Author: Nachai Taylor

Duluth International Is Receiving More Than $5 Million In Relief Funding

Typically the airport runs up to 12 daily flights, but that has since dropped to five flights per day.

DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth International Airport is receiving more than $5 million in relief funding to support operations during the pandemic. This comes after Congressman Pete Stauber recently announced nearly $30 million in funding to assist more than 25 airports in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. Those funds were made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Duluth…

Local Restaurant Offers Affordable Kids Lunches During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn – A local restaurant is making sure kids in the area have access to an affordable lunch during the pandemic. At the Trophy Cafe in Gary New Duluth, kids can receive a cheeseburger, chips, and a fruit cup all for just $3 for lunch. The cafe jumped into action as soon as the the pandemic hit. This was…

Goodwill Industries Of Duluth Lays Off Nearly 300 Employees

Most of the layoffs are impacting retail and donation processing workers.

DULUTH, Minn – More layoffs are spreading throughout the northland. Nearly 300 employees from Goodwill Industries locations around the area are out of work as a direct result of Covid-19. Goodwill’s core mission is to help people dealing with social and economic barriers, gain viable employment. With operations in the northland being closed for nearly a month, due to Covid…

A Local Junk Hauling Company Gives Back To Community

Over the next two weeks, Twin Ports Trailer Trash will be also collecting donations for CASDA and RAD.

Twin Ports Trailer Trash is known for doing exactly what its name implies, hauling away junk and trash. But like other small businesses in the area, the junk hauling company is being impacted by Covid-19. Spring is typically a busy time for Twin Ports Trailer Trash, but the pandemic has caused a change of pace. The company is now using…

Virtual Job Fair Helps People Find Work During Pandemic

Job fair runs through April 27th.

DULUTH, Minn – The Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training and its partner CareerForce in Duluth is offering a virtual job fair for people searching for work during the pandemic. More than 50 employers from a variety of industries including construction trades and healthcare are participating in the career fair to help fill open jobs. This event replaces the third…

UMD Campus Food Shelf Remains Open To Students As Pandemic Continues

Champ's Cupboard is expected to be open at least until the end of the semester.

DULUTH, Minn – The University of Minnesota of Duluth is making sure students, who are dealing with food insecurities, have access to healthy meals by keeping the campus food shelf open during the pandemic. Champ’s Cupboard is a free food shelf offered to all UMD students. It opened in 2013 after university officials noticed a need to help those dealing…

Duluth Pack Manufactures Medical Gowns For Healthcare Workers

The goal is to manufacture 1,000 gowns a day.

DULUTH, Minn – Instead of manufacturing outdoor gear and apparel Duluth pack will now be making protective gowns for healthcare workers. Duluth Pack is partnering with the Michigan-based company Stormy Kramer, which also manufactures outdoor apparel, to help make the gowns. The protective equipment is being made with materials that are moisture resistant. Medical gowns are usually disposable, instead, this…

Two Local Artists Use Art To Cope With The Impacts Of Covid-19

"For me, the main thing is my mental health. Sitting at home all day and not being able to be creative is hard for me," said Tattoo Artist Kevin Pendleton.

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic may be creating hardships for many, but some are using art to deal with the impacts. At the corner of 8th Avenue East and Third Street in Duluth stands a colorfully creative mural inspired by the impacts of Covid-19. “I think it is a really awesome piece of art to have in the community. I…

Greenhouses Can Now Open During Governor Walz’s Stay-At-Home Order

Rice Lake Gardens plans to open for the season on Mother's Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota garden centers and greenhouses are now exempt from Governor Tim Walz’s executive order, which requested non-essential businesses to close. Under the revision, greenhouses can be open, but have to follow certain guidelines. They must implement social distancing by limiting the number of customers inside at a time. Also, garden centers must follow recommendations from the Center…

A Cloquet Church Helps Parishioners Celebrate Easter At Home

Each package comes with a blessed palm and Easter communion for individuals and families.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Most people may not be able to celebrate Easter the old fashion way due to Covid-19. But a local church is making sure you have everything you need to celebrate at home. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cloquet is giving away easter packages. Each one comes with a blessed palm and Easter communion for individuals and families….

Educators Are Adding A New Meaning To Social Distancing And Working From Home

“I think the connection part is really important," said DCSC's Youth Development Director Cortnie Bain.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Community School Collaborative staff are thinking outside the box when it comes to working remotely. These employees have been working from home since schools were forced to shut down to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Staff at the Duluth Community School Collaborative have been conducting staff meetings virtually every since. But being stuck…

The Downtown Clean And Safe Team Sanitizes Some Of The Most Touched Areas

DULUTH, Minn – The Downtown Clean and Safe Team is taking the necessary steps to make sure the Duluth community is kept safe during this pandemic. The Clean and Safe Team is working with only about two thirds of its normal crew, but those still on duty are taking what their name implies very seriously. The crew normally spend most…

A Covid-19 Surge Predicted For The Spring In The Northland

Medical experts say a peak could be reached by summer.

  DULUTH, Minn – Covid-19 is continuing to impact millions around the world. Medical professionals are now saying there could be a spike in the number of cases in Minnesota. Many health models on Covid-19 predicts a surge to start in Minnesota between late April and early May. There are multiple prediction models explaining Covid-19’s curve. Medical experts believe not…

Local Company Creates 3-D Face Shields For Medical Professionals

Design Eye Q could produce up to 150 face shields a week.

  DULUTH, Minn. – The need for more personal protective equipment continues to be a concern for many area healthcare facilities. A local company is printing 3-D face shields for healthcare workers in the Northland. Design Eye Q is known for designing parts for aircrafts and performance vehicles. For about a week, the company has been creating more than 75…

Fundraising Effort Helps “Lift Up” Lincoln Park During The Pandemic

More than 250 cookbooks have already been sold.

DULUTH, Minn – During this tough time, business owners are looking to bring hope back to Lincoln Park. Just a few weeks ago, life was different for Tom Hanson, the owner of OMC Smokehouse, Duluth Grill and many other Lincoln Park businesses. Things have changed drastically due to Covid-19, which caused bars and restaurants to close to help prevent the…

Duluth Public Library Moves To Virtual Storytime

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library is improvising a new way to help give families a chance to still enjoy storytime during the coronavirus outbreak. The All-star Storytime series is now the library’s online version of the weekly activity. On Tuesday, children and their families tuned in to hear a story read by Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. She read…

Grandma’s Marathon Cancellation Causes Major Impacts Runners & Community

A potential spike in the number of Covid-19 cases is being predicted for this spring by medical experts.

  DULUTH, Minn – One of Duluth’s largest events has now been canceled as Covid-19 continues to be a huge concern around the world. Grandma’s Marathon, which was scheduled for June, will no longer happen this year. This is the first time grandma’s marathon has had to be canceled out of the 44 years the race has existed. Every year…

A Duluth Print Shop Sells Social Distancing Signs

DULUTH, Minn. – As social distancing continues to be needed to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus, a local print shop has come up with an idea to help get the point across. ShelDon Printing and Design in Duluth is now selling signs and floor decals promoting the trend. The products are intended to be used in essential businesses such…

Itasca County Official Speak On Confirmed Covid-19 Case

"This positive case shows we are not invisible in Itasca County," said Grand Itasca Clinic's Vice President of Medical Affairs Dan Soular.

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn.- The first case of Coronavirus has been confirmed by Minnesota health authorities in Itasca County. The person, who tested positive for the coronavirus, is a man in his sixties. The individual was hospitalized at the Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids. The patient was tested upon admission to the hospital and later confirmed positive. At…

Churches Find New Ways To Reach Parishioners During Pandemic

"I think part of it is people are really feeling a need to connect with their faith," said First United Methodist Pastor Jeanine Alexander.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many ministries have been looking for ways to spread their messages outside of normal church services. As the coronavirus continues to impact millions globally churches are shifting to virtual worship. The First United Methodist Church also known as The Coppertop in Duluth is one of many churches making the transition. Every Sunday parishioners can tune in to…

City Prepares For Snow in the Weekend Forecast

"Just because there is a pandemic doesn't mean the city is stopping," said Public Information Officer Kate Van Daele.

DULUTH, Minn. – With more snow in the forecast for the Northland, city officials tell us plow drivers are at full capacity and are prepared to hit the roads. Crews are continuing to pay attention to the forecast to map out the best plan of action for the storm as it could have the potential for downed power lines and…

Local Businesses Team Up to Donate Meals to St. Luke’s Employees

The group dropped off more than fifty meals.

DULUTH, Minn. – A few local businesses in Duluth are working together to give back during this global pandemic. The owner of the Rambler and Mid Coast Catering has teamed up with the owner of Yellow Bike Coffee in Duluth to form the group called “Lookout for the Helpers”. Their mission is to remember those serving on the front lines…

Blue Heron Trading Company In Duluth Donates To CHUM Food Shelf

"We drove around and picked up 803 pounds. That's a record," said Owner Jane Jenkins.

DULUTH, Minn. – Blue Heron Trading Company in Duluth is also helping to give back to the community for its 35th anniversary. Every year the houseware store hosts an annual food drive at its location in the DeWitt-Seitz building, but the pandemic has caused the store to shut down. Instead, staff picked up food donations from community members and delivered…

Freezer Sales Jump As Pandemic Continues

There are no freezers. They have sold them out everywhere," said Owner Frank Mertz.

DULUTH, Minn – Appliance stores are getting a little more business these days. Freezer sales are skyrocketing as the coronavirus pandemic continues around the world. As people are spending more time indoors, they are purchasing more food that would require the use of a freezer. Johnson Mertz in Duluth has been selling out of their stock of the appliance since…

Non-Essential Businesses Speak On Closures As A Request From Governor Walz

"Well like everyone I'm very sad, scared, and everything is uncertain," said owner of Blue Heron Trading Company Jane Jenkins.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Dewitt-Seitz building in Canal Park is known to be the home for a variety of businesses like gift shops and restaurants. On a typical day, it’s flooded with locals and tourists but as the pandemic continues, the once lively building is now like a ghost town. Many non-essential businesses in Dewitt-Seitz have already stopped operating as…

Bulldog Pizza Sells Pizza Kits During Global Pandemic

The pizza shop is offering curbside and delivery for all pizza kit orders.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses are getting more creative during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Bulldog Pizza in Duluth is now selling pizza kits for families to make their own pies at home. Each kit comes with all the fixings including four mini dough balls, cheese, marinara sauce, and a full list of directions. The co-owner says the kits were an idea…

Jefferson Lines Running Bus Routes During Pandemic

Jefferson Lines offers multiple routes including daily trips to Minneapolis-St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn. – Jefferson Lines in Duluth is still running bus routes during the pandemic, but they have made a few adjustments to follow along with federal and state mandates. The bus line will be limiting the number of passengers on their fleet to allow for social distancing. Crews are also sanitizing bus interiors regularly. “It’s reassuring that folks know…

St. Luke’s Hospital Issues Layoffs And Temporarily Cuts Hours

Essentia has yet to cut jobs.

DULUTH, Minn – St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth has announced they have laid off seven employees in positions that… leadership says are not essential during the pandemic. They are also temporarily cutting hours for workers in some areas. The hospital would not comment on what positions are being cut or reduced. This comes after Governor Walz ordered to cease all…

Multiple Essential Businesses Are On The Hunt For Employees

Some people are collecting unemployment and that may not be enough," said Stepping Stone for Living President Stephanie Ericksen.

NORTHLAND – Many businesses in various industries are hoping to fill openings and give workers some relief during this pandemic. Across the Northland, non-essential businesses have closed up shop. Many were forced to lay off employees as a result of Covid-19. But essential businesses like health care facilities and grocery stores are still in need of help. Stepping Stones for…

“Bear Hunt” Helps Entertain Families in Proctor As Pandemic Continues

Its just kind of a nice community feeling of warmth at a distance," said Proctor resident Colleen Barriere.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Folks in Proctor have found a fun way to help entertain youngsters in the neighborhood during the extended school closures. The neighborhood has set up a “bear hunt.” Participating residents and business owners have been putting different types of teddy bears in their windows. It’s creating a fun game for kids and families while they are out…

A Local Fabric Shop Works With The Community To Make Fabric Masks For Healthcare Workers

Hundreds of masks have been donated to local hospitals and nursing facilities.

DULUTH, Minn. – Face masks are an essential item for healthcare workers across the globe. As the shortage of masks impacts the Northland, a community effort to create fabric masks is one way to help minimize the need. Janet Anelli, owner of Hannah Johnson’s Fabrics in Duluth, was prepared to close up the shop and work from home like the…

The Global Pandemic is Causing Growing Concerns For The Safety Of Domestic Violence Victims

"Isolation is a tactic an abuser uses," said Community Engagement Coordinator Jill Hinners.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Coronavirus is causing families to spend more time at home and now many domestic violence agencies in the nation are concerned about what this could mean for victims of abuse. Some organizations in the U.S. have seen a significant increase in the number of phone calls from victims looking to escape their situation. The Center Against…

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Creates New Experience for Train Lovers During Covid-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – You may not be able to visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth right now since it is closed during the Coronavirus pandemic. But now the museum can come to you. The organization will be offering daily video tours of the museum and the St.Louis County Depot. Viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look into spaces and…