DULUTH, Minn. – Two local organizations came together to treat St. Luke’s workers. Red Lobster and Napa Seafood Foundation joined forces to deliver meals to frontline workers. The anesthesia team benefited from the meals today, with a total of 25 meals delivered to say thank you. “We are just overall so appreciative of all the gifts that are coming forward,…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — There will be no cream puffs, concerts, 4-H exhibits, rides on the midway, or foods on a stick in Wisconsin this year. For the first time since World War II, and just the sixth time in 169 years, the Wisconsin State Fair has been canceled. The venerable event held every August outside of Milwaukee was called…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 22,947 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 35 new deaths bringing the death total to 967 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 225,208 tests have been completed to date. There are 16,655 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,880 patients have required hospitalization…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – As the pandemic continues, students across the country are getting hit hard financially, including over at UWS. The rapid transition to remote learning left some students struggling to meet financial obligations and secure the technology and living arrangements they needed. In response to this need, the financial aid office at UWS was able to provide funding through…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One local high school had a unique graduation ceremony today. Hermantown High School had a walk-through event where every senior had the chance to come in with five family members. They got to pick up their diplomas and stop for pictures as well. Each student will be recorded in an individual video and the videos will be…
DULUTH, Minn. – The 12th annual Tribute Fest at Bayfront Park is waiting to see what DECC officials decide for its music weekend at the end of August. There’s a 60-percent chance the event will be canceled, according to Lou Campbell, the director of the fest. The goal of Tribute Fest is to raise thousands of dollars for the Minnesota…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously passed Spirit Mountain’s annual multi-million dollar budget Tuesday evening, which is also calling for extra funding later this year to get the park reopened for the winter season after being shut down for the rest of the summer. Councilors just approved the adventure park’s $4 million operating budget for the 2020-2021 season, but…
DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time in its 33-year history, the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival will not happen in person this year at the end of the summer. The four-day event over Labor Day weekend brings in thousands of people to the Twin Ports from throughout the region and even Canada to celebrate the LGBTQ-plus community. The pride committee is…
TWIN PORTS – One after the other. While large events like the Minnesota state fair have been canceled due to COVID-19, others right here in the Northland are also being hit by the virus. The midwest’s largest outdoor blues festival at Bayfront Park that normally features international, national and regional music acts, will be silent for the first time in…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 21,960 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 18 new deaths bringing the death total to 899 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 209,898 tests have been completed to date. There are 15,523 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,709 patients have required hospitalization…
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s not a yes or a no for the 17th annual Bentleyville Tour of Lights at Bayfront Park this winter amid coronavirus concerns. Owner Nathan Bentley says it’s simply too early to know if or how the popular attraction will go on. So right now, year-long preparations continue. New fire pits are being constructed, and a new…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Memorial Day is looking a lot different in the Northland with parades and firework shows cancelled due to the Coronavirus. So in addition to honoring fallen heroes, people flocked to more popular summer businesses in Wisconsin to get out of the house and try to do something special. “Folks are like ‘I’ve seen enough of my home, it’s…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 745 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 new deaths Monday, bringing the total number of positive cases the state has seen so far to 21,315 and the death toll to 881. Of the 12 deaths, 10 were residents of long-term care facilities. Residents of long-term care facilities now…
ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — President Donald Trump has laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery as he commemorates Memorial Day in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump was joined by Vice President Mike Pence and his defense secretary. He laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier overlooking rolling hills dotted with white tombstones. First lady Melania…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin has gone over 500 confirmed deaths from the coronavirus, according to state Department of Health Services figures released Saturday. The report showed 481 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend, for a total of 14,877, and an additional 11 deaths, for a total of 507. Two news deaths were reported in Milwaukee County, increasing the county’s…
DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth city officials are making changes to policies and processes to allow greater flexibility for bars and restaurants who may not be outfitted to continue operating without dine-in customers. “Just like the city is struggling with the financial impact of this public health emergency, we know that our local businesses are struggling with this public health emergency,” said…
CARLTON, Minn.- A popular music venue in Carlton decided to take their annual jazz concerts online, to help out healthcare workers in the Northland. While normally crooning through the estate of the Oldenburg house, songs like “Make Someone Happy” were livestreamed from one room Friday and Saturday night. The “Cookin’ at the O” Benefit Concert raised over $7,500 over the…
DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Catholic Archdiocese of Minnesota came to a deal Saturday to allow places of worship in the state to open May 27th to groups larger than 10 people. This announcement comes on the day when the state is reporting a record number of COVID-19 cases. The Governor’s order states that places of worship,…
DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is asking kids to design masks in response to COVID-19. To normalize wearing masks, the city of Duluth has partnered with organizations like Essentia Health, St. Luke’s, the Duluth school district, and others to launch the Duluth youth mask project. Kids can submit friendly designs for masks by downloading a packet through the…
DULUTH, Minn. – A new business is coming to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District and is bringing gifts along the way. North Shore Federal Credit Union is providing mini-grants of up to $1,000 to help neighboring businesses in Lincoln Park. The grants will help offset some costs related to reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are available for locally-owned single…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Leadership says that in order for the fair to happen, they need to make sure that everything is as clean as possible. They say they’re going to have to work closely with the health department and Douglas County in order to make it work. The fair manager talked with the health department and said there might be…
DULUTH, Minn. – Six National Guard Armory locations throughout Minnesota will offer free COVID-19 during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Minnesota National Guard members will be able to collect roughly 2,000 samples per day across the six sites. “Testing, tracing, and isolating are the best tools we have to understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities and to…
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica President Barbara McDonald announced Friday that the college plans on reopening its Duluth and extended campuses this fall. The reopening includes residence halls for the fall semester. Classes will begin for the fall semester on September 8 and will be taught using a mixture of in-person and virtual methods, according to McDonald. “In making this…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 19,005 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 33 new deaths bringing the death total to 842 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 180,971 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,696 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,432 patients have required hospitalization…
STURGEON LAKE, Minn. – The YMCA’s Camp Miller in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, is celebrating its 122nd summer season this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership learned earlier this week from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, they will be allowed to open this summer for family camps only, with restrictions in place to prevent further spread of coronavirus. “We want…
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced $100 million in state funding will go to emergency medical services, community based services, and long-term care providers across the state. The money will come out of the $2 billion in federal funding Wisconsin got from the federal CARES Act. The program will happen in two parts. The first will support immediate…
DULUTH, Minn. – The airline and hospitality industries have suffered major blows as travel has dropped over the past few months. A travel agent in Duluth tells us that if you do get on a plane as this pandemic goes on, you should prepare for a different experience than you’re used to. Most airlines are now requiring fliers to wear…
DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Walz has not given a set date for when gyms and fitness studios can re-open, which is frustrating for some business owners in the industry. CrossFit Duluth in Hermantown is one gym that won’t be able to open up during this time. “Down the road, once we get going, things are going to be great,” said…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – More summer plans for families are crumbling as the St. Louis County fairs have been canceled this year. Representatives from the fairs in Chisholm and Proctor said concerns over COVID-19 led to the cancellations. It would have been the 100th anniversary of the fair in Proctor, and the 136th anniversary in Chisholm. “It’s very disappointing cause…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 18,200 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 32 new deaths bringing the death total to 809 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 173,556 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,488 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,380 patients have required hospitalization…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Catholic Conference and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod say they plan to hold services next week despite a ban on in-person worship of more than 10 people. The two denominations sent Gov. Tim Walz separate letters this week to tell him they plan to open their doors to worship Tuesday, May 26. Some politicians and business…
DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz loosened restrictions on business beginning June 1st. Bars and restaurants can open on that date with outdoor only seating, serving no more than 50 customers at a time and with employees wearing masks. “That extends to how do we find that new normal, restart Minnesota’s economy and I should say grow it from where…
PROCTOR, Minn. – A retiring teacher was celebrated today at Proctor High School. Sheila Held joined the staff at Proctor High in 1986 and she’s retiring this year. Students and faculty drove by in cars today to send her off and even though it wasn’t a traditional retirement party, teachers say it was a way to show their appreciation. “We’ve…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Wednesday the next phases in his Stay Safe MN plan, which includes allowing limited restaurant dining and operation of bars beginning June 1. According to Gov. Walz, starting June 1 restaurants and bars can operate only outdoors with no more than 50 patrons at a time, maintaining social distancing, and…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 17,670 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 29 new deaths bringing the death total to 777 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 167,338 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,227 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,308 patients have required hospitalization…
EVELETH, Minn.- Businesses across Minnesota are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s announcement Wednesday authorizing them to open June 1st, including up on the range in the small town of Eveleth that has a population of 3,596. “Walz opening up on the first at a capacity of 25%? That’s. Not. Enough,” said one business owner. Bar and restaurant owners in Eveleth said…
DULUTH, Minn. – The financially strapped Spirit Mountain could very well remain closed through the summer because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. And Spirit Mountain officials say the only way to open back up this winter is if the cash-strapped city of Duluth hands over $350,000 before winter revenue at the Mountain starts rolling in again. This information…
DULUTH, Minn. – Unfortunately, there will be no jammin’ to songs at the annual reggae and world music festival this year. “We’ve had to make the very hard decision that we have to cancel just because we’ve been watching and monitoring what the governor and what the state guidelines are and we just don’t see that large groups are going…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Walz administration will announce “phased plans” for reopening bars, restaurants, and other places of accommodation Wednesday, the state’s economic development commissioner said. Commissioner Steve Grove said in a tweet that state officials would use key public health factors as guideposts for reopening decisions, including: How close you are to another person How long you are in close proximity to…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 17,029 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 17 new deaths bringing the death total to 748 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 161,835 tests have been completed to date. There are 11,540 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,221 patients have required hospitalization…
DULUTH, Minn.- As summer gets closer, Duluth begins to shine as a waterfront destination again. After looking at summer with uncertainty, boating rental and tour services are excited to say they can provide people that gateway to the big blue lake. The Vista Fleet is missing the big Memorial Day opening, but owner Justin Steinbach expects to be open by…
DULUTH, Minn. – Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe is now serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all through a recently constructed drive-thru window in the parking lot. The restaurant is serving its farm-to-table menu now. The business was closed since March for about six weeks and opened back up on May 7th. “What we decided is we want to adapt to…
DULUTH, Minn. – One local college is helping its students celebrate a milestone with a virtual ceremony. Lake Superior Colege hosted its Nursing Pinning Ceremony virtually today, honoring students who completed the nursing program. It’s an annual event, but because of the coronavirus, all Minnesota state schools, including LSC, had to cancel their in-person ceremonies. “It’s just the great fact…
DULUTH, Minn. – Wildwoods is now accepting animals, just in time for spring babies. The organization will only have scheduled drop-offs and no public hours. Leadership says not to bring animals to the facility unless you have spoken to staff members. They also say if you see an animal in need, to observe the animal from a distance and to…
DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown Duluth is reconnected once again with the Skywalk back open after a two-month closure due to COVID-19. The Skywalk was noticibly emptier than usual, but that didn’t stop businesses from swinging their doors open. Frame Corner and Gallery in the Holiday Center has been selling custom frames through curbside pickup but owner Sara Sarvella said she’s looking…
DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of smiling faces drove past Lakewood Elementary School in Duluth Monday. The teachers and staff recently coming up with an idea to safely see their students and say ‘thank you’ for a great year even though it didn’t get to end as planned. “I miss my teachers all I can,” said Wyatt, a first-grade student at…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 16,372 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 731 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 156,606 tests have been completed to date. There are 10,764 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,128 patients have required hospitalization…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- It was the first weekend that businesses in Wisconsin were suddenly given the green light to open after the state’s stay at home order was thrown out by the Wisconsin Supreme Court–now business owners in Superior say it’s time to figure out how to open safely. The jingle of the door opening is a sound not heard at…
DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday a Duluth teenager got her own personal birthday parade to help her celebrate another milestone. Much of the traffic on Arrowhead Road honked to celebrate Haley Kovach-Hubert turning 14. The birthday girl also got a special parade organized by her family. Haley says despite not having a party, this birthday was one to remember. “I feel…
DULUTH, Minn.- About 2,300 seniors graduated from UMD this year, but they’re listening to pomp and circumstance in their own homes, virtually. “Being a family of five we just try and make it as special as we can,” said Music Education major Hunter Hamby. “We know we can’t emulate the big celebration sort of thing.” That big celebration would normally…
