Coronavirus

Instagram Account Highlights Duluth Businesses

One local travel Instagram account is giving away a Duluth spring vacation.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local travel Instagram account is giving away a Duluth spring vacation. Expedition Kristen is highlighting several local businesses in its giveaway, including Bridgeman’s, Vikre Distillery, and Inn on Lake Superior. Kristen, the owner of the Instagram account, hosts giveaways like these and has previously focused on places like St. Cloud and Minneapolis. However, for this week,…

Co-Presidents, CEOs named at St. Luke’s

We are learning that St. Luke’s has named its new co-presidents and CEOs.

DULUTH, Minn. – We are learning that St. Luke’s has named its new co-presidents and CEOs. Eric Lohn and Nick Van Deelen have been named to fill the positions. Both began serving their roles on an interim basis in early December 2020. Lohn says that while things were difficult during the past year because of the pandemic, there is much…

Adverse Reactions to Vaccine Are Rare, Northland Health Officials Encourage People to Get the Vaccine

As more people are getting vaccinated, there have been a few rare cases where people have reported some adverse side effects. Northland health experts caution that side effects from the COVID vaccine are rare and they should not serve as a deterrent for getting the shot.

NORTHLAND – As more people are getting vaccinated, there have been a few rare cases where people have reported some adverse side effects. Northland health experts caution that side effects from the COVID vaccine are rare and they should not serve as a deterrent for getting the shot. In one situation, a patient was recommended not to take the second…

Restaurant Workers Can Now Get Vaccine

With Governor Walz’s recent announcement about expanding the eligible groups able to get the vaccine, foodservice workers are able to sign up.

DULUTH, Minn. – With Governor Walz’s recent announcement about expanding the eligible groups able to get the vaccine, foodservice workers are able to sign up. The owners of the Boat Club in Duluth say they are happy about the change as it’s a big step towards normalcy. “Our employees are really excited to be able to get in there and…

House GOP Asks for Loosening of Restrictions in Minnesota

On the heels of Governor Walz announcement today, Minnesota GOP leadership held their own news conference asking for the loosening of restrictions at a variety of businesses and for events like wedding receptions.

MINNESOTA – On the heels of Governor Walz announcement today, Minnesota GOP leadership held their own news conference asking for the loosening of restrictions at a variety of businesses and for events like wedding receptions. They argue Minnesota has tighter restrictions than other states around it like Wisconsin, which impacts business. “It’s time to announce the next phase of reopening…

Caregivers Can Now Get Vaccinated

Caregivers of people with complex medical needs are now able to get the COVID vaccine in St. Louis County

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Caregivers of people with complex medical needs are now able to get the COVID vaccine in St. Louis County. Complex medical needs mean that the person has one or more medical issues that require a higher level of direct care than is typical for someone of the same age. For instance, a caregiver could be a…

More Minnesotans Included in Vaccine Eligibility

Beginning Wednesday, more than 1.8 million Minnesotans will be eligible for the vaccine. Governor Walz says this shift comes after vaccinating 70% of the elderly population three weeks ahead of schedule.

MINNESOTA – Beginning Wednesday, more than 1.8 million Minnesotans will be eligible for the vaccine. Governor Walz says this shift comes after vaccinating 70% of the elderly population three weeks ahead of schedule. Now the vaccination process is opening up to those with specific underlying health conditions like sickle cell disease and down syndrome, food processing plant workers, and Minnesotans…

Duluth Seaway Port Authority Receives Grants from MnDOT

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority will receive two grants totaling $7.4 million from MnDOT to help improve and repair port infrastructure.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Seaway Port Authority will receive two grants totaling $7.4 million from MnDOT to help improve and repair port infrastructure. $5 million will go to help repair 1,200 feet of dock wall at the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth while another $2.4 million will be used to create a 112,000-square foot warehouse that will feature…

International Women’s Day Gives Reason to Celebrate Women in Business

Today is International Women's Day and people throughout the country are celebrating the importance of women-led organizations.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today is International Women’s Day and people throughout the country are celebrating the importance of women-led organizations. Reimagined by T. Underwood is a women-led business in Duluth, which sells things like paint, DIY projects and plants. The business is also run as a creative co-op, which means they sell products from other shops, which are mainly owned…

VFW Celebrates New Location in Light of Anniversary of Fire

It was one year ago when the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1720 burned down in Grand Rapids. The loss of the VFW building hit area veterans hard. However, the brand new VFW Post is now complete.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – It was one year ago when the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1720 burned down in Grand Rapids. The loss of the VFW building hit area veterans hard. However, the brand new VFW Post is now complete. After the fire happened, crews were able to enter the building and save important items, but much was lost…

Twin Ports VA Vaccinates Over 1200 Veterans in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Those who fought to protect our country are now being protected from COVID-19. “Just nice to know that it’s available and that it happened so quick,” said Air Force Veteran James Bragge, who served from 1983-2005. The Twin Ports VA Clinic in Superior held its first ever vaccine event for COVID-19 this weekend, vaccinating 1250 veterans all around…

New Commission to Fight Against Human Trafficking Created for City of Superior

On March 2nd, the Superior City Council voted to create a special city commission dedicated to combat and address the issue of human trafficking in the city.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On March 2nd, the Superior City Council voted to create a special city commission dedicated to combat and address the issue of human trafficking in the city. To fill the new Commercial Sexual Exploitation Commission, the city council president will appoint one councilor every year and the mayor will assign five members from the community. Members will…

Breweries Advocate for Drink Local Economic Recovery Package

A new "Drink Local" Economic recovery package introduced during yesterday's Minnesota legislative session is getting the support of small craft breweries in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new “Drink Local” Economic recovery package introduced during yesterday’s Minnesota legislative session is getting the support of small craft breweries in the Northland. Staff at Ursa Minor in the Lincoln Park Craft District says Minnesota liquor laws have remained unchanged for some time. Currently, the brewery is only allowed to see certain vessel sizes for off-sale….

Wisconsin Man Surpasses 1 Million Pushups for a Good Cause

A man in Wisconsin is working to break the record for the most push-ups done in a 12-month period and he's doing it for a good cause. 

WISCONSIN – A man in Wisconsin is working to break the record for the most push-ups done in a 12-month period and he’s doing it for a good cause. This past week, Nate Carroll completed his one-millionth push-up. He’s using the physical feat to raise money for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation’s Fallen First Responder Home Program, which pays off…

Itasca County Receives Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Itasca County has also received the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine this week.

ITASCA COUNTY – Itasca County has also received the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine this week. Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital was the recipient of the vaccines and the shots are available for those who are 65 years of age and older. Health leaders say this new vaccine will push the community closer to being healthy. “And we’re so thankful…

Food Boxes Distributed to Northland People in Need

Apples, onions, potatoes, and chicken. Cars lined up to receive boxes filled to the brim with different foods.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA with the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland to help those struggling their families during the pandemic. Apples, onions, potatoes, and chicken. Cars lined up to receive boxes filled to the brim with different foods. About 1,300 boxes with over 30,000 pounds of food were at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown or…

St. Louis County Public Health Prepares for Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

St. Louis County Public Health is preparing to receive the Johnson & Johnson one shot vaccine after St. Luke's and Essentia received theirs yesterday.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County Public Health is preparing to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine after St. Luke’s and Essentia received theirs yesterday. The county hasn’t received confirmation on when they will be getting it or how many doses they’ll be receiving. As multiple systems are getting out and receiving more vaccines in general, the issue…

Wessman Arena Vaccine Site to be Operational in April

The Wessman Arena in Superior will host a vaccine site near the end of April.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wessman Arena in Superior will host a vaccine site near the end of April. According to Douglas County Health officials, they expect to offer later evening hours along with weekends. This is a regional site to increase capacity in the Northwest region of Wisconsin. To find out how to register for the vaccine, click here. Categories:…

Single-Shot Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Arrives in Northland

DULUTH, Minn.– Late last week, the FDA approved the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Giving the United States a third kind of vaccine as doses continue to be given out across the country. Governor Tim Walz said vaccines were shipped off earlier this week and thousands of Minnesotans will be getting a shot of the new vaccine as soon as…

Douglas County Increases Vaccine Efforts

Beginning this week, Wisconsin has expanded on who can get the vaccine.

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Beginning this week, Wisconsin has expanded on who can get the vaccine. Previously, first responders, police and the elderly could get the vaccine but now it’s opened up more including for those working in the childcare and education fields. For schools, Essentia will be focusing on other public schools, private schools, and rural schools. There are close…

Women’s Workforce Hit Hard By the Pandemic

Job losses in the healthcare and hospitality industry have hit the women's workforce the hardest in Northeast Minnesota since the pandemic began.

MINNESOTA – The pandemic continues to have long-lasting impacts on employment in the Northland, including hitting the women’s workforce hard. Job losses in the healthcare and hospitality industry have hit the women’s workforce the hardest in Northeast Minnesota since the pandemic began. According to local workforce experts, several factors impeded the ability of women to stay and hold jobs. These…

NRRI Receives $2.1 Million Grant for Iron Production Research

The Natural Resources Research Institute has received a $2.1 million grant to work on tech that is more efficient in using a type of iron pellet.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Natural Resources Research Institute has received a $2.1 million grant to work on tech that is more efficient in using a type of iron pellet. Direct reduced iron pellets are items that are wanted for the electric arc furnace steel industry, which makes up 70% of the market. The funding is directed towards advancing production of…

Medical Professionals Urge Public to Go to the Doctor for Appointments

As the pandemic continues, local hospitals say they are seeing more Northlanders delay treatment for other ailments due to fears related to COVID.

NORTHLAND – As the pandemic continues, local hospitals say they are seeing more Northlanders delay treatment for other ailments due to fears related to COVID. Medical professionals from both St. Luke’s and Essentia say that their offices are among the safest places you can go and while delaying an annual exam might not seem like a bad thing right now,…

Students Receive Tool Box Scholarships at LSC

Three students in the Machine Tech Program at LSC were awarded special scholarships that gave them the equipment needed to succeed in their work.

DULUTH, Minn. – Three students in the Machine Tech Program at LSC were awarded special scholarships that gave them the equipment needed to succeed in their work. The LSC Foundation gave each student a new toolbox, which included equipment that is worth nearly $2,000. One of the students we spoke to was overjoyed for being selected. “It means the world…

Ely Schools to Begin Renovation Project

Ely Public Schools will be going through their own $20 million expansion.

ELY, Minn. – Ely Public Schools will be going through their own $20 million expansion. It will include a new structure that connects their schools, along with a renovation of the existing buildings including building a new gym, cafeteria, media center, and classrooms. “Really exciting for our community and it’s something that again we really needed for a number of…