Coronavirus Archives - Page 39 of 49

Some Duluth Restaurants, Hotels Look Toward Uncertain Future

Hotels and restaurants try to stay afloat after decreased business for this long.

May 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As many local businesses in the hospitality industry make adjustments to continue staying open, for others that might not be an option. Dubh Linn Brew Pub in Downtown Duluth is changing their business model, offering delivery of growlers of their in-house brew, cider, wine, and food five days a week from 4pm-8pm. “People are looking for a reason,…

Northland High School Students use Signs to Celebrate

As regular graduations are being switched for the virtual variety, students are finding new ways to celebrate in the Northland.

May 6, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As regular graduations are being switched for the virtual variety, students are finding new ways to celebrate in the Northland. Students from Duluth East received yard signs to stick in their lawns last week. The signs signify their accomplishments and graduation. And now, Duluth East and Denfeld are putting together videos of their own virtual ceremonies, which…

Signing and Interpreting During a Pandemic

"I think one significant thing is that we don't feel isolated, that we're able to stay connected," said Hoppe.

May 6, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Maggie Hoppe is a deaf person who lives in Duluth. She says that she is used to having obstacles when talking to people. “I’m used to communication barriers with hearing people in general, and sometimes people will come up to me and talk to me and I won’t understand them because I can’t hear what they say…

St. Luke’s Reminds Patients to Seek In-Person Care for Medical Emergencies

Many Patients Are Receiving Mixed Messages About Medical Care Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 6, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth urge patients to come into their facilities if you are experiencing a medical emergency. They’ve received reports of patients receiving mixed messages when it comes to handling medical emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. “If you have a medical problem, it’s safe to come see your physician,” said Dr. Nick Johnson,…

Gov. Walz Allows Elective Surgeries Statewide; Essentia, St. Luke’s Say They’re Ready

The Governor signed an executive order Tuesday allowing elective surgeries and procedures, reversing an order from March.

May 5, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- An executive order from Governor Tim Walz gave the green light for healthcare providers to resume elective surgeries and procedures on May 11th. A move officials at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospitals in Duluth said they are ready for. Health systems statewide have lost about $1 billion a month since procedures and surgeries were banned in March,…

Flower Shops Prepare for Mother’s Day

Local flower shops are also busy, preparing for the big floral holiday coming up this weekend.

May 5, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local flower shops are also busy, preparing for the big floral holiday coming up this weekend. Superior Blooms is taking orders right now for Mother’s Day. Management says the business is a bit busier than they usually are. They recently upgraded their website and have gotten more traffic. They also have been getting sales through Instagram and…

Breweries Support Healthcare Workers

Local breweries are giving back to those on the front lines of the pandemic.

May 5, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local breweries are giving back to those on the front lines of the pandemic. Bent Paddle, located on West Michigan Street, is offering a buy one get one free option for its Crowlers and Growlers. For first responders and for healthcare workers, grocery store employees as well as gas station clerks. Management says it’s about providing for…

How are Dentists Doing During the Pandemic?

Normal routines have changed a lot for area dentists during the coronavirus pandemic, with non-emergency procedures on hold.

May 5, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Normal routines have changed a lot for area dentists during the coronavirus pandemic, with non-emergency procedures on hold. “It’s a tough position because we’re trying to be here for patients that need us but we want to keep our staff and our patients safe and there’s a lot of limitations to things in society right now,” said…

Big Top Chautauqua 2020 Season Canceled

May 4, 2020

Dan Hanger,

BAYFIELD, Wis. – The 2020 summer season of entertainment and events at Big Top Chautauqua has been canceled. Big Top’s management announced Monday that they weighed countless scenarios but determined it was best to skip this season with the uncertainty surrounding the safety of large gatherings involving this pandemic. Big Top Summer 2020 Press Release There are refundable options available…

Duluth Trails Open After Freeze/Thaw, No Plans to Close Beaches So Far

Walkers, runners and bikers flock to their favorite trails.

May 4, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Just in time for the nice weather, Duluth Parks and Recreation announced that most of the city’s multi-use natural surface trails are now open after being closed due to wet conditions. “It’s been a long time coming this spring,” said Parks and Rec Trail Cooridinator Matt Andrews. “We’ve all been patiently waiting for these trails to open up….

Experts Say Everyone Should Be Wearing Masks to Slow Spread of COVID-19

While many people may be feeling healthy, experts stress that masks are more to protect others than yourself.

May 4, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the community continues to try to slow the spread of COVID-19, experts say everyone should be wearing face masks. While many people may be feeling healthy, experts stress that masks are more to protect others than yourself. While certain types of masks work in different ways, all of them have breathing air go through a filter…

Duluth Fire Department Gets New Truck

The Duluth Fire Department has received a new fire truck.

May 4, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has received a new fire truck. It arrived about a week ago, but it has been in the works for more than a year since July of 2018. The department has been short a truck up until this new one arrived. Some characteristics of this truck include a higher horsepower motor, which allows…

Local Bakery in Need of Funding

Positively 3rd Street Bakery is needing to raise $25,000.

May 4, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – One local bakery is asking the public for donations so it can continue with its business. Positively 3rd Street Bakery is needing to raise $25,000. This will pay workers with reduced hours, continue to provide the baked goods and will help with replacing the business’ industrial mixer, which is getting close to not be being usable anymore….

Wisconsin Special Election Runs During the Pandemic

Officials say they have a better grip on the COVID-19 situation and things will run in a more smooth manner.

May 4, 2020

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Nearly one month ago, controversy swirled in Wisconsin as in-person voting was allowed during an election. Later reports from the state department of health indicate that more than 50 people connected with the election tested positive for COVID-19, and now another election is on the horizon in the 7th district between Republican Tom Tiffany and Democrat Tricia…

Numbers Spike for Minnesotans in Intensive Care for COVID-19

May 4, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The number of Minnesotans hospitalized in intensive care with COVID-19 has jumped for three straight days to the highest levels yet, health officials said Monday. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 166 patients in intensive care units as of Monday, up 11 from a one-day high of 155 set Sunday and a high of 135 set Saturday….

White Spruce Market Seeing Spike in Business Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The Locally Handcrafted Gift Boxes Are Proving to be Popular Gifts As Stay-At-Home Orders Continue

May 4, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Mother’s Day is less than a week away, and with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’ll most definitely look a little different this year. The ‘new normal’ isn’t stopping the tradition of gift-giving, however. Locally handcrafted White Spruce Market is seeing a big spike in business as consumers look to stay connected by gift-giving. Bailey Aro Hutchence is…

Carlton’s Flapjack Fiasco Fundraiser for St. Jude Hospital Adapts Amid Pandemic

10th annual pancake breakfast ditches the pancake and the breakfast, with volunteers using long-handled buckets to collect cash from cars.

May 3, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CARLTON, Minn.- COVID-19 couldn’t put a kabash on the Flapjack Fiasco Fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which ditched the pancakes for a drive-by donation collection on Sunday. The four corners of the intersection of Highway 210 and 45 were flanked by neon vests, stopping cars as they drove by. “We made some buckets on a piece of bamboo…

Lakes, Local Businesses Busy for Wisconsin Fishing Opener

While social distancing and practicing guidelines, anglers stocked up on bait and tackle and took to the water.

May 2, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The near perfect weather Saturday lured Wisconsin anglers out for the day many have been waiting all year for: the 2020 Fishing Opener. “It’s been a long winter and get some walleyes, maybe some crappies, bass, whatever it’s, whatever’s biting,” said Kyle Tikkanen, fishing with his son, Kegan on Upper Saint Croix Lake. “Just getting out, enjoying…

Minnesota Surpasses 6,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

May 2, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health reports that nearly 500 people tested positive for COVID-19, putting the state over 6,000 cases. Officials say 21 of the 24 deaths in Saturday’s report occurred in long-term care facilities, including one Clay County resident who was at least 100 years old. The state also reported the death of a Hennepin County…

Local Flower Shops Busy on Mayday

Engwall in Duluth is putting together flower arrangements for the special day.

May 1, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local flower shops have been busy on this mayday. Engwall Florist and Gifts in Duluth is putting together flower arrangements for the special day. Traditionally for the holiday, small baskets of flowers are placed on peoples’ doorsteps and the giver runs away without letting the recipient know. “I think that everything going on in the world was…

A Medical Equipment Company Helps A Local Food Bank By Giving Out Neck Gaiters

Lake Superior Medical Equipment has provided about 750 neck gaiters.

May 1, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

UTH, Minn – Lake Superior Medical Equipment is looking to give back to a good cause while also trying to help protect the community from harm during the coronavirus pandemic. With face masks in short supply, a neck gaiter is another form of protection to help limit the spread of Covid-19. Lake Superior Medical Equipment has provided about 750 neck…

Itasca County Health Officials Address Mental Health Concerns Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Area Partners Have Developed a Website With a Plethora of Mental Health Resources

May 1, 2020

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As of Friday, there are 11 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Itasca County. While the numbers remain low compared to nearby St. Louis County (73 cases, 11 deaths), officials are seeing an increase in calls and outreach to local mental health service centers. First Call for Help of Itasca County is a private, nonprofit community organization…

Local Greenhouse Open to the Public

Whether it’s herbs, flowers or succulents, Spring at Last offers up plenty of options to make local homes greener on Mayday.

May 1, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it’s herbs, flowers or succulents, Spring at Last offers up plenty of options to make local homes greener on Mayday. “It’s nice and I can see the smiles on their faces when they come in to see something nice flowery, get away from what’s going on. They seem to really enjoy it.” Owners say visiting the…

FDA Allows Emergency Use of Drug for Coronavirus

May 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Gilead Sciences via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Friday allowed emergency use of an experimental drug that appears to help some coronavirus patients recover faster. It is the first drug shown to help fight COVID-19, which has killed more than 230,000 people worldwide. The FDA said in a statement that Gilead Science’s intravenous drug would be specifically indicated…

Layoffs Announced at Minntac

May 1, 2020

Site Staff,

MT. IRON, Minn. – Layoffs are expected at Minntac in the coming weeks according to United Steelworkers Local 1938. Union leaders say U.S. Steel confirmed layoffs will begin on May 10 and are expected to last about eight weeks for plant employees and 11 weeks for pit employees. The layoffs will affect about 260 employees. Currently, Minntac employs about 1,300…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 1

May 1, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,730 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 28 new deaths bringing the death total to 371 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 74,820 tests have been completed to date. There are 2,282 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,096 patients have required hospitalization…

EAA Cancels Convention That Draws Hundreds of Thousands

May 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — An event that draws hundreds of thousands of people from all around the globe is the latest event to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in and convention say the uncertainty of COVID-19 has forced them to cancel the July 20-26 event. Approximately 642,000 people attended the convention…

MN Nurses Assoc.: Nearly 300 Essentia Nurses Take Temporary Furloughs

April 30, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The financial blow from the pandemic has placed nearly 300 nurses at Essentia Health in the Twin Ports on “special administrative leave.” A spokesperson for the Minnesota Nurses Association union told FOX 21 on Thursday that the workers have taken voluntary furloughs to avoid potential layoffs and keep their health insurance benefits. Being furloughed also allows the…

Bike Shop Increases Sales and Service During Pandemic

Ski Hut in Duluth is up and running and are fixing and selling bikes.

April 30, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Ski Hut in Duluth is up and running, still fixing and selling bikes, as they are considered an essential business. According to workers, the service department has been very busy, with about a 30 to 40% increase from this time last year. With regard to bike demand, workers say they are selling a third more compared to…

Duluth Chamber CEO Adapts Advocacy For Businesses Through Pandemic

April 30, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is looking at all types of ways to connect with local businesses right now to help them through the pandemic’s financial crisis. Chamber President and CEO David Ross says he’s seen an increase in small businesses looking for guidance with grant and loan applications, among other needs. His team is in…

Duluth Stores Prepare for Curbside Pickup to Start May 4th

Zenith Bookstore and Dungeon's End Game Store among many statewide businesses to offer curbside pickup

April 30, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Retail and other non-essential businesses in Minnesota can reopen for curbside pickup and delivery starting May 4th if they take certain precautions. Many Minnesota businesses have been closed for more than a month under the state’s Stay at Home Order. While those shops still can’t open their doors to customers for at least two more weeks, they’re…

DECC Officials Are Worried About The Future

The DECC only has enough cash in its reserves to last until February.

April 30, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center has already lost over $1 million in revenue due to the pandemic. DECC officials say they are concerned about what the future may hold if the coronavirus pandemic lasts longer than they anticipate. All recent and many upcoming events at the DECC have either been canceled or postponed as a result of…

Northland Foundation, Area Partners Raise $2 Million for COVID-19 Financial Relief

Relief Funds Will Be Used For Multiple Programs, Local Businesses in Northeastern Minnesota

April 30, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Foundation has been serving seven counties including five tribal nations in Northeastern Minnesota since the 1980s. The foundation strives to economically support residents and businesses in the region, especially during financially difficult times. “We’re doing our best to connect our businesses and our people with those resources both in our region, in the state, and…

Graduates Celebrated in Unique Way

A local high school celebrated its graduating class today by handing out yard signs.

April 30, 2020

Jane Kim,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A local high school celebrated its graduating class today by handing out yard signs. Earlier this month, the Minnesota governor announced the end to face to face classes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, students are finding new ways to celebrate graduation over in Hermantown. Yard signs celebrating the graduating seniors have been handed out to seniors….

Principal Celebrated at Elementary School

Staff members and kids at Lowell Elementary school celebrated their principal.

April 30, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff members and kids at Lowell Elementary School celebrated their principal earlier today. About 20 to 25 cars filled with staff members honked their way around the elementary school, while 50 students help up signs to celebrate a beloved principal who has been working hard to stay connected to kids during this time. “It feels really good,…

Minnesota Nursing Home Reports 47 Deaths From Coronavirus

April 30, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A suburban Minneapolis nursing home said 47 residents have died from complications of COVID-19, the most at any long-term care facility in Minnesota. St. Therese of New Hope also said Wednesday that 130 residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, while 65 staff members have shown symptoms or been exposed. A veterans home in Massachusetts where 70…

Minnesota Coronavirus Cases, Testing, Hit new 1-day Highs

April 30, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to climb in Minnesota, but the state is making progress toward more testing, new figures Thursday from the Minnesota Department of Health show. The department reported 24 new deaths to raise Minnesota’s death toll to 343. A new one-day high of 492 confirmed cases pushed the state’s total to 5,136. And…

Silver Bay Grocery Store Offering Curbside Service to Elderly Residents

With Help From North Shore Area Partners, More Than a Dozen Silver Bay Residents Utilize the Service

April 30, 2020

Brett Scott,

SILVER BAY, Minn. – We’ve heard it before, coronavirus doesn’t discriminate. Although no cases have been reported in Lake County thus far, residents remain cautious, practicing social distancing and limiting trips out of the home. Many small-town residents are stepping up to alleviate stress while helping those in need. “I spend an hour in here just talking. It takes me…

Some Superior Businesses Relieved with Governor’s Loosened Restrictions

Gov. Evers's new emergency order allows no contact business.

April 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Business owners in Superior are slowly getting back to as close to normal as they can be after Governor Tony Evers announced some non-essential businesses can open in a limited capacity. “It’ll be the new normal, whatever that is,” said Kat Senn. Under Emergency Order 34, certain non-essential businesses are allowed to start resuming business only through…

Coronavirus Pandemic Forces Closure of Lake County News Chronicle

April 29, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic is shutting down one of the Duluth News Tribune’s sister newspapers up the north shore. The Lake County News Chronicle, which was founded in 1974, will publish its final issue on May 22. The announcement was made Wednesday evening on the publication’s website. The closure comes as newspapers, televisions stations…

UWS Summer Theatre Camp to be Offered Online

Students will rehearse and perform a mystery comedy play while working together on Zoom

April 29, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The annual UWS Summer Theatre Camp will be offered online this year. Students will rehearse and perform a mystery comedy play while working together on Zoom. The kids will play all the parts and make their own sound effects for the production. Even though the camp can’t meet in person this year, theatre professor Cathy Fank says…

Northland College Offers A Virtual Pandemic Class

About 80 Northland College students and 200 community participants are registered for the class.

April 29, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Northland College in Ashland is offering a virtual course examining the ongoing coronavirus global pandemic. The four-week course is being taught by 15 faculty members. The class will go over the history of pandemics, public health principles, and the biology of the virus. The goal is not only to think outside of the box in the course…

The 1200 Fund’s Fast Grant Won’t Be Enough To Bailout All Business Applying For The Funding

More than 350 businesses applied for the fast grant, but the non-profit is only able to help 100 businesses.

April 29, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced fast grant funding through the 1200 Fund to help businesses recover from the economic impacts of Covid-19, With limited funds, the number of businesses applying for the grant exceeds the number that can be helped. More than 350 businesses applied for the fast grant, but the non-profit is only able to help…

Canal Bark Remains Open During Pandemic

If you need help caring for your pets during this crisis, there are still options available for you in the Northland.

April 29, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you need help caring for your pets during this crisis, there are still options available for you in the Northland. Canal Bark in Duluth has stayed open because it is considered an essential business. The company, which serves as a daycare for dogs, recently received federal loans, which gives them more incentives for small businesses to…

Nutrition Bars Donated to Healthcare Workers

Cliff Bars is partnering with Grandma's Marathon to give back to healthcare workers.

April 29, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Cliff Bars partnered with Grandma’s Marathon to give back to healthcare workers. Throughout the country, Cliff Bars has been reaching out to a variety of special events that they typically support. However, because of the coronavirus, those events have been canceled. But, they are giving away millions of Cliff Bars to multiple organizations, including right here in…

What is the Life Insurance Industry Like During this Pandemic?

A lot of people are being more cautious during this time when it comes to their coverage.

April 29, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Dylan Merriman owns a life insurance business in Duluth. He says a lot of people are being more cautious during this time when it comes to their coverage. “People are calling a lot more, inquiring a lot more, they’re scared, people are scared, and I think that’s valid,” said Merriman. “We’ve seen a lot of uptick on…

Gov. Walz to Announce Thursday if Minnesota’s Stay-at-Home Order Will be Extended

April 29, 2020

Site Staff,

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz will announce Thursday afternoon whether he will extend Minnesota’s stay-at-home order beyond Monday, May 4, when it is set to expire. At a press conference in Worthington Wednesday, Walz indicated he will announce that more businesses will be allowed to open, but said his approach to reopening the economy will…

Minnesota’s Coronavirus Case Count Jumps as Testing Ramps Up

April 29, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health reported another big jump in coronavirus cases Wednesday as the state ramps up its testing capacity. The agency said 463 more Minnesotans have tested positive — a new one-day high — to raise the state’s total to 4,644. That total includes 138 new cases in Nobles County of southwestern Minnesota, where the…

St. Louis County Seeking Community Input on Allocation of COVID-19 Relief Funds

April 29, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County officials are seeking public input on how to use COVID-19 relief funds the county is receiving from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The county says it will be receiving around $2 million as part of the CARES Act to provide assistance in responding to COVID-19. The St. Louis County…

‘Superior Gift Card Club’ Raises $50K For Local Businesses

April 28, 2020

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Facebook gift card club in Superior designed to help local businesses during the pandemic has reached a big milestone. The club has raised $50,000 so far through daily online raffles. Councilors Craig Sutherland and Brent Fennessey came up with the idea just five weeks ago, and they never thought they’d be able to give this much…