrock Cultural Restaurant Finds New Home After Eviction Complicates Business

After being evicted due to serving the food to cars lined up outside his home, the owner and chef said, a Superior bar helped him out.

July 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A local cook who’s Caribbean food business was sidelined after his landlord evicted him is teaming up with a Superior bar owner to serve his food once again. Average Joe’s Pub off Hammond Avenue was packed Tuesday evening, but people weren’t just there for a drink — but for Jamrock Cultural Restaurant in the back of the building….

Wild State Cider Expands

Patrons are welcome into the taproom during the process.

July 1, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been more than a year since Wild State Cider in Duluth opened its doors for the first time. Now it’s expanding. The popular cidery is extending its existing space to make room for six new tanks. A new canning line has already been added and some other building upgrades are taking place. Wild State distributes its…

Emergency Ordinance Proposal Could Require Everyone To Wear Masks Indoors

As an effort to ensure mass compliance with this proposed ordinance Essentia Health has offered to donate 20,000 masks to the public.

July 1, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is proposing an emergency ordinance to require everyone to wear masks while indoors From a statistical standpoint, many health officials believe wearing masks is a no brainer. As the number of Covid-19 cases keeps fluctuating daily around the nation, it can be difficult to see an end to the pandemic. Health experts believe…

Multiple Bars Voluntarily Close After Customers Test Positive for COVID-19

June 30, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– At least five bars in Superior, South Superior and South Range have voluntarily shut their doors for the time being after getting notified they’ve each had a customer in their establishment recently who has tested positive COVID-19. The bar closures come as the health department recorded 30 positive cases in Douglas County since the pandemic began. Log Cabin…

Propane Prices Are Beginning To Go Up

In the last few months, the cost of propane has jumped by 30 cents.

June 30, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – At the start of the pandemic, the cost for fuel and other energy resources dropped drastically. But as the world inches closer to an economic recovery those prices are steadily climbing. Fuel companies like Superior Fuel in Duluth are now urging their customers to take advantage of the low pricing while it lasts. In recent weeks, the…

ER Visits For Heart Attack, Stroke, And Diabetic Issues Drop During Pandemic

A national study found that visits for heart attack or stroke were down by at least 20% between March and May.

June 30, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Hospitals around the nation are experiencing declines in emergency room visits that are not Covid-19 related, but is a direct impact of the pandemic. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is showing a noticeable drop in emergency room visits for people suffering from heart attacks, strokes, and those living with uncontrolled diabetes….

North Shore Scenic Railroad Poised to Reopen

June 30, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad and Lake Superior Railroad Museum are set to reopen on Wednesday. The two will open together after being shut down for several months allowing directors to take a look at other attractions open around the country to see what was working for them. Now, with an increased emphasis in safety and touchless…

Stokke’s Liquor Expands to Lakeside Neighborhood

Stokke's Liquor Store in Lakeside is located at 5631 East Superior Street.

June 29, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – After decades of being a dry neighborhood, there’s now an additional liquor store in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood. “I know that for a really long time, Lakeside didn’t have a liquor store. So it’s kind of cool to open in a certain period of time,” assistant manager of Stokke’s Liquor Store Destanie Michelizzi said. Stokke’s Liquor Store expanded…

Meat Shops Busy Ahead Of Fourth Of July Weekend

June 29, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Meat shops in the Twin Ports are getting prepared for a busy fourth of July weekend. Old World Meats in Duluth is already seeing a boost in customers. The popular meat shop is expecting to nearly double the number of customers stopping by to get their favorites for the holiday weekend, compared to the same time last…

New Owner of Greysolon Plaza Says Much Will Remain the Same

Historic downtown building sold for $17.45 Million.

June 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greysolon Plaza located in downtown Duluth has been sold to Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions for a reported $17.45 million. JLL Capital Markets announced the sale on Monday between Sherman Associates and Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions, based out of New Jersey. The Plaza currently offers 150 one-bedroom affordable housing apartments, along with the Greysolon Ballroom and Black…

Virtual Driver’s Education Courses Helps Get Teens Prepared For The Road

Young drivers are required to take 30 hours of classroom instruction, but the pandemic has put limitations on in-person classes.

June 29, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Many teens hoping to begin the process of getting their driver’s license, may have thought they lost their chance this year, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. Fortunately, a local driving school is offering virtual driver’s education courses, so those teens get that opportunity. Northern Lights Driver Education is accepting sign-ups for its upcoming virtual class. The course…

Cancellation of 2020 Apple Fest a Big Test for Bayfield Businesses

It is arguably the cities largest event, and at times, can bring in over 60,000 people to a town with a popular of under 500.

June 28, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

BAYFIELD, Wisc. – This year, the fall season in Bayfield will be looking different. “Certainly overwhelming. Very large crowds come into town over the weekend. When the weather is nice, typically the streets will be packed body to body with people,” Howl Owner, Mary Thiel says. That won’t be happening with the cancellation of the 59th annual Apple Fest, and…

Liila Boutique in Lincoln Park Moves Store to Sidewalk

Store holds sidewalk sale to make up for not being able to open interior.

June 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Another local business in Lincoln Park is trying new ways to open back up while also following public health guidelines. Liila Boutique on West Superior Street has been bringing their store to the sidewalk the past few weekends. Since they’re located in the Duluth Folk School building which remains closed, they can’t open their doors to the public….

Zenith City Horror, Main Club in Superior Support Black Lives Matter with Twin Cities Supply Drive

Production company collected 4 carloads of items to send to communities in need.

June 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- To celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Zenith City Horror Production Company and the Main Club on Tower Avenue teamed up to send supplies to communities in the Twin Cities, and show support for the Black Lives Matter Movement. “Just like the Black Panthers did with the Queer community in ’69 at Stonewall, we think it’s important to stand together…

Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Appoints an Interim President

President Holly Sampson has lead the foundation for 30 years and is officially retiring next week.

June 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation is welcoming an interim president until a replacement is found. Dave Montgomery, who serves on the organization’s Board of Trustees and is Chair of its investment committee, will take over for current President Holly Sampson. Sampson is officially retiring next week. Previously, Montgomery served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City…

Duluth-Based IKONICS Corporation Announces Employee Furloughs

June 26, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based IKONICS Corporation has announced it will furlough about 40 percent of its 81-employee workforce through the end of July. Furloughed employees will continue to receive benefits, but the company is suspending retirement plan contributions. The furloughs are designed to offset revenue lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glenn Sandgren, IKONICS CEO, released this statement in regard to…

Wilderness Health Gets An $800,000 Grant To Develop A Telehealth Program For Mental Health

"There is just a tremendous need. We have rising rates of mental health in our region. We have rising suicide rates," said Executive Director Cassandra Beardsley.

June 26, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wilderness health, a collaborative of independent health providers for rural communities, was recently awarded a grant worth nearly $800,000. The grant will be used to support the development of a telehealth program to offer mental health and other services to be used within its ten health system network. The funds will also be used to provide the…

e2ip Technologies Shutting Down Bigfork Facility By End of 2020

Economic Officials in Itasca County Provide an Update on Residents, Businesses Financially Impacted by COVID-19

June 26, 2020

Brett Scott,

BIGFORK, Minn. – Friday morning during a press briefing, economic officials in Itasca County provided new details regarding the economic impact COVID-19 is having on residents and businesses in the region. According to Tamara Lowney, President, and CEO of Itasca Economic Development Center, by the end of 2020, Montreal based e2ip Technologies will close its Bigfork location for good. The…

‘Face Covering’ Now Required For Shoppers, Staff At Whole Foods Co-Op

June 25, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Whole Foods Co-op locations are increasing safety measures against the coronavirus pandemic by requiring all shoppers and staff to wear some type of face mask while in the stores. The rule goes into effect Friday, June 26. And if a customer doesn’t have a “face covering,” there will be a stock of single-use masks available at…

Twin Ports Food Shelf Continues To Offer Help To Those In Need

The agency will continue to offer the curbside service until September 30th.

June 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency in Superior is continuing to help people in need with their week food shelf. The agency began giving out food to people at the start of the pandemic. The organization has implemented some protocols to ensure safety. They screen all employees and require them to wear masks. Also, the weekly food…

Birkie Plans to Buy Telemark Property, Attract New Development

American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation plans to demolish existing lodge and work with private developer for new opportunities

June 25, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

CABLE, Wis. – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation is hoping the Telemark Resort property will become a prime destination again. The iconic Birkebeiner ski race starts at Telemark every February. Now, the race foundation wants to buy the resort property, and could close on it as early as September. It will cost the Birkie about $2 million to buy the…

Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Division Reinstates Some Staff — For Now

Only three-quarters of staff will be brought back.

June 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – In April the City of Duluth laid off nearly 100 full-time, temp and seasonal employees, including park maintenance staff. The parks and recreation division announced Wednesday some of the park maintenance crew are being partially reinstated. City staff say with more people visiting the parks and trails, it is causing a need for continuous upkeep. Only about…

A Task Force Is Being Assembled To Help Spirit Mountain Through Financial Problems

Application closes on July 8th.

June 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain in Duluth has suffered many economic blows within the last year. The City of Duluth is working in partnership with spirit mountain to put together a task force to help find solutions for the tourist attraction’s financial problems. Currently, the city is accepting applications to fill up to 11 positions on the task force. It…

Maurices Brings Back Furloughed Employees

6,000 retail employees and 54 corporate office employees were temporarily laid off during shutdown

June 24, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Maurices has brought back almost all its employees who were temporarily laid off during the shutdown. The Duluth-based women’s clothing chain has already reopened most of its stores. The remaining stores are opening in the next week or so. 6,000 retail employees were furloughed in March. Maurices tells us they are all being hired back. The store…

Adventure Zone Open To The Public

June 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Adventure Zone in Canal Park is settling in on their revamped protocols after opening nearly a week ago. The popular tourist attraction is restricted to about 25% of its capacity, which means only a little over 100 people are allowed to enter at a time. Adventure Zone has designated only one entry and exit into the building….

UWS Offers An Alternative Online Program For First-Year Students

June 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A recent national survey discovered one out of six high school seniors are unsure about their fall college plans as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a threat to health. This statistic is pushing the University of Wisconsin Superior to create alternative options for students to begin their college education. The university is introducing planU, which is…

Superior’s Spirit Room Reopens with ‘Bring Your Own Lawn Chair’ Area

June 24, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Spirit Room cocktail bar in Superior is back open this week as it celebrates its sixth year in business. Outdoor tables now line the sidewalk along Broadway Street. Guests can sit there or bring their own lawn chair and enjoy the makeshift lawn in the parking lot. Staff are excited to be back open and say…

Bayfield Farmers Reflect on Cancellation of Apple Fest

"It's all the orchards together that makes Apple Fest what it is. It's not just one orchard or one property."

June 24, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

BAYFIELD, Wisc. – “Apple Fest is a lot of work and its the most fun I’ve ever had,” Bayfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, David Eades says. But because of Covid-19, the lack of Bayfield’s largest event will leave hole in the heart of city. “The energy. The community. The food vendors, the orchards, the parade the contests. There’s something…

Local Food Truck Serves Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

June 23, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Grilled cheese fans tasted some gourmet creations while listening to live music at the Cedar Lounge in Superior. Guests enjoyed culinary creations from the K&B Grilled Cheese Food Truck. The local business serves several original sandwiches like a bacon and cheddar grilled cheese, a spinach and artichoke grilled cheese, and a buffalo chicken grilled cheese. “No one…

Subaru of America Donates Over $100,000 in Automotive Equipment to Lake Superior College

Most graduates of the automotive program typically remain in the region to fill a growing demand.

June 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College is sending a big “thank you” to Subaru of American and Miller Hill Subaru for donating more than $100,000 worth of equipment for the automotive program. The extra equipment will help to further expand training for students to allow them to have a long-standing career. The automotive industry took a hit due to the…

St. Luke’s Hospital Uses Technology To Identify Bacteria And Viruses Faster

"It allows us to deliver the right treatment and right therapy much soon than we have in the past," said Infectious Disease Physician Andrew Thompson.

June 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital is the first healthcare facility in the region to utilize a spectrometer to help identify microorganisms much faster. Traditional methods to classify bacteria, viruses, and fungi typically take days to return results. The equipment uses a laser to break down the microorganisms for identification in a matter of minutes. “It allows us to deliver…

Amazon’s Fulfillment Center in Shakopee One of Larger Warehouse COVID Outbreaks

June 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) – State health officials say the Amazon fulfillment center in Shakopee has one of the larger coronavirus outbreaks in a warehouse or distribution plant setting. At least 88 of its approximately 1,000 workers have tested positive for the disease caused by the virus. Another 99 workers at other Amazon sites in the…