Coronavirus Archives - Page 9 of 49

Minnesota Reports No New Deaths Due To COVID-19

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota health officials reported no new deaths due to COVID-19 for the first time in nearly a year. The Minnesota Department of Health also reported 1,152 new cases, putting the state at 506,376 cases and 6,782 deaths since the start of the pandemic a year ago. The Star Tribune reported that while Mondays tend to feature fewer deaths…

Evers OKs Dentists To Vaccinate as Millions Become Eligible

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill that allows dentists to administer COVID-19 vaccinations on Monday, the same day that more than 2 million more people became eligible for shots. The Republican-authored bill allows dentists who complete eight hours of training on vaccine protocols and record-keeping to administer shots. Dentists in neighboring Minnesota and Illinois are already…

Minnesota Tops 505,000 Virus Cases Since Start of Pandemic

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Sunday confirmed 956 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to more than 505,000 since the start of the pandemic. The update showed five deaths in the last day due to complications from the coronavirus, for a total of 6,782 fatalities statewide. The ranking for the number of cases in comparison…

Officials Want Public to Stay Safe During Spring Fire Season

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeastern Minnesota including in St. Louis and Carlton counties as gusty winds and low humidity means fires can spread quickly.

March 19, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeastern Minnesota including in St. Louis and Carlton counties as gusty winds and low humidity means fires can spread quickly. Minnesota traditionally has two active fire seasons – once in the fall and once in the spring. The spring fire season starts as soon…

Local Impact of Asian Discrimination During Pandemic

We talked to local residents of Duluth about their thoughts on the shooting in Atlanta.

March 19, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – We talked to local residents of Duluth about their thoughts on the shooting in Atlanta. Pakou has lived in Duluth for the past 15 years with her family and is part of the group, Asian Women of the Twin Ports. She says that she and her family have experienced micro-aggressions in the past. For instance, people asking…

Catalytic Converters Stolen Throughout Duluth, Similar to Last Year’s Trends

Catalytic converters continue to be stolen throughout Duluth, which is on par with last year.

March 19, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Catalytic converters continue to be stolen throughout Duluth, which is on par with last year. Steven is a Duluth resident, and he went to his car on Sunday night to change parking from one side of the street to the other. However, he discovered that someone had taken his catalytic converter. He says that he needs $2,300…

CDC Changes School Guidance, Allowing Desks To Be Closer

March 19, 2021

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are relaxing social distancing recommendations for schools, now saying students can sit as close as 3 feet to each other in classrooms. The new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, announced Friday, signal the agency’s turn away from the 6-foot distancing recommendation that had forced some schools to remove desks, stagger scheduling…

Itasca County Health Officials Urge Caution as More Residents Receive Vaccine

Health Officials Also Report a Decline in the Number of Domestic, Sexual Abuse Cases as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues

March 18, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The vaccine rollout continues to be strong in Itasca County. The county has a population of over 45,000 residents. So far, just over 20,000 have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of Thursday, Mar. 18, 12,382 residents have received at least one shot, while 7,752 residents are fully vaccinated. Health officials report…

COVID Cases Force Ely’s 6-12th Graders Back To Distance Learning

March 18, 2021

KQDS Staff,

ELY, Minn. — A rise in COVID cases within the Ely School District is forcing officials to hit the reset button and send students back to full distance learning. The change starts March 19 for junior high and high school students, grades 6-12. This comes after seven positive cases popped up in the past three days. In-person learning will return…

City Launches New App to Explore Parks

The City of Duluth has a new app for people to use to discover local parks.

March 18, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has a new app for people to use to discover local parks. The app is called “Agents of Discovery,” and people can go on missions throughout different parks and trails throughout the year. You can become a detective and learn about things like nature, Duluth, and cultural history. “It’s awesome,” said Sam Werle,…

Federal Tax Filing Deadline Moved to May 17th

The federal tax deadline is being delayed from April 15th to May 17th as more people deal with complicated filings because of COVID.

March 18, 2021

Jane Kim,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The federal tax deadline is being delayed from April 15th to May 17th as more people deal with complicated filings because of COVID. The deadline applies to federal income tax returns and taxes. There’s no word on any deadline changes for the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Either way, tax experts say it’s best to file as…

Bill Hopes to Create More General Criteria for Purchase of Paper Mill

A bill was introduced by Duluth State Representative Liz Olson this week that created more general criteria for those who would be eligible for the purchase of Verso's paper mill.

March 18, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – A bill was introduced by Duluth State Representative Liz Olson this week that created more general criteria for those who would be eligible for the purchase of Verso’s paper mill. The bill itself did not name a specific buyer and left it fairly open so that multiple buyers of the Duluth mill would be eligible. The bill would…

Biden Says U.S. To Hit 100 Million Virus Goal on Friday

March 18, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — With the U.S. closing in on President Joe Biden’s goal of injecting 100 million coronavirus vaccinations weeks ahead of his target date, officials say the nation is now in a position to help supply neighbors Canada and Mexico with shots. The Biden administration announced the outlines of a plan to “loan” vaccines to Canada and Mexico as…

Official: Herd Immunity Possible in Wisconsin by July

March 18, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A top Wisconsin health official says there will be enough coronavirus vaccine in Wisconsin by the end of June to immunize 80% of those age 16 and over in the state, hitting a key target to achieve herd immunity for COVID-19. Deputy state health secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk made the forecast Thursday. Currently, more than…

US Jobless Claims Rise to 770,000 With Layoffs Still High

March 18, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits rose last week to 770,000, a sign that layoffs remain high even as much of the U.S. economy is steadily recovering from the coronavirus recession. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims climbed from 725,000 the week before. The numbers have dropped sharply since the depths of…

Northland Women Leaders in Education Host Discussion

Women leaders from colleges throughout the Northland came together today to talk about the difficulties that they face in their positions.

March 17, 2021

Jane Kim,

NORTHLAND – Female leaders from colleges throughout the Northland came together today to talk about what they say is a lack of representation in their field. Here in the Northland, the majority of higher education chancellors and presidents are female, accounting for four of the six local colleges and universities. However, according to officials at Lake Superior College, only 30%…

T-Shirt and Hoodie Fundraiser to Honor K-9 Luna

One local business has begun a fundraiser for the Northland K-9 Foundation in honor of K-9 Luna Who was killed in the line of duty last month.

March 17, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – One local business has begun a fundraiser for the Northland K-9 Foundation in honor of K-9 Luna Who was killed in the line of duty last month. Advantage Emblem is making commemorative shirts and hoodies, and has begun selling them online. Staff says that it was the right thing to do, given all that law enforcement does…

Small Business Development Center Day Celebrated Throughout the Nation

We checked in with the center over at UWS who has been instrumental in helping businesses during the pandemic.

March 17, 2021

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s Small Business Development Center Day across the nation. We checked in with the center over at UWS who has been instrumental in helping businesses during the pandemic. So far, they have helped garner more than $4 million for business in the region. “Make sure that we are a community resource and we’re a tie into other…

Tourism in Superior Rising Above the Pandemic

The pandemic hit the tourism industry hard throughout the region and Superior is not exempt. However, the industry itself is now rising above and is recovering better than expected.

March 17, 2021

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The pandemic hit the tourism industry hard throughout the region and Superior is not exempt. However, the industry itself is now rising above and is recovering better than expected. With Superior and Duluth being neighboring cities, tourism that impacts one part of the region will also hit the other. “What’s going to happen?” said Taylor Pedersen, the…

Sidewalk Days Among Events Set to Return to Downtown Duluth

The Greater Downtown Council is planning to put on Eat Downtown week next month, while Sidewalk Days and Movies in the Park will return.

March 17, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.- The streets of Downtown Duluth will be busy with entertainment this summer. The Greater Downtown Council is planning on putting on Eat Downtown week next month while Sidewalk Days and Movies in the Park will return in June and July. President Kristi Stokes says after months planning before the governor eased restrictions it’s nice to know those events…

Walz Quarantining After Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

March 17, 2021

KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is quarantining after a member of his staff tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday morning. Walz was in a news conference with the infected staff member on Monday, according to his office, but was not within 6 feet of the staff member for more than 15 minutes, which is what health officials define…

Teens Fueling Slight Increase in COVID-19 Cases in Minnesota

March 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials say teenagers are behind a slight increase in coronavirus activity in Minnesota. The state Department of Health reported 6,818 additional COVID-19 cases in the week ending Tuesday. About 10% involved teenagers 15 to 19 years old. The risk for that age group increased when in-person instruction and sports activities resumed earlier this year. State Health…

UMD Associate Professor Continues Research on Climate Change

A professor at UMD is now part of research into climate change that's been published in an academic journal.

March 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – A professor at UMD is now part of research into climate change that’s been published in an academic journal. The professor is part of a study that shows how human actions, such as the burning of fossil fuels and the release of aerosols, have had a strong impact on global temperatures, rates of hurricane formation, and extreme…

Goodwill to Host Job Fair

Goodwill in Duluth is hosting its first hiring event on Friday since the pandemic began as they have a big need for workers.

March 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Goodwill in Duluth is hosting its first hiring event on Friday since the pandemic began as they have a big need for workers. There will be hiring of many entry-level positions, including sales clerks and people in the production department. Entry-level wages will be $11 to $14 depending on the position across the board. “It feels good,”…

COVID Cases Continue in Itasca County

During the past couple of weeks, Itasca County has experienced four deaths due to COVID-19, including two females in their 60s and 70s and two males in their 60s and 90s.

March 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

ITASCA COUNTY – During the past couple of weeks, Itasca County has experienced four deaths due to COVID-19, including two females in their 60s and 70s and two males in their 60s and 90s. Health experts say these recent ones have been a surprise had been going down but now they are seeing an uptick. Currently, there are 19 per…

Cases Climb in Some Portions of St. Louis County

St. Louis County has seen overall numbers of COVID-19 case rates creeping up a bit but they are fairly low compared to where they were in October and November.

March 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County has seen overall numbers of COVID-19 case rates creeping up a bit but they are fairly low compared to where they were in October and November. According to officials in the Northern portion of the county, some rural areas have seen triple the case rates over the last couple of weeks, including Ely….

Food Boxes Distributed to People in Proctor

Whether it's chicken, hot dogs, onions, or even butter, these boxes had it all for those who needed them the most.

March 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Whether it’s chicken, hot dogs, onions, or even butter, these boxes had it all for those who needed them the most. The pandemic has hit many Northlanders hard who may have lost their jobs so some Northland organizations came together to help during a food giveaway at the St. Luke’s Sport and Event Center in Proctor. “It’s…

Vaccine Eligibility for Next Phase Moved a Week Earlier

March 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — People age 16 and up with certain preexisting conditions in Wisconsin will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine starting Monday, a week earlier than previously announced. Last week, the state said people in that eligibility group would be able to get vaccinated starting March 29. But Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday said vaccinations are proceeding quickly…

Canal Park Brewing Stays Closed for Time Being

While businesses throughout the state are preparing to expand their services, some are choosing not to open.

March 15, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – While businesses throughout the state are preparing to expand their services, some are choosing not to open. Management at Canal Park Brewing says their business model is designed for high volume, and they say right now, they’re losing less money by being closed than by being open. With January and February traditionally being their slower months, they…

Bulldog Pizza Excited to Get More Customers

The owner of Bulldog Pizza is happy about being allowed to have more Northlanders in their restaurant after dine-in services went down dramatically during the pandemic.

March 15, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – We checked in with one local dining establishment to find out how they feel about the loosening of restrictions. The owner of Bulldog Pizza is happy about being allowed to have more Northlanders in their restaurant after dine-in services went down dramatically during the pandemic. The owner says this is an indication we are one step away…

Caravel Autism Facility Ready for Clients

A facility dedicated to kids on the autism spectrum will be ready to treat children starting next week.

March 15, 2021

Jane Kim,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A facility dedicated to kids on the autism spectrum will be ready to treat children starting next week. The Caravel Autism Facility in Hermantown takes clients from 18 months to 18 years and provides evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of autism. According to management at Caravel, there is a higher rate of autism in Minnesota 1 in 44…

Dentists Could Administer COVID-19 Vaccine Under Bill

March 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Dentists in Wisconsin could administer the COVID-19 vaccine under a bill the state Legislature is scheduled to pass on Tuesday, a step being taken as the push to increase people for the coronavirus accelerates. It was one of several coronavirus-related proposals up for votes. While it has broad bipartisan support, other Republican-backed measures are opposed by…

Duluth Salvation Army Participates in Minnesota FoodShare Month

This month is Minnesota FoodShare Month and the Duluth Salvation Army is hoping it will help drive up donations to their food shelf.

March 15, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – This month is Minnesota FoodShare Month and the Duluth Salvation Army is hoping it will help drive up donations to their food shelf. From now until April 11th, money and food given to the Duluth Salvation Army will be matched by the Minnesota FoodShare March campaign. The goal is to get $9,000 and 8,000 items of food…

Few COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Have Been Wasted in Wisconsin

March 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Fewer than 2,400 doses of the precious and highly sought-after coronavirus vaccine were wasted or spoiled in Wisconsin through February, with the single largest case happening when an employee did it on purpose. That is according to data that the Wisconsin Department of Health Services provided to The Associated Press. The data shows that through February,…

Essentia OB-GYN Breaks Down Questions, Answers Surrounding COVID-19 & Vaccines

Dr. Michael Kassing with Essentia Health Discusses the Common Questions & Concerns He Receives from Expecting Mothers Amid the Pandmic

March 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Expecting a newborn is stressful for parents at any time, then toss in a global pandemic, and anxiety can soar through the roof. Dr. Michael Kassing is an OB-GYN with Essentia Health in Duluth. He says many of his patients are coming in with questions regarding whether or not they should receive the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant….

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Talks Grants For Restaurants, More Aspects of American Rescue Plan in Duluth Visit

Minnesota Senator Klobuchar stopped by The Boat Club Restaurant in Duluth's Fitger's Complex to talk about the multi-billion dollar Restaurant Act.

March 14, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As stimulus checks start landing in the accounts of Americans this weekend, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar stopped by Duluth today to talk with the mayor and restaurant owners about the federal aid they’ll now receive from the American Rescue Plan. It’s a part of President Biden’s new COVID relief bill called the Restaurants Act. “This is focused on…

Restrictions Loosened at Salons

With changes coming to salons where they won’t have to deal with capacity limits, some local owners say it will be a big help to their business.

March 12, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – With changes coming to salons where they won’t have to deal with capacity limits, some local owners say it will be a big help to their business. At Rue 48 in Canal Park, owners say they’ve been taking extra precautions to help keep people safe and comfortable no matter how many people can be in the business…

Local Career Expert Weighs in on Extension of Unemployment Benefits

Duluth's CareerForce is Ready and Willing to Help Unemployed Residents Move Forward

March 12, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week President Biden signed the new American Rescue Plan into law. The 1.9 trillion dollar stimulus plan includes money for unemployment benefits through Sept. 6, 2021. Locally, St. Louis County reports 3,500 residents continue to file for weekly unemployment benefits, which are down significantly from the peak of 15,000 workers when the pandemic first began. Those…

Substitute Teachers Provide Sense of Support

At Duluth Public Schools, the district hired a pool of floating subs to support the schools, having ten people work the different buildings. They are currently stationed at the elementary schools but are flexible to support wherever the subs are needed.

March 12, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Many schools are back in form of in-person learning. Some districts are providing unique ways to use substitute teachers. At Duluth Public Schools, the district hired a pool of floating subs to support the schools, having ten people work the different buildings. They are currently stationed at the elementary schools but are flexible to support wherever the…

DECC Anticipating Hopeful Future

With restrictions loosening, management at places like the DECC is hopeful for the future, bringing in big events that can draw in more revenue to the site.

March 12, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning April 1st, seated outdoor venues can allow up to 10,000 people at their venues while seated indoor venues can allow up to 3,000 people. With these restrictions loosening, management at places like the DECC is hopeful for the future, bringing in big events that can draw in more revenue to the site. “It’s exciting,” aid Roger…

Businesses Respond to Loosened Restrictions

As restrictions continue to be loosened, Duluth bars and restaurants are breathing a sigh of relief.

March 12, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As restrictions continue to be loosened, Duluth bars and restaurants are breathing a sigh of relief. Both Duluth Grill and Bent Paddle are businesses impacted by the recent announcement and they are excited and hopeful for what the future brings. Management at Duluth Grill says that the past year has been a rollercoaster of a ride due…

Evers: Everyone in Wisconsin Will Be Vaccine Eligible May 1

March 12, 2021

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Tony Evers says everyone in Wisconsin will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine on May 1. State health officials said Thursday that everyone in the state would be eligible sometime in May. Hours later, President Joe Biden said he wanted states to make everyone eligible by May…

Watch Live: Gov. Walz Announces Major COVID-19 Restriction Rollbacks

March 12, 2021

Site Staff,

Categories: Coronavirus, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

UMD Plans Return to Full On-Campus Operations This Fall

March 12, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth students will return to full on-campus learning this fall according to a Friday University of Minnesota press release. “Given projections on the number of Minnesotans who will be vaccinated, and relying on continued guidance from our public health colleagues, we are increasingly reassured that we can bring students, faculty, and staff back to…

Walz Announces Big Rollback on COVID-19 Restrictions

March 12, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Friday morning Gov. Tim Walz announced further easing of COVID-19 restrictions as Minnesota continues to make progress with vaccinations and slowing the spread of COVID-19. As of March 15 Minnesotans can begin safely gathering with more friends and loved ones, supporting Minnesota’s small businesses, and visiting large venues. “Minnesotans should continue to take simple steps…

Pandemic Hits One Year Anniversary, Health Officials Update on Current Trends

On this pandemic anniversary, we caught up with a St. Louis County health leader to learn more about where the county sits right now.

March 11, 2021

Jane Kim,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – On this pandemic anniversary, we caught up with a St. Louis County health leader to learn more about where the county sits right now. Currently, cases are trending downward. In November, there were about 330 cases reported per day in St. Louis County while right now, there are about 15 to 22 cases reported per day….

More Business for Pizza Shops Because of Snow Storm

With the snowstorm, one local pizza place says it’s been busier for deliveries as more people want to stay home.

March 11, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the snowstorm, one local pizza place says it’s been busier for deliveries as more people want to stay home. Management at VIP Pizza says it’s not unusual as they usually see a higher call volume during bad weather. “People are pretty good about it,” said Mechelle Nelson, the manager at VIP Pizza. “So you know, they’re…

UMD Students Have Fun In Snow

Some UMD students had some fun today at the expense of the recent snowfall.

March 11, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some UMD students had some fun today at the expense of the recent snowfall. After moving the snow on their driveway, two roommates snowboarded down it. Kamie is a student at UMD and said she and her roommates didn’t expect the weather to turn out like this. “We all didn’t think it would snow this much and…

Snow Blankets Northland, Northland Residents Cleans It Up

Some Duluth residents woke up to a surprise this morning with more than seven inches of snow falling. This all comes less than two weeks from spring.

March 11, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Duluth residents woke up to a surprise this morning with more than seven inches of snow falling. This all comes less than two weeks from spring. A winter storm hit the Northland last night going into this morning. Residents were stuck cleaning up the mess. Snow blanketed the Northland and people came out to clean it…

South African Virus Variant Found in Minnesota for 1st Time

March 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials have confirmed the state’s first known case of a coronavirus variant that was originally identified in South Africa. The Minnesota Department of Health said Thursday the person is a Twin Cities-area resident in their 40s who became ill on Jan. 24 and was tested on Jan. 29. The person had no recent travel history…