DULUTH, Minn. – With Super Bowl Sunday coming up, businesses are gearing up with new deals for their customers. At Ursa Minor Brewing in the Lincoln Park Craft District, you can get a free pretzel kit if you purchase a pizza kit for fourteen dollars. Management says this is the first time they’ve done something for the Super Bowl, and…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County Public Health officials want to remind the public about who can currently get the COVID vaccine after some ineligible Northlanders tried to get vaccinated. Individuals who receive an email from the county or their employer may use the registration link for themselves it some have been sharing it with others so they can…
NORTHLAND – As extreme cold temperatures linger in the Northland, area organizations are working to ensure the homeless have a warm place to stay. With temperatures expected to be freezing this weekend, shelters in Duluth and Superior are prepared to take on an influx of homeless needing a place to stay warm. Over at Duluth’s CHUM, the drop-in center is…
(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials reported Friday 497,843 Minnesotans have now received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or 11.6% of the state’s adult population, although the state’s data lags by a few days. A total of 138,212 Minnesotans are fully inoculated, or 3.2% of the adult population, according to the latest state Department of Health data. So…
(Senate TV via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has approved a measure that would let Democrats push through President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan without Republican support. Vice President Kamala Harris was in the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, her first. Democrats in the chamber applauded after Harris announced the 51-50 vote at around 5:30 a.m….
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools has announced some in-person classes will return next month for middle and high school students. Supt. John Magas says the update comes at the approval of the state health and education departments. “We learned a lot over the past nearly six months, from our own experience with elementary in-person and from other districts,” Magas…
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – COVID vaccinations continue to roll out for residents in Itasca County. Public health officials say they are currently in the process of inoculating those working in schools and childcare facilities, as well as residents who are 65 and older. In the past seven days, 35 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Itasca County….
DULUTH, Minn. – Two veterans are preparing to open up a new brewery in Lincoln Park this spring. Veterans Matt Caple and Ben Gipson met in 2019 when Matt was setting up a fundraising collaboration between his nonprofit and one of the local breweries. Through the Lake Superior Warriors Disabled Veteran Hockey Program, the two developed a strong bond and…
NORTHLAND – During the pandemic, the Northland Foundation has stepped up efforts to give multiple non-profits a boost in funding. The group has awarded 81 grants in the last quarter of 2020 for more than $800,000. Most of the funds are being used for COVID relief efforts. Some of the organizations that received help include the Chester Bowl Improvement Club,…
DULUTH, Minn. – With the cold snap just around the corner, the Duluth Fire Department is offering up tips on how to stay safe. They say you should always make your space heater is plugged into a wall outlet rather than a power strip, which can overheat if it’s dealing with too much wattage. And if you do brave these…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has issued a new statewide mask order an hour after the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to repeal his previous mandate. The Democrat Evers said in a video message Thursday that his priority is keeping people safe and that wearing a mask was the most basic way to do that. “If the Legislature keeps…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Legislature has repealed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate. Health experts have warned against repealing the mandate, saying masks are probably the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Assembly vote Thursday came a week after the Senate also voted to kill the resolution. Wisconsin is one of only 10…
DULUTH, Minn.– As COVID-19 vaccinations continue in our area, St. Luke’s has been giving out around 300 of them a day with the capacity to do more. But it has come with challenges, including making sure that there is enough doses to go around. St. Luke’s has been working to line up vaccine appointments for those who are able to…
NORTHLAND – Many Northland businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic but for some, it’s been a boom for business. Lumber companies expected the demand for their products was going to drop, but it did just the opposite. In early 2020, nobody knew what to expect. Lumber mills slowed down and pulled back production, expecting a slowdown in the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has announced they will be converting the old Sears building at the Miller Hill Mall to an outpatient day surgery center. Construction is expected to begin this spring with it set to open in 2022. Management says surgeries at places like this tend to be less expensive and quicker. “I wish it was opening up…
(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Republican proposal to strip Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of the emergency powers he used to close schools as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Minnesota has passed its first test in the state Senate. Sen. Carla Nelson, of Rochester, says her bill would put the decision-making back with local school boards….
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 669 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 463,766 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,234 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,628,961 tests have been completed to date. There…
WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader. Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.” He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties…
DULUTH, Minn. – This week is mental health awareness week for kids and local psychotherapists are recommending to cut down on screen time in order to prioritize children’s mental health. Counselors add that another way to ensure mental health with kids is to make sure kids have a safe environment to feel comfortable to be their authentic selves and for…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, Northland first responders are still receiving their COVID vaccinations including at the Duluth Fire Department where they received their second dose of shots today. It’s been anything but normal for the Duluth Fire Department since the pandemic began but as more of them get vaccinated, they feel like they are rounding the corner….
DULUTH, Minn. – One local business is giving back to the community in a meaningful way. DLH Clothing in the Lincoln Park Craft District is giving 10% of its profits to Family Freedom Center, which works to support the black community in multiple ways, including with startups. DLH owners say they wanted to give back to the center because it’s…
DULUTH, Minn. – Some big changes are coming to Stella Maris Academy as they now plan to open a Catholic high school by 2022. Stella Maris’ current academy, which features pre-K through grade 8 will also house the high school. Leadership says it’s always been part of their plans to open the school and they’re proud it’s nearly a reality….
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination rate increased relative to other states over the past week and demand continues to far exceed supply. State health officials said Tuesday that Wisconsin vaccinated more than 200,000 people last week and the state’s allotment of vaccine from the federal government is increasing by 18%. However, last week alone, nearly 300,000 doses were…
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration will begin providing COVID-19 vaccines to U.S. pharmacies, part of its plan to ramp up vaccinations as new and potentially more serious virus strains are starting to appear. White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients said Tuesday the government will initially ship about 1 million doses to some 6,500 pharmacies around the country, starting next…
(courtesy: Twitter/Summerfest) MILWAUKEE – Summerfest will move from its original June 2021 dates to give health professionals more time to vaccinate the general public. Summerfest 2021 will be held September 2 – 4, 9 – 11, and 16 – 18. The festival will retain the three-weekend format, running Thursday – Saturday, three consecutive weekends. “While the progress made through the vaccine rollout…
DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Depot has transformed its Great Hall into a small-scale vaccination clinic for front-line healthcare workers – meaning it will remain closed to the general public until April, with no plans for shows or exhibits until then. “We feel like it’s very important that we really push forward with this vaccination effort,” said Mary Tennis,…
DULUTH, Minn.- More opportunities to get tested for COVID-19 for free will be popping up around Duluth, part of St. Louis County Public Health’s plan to make testing more accessible for people who may have trouble getting to the DECC. Public Health Mobile Sites/Trailers will be at the following locations throughout the month: Wednesday, February 3, 10 a.m. to 2…
DULUTH, Minn. – A bill has been introduced at the Minnesota Capitol to help firefighters diagnosed with serious illnesses. Representative Liz Olson is helping lead the charge for the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which would include payments of up to $30,000 for firefighters diagnosed with cancer or heart disease while also funding additional counseling for firefighters. “The nature of the…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Old St. Louis County jail site on West Second Street may soon be redeveloped into more than 30 rental units as they work to secure funding. Blue Limit LLC, the owner of the property, is hoping to develop 32 units of rental housing in the building in the old jail. Currently, they are working to generate…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mayor Jim Paine has submitted a resolution to extend Superior’s emergency declaration until April 30th, which will in turn extend the citywide mask mandate. Previously, when Governor Evers had ordered his mask mandate, the City of Superior had let its own drop. However, the assembly could repeal Evers’ mandate as soon as this week and because of…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsinites will be able to sign up online to get their coronavirus vaccinations later this month. The state is working with Microsoft to set up an online signup system. Wisconsin Public Radio reports the system will launch in 10 communities on Feb. 15. The state’s plan is to use those communities as a test of the software before…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 727 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 462,528 in the state. Health officials also reported 2 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,202 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,597,842 tests have been completed to date. There…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials are expected Monday to announce “significantly more” coronavirus vaccine will be allotted to people 65 and older. The state has run a two-week pilot of community vaccination clinics since the federal government lowered the recommended age for vaccinations to 65 and up. But getting appointments has been difficult since states are getting far less…
DULUTH, Minn. – Northland florist Lulu Collective had a floral arranging class at the Clyde Malting Building today. About 10 participants came to the floral activity, giving them a therapeutic way to arrange and put together flowers in a beautiful way. Owners of Lulu Collective say it’s a great time to do something fun, even during the pandemic. “Really great…
DULUTH, Minn. – With the pandemic this year, there were no spectators, but the event’s festivities still needed dozens and dozens of volunteers. Volunteers stepped up to the plate at this year’s Beargrease Marathon and gave back in the ways they could. Volunteers new and old came to the race and gave back. Reece Townsend, a Duluth resident, has been…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Some Minnesotans enrolled in the state’s pilot COVID-19 vaccination program got multiple emails and texts that wrongly told them their appointments were canceled. State health officials say nearly everyone who got the erroneous message has been notified that their appointments are indeed confirmed. The messages came Saturday from the state’s vendor, Primary Bio, and were intended for…
MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin has recorded more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases and three new deaths due to complications from the coronavirus. The update released Sunday by state health officials increases the total number of positive tests to 542,415 and cumulative deaths to 5,896 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project ranks Wisconsin 39th in the country…
Minnesota health officials are confirming 996 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths to due complications from the coronavirus. The update released Sunday increased the total number of positive tests to 461,807 and cumulative deaths to 6,200 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project reports that Minnesota 48th in the country for new cases per capita in…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The annual Lake Superior Ice Festival officially got started today, one of the few larger events taking place during the pandemic. The warmer temperatures along with the snow created a great environment for people to come to Barker’s Island in Superior to check out the festival. With ice sculptures, a snowshoe obstacle course, and fun characters like…
DULUTH, Minn. – For those who want to get into dog sledding, but maybe not at the level of the Beargrease just yet, classes were available in Duluth today. Positive Energy Outdoors near Rice Lake Road provides dog sledding introduction classes giving participants the expertise in how to harness dogs, handle them, and how to hook them up to the…
PROCTOR, Minn. – With Beargrease just around the corner, vets are making sure that dogs are safe for the big race tomorrow. Veterinarians, vet technicians, and students from the University of Minnesota helped check the dogs at the South St. Louis County Fairgrounds in Proctor. “Everybody seems to be well-trained and healthy,” said Gregg Phillips, the head vet for the…
DULUTH, Minn. – Zeitgeist’s Winter Bike Week has begun. As part of the festivities, Northlanders were able to come to Continental Ski and Bik today for free bike tune-ups and take-home treats. There was also a kids helmet giveaway through Safe Kids Northeast Minnesota. “Gearing it towards people who aren’t necessarily always biking throughout the winter and making it a…
DULUTH, Minn. – With the pandemic continuing on, Duluth Marshall has created new ways to teach kids in-person. For example, with virus transmission being lower when outside, kids can practice physical education on a makeshift rink after the school flooded half their tennis courts. The assistant principal says activities like these really boost the kids’ spirits during these uncertain times….
DULUTH, Minn. – Some major changes could soon be coming to Lincoln Park. The park is in need of maintenance like moving the playground away from the road while adding bathrooms to the historic pavilion and reopening it. Overall, the city’s main goal is to simply make the park safer. “It hasn’t necessarily had as large of an investment for…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A large Minnesota school district has been forced to return to distance learning after an outbreak of COVID-19 among its transportation workers. Bloomington Public Schools brought back preschoolers through second graders on Jan. 19 and had planned to bring back third to fifth graders on Monday. But the district informed parents Thursday evening that the plan is…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has admonished rival Republicans for trying to repeal his statewide mask mandate, saying killing the order would be akin to abolishing speed limits. Senate Republicans voted Tuesday to end Evers’ health emergency declaration, which would end the mask mandate. Assembly Republicans were poised to follow suit on Thursday but delayed a vote…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing is available to Wisconsin residents today in Superior. The Wisconsin National Guard will be assisting with the testing from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1101 Susquehanna Avenue. Wisconsin residents 5 years of age or older with any COVID symptoms are eligible for the free testing. You can pre-register by visiting register.covidconnect.wi.gov. If…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,145 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 459,747 in the state. Health officials also reported 28 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,168 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,513,797 tests have been completed to date. There…
DULUTH, Minn. – With the winter chill hitting the Northland, Northland homeless shelters and warming centers are staying busy. Management at CHUM says they’ve seen about 80 people a night in the shelters along with another 35 in the warming center. However, because of COVID some of the homeless are concerned about going into the shelters over fears of catching…
DULUTH, Minn. – COVID variants across the world have made their way to the U.S. including right here in Minnesota and now local health officials are continuing to urge Northlanders to use caution when out in the public to prevent getting these more aggressive forms of COVID. COVID variants are now being discovered across the U.S. including right here in…
