Katharine Huntley, Author at Fox21Online

Local Engineer Making 3-D Printed Face Shields from Home

Each face shield takes the printer around two hours to create and Tim Salmonson estimates he has made nearly 200.

May 1, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – During the pandemic, many Northlanders have been doing what they can to help out the community. Tim Salmonson, a local electrical engineer, was working from home like so many others and decided to use his 3-D printer to create face shields to help out healthcare workers at hospitals. Each face shield takes the printer around two hours…

Premiere Theaters Offering Concessions at the Curbside

The theater, which has been closed during the pandemic, is offering things like popcorn, slushies, nachos, pop, and even mini donuts for people who miss what the concession stand has to offer.

May 1, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Premiere Theaters in Cloquet is now offering curbside concession pick-up for people who are craving theater popcorn and candy. The theater, which has been closed during the pandemic, is offering things like popcorn, slushies, nachos, pop, and even mini donuts for people who miss what the concession stand has to offer. The locally owned and operated theater…

Duluth Police and Fire Chiefs Jump into Lake Superior to Support Healthcare Workers

Chiefs Mike Tusken and Shawn Krizaj took a jump into Lake Superior after three local kids raised nearly $6000.

April 30, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Chiefs Mike Tusken and Shawn Krizaj took a jump into Lake Superior after three local kids raised nearly $6000. Brea, Dawson, and Bryce Parrot raised the money which is going to support frontline heroes working during the pandemic. The kids are purchasing all that food from local restaurants to support those businesses as well. “I thought when…

Wisconsin Salons Now Open to Curbside Retail Business

Salons like La Pienado in Superior had 75 orders the first day it was open for curbside business.

April 30, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Salons are not part of Governor Tony Evers phase one of reopening in Wisconsin, and businesses like La Peinado in Superior can now sell products to customers curbside. “People have been without skincare, makeup, hair products for going on six weeks so they’re very happy to get their products,” said Lisa Russ, the position manager, for La…

New Murals on Shanty Bottle Shop Walls Aim to Bring Hope

The two muralists, Tyler Rose and Kevin Pendleton, were commissioned by the owner of Shanty Bottle Shop to paint him and his wife.

April 29, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new mural has been painted on the outer walls of Shanty Bottle Shop in East Hillside. It all started when two local tattooists from Zenith City Piercing and Tattoo needed a way to express themselves creatively while their business was shut down during coronavirus. The two muralists, Tyler Rose and Kevin Pendleton, were commissioned by the…

International Wolf Center Moving Programming Online During Pandemic

They are offering new experiences including Friday pack updates, kids Q&A sessions, and even teaching wolf language with classrooms all over the nation.

April 29, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

ELY, Minn. – The International Wolf Center in Ely is feeling the effects of COVID-19 much like most other businesses in the Northland. The wolf center has been closed to the public for more than a month now. Instead, they have shifted a lot of what they are doing to an online format. A limited number of staff members are…

St. Louis County Awarded Nearly $1.7 Million in Federal Grants for Pandemic Recovery

The county is waiting for additional guidelines from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for exactly what the funds can be used for.

April 29, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County has been awarded nearly $1.7 million in federal grant money from the as part of the CARES Act. The county is waiting for additional guidelines from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for exactly what the funds can be used for. The county is hoping to use it to prevent homelessness by…

Bayview Motel Offering Emergency Shelter for Those in Need

The motel normally acts as an emergency shelter in the wintertime, but the owner, Anthony Deguia-Urgo, says during COVID-19 the need has been overwhelming.

April 26, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

ASHLAND, Wis. – The tourism industry in Ashland is preparing for a slow summer, but one motel is turning the bad situation around to help the community. The 8-bedroom Bayview Motel has had about 100 cancelations already for the summer, so the owner decided to offer the rooms up as an emergency shelter for people who need a place to…

Hundreds Participate in a Very Special 100th Birthday Parade

Cars as far as the eye could see stretched down a long county highway in Ashland on Sunday, all to celebrate Jean Richardson's 100th birthday.

April 26, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

ASHLAND, Wis. – It wasn’t the 100th birthday bash Jean Richardson’s family had been dreaming of but what they got might have been even better. Cars as far as the eye could see stretched down a long county highway in Ashland on Sunday. They all came out to celebrate Jean Richardson on her one-hundredth birthday. “It’s been overwhelming I didn’t…

Ursa Minor Beer Now Available at Some Restaurant Takeouts

As of this week, local restaurants are now allowed to sell 16 oz. cans of brewery beer for takeout.

April 25, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – As taprooms continue to be closed around the state, breweries are having to change how they do things to stay afloat. At Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth, they have switched strictly to a curbside model. As of this week, local restaurants are now allowed to sell 16 oz. cans of brewery beer for takeout. Customers who come…

8-Year-Old Celebrates Birthday in Drive-By Style

Police, fire, and plenty of family and friends drove past her Superior home honking for Audree.

April 25, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – As Governor Ever’s safer-at-home order continues, parents are getting creative with how to make their children’s birthday special. One local Superior mom organized a birthday parade for her daughter Audree. Police, fire, and plenty of family and friends drove past her Superior home honking for Audree. After Audree’s mom, Ashley, posted about the celebration on Facebook, even…

Thousands of Masks Donated By Duluthians to the Fire Department for Distribution

On Monday, the fire department will start the process of distributing the masks to group living facilities such as nursing homes that need the masks the most.

April 25, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of masks were dropped off at Duluth Fire Department locations on Saturday as part of Governor Walz’s mask drive initiative. Nearly 800 fire departments in the state of Minnesota accepting masks which will then be distributed to congregate living facilities. Altogether 3000 masks were dropped off at the eight different Duluth Fire Department stations. On Monday,…

Dead on Arms Indoor Shooting Range Continues to Be Closed During Stay-at-Home Order

The range's retail shop is still allowed to function but the owner says the shooting range is an important part of their business.

April 24, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Dead on Arms indoor shooting range in Cloquet is not open for public shooting during the state-wide stay-at-home order. The range’s retail shop is still allowed to function but the owner says the shooting range is an important part of their business. Owner Chad Walsh says the retail part of the shop has had steady business and…

Doctors Urge Parents to Keep Up on Kids Vaccinations and Check-Ups During Pandemic

Doctors also add that immunizations are incredibly important from an infant's first shot up through teenager's booster shots.

April 23, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Family care doctors are stressing parents should continue to keep up on their children’s check-up appointments even during COVID-19. One local physician says they want children, especially those two-years-old and younger to keep up on regular visits. All patients are screened before they go into the clinic along with waiting in the car instead of the waiting…

Duluth NAACP Hosts Third Free Mask Giveaway

The Duluth NAACP says they want to give masks to those who are more susceptible to suffering serious health problems from the virus.

April 23, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Duluth NAACP held its third free mask giveaway, this time in Superior. Community members made and donated nearly 700 masks for distribution. Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet also donated toothbrushes, bubbles, and coloring books to be given out to kids. The Duluth NAACP says they want to give masks to those who are more susceptible to…

Hospitals To Test Community Members with COVID-19 Symptoms

Minnesota is testing an average of 1,300 people a day for COVID-19 but after Gov. Walz's recent announcement that number is going to rise to 20,000.

April 23, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – After Wednesday’s announcement by Governor Tim Walz, local hospitals are now allowed to test anyone with COVID-19 symptoms. Minnesota is testing an average of 1,300 people a day for COVID-19 but after Gov. Walz’s recent announcement that number is going to rise more than ten-fold. Previously, only certain people were allowed to be tested, but now the…

Mayor Larson Announces Lester Park Golf Course to be Closed for 2020

April 20, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lester Park Golf Course will be closed for the entire 2020 season Mayor Larson announced on Monday. Duluth’s only other public course, Enger Park, will open 18 holes this week. Its driving range will open on Wednesday or Thursday, while the 18 holes should open Friday. The Duluth City Council voted last year to downsize Lester Park…

City Announcing Potential $25-30 Million in Budgetary Loss Due to COVID-19

The "Hotel Motel Food and Beverage Tax" is expected to take a 50-75 percent decline this year which equates to a $6-9 million shortfall.

April 20, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Larson and her team announced they are expecting a growing budget gap as high as $25-30 million with the lack of tourism tax revenue a big reason why. The “Hotel Motel Food and Beverage Tax” is expected to take a 50-75 percent decline this year which equates to a $6-9 million shortfall. A good portion of…

Ely’s Summer Tourism Outlook Uncertain Due to COVID-19

Thousands of Americans travel to Ely each year during the summertime and COVID-19 has prompted Governor Tim Walz to discourage travel to prevent the spread of the virus leaving businesses to wonder what's next.

April 19, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

ELY, Minn. – Businesses all over the Northland are feeling the wide-reaching effects from the global pandemic. Ely’s summer tourism season is in serious jeopardy and business owners say they are worried about the future. “The bills still keep coming whether or not we have a season or not,” said Marty Chinander, the owner of Stony Ridge Resort in Ely….

Social Distancing Measures Possibly Driving Down Flu Cases

According to a Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist, the state is still predicting this year to be a moderately severe flu season, but not as severe as 2017-2018.

April 18, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – As COVID-19 cases climb in Minnesota less of a spotlight has been put on the influenza season this year. According to a Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist, the state is still predicting this year to be a moderately severe flu season, but not as severe as 2017-2018. Influenza, like COVID-19, is a respiratory illness. The Department of…

Duluth Grill to Open on Takeout Basis Staring Next Week

The restaurant will have things like cinnamon rolls and family-style pans of some of their best-sellers.

April 18, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Grill announced its grand re-opening is happening on April 22nd for takeout orders. After being closed for a month, the restaurant is opening back up with a limited menu. The restaurant will have things like cinnamon rolls and family-style pans of some of their best-sellers. Owner Tom Hanson says they are also bringing back 15 to…

Sedan Crashes 25 Feet into Ecumen Lakeshore Residences

Duluth Fire Department reports the driver of the car suffered multiple injuries and was transported to the hospital, one resident of Ecumen Lakeshore was transported and released uninjured.

April 18, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Chevy Impala was driving down 40th Avenue East and jumped the curb into a resident’s apartment on Friday evening at around 8:40, according to Duluth Police and Fire Departments. Duluth Fire Department reports the driver of the car suffered multiple injuries and was transported to the hospital, one resident of Ecumen Lakeshore was transported and released…

Many Shooting Ranges to Open After New Gov. Walz Order

Old Vermillion Trails Sporting Clays and Hunting in Duluth will be opening on the Tuesday after Memorial Day for its summer season.

April 17, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some outdoor shooting ranges are set to open on Saturday after Governor Walz’s order on Friday. However, one Duluth range is waiting until after Memorial Day to get its season started. Old Vermillion Trails Sporting Clays and Hunting in Duluth had to shut down its winter season in March due to COVID-19. The manager, Burt Schweiger, normally…

More than 60 Vehicles Attend St. Luke’s Parking Lot Prayer

Worshipers were from several local churches praying in a socially distanced way while listening to a special program by Life 97.3 outside of St. Luke's hospital.

April 17, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – A St. Luke’s parking lot became a place of worship on Friday for more than one hundred people praying for essential workers. It all started when a local 11th-grade girl, Abigail Hansen, got the idea from a Tik Tok video. She then contacted Life 97.3 and along with her church The Vineyard, it blossomed into more than…

Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop Distributes Nearly 300 Bundles of Groceries

Ruby's expected well above the usual average of 200 bundles of groceries due to high unemployment rates during the pandemic.

April 16, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop distributed nearly 300 shares of food and paper products to community members. Ruby’s expected well above the usual average of 200 bundles of groceries due to high unemployment rates during the pandemic. They did it all from the parking lot instead of how they normally do it in the Coppertop Church basement Cars filled…

First Witness Concerned After Seeing Slight Dip in Child Abuse Being Reported

The National Children's Alliance says 87% of child abuse cases happen within the family.

April 16, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – First Witness Child Advocacy Center is doing everything it can to make sure children are safe from abuse during the stay-at-home order. The National Children’s Alliance says 87% of child abuse cases happen within the family. First Witness is doing more services over the phone during the pandemic, but they say they are concerned by a slight…

Gov. Walz Signs Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act into Law

In 2017, 26-year-old Alec Smith died of diabetic complications because he was rationing his insulin which he could not afford to be uninsured. Legislators hope this law hopes will stop this from ever happening again.

April 15, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

ST. PAUL. – The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act was signed into law on Wednesday by Governor Tim Walz. In 2017, 26-year-old Alec Smith died of diabetic complications because he was rationing his insulin which he could not afford to be uninsured. Lawmakers and advocates took up this issue in Alec’s memory to stop this from happening again. The program…

Duluth NAACP Giving Away Masks on Monday

The Duluth NAACP says COVID-19 has been greatly affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

April 12, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, the Duluth NAACP will be handing out free cloth face masks to people who have barriers buying or making masks. The Duluth NAACP says COVID-19 has been greatly affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The organization will hand out homemade masks to make sure people in these communities are protected. Anyone who is struggling to…

Essentia Now Requiring All Visitors and Staff to Wear Masks

Because COVID-19 can be spread by a person with no symptoms it is especially important to take precautions and wear masks.

April 12, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, Essentia Health will require all patients, visitors, and staff to masks to help limit the spread of COVID-19 at all its locations. Essentia is asking everyone who has a mask to bring their own from home to wear. For those who do not already have a mask, Essentia will supply one. Because COVID-19 can be…

Duluth Harbor Mission Serves Nearly 200 Easter Dinners To-Go

On Sunday, the meals they served included ham, mashed potatoes, cheesy potatoes, corn, and even desserts.

April 12, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Harbor Mission held its fifth annual free Easter dinner to those in need on Sunday. The faith-based mission provides food, shelter, and clothing year-round for people in need. During the pandemic, they say the need has been much greater. On Sunday, the meals they served included ham, mashed potatoes, cheesy potatoes, corn, and even desserts. The…

Short-Term Housing Available Aimed at COVID-19 Medical Providers at First Responders

One local company, US Coporate Housing LLC, is opening three new units in Superior for short-term leasing.

April 11, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Short term housing that is affordable on the average budget can be hard to come by for many. COVID-19 medical providers and first responders are coming to the Northland and some want to avoid year-long leases. One local company, US Coporate Housing LLC, is opening three new units in Superior for short-term leasing. The company hopes these…

Masks Now Mandatory for Super One Employees

Super One in West Duluth distributed 250 asks to employees this week that they are required to wear while at work.

April 11, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – As mask-wearing becomes more common in the Northland, employees at Super One Foods are now wearing them every day at work. Super One in West Duluth distributed 250 asks to employees this week that they are required to wear while at work. Other employees are wearing their own masks they made at home. All masks are cleaned…

Amnicon Falls State Park Still Open Despite Closure of Southern Wisconsin Parks

Though people are out, many northern Wisconsin parks have not seen the hordes of people like ones in more populated areas.

April 10, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

SOUTH RANGE, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently announced the closure of 40 state parks, forests, and recreation areas mostly in the southern part of the state. Most northern Wisconsin parks are still open for people to enjoy the outdoors. Gov. Evers announced the order due to unprecedented crowds, litter, and vandalism at the parks to our south. As…

Bridgeman’s Busy with Curbside Fish Fry on Good Friday

Due to COVID-19, they served the fish curbside and were busy with a consistent stream of cars considering no one can eat in the restaurant.

April 10, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bridgeman’s is a staple for many people who are looking for fried fish during lent and Good Friday is their busiest fish fry of the year. Due to COVID-19, they served the fish curbside and were busy with a consistent stream of cars considering no one can eat in the restaurant. The owner estimates fish fries were…

Essentia and St. Luke’s Prepping for COVID-19 Surge

St. Luke's and Essentia Health-St. Mary's are gearing up for the worst-case scenario saying they would rather be over-prepared when the peak hits the Northland.

April 9, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Hospitals in the Twin Ports continue to prepare this week for the coming surge of COVID-19 patients. Doctors say they are carefully watching hard-hit areas of the country and using that information so the Northland can protect as many people as possible. St. Luke’s and Essentia Health-St. Mary’s are gearing up for the worst-case scenario saying they…

$6 Million Awarded to Local Hospitals for COVID-19 Response

Both St. Luke's and Essentia each received $3 million to help in their battle against coronavirus.

April 8, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health announced $50 million in emergency healthcare grants will be provided to Minnesota hospitals including St. Luke’s and Essentia. Both St. Luke’s and Essentia each received $3 million to help in their battle against coronavirus. Essentia has spent that money on putting testing sites in places like Duluth and Virginia, the purchase of…

Gov. Walz Extends Minnesota Stay-at-Home Order Extended Until May 4

Governor Walz said the only "vaccine" we have right now is social distancing which is why it is so important to continue doing.

April 8, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz has extended Minnesota’s stays at home order until May 4. Bars and restaurants will continue to stay closed for dine-in until that date as well. This comes in coordination with the state’s federal disaster declaration which was signed by President Trump Wednesday. Governor Walz explained that the data is proving social distancing is…

Barnes Volunteers Delivering Groceries and Medications to Those in Need

Staff at the emergency services building will take requests via phone and have community volunteers pick up the items and deliver them at a safe distance.

April 5, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

BARNES, Wis. – Emergency services has implemented a new program to help at-risk residents maintain access to groceries and medications without leaving their home in the town of Barnes. Staff at the emergency services building will take requests via phone and have community volunteers pick up the items and deliver them at a safe distance. According to the emergency services…

Superior Introducing Curbside Voting Along with Other Changes For Tuesday’s Election

As of Sunday evening, the deadline for absentee ballots in Wisconsin has been moved until next Monday for people who have already requested the ballots. Superior sent out an unprecedented 4,200 absentee ballots for Tuesday's election.

April 5, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While much of the Northland is shut down in some way because of the coronavirus outbreak, it is not stopping Tuesday’s spring election in Superior. As of Sunday evening, the deadline for absentee ballots in Wisconsin has been moved until next Monday for people who have already requested the ballots. This comes along with several other measures…

Drive-By Easter Bunny Celebration in Duluth Neighborhood

Cars drove past to see a full Easter set-up complete with a dancing Easter Bunny.

April 4, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Easter came early to the Piedmont Heights neighborhood of Duluth on Saturday. The Easter Bunny was outside one home waving and spreading springtime cheer. Cars drove past to see a full Easter set-up complete with a dancing Easter Bunny. The family who hosted it loves holidays and wanted to spread joy. “We just saw that there was…

Frost River Making Thousands of Pieces of Protective Equipment for Medical Providers at Duluth Hospitals

Frost River will be done with 45,000 face shields by mid-week and will double that soon.

April 4, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Frost River, a Duluth-based company that manufactures soft goods like bags, has stopped production of their regular goods. Instead, they are spearheading the manufacturing of equipment to keep medical professionals in Duluth safe. Employees and machines at Frost River are working around the clock to create protection for Duluth’s hospital workers. Owner, Christian Benson’s wife is in…

Proctor High School Program 3-D Printing Ways to Quadruple Capacity of Ventilators

They are creating things called manifolds which act as a splitter of sorts so one ventilator can help more than just one person.

April 3, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

PROCTOR, Minn. – The availability of ventilators is an important topic in the era of COVID-19 and a program at Proctor High School is using their 3-D printer to help. The industrial arts program is 3-D printing ways to double and even quadruple the capacity of ventilators. They are creating things called manifolds which act as a splitter of sorts…

One Roof Community Housing Helping Tenants and Landlords

Residential evictions, lease terminations, and foreclosures have been suspended.

April 3, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Millions of people are now unemployed around the country due to the pandemic and many are struggling to make monthly rent payments. Because of this, legislators have enacted protections for tenants and landlords. Residential evictions, lease terminations, and foreclosures have been suspended. However, these protections do not reduce or waive rent for tenants. One Roof Community Housing…

Gov. Walz Launches New COVID-19 Website

Gov. Walz says many places are not releasing this data for fear it will cause panic, but he believes it is important to make sure Minnesotans are well informed.

April 3, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the state on Friday to announce a new website dedicated to COVID-19. Gov. Walz says the goal is to be a one-stop portal for the complete data the state has regarding the virus. The website covers things like available ICU beds, testing, how social distancing is working, and the capacity for…

Hoyt Lakes Couple Celebrates Canceled Cruise in Style from Backyard

Ray and Sue Shimmin have always dreamt of going on a cruise, but when their Western Caribbean cruise was canceled last-minute, they decided to do the cruise anyway from their backyard.

April 2, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

HOYT LAKES, Minn. – Vacations for just about everyone have been put on hold around the Northland. However, one couple whose cruise was canceled decided to still have some fun – even while staying home. Ray and Sue Shimmin have always dreamt of going on a cruise, but when their Western Caribbean cruise was canceled last-minute, they decided to do…

Superior Woman Celebrates a Surprise 88th Birthday in Social Distanced Style

Lorraine Urbaniak was treated to a surprise car parade of her family and friends outside her home.

April 2, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northlanders are doing what they can to celebrate important moments in life even if it’s from afar. In the time of COVID-19, families are dealing with being apart from loved ones, especially those who are in assisted living homes. But one local family in Superior did what they could to celebrate a very special 88th birthday. Lorraine…

Hartel’s Disposal Helping Out Employees During Pandemic

About five years ago, most of Hartel's trucks became fully automated, meaning drivers do not even have to get out of the trucks to load the trash at most sites.

April 2, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Most local companies are dealing with the fallout of COVID-19 and though trash services are considered essential businesses, they are doing their best to keep their drivers safe. Each day, Proctor-based Hartel’s Disposal sanitized each garbage truck before they are driven on routes. Drivers are also given facemasks purchased from a local business to keep them safe….

Private Campgrounds Face Uncertain Future

Private campgrounds are doing what they can to heed government orders while also hoping to open up soon.

April 1, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Along with everything else, local campgrounds are feeling the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Campgrounds and even dispersed camping are closed at all state parks, forests, and recreational facilities. However, the mandate only covers DNR managed facilities. Private campgrounds are doing what they can to heed government orders while also hoping to open up soon. Many campgrounds…

PAVSA Offering Virtual Help During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April, and Beyond

Advocates are working from home and are available online and via phone to survivors who need to seek help.

April 1, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year, the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) is making it easier to remotely help those who need it. PAVSA’s offices will remain closed until at least the end of April due to the pandemic. However, advocates are still working from home. Survivors of sexual assault…

Eveleth Feeling Broad Impacts of COVID-19

The streets of Eveleth were mostly empty Sunday as people were heeding the government's warnings and staying home and businesses there are doing their best to keep their bearings.

March 29, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

EVELETH, Minn. – The coronavirus and its far-reaching effects are hitting Iron Range businesses. Streets in Eveleth were mostly empty Sunday as people were heeding the government’s warnings and staying home and businesses there are doing their best to keep their bearings. “If somebody would have told me two weeks ago that this was going to happen I never would…

Author: Katharine Huntley

Each face shield takes the printer around two hours to create and Tim Salmonson estimates he has made nearly 200.

The theater, which has been closed during the pandemic, is offering things like popcorn, slushies, nachos, pop, and even mini donuts for people who miss what the concession stand has to offer.

Chiefs Mike Tusken and Shawn Krizaj took a jump into Lake Superior after three local kids raised nearly $6000.

Salons like La Pienado in Superior had 75 orders the first day it was open for curbside business.

The two muralists, Tyler Rose and Kevin Pendleton, were commissioned by the owner of Shanty Bottle Shop to paint him and his wife.

They are offering new experiences including Friday pack updates, kids Q&A sessions, and even teaching wolf language with classrooms all over the nation.

The county is waiting for additional guidelines from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for exactly what the funds can be used for.

The motel normally acts as an emergency shelter in the wintertime, but the owner, Anthony Deguia-Urgo, says during COVID-19 the need has been overwhelming.

Cars as far as the eye could see stretched down a long county highway in Ashland on Sunday, all to celebrate Jean Richardson's 100th birthday.

As of this week, local restaurants are now allowed to sell 16 oz. cans of brewery beer for takeout.

Police, fire, and plenty of family and friends drove past her Superior home honking for Audree.

On Monday, the fire department will start the process of distributing the masks to group living facilities such as nursing homes that need the masks the most.

The range's retail shop is still allowed to function but the owner says the shooting range is an important part of their business.

Doctors also add that immunizations are incredibly important from an infant's first shot up through teenager's booster shots.

The Duluth NAACP says they want to give masks to those who are more susceptible to suffering serious health problems from the virus.

Minnesota is testing an average of 1,300 people a day for COVID-19 but after Gov. Walz's recent announcement that number is going to rise to 20,000.

The "Hotel Motel Food and Beverage Tax" is expected to take a 50-75 percent decline this year which equates to a $6-9 million shortfall.

Thousands of Americans travel to Ely each year during the summertime and COVID-19 has prompted Governor Tim Walz to discourage travel to prevent the spread of the virus leaving businesses to wonder what's next.

According to a Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist, the state is still predicting this year to be a moderately severe flu season, but not as severe as 2017-2018.

The restaurant will have things like cinnamon rolls and family-style pans of some of their best-sellers.

Duluth Fire Department reports the driver of the car suffered multiple injuries and was transported to the hospital, one resident of Ecumen Lakeshore was transported and released uninjured.

Old Vermillion Trails Sporting Clays and Hunting in Duluth will be opening on the Tuesday after Memorial Day for its summer season.

Worshipers were from several local churches praying in a socially distanced way while listening to a special program by Life 97.3 outside of St. Luke's hospital.

Ruby's expected well above the usual average of 200 bundles of groceries due to high unemployment rates during the pandemic.

The National Children's Alliance says 87% of child abuse cases happen within the family.

In 2017, 26-year-old Alec Smith died of diabetic complications because he was rationing his insulin which he could not afford to be uninsured. Legislators hope this law hopes will stop this from ever happening again.

The Duluth NAACP says COVID-19 has been greatly affecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

Because COVID-19 can be spread by a person with no symptoms it is especially important to take precautions and wear masks.

On Sunday, the meals they served included ham, mashed potatoes, cheesy potatoes, corn, and even desserts.

One local company, US Coporate Housing LLC, is opening three new units in Superior for short-term leasing.

Super One in West Duluth distributed 250 asks to employees this week that they are required to wear while at work.

Though people are out, many northern Wisconsin parks have not seen the hordes of people like ones in more populated areas.

Due to COVID-19, they served the fish curbside and were busy with a consistent stream of cars considering no one can eat in the restaurant.

St. Luke's and Essentia Health-St. Mary's are gearing up for the worst-case scenario saying they would rather be over-prepared when the peak hits the Northland.

Both St. Luke's and Essentia each received $3 million to help in their battle against coronavirus.

Governor Walz said the only "vaccine" we have right now is social distancing which is why it is so important to continue doing.

Staff at the emergency services building will take requests via phone and have community volunteers pick up the items and deliver them at a safe distance.

As of Sunday evening, the deadline for absentee ballots in Wisconsin has been moved until next Monday for people who have already requested the ballots. Superior sent out an unprecedented 4,200 absentee ballots for Tuesday's election.

Cars drove past to see a full Easter set-up complete with a dancing Easter Bunny.

Frost River will be done with 45,000 face shields by mid-week and will double that soon.

They are creating things called manifolds which act as a splitter of sorts so one ventilator can help more than just one person.

Residential evictions, lease terminations, and foreclosures have been suspended.

Gov. Walz says many places are not releasing this data for fear it will cause panic, but he believes it is important to make sure Minnesotans are well informed.

Ray and Sue Shimmin have always dreamt of going on a cruise, but when their Western Caribbean cruise was canceled last-minute, they decided to do the cruise anyway from their backyard.

Lorraine Urbaniak was treated to a surprise car parade of her family and friends outside her home.

About five years ago, most of Hartel's trucks became fully automated, meaning drivers do not even have to get out of the trucks to load the trash at most sites.

Private campgrounds are doing what they can to heed government orders while also hoping to open up soon.

Advocates are working from home and are available online and via phone to survivors who need to seek help.

The streets of Eveleth were mostly empty Sunday as people were heeding the government's warnings and staying home and businesses there are doing their best to keep their bearings.

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