DULUTH, Minn. – Excitement is building at Fond-du-Luth and Black Bear casinos as the official reopening date is set for Monday, June 15 at 10 a.m. Casino officials tell us there will be some noticeable changes, however, to balance entertainment with safety. Specifically at the Fond-du-Luth, all guests will get a non-contact temperature check at the door and everybody will…
DULUTH, Minn. – Opening a new business during a pandemic can definitely be a challenge, but some business owners are willing to take that leap of faith. The up and coming Lincoln Park neighborhood is home to a variety of businesses. Many have been hit hard by financial setbacks caused by Covid-19. With the pandemic curve starting to slightly flatten,…
DULUTH, Minn. – King of Creams in Duluth has deployed its ice cream truck for the summer. The truck has been serving up ice cream throughout neighborhoods in Duluth and Superior since 2008. The truck offers novelty bars and hand scooped ice cream. King of Creams typically lauches its ice cream truck in early April, but the pandemic put a…
DULUTH, Minn. – Local breweries are gearing-up to reopens as safely as possible. Hoops Brewing in Canal Park is opening an outdoor beer garden Friday. The brewery will serve eight to 10 of its beers out of a tent in the back parking lot Wednesday through Saturday with food trucks occasionally stopping by. Hoops is also planning to reopen its…
DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants, bars, and theaters are reopening across Minnesota, and there’s one well-known local organization that has all that and more. The Zeitgeist Arts Building in Downtown Duluth is entering the recovery process after being hit hard by the shutdown. The non-profit is getting ready for a limited opening soon. Friday and Saturday night, Zeitgeist will open a…
DULUTH, Minn. – Customers are excited to be back in bars and restaurants in Minnesota. On Wednesday, they opened for dine-in service for the first time since mid-March. “To me it’s always nice to have a pint of beer in a bar and it’s been so long,” said Ben Cullen, a customer at Dubh Linn Restaurant and Irish Brew Pub…
DULUTH, Minn. – One of the leading producers in the paper industry is falling victim to the financial strains of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Ohio-based Verso Corporation announced it is stopping production at its mills in both Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids, indefinitely. Verso Corporation’s decision to cease production in both Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids is due to the growing decline in…
SCANLON, Minn., and ESKO, Minn. – Restaurants across Minnesota can open at 50 percent capacity for dine-in service starting Wednesday, June 10. Local restaurants have been without a big portion of their business during the COVID-19 shutdown. Restaurant owners call it a “learning experience” but say they’re excited to return a little close to normal. “We miss our family, we…
DULUTH, Minn. – Bridgeman’s in Duluth is adding a new feature to its restaurant, just in time for summer. Coming soon, the popular restaurant will have a brand new patio. It will give customers a chance to take part in outdoor dining or have a quick sit down to enjoy some of Bridgeman’s delicious ice cream. Adding a patio was…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Skyline Lanes is ready to re-open after over 70 days of being shut down. Customers will soon be back in the newly renovated facility, but there have been some big changes made to ensure the safety of all customers. Bowling will now be every other lane, and the arcade will now have games separated to ensure six…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Verso Corporation today announced that it is taking immediate actions to offset unprecedented market decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to reposition the company for future success. Verso will indefinitely idle paper mills in Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. At this time, the company will explore viable and sustainable alternatives for both mills, including restarting if market…
DULUTH, Minn. – Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth is expanding to help give guests a more fun-filled experience during their stay. Pier B has now added a new sports court. The 5,00 square foot space will offer guests the chance to take part in activities such as corn hole or pickleball. The space also offers a courtside bar and…
DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Walz announcing that bars, restaurants and other business can open at 50% capacity Wednesday is a relief for many restaurant owners. But for one in Lincoln Park, that meant scrapping a newly opened business to give new life to an existing favorite. “We’re kind of calling an audible on every play that we’ve made in the last…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- At the corner of Belknap and Hammond in Superior Wednesday, a dozen or so young people peacefully held signs against the death of George Floyd and police brutality, cheered on by drivers honking their horns in support–amid rumors of protests and unrest in the city swirling for a few days. There was even talk of a protest overtaking…
DULUTH, Minn. – A popular parking lot along the Lakewalk will be closed for the summer season starting Wednesday, June 3. Along with the parking lot closure, the owner of a popular eatery, the Lakewalk Galley, formally known as Crabby Ol’ Bill’s, is choosing to remain closed for the season as well. The owner says he has been in communication…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A new motorcycle repair shop has opened in Hermantown. Ape Hangers Customs offers a variety of services including full engine and transmission repair. The owner, who is originally from the twin cities, has 10 years of experience working on motorcycles. While there aren’t many shops like this in the area, he says it took a leap of…
DULUTH, Minn.- A & Dubs, the drive in burger spot in West Duluth, opened to a parking lot full of excited customers Monday. A & Dubs normally opens the day after Mother’s Day but they delayed resuming business due to the Coronavirus. Customers said they were anxious to get back to the neighborhood staple they grew up with. “It’s just…
DULUTH, Minn. – Last week Essentia Health announced permanent layoffs for about 900 employees within its health care system, including members of the local steelworkers union. Many of those employees and union members are fighting back with hopes of saving their jobs. The Covid-19 pandemic is putting a financial strain on health care systems around the nation, including Essentia Health….
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An autopsy commissioned for George Floyd’s family found that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression when a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on Floyd’s neck for several minutes and ignored his cries of distress, the family’s attorneys said Monday. The autopsy by a doctor who also examined Eric Garner’s body found the…
DULUTH, Minn – The Tavern and Black Woods restaurants are helping give back to the community by holding a food drive. Patrons are being asked to donate a minimum of two non-perishable items to help support the cause. Those who donate can receive a five dollar discount on their curbside or delivery order. All items collected in the food drive…
DULUTH, Minn.- At times Saturday night, Duluth Police said it became difficult to respond to incidents of concern– even with about 100 officers out when normally around 20 patrol at night– because some protesters got in cars to head up Central Entrance at one point. A long line of protesters blocked traffic on both sides of the street, eventually stopping…
DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown businesses spent the day leading up to the protests buckling down, in case things escalated as they have in other cities across the country. The closed Fond-du-Luth Casino on Superior Street started boarding up their doors and windows a couple hours before the demonstration started. Officials with the reservation said they’re trying to be prepared for anything….
CLOQUET, Minn. – After more than 30 years in business, the Salvation Army thrift store in Cloquet is closing its doors for good. The shut down is the result of the new financial climate with Covid-19. The non-profit began looking at their mission of helping people with basic needs, paving the way for a larger good shelf to take the…
DULUTH, Minn- Duluth may have said so long to the former Wendy’s on London Road. But some folks got a chance to take a piece of the old restaurant home with them. A rummage sale hosted at the former restaurant was used to sell off items remaining after it closed in September. Within the first hour of the rummage sale…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has unanimously approved a resolution that will speed up the process for bars and restaurants wanting to apply for outdoor seating, which they will need to be able to serve customers starting June 1. It usually takes 45 days for the county to approve applications, but the process will now…
PROCTOR, Minn. – Minnesota bar owners are speaking out against the state not allowing them to open for indoor service. Many Minnesota bars have been closed for more than two months to comply with the state’s Stay-at-Home and Stay Safe MN orders. While bars can reopen outdoors on June 1, the owners are frustrated as they have no idea as…
DULUTH, Minn. – Fitgers Brewhouse in Duluth is one of many restaurants getting their outdoor seating prepared to welcome customers starting June 1st, under the guidelines of the safe Minnesota executive order. To prepare for the safe return of customers the restaurant staff is taking on some new safety protocols. the restaurant is expanding its patio seating across the front…
DULUTH, Minn – Duluth City Hall has been closed to the public for about two months to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The City of Duluth is looking into a phased plan to slowly begin reopening city hall to staff and the public. But there are going to be a few guidelines to follow to help keep the…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously passed Spirit Mountain’s annual multi-million dollar budget Tuesday evening, which is also calling for extra funding later this year to get the park reopened for the winter season after being shut down for the rest of the summer. Councilors just approved the adventure park’s $4 million operating budget for the 2020-2021 season, but…
DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of bars and restaurants are still dealing with the financial impacts of Covid-19. But many of them in Duluth could get some relief as city officials are proposing a plan to reduce liquor licensing fees. The owners of many of those businesses say every little bit of help the city is offering can bring them…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Memorial Day is looking a lot different in the Northland with parades and firework shows cancelled due to the Coronavirus. So in addition to honoring fallen heroes, people flocked to more popular summer businesses in Wisconsin to get out of the house and try to do something special. “Folks are like ‘I’ve seen enough of my home, it’s…
DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth city officials are making changes to policies and processes to allow greater flexibility for bars and restaurants who may not be outfitted to continue operating without dine-in customers. “Just like the city is struggling with the financial impact of this public health emergency, we know that our local businesses are struggling with this public health emergency,” said…
DULUTH, Minn. – There is growing frustration from Minnesota bar and restaurant owners, including right here in Duluth, who still can’t open to customers for inside dining even though Gov. Tim Walz is allowing businesses like salons to open up inside at a limited capacity come June 1. “I just look at it as, if you can open a salon…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The month of May is typically one of the busiest times of the year for most garden centers. At Engwall Flowers in Hermantown, they are prepared to sell their annuals, perennials, shrubs and cemetery baskets. Staff say, memorial weekend isn’t only a big weekend for gardens, it’s also a time to remember our loved ones. “For vets,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Salons in Minnesota have been given the green light to reopen to the public, but they must follow a few safety protocols. The executive order requires hairstylists, barbers, and their clients to wear masks. And all services are by appointment only. But some salons in Duluth are taking a few extra precautions. London Rayne Salon is using…
DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz loosened restrictions on business beginning June 1st. Bars and restaurants can open on that date with outdoor only seating, serving no more than 50 customers at a time and with employees wearing masks. “That extends to how do we find that new normal, restart Minnesota’s economy and I should say grow it from where…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and city councilors are taking a 10 percent voluntary pay cut through the end of the year. Larson makes roughly $97,000 a year. Councilors make close to $14,000. While the savings won’t be significant to the overall budget shortfall of a projected $38 million on the high end this year, Council President Gary…
DULUTH, Minn. – Aviation company AAR is leaving its aircraft maintenance base at the Duluth Airport. It was not immediately known Wednesday how many jobs will be affected, but AAR employed more than 300 people at the Duluth facility with salaries ranging from $30,000 up to around $80,000 a year. AAR has not spoken publicly yet on the reason behind…
DULUTH, Minn. – Financial impacts of Covid-19 are continuing to hit hard for Spirit Mountain in Duluth. The popular tourist attraction will now remain closed all the way through the end of summer. Spirit Mountain is in bad financial shape as the Covid-19 Pandemic continues to create money problems. Due to the city’s own financial issues, this time around, supporting…
DULUTH, Minn. – “We made significant changes to our operations and the way we do business,” Duluth Transit Authority General Manager, Phil Pumphrey says. Since March, the Duluth Transit Authority has reduced services to just 24 buses running at only 43 percent of what is normal. “When we go back to our higher level service we will be at 83…
EVELETH, Minn.- Businesses across Minnesota are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s announcement Wednesday authorizing them to open June 1st, including up on the range in the small town of Eveleth that has a population of 3,596. “Walz opening up on the first at a capacity of 25%? That’s. Not. Enough,” said one business owner. Bar and restaurant owners in Eveleth said…
DULUTH, Minn. – The financially strapped Spirit Mountain could very well remain closed through the summer because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. And Spirit Mountain officials say the only way to open back up this winter is if the cash-strapped city of Duluth hands over $350,000 before winter revenue at the Mountain starts rolling in again. This information…
DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants in the Northland are still feeling financial setbacks from the Coronavirus Pandemic. That’s why a new voucher program has now launched to help boost the local economy as businesses are still trying to rebuild operations, while they wait to reopen indoor dining to the public. Strong Northland is a collaborative effort to help economically restore local…
DULUTH, Minn.-The Miller Hill Mall opened back up on Monday after being shut down for over two months. “It was kind of sporadic. I think a lot of people were kind of seeing what’s open, who’s here and what’s going on,” Apricot Lane Duluth Owner, Wendy Meyers says. For local businesses like Apricot Lane Duluth, it was a breath of…
DULUTH, Minn.- As summer gets closer, Duluth begins to shine as a waterfront destination again. After looking at summer with uncertainty, boating rental and tour services are excited to say they can provide people that gateway to the big blue lake. The Vista Fleet is missing the big Memorial Day opening, but owner Justin Steinbach expects to be open by…
DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown Duluth is reconnected once again with the Skywalk back open after a two-month closure due to COVID-19. The Skywalk was noticibly emptier than usual, but that didn’t stop businesses from swinging their doors open. Frame Corner and Gallery in the Holiday Center has been selling custom frames through curbside pickup but owner Sara Sarvella said she’s looking…
DULUTH, Minn. – Many summer camps around the Northland are already choosing not open for the season to prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus. Fortunately, University Nursery School isn’t one of them canceling summer programming. University Nursery School’s location, in the Harbor Highlands community, has been transformed to offer a full-time summer program. It can accommodate up to 30…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- More changes could be coming to Downtown Duluth this summer as the Allete Company is working to renovate Minnesota Power Plaza at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. Staff with Allete said the plaza will include increased accessibility including a sidewalk into Canal Park. They’re also looking to put in more seating, shading, gardens, and solar…
DULUTH, Minn.- A sign that summer is just around the corner–the popular Portland Malt Shoppe in Duluth re-opened Friday. People can once again stop in for sundaes, malts, and more frozen treats while walking the lakewalk by Fitger’s. “It’s nice to be able to support local businesses when we can. Just nice to be able to help out the community,”…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- It was the first weekend that businesses in Wisconsin were suddenly given the green light to open after the state’s stay at home order was thrown out by the Wisconsin Supreme Court–now business owners in Superior say it’s time to figure out how to open safely. The jingle of the door opening is a sound not heard at…
