MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Pharmacy chain CVS Health announced on Monday that the company will begin vaccinating more than 63,000 long-term care residents and workers across Minnesota next week. CVS Health announced that it began vaccinating long-term care residents and staff in 12 states on Monday and expects to begin administering the shot in 36 more states, including Minnesota, on Dec….
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,998 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 399,311 in the state. Health officials also reported 22 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,872 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,232,347 tests have been completed to date. There are…
LONDON (AP) — Trucks waiting to get out of Britain are backing up for miles and people are stranded at airports as many countries impose stringent travel restrictions over concerns about a new strain of the coronavirus that authorities say may spread more easily. A growing number of countries are halting air travel from the U.K., while France has banned…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District is moving forward with plans to bring back elementary students for in-person learning next year. The Duluth School Board will discuss those plans at their committee of the whole meeting Monday night. The plans include full in-person learning for kindergarten through second grade to begin Monday, Jan. 25. Grades three through five will…
WASHINGTON (AP) – Top negotiators in Congress have sealed a deal on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. Lawmakers announced the agreement Sunday after days of negotiations, and passage by Congress is expected Monday. The agreement would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefits and $600 direct stimulus payments to most Americans, along with a fresh…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A state senator from St. Cloud has died of complications related to COVID-19. The Star Tribune reports 76-year-old Jerry Relph was the first Minnesota lawmaker to succumb to the virus. Relph was among a number of Republican legislators who contracted COVID-19 after contact with colleagues in mid-November. At the time, Rachel Aplikowski, the Senate GOP spokeswoman, said…
DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic continues into its ninth month, local lawyers say more people have begun the process of getting your affairs in order. Dahlberg Law Office has seen an increase in estate planning during the pandemic. The head of Dahlberg says estate planning makes up most of his business. And that it takes a crisis event like Coronavirus…
DULUTH, Minn.– After getting their shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this week, St. Luke’s has now begun vaccinating their staff. The first one to receive one of the 850 doses at St. Luke’s was ICU nurse Samantha Moder. She has consistently been on the front lines treating patients with Coronavirus. On a day where the hospital is also honoring…
DULUTH, Minn. – With Governor Walz lifting some restrictions across the state beginning Saturday, some outdoor entertainment venues are reopening, including the Lake Superior Zoo. During the past four weeks, there was little guest activity at the Lake Superior Zoo, as it was closed because of the governor’s orders but now with new restrictions, the zoo is able to open…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local Duluth resident captured a once-in-a-lifetime scene with three bobcats while he was getting drone footage at the St. Louis River. Mike Mayou was operating a drone on the river when he captured the scene. He says he has never encountered a situation like this, adding that Duluth is a great place to explore nature because…
DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning Monday, the Lake Superior Community Health Center will offer free on-site preventive care at the Tri-Towers warming center whenever it’s open. The services provided will include checking blood pressures or taking a look at a wound or frostbite. COVID-19 testing will also be made available. Nurse practitioners say it’s important to meet people where they’re at…
WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is adding a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal. The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. The decision comes days after health workers and nursing home residents began getting a similar coronavirus shot from Pfizer and BioNTech. Extra doses from a…
WASHINGTON (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence has received the coronavirus vaccine during a White House event aimed at convincing skeptical Americans that the vaccines are safe. Pence’s wife, Karen, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also got the vaccine on Friday during the event that was televised. In remarks after his shot, Pence called the speed with which the vaccine…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A new mobile app will launch next week in Wisconsin that will let people know if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Tony Ever announced the new app on Thursday. The app, which launches Wednesday, is meant to bolster the state’s contact tracing efforts. The app is voluntary…
DULUTH, Minn. – Two Kindergarten teachers brought the Christmas spirit to their students by dressing up and passing out gingerbread house kits to families. Students at Piedmont Elementary received sweet treats like graham crackers, icing, candy, sprinkles, and even a toothbrush! Usually, they have a gingerbread unit of study in school but with virtual learning, they wanted to add some…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Multiple businesses in Superior have announced they are extending their hours with the aim of making it safer and easier for last-minute shoppers. Angie’s Closet in Superior is one business that is extending its hours. Ownership there says that supporting local during these unique times is essential. “We are just really excited,” said Angie Kaminski, the owner…
MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin has been distributing Pfizer’s Coronavirus vaccine across the state. It’s being sent to 8 regional hubs. Health officials have been in contact with healthcare providers to make sure they are ready to roll out the vaccine. “We are working to get the COVID-19 vaccine out to folks who need it quickly, safely and equitably. And it’s going…
DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Larson will be presenting the legislative priorities of the city to the Duluth City Council tonight. There’s now $94 million set aside for the general fund in 2021 along with more than $30 million in local government aid. Larson says one of her main aims is to increase the amount of LGA they get from legislators…
DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Walz announced some adjustments to restrictions to a variety of businesses yesterday including gyms as they are now allowed to reopen Saturday with some strict rules in place. With the new order in effect, gyms are now able to open Saturday at 25% capacity with a maximum of 100 people as masks must be worn at…
ST. PAUL, Minn.– Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the state today to extend the lockdown he installed last month as hospital beds filled up with COVID-19 cases. These new restrictions in the state regarding schools, businesses, gatherings, and more are slightly more flexible, but still strict. Governor Walz said last week he needed more time to look at the numbers…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The St. Louis County board voted to install a film production incentive program for the county to help bring Hollywood to the Northland. The program allows for those who have productions filmed in the county to be reimbursed up to 25% spent locally on expenses, including local labor, food, supplies, and lodging. County Commissioner Frank Jewell…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s leadership has not said when they will get their vaccines but said the first vaccinations they will get will go to workers. Even though workers wear much personal protective equipment, they are still at risk of exposure, especially when people are significantly ill. “It’s kind of hard to predict now when things will feel normal…
DULUTH, Minn. – Poinsettia sales have been on a steady increase as Christmas is fast approaching. Management at Engwall’s says they have sold more than 300 poinsettias so far. Even during the pandemic, people are sending the plants near and far to relatives and friends that they can’t see during these times. “It’s a tradition that families have done for,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Bars and restaurants in the Northland are having to adjust yet again to the governor’s new restrictions on dining, this coming after prior restrictions earlier this year that put them in some tough situations. Over at At Sara’s Table in Duluth, management says they are understanding of the governor’s orders to help slow the spread of the…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Skiing season has begun in the Northland and many hills are now open despite the recent warm temperatures. It has been a little bit warmer weather-wise so it’s fantastic weather to get out on the hill. Over at Mont du Lac, staff has been working hard making snow trying to make the slopes perfect. “Mother nature worked…
EVELETH, Minn. – Hundreds who work in the service industry continue to be impacted by the second COVID-19 shutdown in Minnesota. As Christmas comes quickly, the financial strain is not only impacting restaurant owners but the many employees who rely on tips to make ends meet. “It’s upbeat, it’s fun, there are people everywhere,” said Jessica Lietz, owner of Boomtown…
DULUTH, Minn. – The winners have been announced for the Greater Downtown Council’s 15th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest. Ballots from the public were also totaled for Peoples’ Choice Awards and Facebook Favorite categories. Some of the top displays were at Fitger’s, Lester River Trading Company, and Frost River. One of the winners says it’s always nice to…
DULUTH, Minn. – ‘Tis the season for sweets and treats. For the first time, Love Creamery is putting together holiday pies. Customers can order online by Thursday to secure a pie for themselves. Owners say it’s about thinking out of the box and being creative during these times. “The creativity,” said Nicole Wilde, the owner of Love Creamery. “We just…
DULUTH, Minn. – Loll designs has been sold but it will continue to stick around Duluth, providing jobs for 85 people. The company was acquired by Landscape Forms, which is headquartered in Michigan. In the past, Landscape Forms collaborated on products with Loll designs and CEO Greg Benson says it’s going to be a great cultural fit to be working…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – After moving to distance learning in early November, Superior schools have announced they ’re switching back to a hybrid model next month. Starting January 11th, all students at Superior schools from early childhood to 12th grade will resume some onsite learning as the district switches back to a hybrid learning model. Elementary students will be attending schools…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth schools are expected to announce changes to their distance learning model tonight. The superintendent says they want to make sure they have a plan for kids to not fall through the cracks when it comes to academic performance. “What are we doing when we are able to bring everybody back for face to face and hybrid,…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,340 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 384,164 in the state. Health officials also reported 21 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,483 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,965,904 tests have been completed to date. There are…
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he will make changes to the COVID-19 restrictions that are set to end Friday night, but there will be no immediate return to normal. “It appears like Minnesotans did an awful lot of things right around Thanksgiving,” he said Tuesday. He’s planning to make an announcement on Wednesday. Walz said he will sign the economic relief bill overwhelmingly…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A nurse on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center was the first in Minnesota to receive a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday. Thera Witte, who works in a coronavirus unit at the hospital, said she feels honored to be the first and did not hesitate to volunteer. “I’m feeling hopeful that this…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District announced on Tuesday that they will be resuming on-site learning with COVID-19 prevention strategies in place next month. In a letter from District Administrator Amy Starzecki, the details of the district’s COVID-19 Response Plan include: Starting January 11, students will resume on-site learning with the hybrid model. This will allow for at least…
MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin received 10,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, with about 35,000 more doses expected by the end of the week. The first rounds are going to frontline healthcare workers and to nursing home residents in a couple weeks. The general public will not have access to the vaccine for months as the state deploys this historic rollout…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Harbor Mission is continuing to collect donations during this holiday season to help those in need. The organization is still accepting stocking caps and warm gloves along with nonperishable food items. Management at the mission says it’s important to be serving the community in this capacity, especially during the pandemic. “I think people are concerned,”…
DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Duluth Fire Department were at Target today buying up toys making sure teens in the community have a Merry Christmas for the last 21 years. The department has raised money every Christmas for the cause with the toys being donated to the Salvation Army. This year was no different as they raised more than…
DULUTH, Minn. – People have been taking advantage of the frosty temperatures by going out to skate on area lakes. However, there are precautions that need to be taken as people go out on the ice. According to experts, the ice quality has been really good because of cold temperatures as there hasn’t been much precipitation. However, even with these…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,026 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 381,841 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,462 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,933,794 tests have been completed to date. There are…
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has received Minnesota’s first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, though it wasn’t immediately clear when vaccinations would begin. Gov. Tim Walz was at the hospital when the shipment arrived Monday and said it’s a day everyone has been waiting. Other Minnesota hospital systems expect to receive their initial shipments in the next day…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota restaurant that continued to host dine-in service in defiance of Gov. Tim Walz’s coronavirus order has temporarily lost its liquor license. State officials suspended the license Sunday for the Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks. The suspension comes just days after a Polk County court closed the bar and restaurant to in-person dining,…
PORTAGE, Mich. (AP) — The first of many COVID-19 vaccine doses are making their way to distribution sites across the United States, as the nation’s pandemic deaths approach the horrifying new milestone of 300,000. The rollout Sunday of the Pfizer vaccine, the first to be approved by the FDA, ushers in the biggest vaccination effort in U.S. history — one…
SUPERIOR, Wis.-Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Superior are tracking a different kind of waste that is newer in the city this year — personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Those researchers said so far without the pandemic, the amount of plastics in the oceans is set to surpass the amount of fish by the year 2050. Now the…
DULUTH, Minn.– The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in the United States and it could be getting to the Northland soon. St. Louis County Public Health officials are anticipating shipments of the vaccine to come to the county before the end of the year, possibly as early as next week. The first shipments…
ST. PAUL, Minn.– We are a week away from when restrictions could be lifted on some Minnesota businesses but Governor Tim Walz said Friday he is continuing to mull an extension on those closures. Governor Walz was planning to make an announcement today on the status of businesses impacted by the restrictions he put in place last month. But as…
DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Parks and Rec. Department is letting people borrow winter equipment with the hopes that they will get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Some of the equipment for rent include snowshoes, ice skates, sleds, and trekking poles. There are a couple of options with borrowing – the items can be rented for a long…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has made a major acquisition of a port dock off Rice’s Point for nearly a million dollars. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority announced this week it has acquired the Duluth Lake Port Dock off Rice’s Point for $950,000. The Port Authority acquired the dock from private investors and includes the land, structures,…
DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the annual Winter West Market will be held throughout west Duluth. The third annual event is aimed at supporting small businesses as many in the area will be offering up discounts. Owners at Wussow’s Café say it’s important to be supporting your local business for the market, especially during these times. “I think it’s easy…
(AP) – The head of the FDA says his agency has told Pfizer it “will rapidly work” to grant emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine following a positive recommendation by government advisers. Many FDA observers predict action by Saturday ahead of a Sunday meeting by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal officials plan to allocate the first 6.4…
