Coronavirus Archives - Page 29 of 49

House Panel Warns of Fraud, Abuse in Paycheck Protection Program

September 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional investigators say they have identified possible fraud and abuse in the Trump administration’s coronavirus relief program. A report by a House subcommittee says a lack of government oversight and accountability for the $600 billion-plus program may have led to billions being misspent. Congressional investigators are also concerned that more than $1 billion went to companies that…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, September 1

September 1, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 76,355 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,823 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,498,919 tests have been completed to date. There are 68,488 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,520 patients have required hospitalization…

COVID-19 Creates New Connections in the World of Ballroom Dance

Superior Ballroom Dance Studio is Seeing a Slight Increase in Customers Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

September 1, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses across the Northland are facing extreme financial challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. From restaurants to boutiques, and even ballroom dance studios, changes are being made daily to keep clients engaged and revenue coming in. “I like to dance all day long and share knowledge,” said Benjamin Welch, head instructor at Superior Ballroom Dance Studio. “I…

Minnesota Officials Warn Against Gatherings Amid Case Growth

September 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials warned against social gatherings ahead of the Labor Day weekend as case growth accelerates statewide. White House COVID-19 adviser Deborah Birx met with state officials Sunday as part of a series of nationwide visits to assess pandemic response. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm told reporters Monday that Birx cited the state’s case growth and community…

Pandemic Brings Hard Times for Farmers, Worsening Hunger

September 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The coronavirus pandemic has brought hard times for many farmers and has imperiled food security for many millions both in the cities and the countryside. United Nations experts are holding an online conference beginning Tuesday to brainstorm ways to help alleviate hunger and prevent the problems from worsening in the Asia-Pacific region — a challenge made doubly difficult…

Senator Klobuchar, Mayor Larson Speak in Support of U.S. Postal Service

As controversy continues to swirl around the U.S. Postal Service, Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by Duluth Mayor Emily Larson today to show their support for postal workers during a press conference.

August 31, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As controversy continues to swirl around the U.S. Postal Service, Senator Amy Klobuchar was joined by Duluth Mayor Emily Larson today to show their support for postal workers during a press conference. In recent months, some changes have slowly popped up at post offices across the country, including cuts to retail hours along with the removal of…

Organization Helps With Making Friends

One Minnesota organization has a new Duluth branch to help people make relationships.

August 31, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – One Minnesota organization has a new Duluth branch to help people make relationships. Bridging Hearts is a group that helps those with developmental disabilities or autism to make friends. The Duluth Branch’s first meeting was this past Saturday. Teresa Johnson is the director of the new branch and her own daughter has made friends through the organization….

Parks Department Offering Many Fall Programs

Fall is just around the corner, and the City of Duluth Parks Department is providing ways for residents to enjoy the outdoors.

August 31, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Fall is just around the corner, and the City of Duluth Parks Department is providing ways for residents to enjoy the outdoors. There are a variety of options for people to take part in, including an outdoor dance class at Bayfront Festival Park, guided tours, lawn games at Wade Stadium, and a women’s hiking group. Organizers say…

Minnesota Sees Lowest Single-Day Death Total Since April

August 31, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported one new death due to the coronavirus on Monday, marking the lowest single-day total statewide since April. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 679 new cases and the death of a patient between 70 and 74 years old in southern Minnesota, raising the statewide totals to 75,864 cases and 1,817 deaths since the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 31

August 31, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 75,864 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 1 new death bringing the death total to 1,817 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,489,726 tests have been completed to date. There are 67,656 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,480 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota DFL Leaders, Residents Respond to Vice President Pence Visit

Vice President Mike Pence Spoke in Duluth Friday at Clure Public Marine Terminal

August 28, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The visit to the Northland by Vice President Mike Pence drew sharp criticism from DFL leaders across Minnesota including Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and many residents. Members of the DFL party in Minnesota seem to agree the Trump administration has lacked leadership, allowing the COVID-19 pandemic to spiral out of control across the United States, while leaders…

COVID Impacts: Dorm Life Changes

Dorm life has transformed because of the pandemic, and students are having to adjust to the differences.

August 28, 2020

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Dorm life has transformed because of the pandemic, and students are having to adjust to the differences. One UWS hall manager says there are different protocols implemented at the school to stay safe. Every piece of furniture has been socially distanced in the residence hall while all of the lounges have been shut down and every table…

Protest in Response to Pence’s Arrival

Dozens of people came together today at the Duluth Civic Center, bringing their own signs and protesting in response to Pence's arrival in the Northland.

August 28, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of people came together today at the Duluth Civic Center, bringing their own signs and protesting in response to Pence’s arrival in the Northland. People gathered today to peacefully protest for a variety of issues, whether it be fighting for the post office and for the need and the right to vote. “We’re gathering here today…

White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Visits Fond du Lac

August 28, 2020

Site Staff,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Whitehouse Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx visited the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa on Friday to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on the area. Chairman Kevin Dupuis, Sr. stated: “Fond du Lac has been focused fighting this virus for nearly eight months and the visit from Dr. Birx was a good time…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 28

August 28, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 73,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,810 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,443,344 tests have been completed to date. There are 65,204 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,357 patients have required hospitalization…

Duluth Lions Club 63rd Annual Pancake Day Canceled Due to COVID-19

August 28, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 63rd Annual Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent press release, Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day Committee Chair, Lion PDG Larry Winner made the announcement Thursday that the club would be following Minnesota Department of Health guidelines which state that events with 250 or more people…

Rice Lake Road Construction Complete

One local road is now open after being closed for construction.

August 27, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – One local road is now open after being closed for construction. Rice Lake Road reopened at the top of the hour after more than three months of construction. The construction re-did more than half a mile of the road, widened the intersection of Arlington Avenue and Arrowhead Road, and improved Technology Drive. The project will improve traffic…

Duluth and Superior Partner for Virtual Cleanup

Two cities in the Northland are partnering together to host a virtual clean-up. The effort is encouraging people to take care of their surroundings for the sake of cleanliness.

August 27, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Two cities in the Northland are partnering together to host a virtual clean-up. The effort is encouraging people to take care of their surroundings for the sake of cleanliness. Duluth and Superior: two neighboring cities working together to keep the Lake Superior watershed litter-free. On Saturday, September 26th, you can pick up litter at your favorite waterway,…

Superior Sammy’s Closed

The Sammy's on Tower Avenue in Superior has closed permanently.

August 27, 2020

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Sammy’s on Tower Avenue in Superior has closed permanently because of health concerns with leadership and the impacts of COVID on the business. The local business made the announcement yesterday on Facebook in a message to its current patrons. There are Sammy’s locations throughout the Northland, including in Duluth, Hermantown and Cloquet. Categories: Coronavirus, News, News…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 27

August 27, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 72,390 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,806 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,427,347 tests have been completed to date. There are 64,876 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,326 patients have required hospitalization…

DECC Interim Exec. Dir. Roger Reinert Wants To Innovate Venue’s Use During Pandemic

Bringing a local brewery's outside beer garden inside the DECC is just one idea Reinert is looking into.

August 27, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Roger Reinert — known in the world of politics in Duluth and St. Paul after stints as a city councilor, state senator and representative — is the new interim executive director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center – replacing Chelly Townsend whose contract was not renewed for reason not disclosed by the board. Reinert is not new…

Drive-Thru Experience, No Experience Among Options For 2020 ‘Bentleyville Tour of Lights’

August 26, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The DECC is hopeful Bentleyville Tour of Lights will return again this year but Bentleyville’s owner told FOX 21 Wednesday that nothing is for sure at this point. One idea being thrown around is a drive-thru version of Bentleyville at its usual location at Bayfront Park. Owner Nathan Bentley says his team is discussing a variety of…

Duluth Library’s Curbside Pickup Gains Popularity

The main Duluth library's curbside pickup program has doubled its amount of users since the start of the pandemic.

August 26, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The main Duluth library’s curbside pickup program has doubled its amount of users since the start of the pandemic. The Duluth Public Library system has been shut down since mid-March for in-person service. But they are still finding a way to serve their patrons through their curbside pickup program. Adam and Alex Albright came to the library…

Masks Wanted For Singers

One Northland choir director is asking for people to make singer-friendly masks for her choir students.

August 26, 2020

Jane Kim,

CLOQUET, Minn. – One Northland choir director is asking for people to make singer-friendly masks for her choir students. The director for Cloquet middle and high schools found it was difficult to sing through a typical cloth mask. But now, she’s found a design for a mask suitable for signers. She has the pattern for it and is asking those…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 26

August 26, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 71,236 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 14 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,793 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,406,007 tests have been completed to date. There are 64,374 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,274 patients have required hospitalization…

CHUM Gives Away Backpacks

CHUM held its annual backpack giveaway today after raising $25,000 to hand out 1,400 backpacks to students in need.

August 25, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM held its annual backpack giveaway today after raising $25,000 to hand out 1,400 backpacks to students in need. Staff from CHUM say the generosity from the Northland was overwhelming this year. “It’s always great to see this sort of happening,” said Scott Van Daele, the director of distributive services at CHUM. “The community of Duluth and…

Lawsuit Seeks Repeal of Wisconsin Governor’s Mask Mandate

August 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A lawsuit has been filed by a conservative law firm that seeks overturn Wisconsin’s statewide mask mandate issued by Gov. Tony Evers. The lawsuit filed by Tuesday in Polk County Circuit Court by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of three western Wisconsin residents argues…

Minnesota Plans Sharp Boost in Coronavirus Testing Capacity

August 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota plans to more than double its coronavirus testing capacity by partnering with a national distributor of a rapid saliva test and establishing a new lab to process the results. The governor’s office says the state is finalizing a $14.7 million deal with Rutgers University-based RUCDR Infinite Biologics, which offers the country’s first saliva COVID-19 test, and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 25

August 25, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,707 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,779 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,394,986 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,725 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,238 patients have required hospitalization…

School Starts: First Day of Fall Semester at LSC

Schools have been preparing for the start of the semester, and because of the pandemic, things have looked a bit different this year.

August 24, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Schools have been preparing for the start of the semester, and because of the pandemic, things have looked a bit different this year. One school in the Northland started classes today, and even with the changes, students were excited to get back on campus. LSC kicked off its fall semester with the start of classes. Students streamed…

Essentia Health Releases Back-to-School Toolkit

As students get back to class, Essentia Health put together its digital toolkit to help people navigate the pandemic.

August 24, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As students get back to class, Essentia Health put together its digital toolkit to help people navigate the pandemic. The toolkit contains resources for things like how to properly wear and clean a face mask, recommendations for effective social distancing, and answers to frequently asked questions. Doctors say this toolkit is essential because it gives focus and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 24

August 24, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,298 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,771 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,386,513 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,059 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,195 patients have required hospitalization…

‘Strong Northland’ Restaurant Voucher Campaign Nearing End

Participants Are Encouraged to Use Strong Northland Vouchers by Monday, August 31

August 24, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – In early spring, the Greater Downtown Council in Duluth, along with the support of multiple sponsors, kicked off the Strong Northland Campaign. The campaign is meant to help support area restaurants and boost the local economy during a time when business is down due to COVID-19. Council President Kristi Stokes is reminding those participating in the program to…

UMD, UWS, LSC Students Gear Up for Academic Year Full of Changes as School Starts

All schools are taking precautions such as increased signage for social distancing, hand sanitizing stations throughout campus, and extra staff to sanitize spaces and classrooms routinely.

August 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Online v.s. in-person class settings, class sizes, and even semester start dates are all being changed at Northland colleges and universities this year, as students gear up for an academic year like no other. The August 31st starting date at UMD hangs in uncertainty as the Board of Regents is set to vote Monday on whether or not…

DLH Airport Seeing Less Flights This Summer Due to Pandemic

Commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing.

August 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Officials at Duluth International Airport say businesses during this peak time of year, June-September, is being hurt by the pandemic. According to Executive Director Tom Werner, commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing. Normally most passengers fly out of DLH for business, Werner said. But due…

Two Businesses Partner During Pandemic

Today another food truck partnered with a local brewery to serve customers outside during the pandemic.

August 22, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Today another food truck partnered with a local brewery to serve customers outside during the pandemic. Oasis Del Norte parked itself at Blacklist Beer’s patio to serve their tacos and burritos, providing a socially distant way for people to enjoy both grub and beer. Staff at Blacklist say they hope this partnership will continue moving forward. “We…

Runners Run Socially Distant 4K

While COVID-19 has forced many outdoor events to cancel, today, runners inching to get their legs moving got to do so on the Sky Harbor Airport's runway.

August 22, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – While COVID-19 has forced many outdoor events to cancel, today, runners inching to get their legs moving got to do so on the Sky Harbor Airport’s runway. Runners came to Sky Harbor Airport to run a socially-distanced race. “Like so many other activities, racing has disappeared in the spring and so in this season, I haven’t had…

Zinema 2.0 Starts Online Streaming

One local theatre has launched a virtual cinema where patrons are able to rent movies online through the theatre's website.

August 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – One local theatre has launched a virtual cinema where patrons are able to rent movies online through the theatre’s website. Zinema isn’t open to the public and is only open for private rentals for evenings and weekends. Each ticket purchased will support both the Zinema and the independent distributors. The cinema will feature films in the categories…

Push Up Challenge for Fallen First Responders

One Wisconsin man is taking on a challenge to raise money for fallen first responders.

August 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

NORTHLAND – One Wisconsin man is taking on a challenge to raise money for fallen first responders. Nate Carroll has a goal of doing 1.5 million pushups in 365 days to raise $1.5 million in support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Fallen First Responders Home Program. The program benefits the families of police officers, firefighters and EMT personnel who…

Northlander Starts Homeschooling Business

With the effects of the pandemic, people are looking into different options to educate their kids. One Northlander started a business earlier this month to help those who are thinking about homeschooling.

August 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the effects of the pandemic, people are looking into different options to educate their kids. One Northlander started a business earlier this month to help those who are thinking about homeschooling. Halee Schlangen has been homeschooling her kids for the past five and a half years. With the pandemic, she saw a need for homeschooling education…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 21

August 21, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 68,133 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,753 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,340,850 tests have been completed to date. There are 60,920 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,064 patients have required hospitalization…

Enrollment Up to Last Year’s Levels at LSC, Students Take Advantage of Last Minute Registration

Early Bird events are at full capacity the next couple days, so the college anticipates enrollment continuing to grow.

August 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Enrollment at Lake Superior College has shot up in the past two weeks, putting them at levels similar to last year according to school officials. In the past week alone enrollment has increased 6%. Officials say that is because more students are choosing a more local, cheaper option with the year uncertain. On Thursday, one of the college’s Early…

Businesses on Iron Range Work to Recover After Slower Summer Due to COVID-19

Businesses owners say they're keeping their heads up, while local officials say the Fall and Winter seasons look bleak.

August 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- As it has everywhere, the pandemic has put a damper on business on the Iron Range this summer — a time when many businesses just began opening back up after three months shut down. “It’s hard to know what’s going to happen with the virus,” Brooke Forseen, an employee at Canelake’s Candies in Virginia said. “It’s really just…

Tourists Continue Summer Visits To Duluth

Throughout the summer, thousands of visitors come to Canal Park and come to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.

August 20, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the summer, thousands of visitors come to Canal Park and come to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. One local family we caught up with today from Minneapolis is here on vacation even during the pandemic. They say that they love walking by the water and watching the ships come in as well as…

Itasca County Educators Stress Preparation Before School Begins

Parents and Caregivers Are Encouraged to Practice Masking Ahead of Return to the Classroom

August 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Health and school leaders in Itasca County are urging parents to practice what local medical professionals are preaching to better help their children prepare for the upcoming abnormal school year. Officials stress the need for preventative action at home before students return to the classroom come September. Per Minnesota state guidelines, all students returning to in-person…

Shipping Up in Northland

Even the pandemic wasn't able to stop the shipping season.

August 20, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Even the pandemic wasn’t able to stop the shipping season. Three of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority’s four major bulk cargoes had month over month increases. Grain jumped 54% over June, coal by 49% while iron ore gained slightly. While May had experienced COVID induced lows, the tonnage totals continue to rebound. “July was a positive step…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 20

August 20, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 67,308 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,745 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,322,220 tests have been completed to date. There are 60,605 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,019 patients have required hospitalization…

Coronavirus Cases at Green Bay Prison Reach 57

August 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Fifty-seven people have tested positive for the coronavirus at the Green Bay Correctional Institution, according to state officials. All of the prisoners who have tested positive are being isolated and anyone who was exposed is being quarantined, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections said. All inmates and staff at the prison are in the process of…

Iron Range Businesses Recognized by Chamber of Commerce with Awards Ceremony

The normal awards banquet scheduled this year was canceled due to coronavirus-related restrictions, but the chamber still found a way to honor Range businesses.

August 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Businesses on the Iron Range were recognized for their contributions to the community at Olcott Park in Virginia Wednesday. The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Honored them as part of this year’s award ceremony. The normal awards banquet scheduled this year was canceled due to coronavirus-related restrictions, but the chamber still found a way to honor Range businesses. The…

Dance Studio Hosts Circus Camp

One local dance studio is hosting a unique camp this week even during the pandemic.

August 19, 2020

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One local dance studio is hosting a unique camp this week even during the pandemic. Sterling Silver Studio in Superior is hosting a circus camp where boys and girls learn about acrobatics, tumbling, theatre skills, and clowning. One of the things the studio has done in response to the pandemic is hosting its classes and camps in…