ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Governor’s office, the Minnesota National Guard’s initial mission is to transport personal protective equipment (PPE) in storage at Camp Ripley to the Minnesota Department of Health warehouse in St. Paul. The National…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Saturday that small businesses in the state are now eligible for disaster assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA) for economic injury during the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID-19 is placing significant economic strains and unforeseen hardships on our business community,” said Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove. “The Governor’s…
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed the first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in St. Louis County. The individual is a woman in her late 60s who is currently recovering at home. Her infection is linked to domestic travel, and not the result of community transmission. “At this point, there has been no request for the…
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Douglas County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The Douglas County Public Health office announced on Friday that the individual is isolated at home and is doing well. Officials say they are identifying and contacting anyone that has been in close contact with the individual. “It is important that Douglas County residents do not panic…
DULUTH, Minn. – Some Duluth City Councilors want to delay the city’s upcoming five-cent fee on plastic bags. The bag fee was all set to go into effects on April 1, but now it could be delayed until July 1, or even later. Some councilors want to push it back because of how busy grocery stores are during the COVID-19…
DULUTH, Minn. – You may not be able to visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth right now since it is closed during the Coronavirus pandemic. But now the museum can come to you. The organization will be offering daily video tours of the museum and the St.Louis County Depot. Viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look into spaces and…
DULUTH, Minn – One Duluth company is taking measured steps towards combating COVID-19. GeaCom produced a medical device called Phrazer-Kitsune. The device matches the language, culture and literacy levels of the patient to a virtual person who helps guide the patient through a series of medical-related questions. The device helps medical staff avoid exposure to contagious situations and creates a…
DULUTH, Minn. – The changes in lifestyle recommended to help stop the spread of Covid-19 can be mentally draining for many people. Psychology experts say the pandemic is causing uncertainty and that can cause anxiety for many. This may lead to feelings of anger, frustration, and panic. Experts say a helpful tip to get everyone through the difficult time is…
(AP Photo/Jim Mone) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz said Friday that he might have to follow California’s lead at some point and order residents to shelter in place to try to slow the spread of COVID-19. “I certainly think it is a possibility,” Walz said in an interview on WCCO Radio on Friday morning, adding that outside experts and…
DULUTH, Minn. – Dr. Daniel Loban, the owner of Loban Dental, is speaking out regarding the closure of dental offices unless procedures are for emergency purposes. “I can tell you my propensity is to help people and putting myself at home and understanding how serious this is kind of draws a line in the sand so I can be a…
MADISON, Wis. – Two Wisconsin residents have died from the coronavirus pandemic, the first to be reported in the state. Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday that a man in his 50s from Fond du Lac County and a man in his 90s from Ozaukee County had died. No other details about their circumstances were reported. “Our hearts go out to…
DULUTH, Minn. – David Uselman is well known at the Bayshore Health Center for his beard. Now he’s shaving it off to help fend off the virus. The move comes amid a list of new protocols. With wearing a mask essential to hospital workers during these times, shaving his beard will allow for the mask to have a direct connection…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth superintendent search is marching on despite the global pandemic. Thursday, the Duluth School Board interviewed the first of six candidates. Due to the pandemic, the public was not allowed to sit in the room during the interviews. Instead, they were in the gym at Old Central High School a few rooms away from where the…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – After a brief closure this week due to a false coronavirus scare, the Superior Salvation army is back up and running. However, in light of the pandemic, they will be changing up their services a little bit. The Superior Salvation Army Corps Community Center is not open for customers to come inside as usual, but rather they…
DULUTH, Minn. – Emergency services in Duluth are beginning to prioritize emergency calls based on the most immediate need during the coronavirus pandemic. Officials are now asking the public to think before they call 911. The Duluth Fire Department tell us there has been a surge in calls from people with questions about the coronavirus. They are asking even if…
DULUTH, Minn. – Gas prices are dropping around the nation, and the Northland is no exception. Around the local area, gas is falling. Demand is not meeting the amount of supply that is available. Duluthians say the gas prices are helpful, specifically for who are currently working. “They drive the company car, pay for the fixing of the car, and…
DULUTH, Minn. – Area hospitals are busy preparing for the potential impact of coronavirus in the Northland. Earlier today, St. Luke’s and Essentia leaders came together to help address questions concerning the virus. Tests have been happening at both Essentia and St. Luke’s in Duluth for the past week. Hospital officials say they have enough equipment for medical personnel and…
DULUTH, Minn. – Many workers across the nation have lost their jobs as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The City of Duluth is now encouraging people to apply for unemployment to help with their financial difficulties. CareerForce, which is part of the City of Duluth’s Workforce Development Department, has been seen an increase in calls from people hoping to…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health care providers must postpone elective surgeries and other medical procedures so they can focus their resources on responding to the anticipated surge of COVID-19 cases, Gov. Tim Walz ordered Thursday. The order, which also applies to non-emergency dental procedures, followed guidance issued by the federal government this week to delay elective procedures to conserve resources…
BAYFIELD, Wis. – A Bayfield County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. The Bayfield County School District has confirmed the resident is a high school student in the district and that the building has been thoroughly cleaned during the past week. As a precaution, the school building will be closed today and Friday, March 20. Families with high school students…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Minnesota rose to 89 on Thursday, up 12 from the day before. The new cases include one in Wadena County in north-central Minnesota. It’s the state’s first confirmed case so far north. The count of confirmed cases from the Minnesota Department of Health is lower than the total number of…
DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is holding a 10:00 a.m. press conference with community leaders to update the public regarding COVID-19. This press conference will be closed to the public due to social distancing. Speakers: Mayor Emily Larson Congressman Pete Stauber Shawn Krizaj, Duluth Fire Chief & Emergency Management Manager Elena Foshay, City of Duluth Workforce Development Director…
DULUTH, Minn.- With all Minnesota schools being required to close its doors during Coronavirus pandemic, the Duluth Public School district is making sure students are continuing to be fed by giving out free breakfast and lunch. Starting Wednesday until May 4 any student 18 or younger from any school in Duluth can grab one of the to-go meals. Bagged breakfast…
DULUTH, Minn. – If you get your hair cut in Minnesota, you won’t be able to anymore – at least until March 27 at 5:00 p.m. Affective Tuesday, March 17 at 5:00 p.m., under orders from Governor Tim Walz, hair and nail salons as well as spas have been ordered to close due to concerns over COVID-19. This news is…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Fitger’s Complex in Duluth is the latest mall to temporarily close amid coronavirus concerns. But a few businesses inside are still operating on a pickup and delivery basis for food for people and dogs. A Place for Fido supplies food for all kinds of dogs and even ones with sensitive stomachs. Customers cannot shop in the…
DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM Food Shelf at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Duluth is not letting the Coronavirus stop them from getting food to those in need. The food shelf is offering 20 to-go box meals everyday from 11-1:45 out of the West alley door. CHUM also received a large donation from the Holy Rosary School of 351 pints of…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Only one day after Wisconsin Bars and Restaurants were abruptly ordered to close, one restaurant in Superior is offering all they can to those in need. Superior Family Restaurant off Tower Avenue is offering free meals to anyone facing hardship who are figuring out where their next meal is coming from. The offer is not limited to children…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- One of Superior’s busier child care centers reacts to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s decision to scale back staff and amount of children in child care settings. The order dictates that organizations are not allowed to operate with more than 10 staff and 50 kids present. Meanwhile in Minnesota on Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz offered support to child care…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – People are packing local gun stores to stock up on ammunition amid the coronavirus outbreak. In the last couple weeks, handgun ammunition sales have tripled at Superior Shooters Supply on Winter Street. The sales rush started with 9mm rounds and has expanded to all kinds of ammunition store-wide. People have recently started buying up handguns too. Owner…
DULUTH, Minn – As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners has now declared a local state of emergency. This state of emergency builds on state executive orders and federal declarations already imposed. Public access to all St. Louis County offices, including walk-up service windows, will now be suspended. Some St. Louis County employees will also…
DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus outbreak has slowed down travel all over the world, but that doesn’t mean everyone has stopped flying. Flyers we spoke with are traveling on planes with many more open seats, and they are taking precautions as much as possible. The seating areas are sparse at the Duluth International Airport. People are not sitting next to…
DULUTH, Minn. – While bars are closing in the Northland, liquor stores are experiencing an uptick in business to accommodate those who want a drink or two. Lake Aire Bottle Shoppe in Duluth is currently open. It says it’s having a steady stream of people coming into the business. The store says all kinds of hard liquor are currently being…
(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The first case of the COVID-19 coronavirus has been confirmed at the Minnesota House of Representatives, officials say. Right now, it’s not clear if the case is among a lawmaker or a staffer and officials say, due to privacy laws, they won’t release further information about the individual. “It is possible that…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Diocese announced on Wednesday that they will be suspending masses through April 20 to help stem the spread of COVID-19. The suspension takes effect Friday, March 20. According to the press release, All gatherings of more than 10 people will also be canceled. Father Bissonette says confessions and office hours should continue to be made available…
(FOX 9) – In accordance with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s executive order, all salons and spas across the state are closed until March 27 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. According to the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, all hair salons, nail salons, and other spa-like businesses closed Tuesday night and will remain closed until March 27. As the state reports at…
DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is now impacting the animals up for adoption in the Northland. Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth announced Wednesday morning on FOX 21 Local News that all humane education activities and volunteer trainings will be postponed until the end of April. Michelle Carter, Development Officer at Animal Allies, said the shelter is experiencing shifts…
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers was expected to issue an executive order Wednesday to speed up unemployment benefits for workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as he meets with legislative leaders to discuss a more far-reaching emergency plan to help all of those struggling due to the outbreak. The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered schools, colleges, universities, bars, restaurants…
TORONTO (AP) — The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday as the two nations work to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump made the announcement on Twitter, saying the decision would not affect the flow of trade between the countries. “We will be, by mutual…
DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon has not decided yet if the race of more than 9,000 runners will be cancelled because of the Coronavirus. Race officials told us they are right now discussing whether they need to cancel or postpone the race in June 19th. As for now, the race is still on. But officials are urging runners and spectators to…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- Wisconsin business owners had just three hours to get ready for a 5 p.m. hard shutdown of bars and restaurants ordered from the very top in Madison. “We all thought it was kind of a short notice, we all probably should’ve got a 24 hours notice,” said Superior Flame Nightclub owner Alvin Berg. “We’re gonna comply and we…
CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – Colleges and universities are switching to all-online classes as the coronavirus spreads. That can be a big challenge for teachers who have to change their curriculum to fit the current situation. Annie Dugan is teaching in a unique space for the rest of the semester. “Right now we have this big open greenhouse that I can…
DULUTH, Minn. – Instead of hosting lunch in a room with several dozen other people, the Salvation Army is now providing box lunches for area residents that they can now take on the go. The Salvation Army’s lunch box program provided meals at its Duluth location. For some people, it might be the only meal they can get all day….
DULUTH, Minn. – The group Duluth Loves Local is helping city businesses stay afloat during coronavirus-related closures combat by letting them advertise on their Instagram page for free. Leaders from the group say it’s a good way to give back during a dire situation. “It is, it is because small businesses don’t have a lot to lean back on in…
DULUTH, Minn. – Bars and restaurants are now closed to dine-in customers after being ordered to do so by Governor Walz on Monday. That’s not stopping a Duluth bar from taking a new approach to St. Patrick’s Day. Dubh Linn’s Irish Pub is improvising by offering “St. Patrick’s Day To-Go,” where customers can still order all their Irish favorites. St….
TWIN PORTS – The mass closures due to the coronavirus have not dampened the housing market in the Northland, according to real estate agents. Experts are calling it a seller’s market in this area, meaning demand is exceeding supply, whether it be in Duluth, Cloquet, Hermantown or Proctor. Even in this market, the virus is unpredictable by the day, even…
(AP Photo/Andy Manis, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has ordered a statewide ban on all gatherings of more than 10 people as of 5 p.m. Tuesday, and closed all bars and restaurants, except for delivery and pickup orders. He announced the new limits in an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Evers also…
FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa announced on Tuesday that they will be temporarily closing the Black Bear Casino and Resort in Carlton as well as the Fond-du-Luth Casino in downtown Duluth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closures will take effect March 18 at 5:00 p.m. The closures will…
DULUTH, Minn. – Vikre Distillery in Canal Park has created their own sanitizer and is giving it out to the public. It’s a sprayable sanitizer with 70 percent denatured alcohol. The sanitizer is free but you need to bring a spray container up to 16 ounces to fill it up. Vikre says because it’s a spray, to not use it…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the coronavirus continues to spread, businesses like Yarn Harbor in Duluth are implementing new ways to deliver products to customers. The business has introduced a new curbside pickup. Customers can order and pay ahead of time before picking up their supplies in front of Yarn Harbor. Leadership from the business say this new business model will…
DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport is also taking measures to keep its facilities safe, as Coronavirus spreads nationwide. Airport officials said that traffic through the airport has dropped a bit recently, though a steady flow of passengers are still coming through. While there are no plans to quarantine or screen passengers or even airline staff as they come from…
