Coronavirus Archives - Page 16 of 49

Lake Superior Zoo Hosts Wild Winter Wonderland

While many entertainment venues are closed, one place was open for the public to help families and animals celebrate winter.

January 8, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – While many entertainment venues are closed, one place was open for the public to help families and animals celebrate winter. The Lake Superior Zoo hosted Wild Winter Wonderland, where families were able to meet the zoo’s three new wolves and participate in socially distanced activities like games and a campfire. Ben and Kolbe are Duluth residents and…

Proctor School District Leaders Seek Balance, Parents Vocalize Pushback

School districts throughout the country are struggling to maintain the balance between bringing kids back to school and keeping them safe from COVID-19. Proctor School District is in the same dilemma as some parents are vocalizing their thoughts on the issue.

January 8, 2021

Jane Kim,

PROCTOR, Minn. – School districts throughout the country are struggling to maintain the balance between bringing kids back to school and keeping them safe from COVID-19. Proctor School District is in the same dilemma as some parents are vocalizing their thoughts on the issue. The plan, for now, is for proctor schools to bring pre-K to grade 5 back to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, January 8

January 8, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,387 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 431,944 in the state. Health officials also reported 48 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,620 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,852,830 tests have been completed to date. There…

‘Skyline Social & Games’ Ready To Reopen With Loosened State Guidelines

January 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One of the bigger entertainment venues in Hermantown is gearing up to reopen when state COVID-19 guidelines are loosened again next week. Skyline Social & Games will be opening its restaurant at 50 percent capacity, and the bowling alley/arcade at 25 percent beginning Monday. Managers say reopening for a second time during the pandemic will be challenging…

Free COVID-19 Testing Event Happening at Grand Rapids High School

The Event Takes Place as Cases of COVID-19 Have Decreased in Itasca County Throughout December

January 7, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The first COVID-19 briefing of 2021 comes with uplifting news from Itasca County. The county’s public health officials are reporting a steady decrease in cases throughout December. Over the past seven days, 53 new cases have been identified in the county. Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 2,751 residents have tested positive, and…

Major CARES Act Funding Comes to Region

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding $1.7 million to the City of Duluth thanks to a second round of CARES Act funding.

January 7, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding $1.7 million to the City of Duluth thanks to a second round of CARES Act funding. $1.2 million of those funds will be focusing specifically on people experiencing homelessness while $500,000 will be going towards general community needs related to COVID-19. “This second round of funding is…

Political Experts Respond to Events at the Capitol

"I thought yesterday was incredibly disappointing," said Cindy Rugeley, the associate professor of political science at the University of Minnesota Duluth. "I mean, you could probably classify it as an attempt at an insurrection. It's not what we're about in this country. It's not democracy."

January 7, 2021

Jane Kim,

NORTHLAND – While counting the electoral ballots was supposed to be a routine measure, a group came into the building to protest, creating chaos at the nation’s Capitol. “I thought yesterday was incredibly disappointing,” said Cindy Rugeley, the associate professor of political science at the University of Minnesota Duluth. “I mean, you could probably classify it as an attempt at…

Psychotherapists Give Advice Concerning People’s Mental Well-being

With the events at the Capitol yesterday, people may be feeling more anxious and not stable when it comes to mental health.

January 7, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the events at the Capitol yesterday, people may be feeling more anxious and not stable when it comes to mental health. Experts we talked to say it’s important to limit social media usage during these times and to practice self-compassion techniques. It’s also important to affirm your feelings when dealing with uncertain times like these. “Validating…

US Registering Highest Deaths Yet From the Coronavirus

January 7, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The U.S. registered its highest deaths yet from the coronavirus on the very day the mob attack on the Capitol laid bare some of the same, deep political divisions that have hampered the battle against the pandemic. The virus is surging in virtually every state. California is particularly hard hit, with skyrocketing deaths and infections threatening to force…

Local Businesses Get Ready for Valentine’s Day

While the new year just started, some businesses are already getting ready for Valentine’s Day shoppers.

January 7, 2021

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While the new year just started, some businesses are already getting ready for Valentine’s Day shoppers. The owner of Rachel’s Rustic Décor works out for her mom’s home in Superior and makes things like signs and candles for her customers to enjoy. She says that while it seems early, the demand for Valentine’s Day décor has been…

St. Luke’s Respiratory Clinic, Drive- Thru Garage Now Offering Rapid COVID Testing

January 7, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Respiratory Clinic and Drive-Thru garage is now offering patients rapid antigen testing. The hospital says patients who are showing symptoms and have had symptoms for five days or less are eligible for testing at the Respiratory Clinic while individuals with a provider’s order can get the rapid test at the Drive-Thru garage. Rapid tests are…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 7

January 7, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,004 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 429,570 in the state. Health officials also reported 44 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,572 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,803,829 tests have been completed to date. There…

Burrito Union Hosts Book Exchange

Burrito Union is coming up with a creative way to serve their customers through books.

January 6, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Burrito Union is coming up with a creative way to serve their customers through books. The restaurant is doing a book exchange where people can bring in their own items and pick up books for their reading pleasure. The owner says the idea started after seeing a bunch of his own books gathering dust. “So here we…

Polar Bear Plunge to Take Place in March

The 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge is taking place again this year on March 27th.

January 6, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge is taking place again this year on March 27th. Participants can do the traditional plunge where they jump into Lake Superior or do a virtual one where you can record yourself doing something like jumping into a pile of snow in your swimming suit. All you have to do is raise…

Rising the Ranks, Fire Marshall Is Now Duluth Deputy Chief

For 20 years, Jon Otis has risen the ranks of the fire department and now is officially the deputy chief.

January 6, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – For 20 years, Jon Otis has risen the ranks of the fire department and now is officially the deputy chief. Like many kids, Jon played with firetrucks but he didn’t exactly have the desire to be part of the fire department until a college assignment, where he had to write a paper about something he wanted to…

Walz Loosens Virus Rules for Bars, Restaurants, Other Venues

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press, Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz will allow bars and restaurants to resume limited indoor service starting Monday as he also loosens up Minnesota’s coronavirus restrictions on youth sports, gyms, entertainment venues and churches. The dialing back returns bars and restaurants about to where they were before the governor imposed a “pause” in response to soaring cases in November. “The…

Wisconsin Surpasses 5,000 Deaths Due to COVID-19

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin surpassed 5,000 deaths from COVID-19, as the total number of cases neared half a million. The state Department of Health Services reported 60 additional deaths on Wednesday, bringing the total to 5,039. There have been nearly 495,000 positive cases to date. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin peaked in mid-November and had been…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 6

January 6, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,346 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 427,587 in the state. Health officials also reported 67 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,528 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,762,307 tests have been completed to date. There…

Essentia Health President Optimistic, Yet Cautious as Pandemic Continues in 2021

Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, Says Northlanders Must Remain Cautious as COVID Vaccinations Continue

January 6, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – While cases of COVID-19 continue to slightly decrease across Minnesota, hospitals in the Northland are still feeling the strain. Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, chatted with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Wednesday morning about vaccine distribution, the current situation inside Northland hospitals, and the outlook for 2021. “I want to thank everyone in the Northland for…

Walz Eases Restrictions on Indoor Dining, Entertainment Venues

January 6, 2021

Site Staff,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is ending his ban on indoor dining and will allow indoor entertainment venues to reopen starting Monday as coronavirus infection rates improve in Minnesota. Walz will announce the changes in a live address at 2 p.m., after which he will take questions from reporters. You can watch Walz’s speech…

Will COVID-19 Vaccines Work on the New Coronavirus Variant?

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Experts believe so, but they’re working to confirm that. A coronavirus variant in the United Kingdom has caused alarm because of the possibility that it might spread more easily. But even if that turns out to be true, experts say the COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out will likely still work on the variant. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top…

Gov. Evers, Health Officials Ask for Patience During Wisconsin Vaccine Distribution

Health officials said the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while.

January 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MADISON, Wis.- The Wisconsin Governor and health leaders addressed obstacles and delays in the state’s vaccine distribution Tuesday. So far 85,609 vaccines have been administered and as of Monday 266,675 doses had been shipped to Wisconsin. According to health officials, the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while. Gov. Tony Evers emphasized that focus should not divert…

Duluth Businesses Start Planning for Gov. Walz to Loosen Dining Restrictions Wednesday

Some bar and restaurant owners wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable.

January 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected Wednesday to loosen some restrictions for businesses such as restaurants, some in Duluth wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable. “Now what loosening means is still to be determined but let’s be honest, something is better than what we’re doing now,” said Jason Vincent, restaurant owner and Vice…

St. Luke’s Needs Volunteers for COVID-19 Study

St. Luke’s is still in need of Northland first responders and essential workers to partake in a national study on COVID-19.

January 5, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is still in need of Northland first responders and essential workers to partake in a national study on COVID-19. The RECOVER study asks for workers to swab their noses every week to test for COVID-19 and do an occasional blood test to look for COVID antibodies. St. Luke’s along with other research sites across the…

Northland Schools Prepare for School Year

State officials from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Department of Health met recently with superintendent John Magas and the Duluth Public School’s COVID-19 response team, specifically about elementary school students and their return to the classroom.

January 5, 2021

Jane Kim,

NORTHLAND – State officials from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Department of Health met recently with superintendent John Magas and the Duluth Public School’s COVID-19 response team, specifically about elementary school students and their return to the classroom. “There was an encouragement that we return to in-person learning because the challenges of making sure our students are well-served…

If I’ve Already Had the Coronavirus, Can I Get It Again?

January 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – If I’ve already had the coronavirus, can I get it again? It’s possible, but such cases seem to be rare. Evidence is growing that people whose bodies mounted a strong defense to the virus are unlikely to test positive again for at least several months and maybe longer. It’s not unusual to develop some immunity to a virus…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 5

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,612 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 425,261 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,461 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,738,715 tests have been completed to date. There…

Gov. Walz To Provide Update Wednesday About COVID-19 Restrictions

January 4, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz will be holding a press call on Wednesday to discuss the next steps in the state’s response to COVID-19, including an update on restrictions for indoor dining. In a media advisory Monday evening, the Governor’s Office said, “As COVID-19 numbers improve following the pause on activities around the holidays, Governor Tim Walz will hold…

Bent Paddle Introduces New Beer to Support Beargrease

Bent Paddle is partnering with a celebrated Northland event by coming up with a new beer.

January 4, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle is partnering with a celebrated Northland event by coming up with a new beer. In honor of Beargrease 2021, the taproom recently introduced the Beargrease Brown Ale. $5 of every purchase of a to-go growler or crowler goes to the sled dog race. The beer was released on Saturday, and it was a best-seller all…

Vaccination Efforts Continue at Northland Hospitals

Efforts to increase the rate of vaccinations throughout Minnesota are underway as doses continue to trickle into the state for frontline healthcare workers and long-term care residents. Currently, 5,000 shots have been given out to St. Luke’s and Essentia employees with more on the way.

January 4, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Efforts to increase the rate of vaccinations throughout Minnesota are underway as doses continue to trickle into the state for frontline healthcare workers and long-term care residents. Currently, nearly 5,000 shots have been given out to St. Luke’s and Essentia employees with more on the way. There have been 3,000 doses given to healthcare workers throughout Essentia…

Prosecutor: Wisconsin Pharmacist Thought Vaccine Was Unsafe

January 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. (AP) — A prosecutor says a Wisconsin pharmacist told police he tried to ruin hundreds of doses of coronavirus vaccine because he felt the shots weren’t safe. Police in Grafton, about 20 miles north of Milwaukee, arrested Advocate Aurora Health pharmacist Steven Brandenburg last week following an investigation into the 57 spoiled vials of the Moderna vaccine….

Minnesota to Ramp up Vaccinations Amid Questions of Pace

January 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota officials are aiming to ramp up vaccination efforts as the pace to administer doses to healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff move slower than expected. The Minnesota Department of Health reported on Monday that providers across the state have administered 78,402 doses of their nearly 300,000 doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines — less…

Some Minnesota COVID-19 Restrictions Relax Monday, Sports Resume

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Some of Minnesota’s COVID-19 restrictions are being relaxed Monday. Gov. Tim Walz’s most recent executive order eased some of his coronavirus-related restrictions, allowing a limited restart for youth and adult sports and group fitness classes in January. The governor’s ban on indoor dining at bars and restaurants, however, remains in place for at least another week. Walz is expected to announce…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 4

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,148 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 423,688 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,443 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,723,166 tests have been completed to date. There…

Yoga Instructor Gives Tips for a Healthy New Year

After the stresses of the pandemic and other challenges of 2020 taking a toll on the mental health of many, local yoga experts are offering tips on how to shake off all the 2020 baggage and enter 2021 with a better state of mind.

January 1, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – After the stresses of the pandemic and other challenges of 2020 taking a toll on the mental health of many, local yoga experts are offering tips on how to shake off all the 2020 baggage and enter 2021 with a better state of mind. The co-owner of Yoga North in Duluth details some ways to turn inward…

Bridgeman’s Introduces New Year’s Mega Malt

Bridgeman's Restaurant up on Miller Hill is ringing in the new year with a special sweet treat for all you ice cream lovers...the New Year's Mega Malt!

January 1, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bridgeman’s Restaurant up on Miller Hill is ringing in the new year with a special sweet treat for all you ice cream lovers…the New Year’s Mega Malt! Mega Malts are over the top versions of Bridgeman’s regular malts. The new year’s edition comes with cotton candy, fun 2021-themed party glasses, and a homemade cake pop representing the…

Visitors Enjoy Northland State Parks

People were out adventuring outside at state parks earlier today as the snow blanketed the Northland over the past week.

January 1, 2021

Jane Kim,

CARLTON, Minn. – People were out adventuring outside at state parks earlier today as the snow blanketed the Northland over the past week. Jay Cooke State Park was filled with visitors from across Minnesota, ringing in 2021 out among nature. “Goodbye to 2020, hello 2021,” said Paul Lindstrom, a visitor from Farmington. Whether it be from the Twin Cities or…

Duluth Experiences Quiet New Year’s Eve Without Big Venue Celebrations

Normally filled with about 700 people ringing in New Year's, Greysolon Ballroom and other Downtown businesses were empty this year.

December 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The streets of Duluth were uncharacteristically quiet this New Year’s Eve as the city’s big bashes were all canceled due to COVID-19, including New Year’s on the Lake at Greysolon Ballroom. This time last year the ballroom was decked out in decorations and minibars and filled with suits and gowns for a night of entertainment. New Year’s on…

Damiano Center Purchases Stalls to Help People with Personal Hygiene

Some of our most basic needs, such as having a place to maintain our personal hygiene, can be a struggle for those who are housing insecure. But now an organization in Duluth is making sure that essential part of daily life is taken care of for those in need.

December 31, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some of our most basic needs, such as having a place to maintain our personal hygiene, can be a struggle for those who are housing insecure. But now an organization in Duluth is making sure that essential part of daily life is taken care of for those in need. The Damiano Center recently received this heated unit,…

Liquor Stores Stay Busy During New Year’s Eve

Liquor stores throughout the Northland are experiencing high demand as people get ready to celebrate the new year.

December 31, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Liquor stores throughout the Northland are experiencing high demand as people get ready to celebrate the new year. At Lake Aire Bottle Shoppe in Duluth, sales have been about 5 to 10% higher over the past few days as people anticipate celebrations. They say customers have been eager to bring in the new year as it means…

Minnesota Restaurants Prepare On New Year’s Eve

It's New Year's Eve, but Minnesota bars and restaurants will be dark and quiet tonight as they must close their outdoor-only service by 11 p.m. under the latest restrictions. The restraints are forcing some businesses to get creative with how they can keep customers coming back.

December 31, 2020

Jane Kim,

NORTHLAND – It’s New Year’s Eve, but Minnesota bars and restaurants will be dark and quiet tonight as they must close their outdoor-only service by 11 p.m. under the latest restrictions. The restraints are forcing some businesses to get creative with how they can keep customers coming back. While big celebrations aren’t happening for New Year’s Eve, Minnesota restaurants are…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, December 31

December 31, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,204 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 415,302 in the state. Health officials also reported 61 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,323 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,574,962 tests have been completed to date. There…

Police Investigate Deliberate Spoiling of 500 Vaccine Doses

December 31, 2020

The Associated Press,

GRAFTON, Wis. (AP) — Police and federal authorities are investigating after a Wisconsin health system said an employee admitted to deliberately spoiling 500 doses of coronavirus vaccine. Aurora Medical Center first reported that the doses had been spoiled on Saturday, saying they had been accidentally left out unrefrigerated overnight by an employee at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. The health…

Number of Gym Resolutions Increase During New Year

With New Year's Day just around the corner, some people are making efforts to go to the gym after new resolutions to work out more.

December 30, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – With New Year’s Day just around the corner, some people are making efforts to go to the gym after new resolutions to work out more. Management at XMT-3 Training in Duluth says there is definitely more interest from the public in the gym during the beginning of the year. They say that when making resolutions, it’s important…

Canal Bark To Temporarily Close, Cites Business Struggles

Canal Bark in Duluth is closing from January 4th to the 31st as the business struggles to stay afloat.

December 30, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Bark in Duluth is closing from January 4th to the 31st as the business struggles to stay afloat. Before COVID, Canal Bark had about 30 staff members, some being full time and a lot being part-time. However, management had to lay off everybody in April. Then the business got federal funding and was able to get…

Duluth Fire Department Receives Vaccine

The City of Duluth has begun vaccinating some of its front-line employees with the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine.

December 30, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has begun vaccinating some of its front-line employees with the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine. In the video are pictures taken by the city earlier today at the Duluth Fire Department. 40 firefighters got their COVID shots today. Another 80 are expected to get theirs next week. Today, Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj was one of…

Treasury, IRS Begin Delivering Second Round of Economic Impact Payments

December 30, 2020

Site Staff,

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department announced in a press release on their website that they had started delivering the second round of economic impact payments. Direct deposit payments started Tuesday night for some people and will continue through next week. Paper checks will be mailed out starting today, December 30. According to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, December 30

December 30, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,019 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 413,107 in the state. Health officials also reported 66 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,262 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,527,037 tests have been completed to date. There…

Northland Cousins Give Back to Hospital Staff and Families

Two Northland cousins are partnering together to bring some holiday hope to families throughout the area. Their collaboration is bringing smiles to healthcare workers and families in the newborn intensive care unit.

December 29, 2020

Jane Kim,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Two Northland cousins are partnering together to bring some holiday hope to families throughout the area. Their collaboration is bringing smiles to healthcare workers and families in the newborn intensive care unit. It was back in 2012 after a long journey of infertility and pregnancy loss. Janelle Wourms carried triplets who ended up passing away, just a…

Snowblower Demand is Up During Winter Season

As the Northland is seeing more snow in the forecast, snowblower sales are doing well.

December 29, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Northland is seeing more snow in the forecast, snowblower sales are doing well. Duluth Lawn and Sport management say that customers buying snowblowers want a more efficient way to clear driveways and sidewalks without the back-breaking work of shoveling. They say snowblowers are inexpensive to own and a good one will still have its value…