Health

Two Essentia Health Employees Had Allergic Reactions To COVID-19 Vaccine

Some of the symptoms that brought concern for health experts included hives, swelling of the lips or mouth, and shortness of breath.

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have already been given to frontline workers at Essentia Health. So far, only two employees had allergic reactions to the vaccine. Essentia Health officials say the reactions weren’t severe, but out of caution each worker was treated and evaluated. It is believed the reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine may be…

FDA Authorizes Second COVID-19 Vaccine from Moderna

The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is adding a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal. The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. The decision comes days after health workers and nursing home residents began getting a similar coronavirus shot from Pfizer and BioNTech. Extra doses from a…

Duluth Man Needing Living Kidney Donor Brings Back Epic Christmas Displays

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man known in his neighborhood for his bright Christmas lights and decorations is bringing back the tradition again after stopping for a few years, while also searching for a living kidney donor. Pat Stojevich has more than 20,000 Christmas lights strung around his property and counting. “I figure by the time we’re done we’ll be…

Duluth Police Department Receives Funding To Help Support Opioid Recovery Efforts

There have been 200 overdoses in the area this year as reported by the Duluth Police.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has received some major funding to help fight opioid addictions and start the recovery process for some people in the Northland. The department received a grant for almost $900,000. which will fund the Lake Superior Diversion and Substance Abuse Response team over the next three years. The funding will be used to expand…

Wisconsin Health Leaders Explain Vaccine Distribution as State Gets First Shipment

Meanwhile, the spread of the virus isn't slowing down in the state. 

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin received 10,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, with about 35,000 more doses expected by the end of the week. The first rounds are going to frontline healthcare workers and to nursing home residents in a couple weeks. The general public will not have access to the vaccine for months as the state deploys this historic rollout…

Essentia Health Hiring Healthcare Workers

"It's been an unbelievable amount of stress on our staff. We're used to taking care of people who are very sick and used to seeing people die, but not in these numbers," said Jon Pryor, president of Essentia Health.

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand for healthcare workers is becoming critical in the Northland. Essentia Health is now hiring, hoping to find skilled healthcare employees to fill the gaps brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. A shortage of frontline workers such as nurses is already creating a strain for hospitals in the region. Many hospital officials are getting concerned for the…

US allows emergency COVID-19 vaccine in bid to end pandemic

The U.S. has given the final go-ahead to the nation’s first COVID-19 vaccine, launching emergency vaccinations in a bid to end the pandemic. Shots will begin in a few days after Friday's decision by the Food and Drug Administration.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. has given the final go-ahead to the nation’s first COVID-19 vaccine, launching emergency vaccinations in a bid to end the pandemic. Shots will begin in a few days after Friday’s decision by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA called the vaccine from Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech safe and strongly protective. But initial…

Essentia Doctor Details COVID Reality in the Northland, Vaccine Progress

Dr. Melissa Simonson Encourages All Northland Residents to Receive the COVID Vaccine When Available

DULUTH, Minn.  – At Essentia Health in Duluth, capacity is stretched thin with both COVID patients and the normal patient population. Dr. Melissa Simonson, section chair of hospitalist services at Essentia Health, says over the last two weeks they have seen a slight improvement in the number of COVID patients. Right now,  20-25 percent of regular medical patients are COVID…

U.S. Panel Endorses Widespread Use of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. government advisory panel endorsed widespread use of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine Thursday, putting the country just one step away from launching an epic vaccination campaign against the outbreak that has killed close to 300,000 Americans. Shots could begin within days, depending on how quickly the Food and Drug Administration signs off, as expected, on the expert…

First Responders Are Feeling Strained From Impacts Of COVID-19

NORTHLAND, Minn. – First responders have been strained by this pandemic, especially ambulance crews that may respond to someone having symptoms. Communities rely on first responders when emergencies happen, but as coronavirus case numbers surge in the region, the job is becoming more challenging. “We need some help in being able to respond to the emergencies,” said Virginia Mayor Larry…

Wis. Health Officials Promoting Higher Rates of Flu Vaccinations in Communities of Color

MADISON, Wis.– As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in the country and in Wisconsin, cases of the flu have been another story. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is rolling out a new campaign to help encourage all Wisconsinites to get the flu vaccine. With the COVID-19 vaccinations now starting around the world and on the way here soon…

Gov Walz: ‘The end of COVID is out there’ with Vaccine Rollout Likely Next Week

If approved, the state would receive 46,800 shots from Pfizer by next week.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz unveiled the state’s plan for getting Minnesotans vaccinated against coronavirus, some as soon as the coming weeks. “This day is real, it’s happening, it is really here. In Minnesota, we’re prepared for it,” said the Governor in a press conference Tuesday. “We are on the doorstep of starting this.” According to the Minnesota…

Wisconsin Health Officials Discuss How COVID-19 Vaccine Will Be Distributed

WI DHS stressed the safety of the vaccines, and how long they still have to go before reaching the public.

MADISON, Wis.- In Wisconsin Monday, health experts held a news conference answering COVID-19 vaccine questions. They say of the two vaccines awaiting FDA approval, Pfizer’s would require cold storage at -70°C±10°C for up to 10 days unopened in the state’s Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition (HERC) regions before going to clinics. Moderna’s, which does not require cold storage, would go directly to…

Local Colleges Keeping Nursing Pipeline Going During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic is creating a strong need for more healthcare workers. Northland colleges and universities are keeping the pipeline going to help address the urgency to fill open healthcare jobs. Both Lake Superior College and the College of St. Scholastica have students ready to graduate this month. This may be perfect timing as many healthcare settings in…

Caution Again Advised for Christmas; Vaccine on Horizon for Public in 2021 Gov. Walz Says

After a surge in cases over Thanksgiving, the Governor said guidance will likely remain for Christmas, and public access to the vaccine in 2021.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz and State Health leaders spoke out in a COVID-19 briefing Monday after a Thanksgiving weekend like no other. They stressed continued mitigation efforts by Minnesotans, with the horizon of a vaccine in the distance — in 2021. “Minnesotans did a pretty good job staying home, but there’s some data on movement especially the airport…

Local Frontline Workers Give A Special Thank You To Other Frontline Workers

"I hope they feel recognized. I hope they feel they are part of the team," Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police and Fire Departments are sharing their appreciation for the other emergency teams that sometimes are not recognized nearly enough for their efforts. A fleet of emergency vehicles from both departments flooded the streets outside St. Luke’s Hospital to help show appreciation for other frontline workers. “It’s a beautiful thing to see the frontline heroes…

Healthcare Workers Describe Reality Inside Overwhelmed Duluth Hospitals

Medical Professionals From St. Luke's, Essentia Health Paint Picture of a Grim Reality

DULUTH, Minn. – Frontline workers from St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are speaking out, sharing what they experience during a routine shift amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. Critical care doctors and ICU nurses want residents to know the surge is here, and it’s going to take all of us working together to help limit the spread, and save our most…

Adult & Teen Challenge Northland Center Experiencing COVID-19 Outbreak

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge Northland Center in Duluth is currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak among staff and residents. Right now, 19 staff members and nine residents have tested positive for the virus. Two of the staff members had to be hospitalized, and one of them is still in the hospital. The residents and staff affected…

Virus Deaths Hit New High in Wisconsin, Gov. Evers Proposes New Relief Bill

Evers released a proposal to tackle the pandemic, including prohibiting evictions and foreclosures through 2021.

WISCONSIN.- Deaths from the coronavirus in Wisconsin have hit a new daily high. The state reported 92 deaths Tuesday with 7,090 new cases. This comes as Governor Tony Evers released a proposal to tackle the pandemic. It includes proposals that would prohibit evictions and foreclosures through 2021 and continue the suspension of a one-week waiting period before people can collect…

Gov. Walz Expected to Force Tighter COVID Restrictions on Sports, Dining, Gyms — Again

The Governor is expected to announce new restrictions on bars, restaurants, sports, gyms, and social gatherings Wednesday Evening.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz is preparing to announce sweeping new COVID-19 restrictions during a statewide televised speech Wednesday night –as the amount of Minnesotans defying the rules he said, is hampering the state’s fight against the virus and pushing hospitals to the brink. According to a spokesperson with the Governor Tuesday, those new limits will involve bars, restaurants,…

Nurses Make Emotional Plea Backing Gov. Walz’s Frustration at Lack of ‘Social Compliance’ of COVID Guidelines

"I think it's obvious we're going to have to do more mitigation efforts," Gov. Walz said, as the state is expected to surpass 300,00 cases by Thanksgiving.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- A frustrated Minnesota Governor Tim Walz looked to nurses and doctors from around the state to illustrate how the COVID-19 surge is pushing them to their limits — in an effort to appeal to those who may not be following prevention guidelines. “What I recognize right now is that we’re in a place in this country where…

Some Duluth College Students Balancing School, Work, and Caring for Family Members with Alzheimer’s

  DULUTH, Minn. — Two college students in Duluth helped raise $2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association through the local restaurant they work at, motivated by their personal connections to the disease that currently has no cure. Adam Streiff and Johanna Unden work at the restaurant Tavern On The Hill in Duluth, while also studying for their college classes and caring…

Wisconsin Surpasses 300,000 Total COVID-19 Cases

The state's chief medical officer warned this week that Wisconsin soon might not be able to adequately treat patients.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – It took Wisconsin seven months to log 100,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and it took only 36 more days to double that number. On Friday – a mere 18 days later – the state blew past 300,000 cases, breaking a record daily high set just a day earlier. There were 7,777 new cases reported by the…

Minnesota Hits New Record of Daily COVID-19 Cases

Since the pandemic arrived in Minnesota in March, the state’s pandemic tallies include 216,028 positive cases, 12,915 hospitalizations and 2,874 deaths.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials have reported 35 new deaths and a record 8,703 new coronavirus cases. The Star Tribune reports the state’s one-day case count came on a record volume of about 52,311 newly completed tests. Since the pandemic arrived in Minnesota in March, the state’s pandemic tallies include 216,028 positive cases, 12,915 hospitalizations and 2,874 deaths. Residents…

Itasca County Doctor: Hospitals At Capacity, Residents Urged to Follow Guidelines

Itasca County Public Health Officials Ask Residents to Wear Masks, Social Distance, Avoid Gatherings

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Health officials in Itasca County are pleading with residents to do their part to help limit the spread of COVID-19. This plea comes as 241 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the county within the past seven days. “Unfortunately, we know that not everyone is helping us minimize the spread, and keeping out healthcare resources…

Superior Police Work to Mitigate COVID-19 Exposure Within Department

To date, six officers have tested positive since March and only one officer is in quarantine awaiting test results.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department is also dealing with COVID-19 exposures within its department of 65 officers and staff. To date, six officers have tested positive since March and only one officer is in quarantine awaiting test results. Assistant Chief John Kiel told FOX 21 most officers have a take-home vehicle and are encouraged to spend as little time…

Flu Shot Could Be Linked To Helping Protect Against COVID-19

Although there is a link, experts say more research needs to be done.

DULUTH, Minn. – A flu shot could potentially serve a stronger purpose this year other than just shielding you from the influenza virus. Researchers are now looking into the possibility of the flu shot also helping protect some people from catching severe cases of COVID-19. The likelihood of the Influenza vaccination providing protection against COVID-19 shows promise, but knowing for…

Essentia Health President Urges Residents to Follow Guidelines as COVID Hospitalizations Increase

Dr. Jon Pryor, President, Essentia Health, Urges Northlanders to Be Smart, Mask Up, Follow COVID Safety Guidelines

DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus is making headlines daily, however, as COVID fatigue begins to set in, Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, is urging Northland residents to remain vigilant, and exercise extreme caution as the virus begins to take a toll on local hospitals. “Things are going okay, but things are tight. Our resources are being challenged, and…

St. Louis County Continues Battle Against Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.– St. Louis County has set a new daily record with 167 new cases on Wednesday. This is following a startling upward trend that health experts say is coming from community transmission throughout the county. There’s a growing worry among county health experts that the virus could spread to places with vulnerable groups like care facilities. “Now we’re seeing…

Some Long Term Care And Assisted Living Facilities Are In Need Of Workers

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is requesting help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He wants FEMA to support the needs of long-term care and similar facilities in the state suffering from staffing shortages. There are hundreds of long term care facilities right here in the Northland. As COVID-19 lingers, one of their biggest challenges is having enough…

Record-Breaking Growth in COVID-19 Cases Causing Concern in Northland

St. Louis County Health Officials said in the last two months, half of the county's coronavirus cases have been a result of community spread.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the state of Minnesota reported their highest daily COVID-19 case amount since the pandemic began City of Duluth officials, St. Louis County Public Health, School leaders and top doctors from St. Luke’s and Essentia say that upward trend is visible in the Twin Ports as well. Since Wednesday, St. Louis County is reporting a record jump of…

Duluth Woman Shares Battle With Breast Cancer at Early Age

Nicole Elysian Was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the Age of 34

DULUTH, Minn. – Hearing you’ve been diagnosed with cancer is never fun, at any age. For 35-year-old Duluthian Nicole Elysian, Halloween of 2019 is a day she will never forget. After experiencing abnormalities on her breast, she made the decision to set up an appointment with medical professionals at Essentia Health. She was 34-years-old at the time of her diagnosis….

Tips for Having a Safe, Healthy Halloween Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Mary Cherne, St. Lukes Clinical Dietition, Provides Safer, Healthier Alternatives When it Comes to Celebrating the Holidays Amid COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Having a safe and healthy Halloween will have a whole new meaning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary Cherne deals with dietitian, clinical nutrition, and diabetes care at St. Luke’s in Duluth. She’s urging Northlanders to err on the side of caution to keep yourself and loved ones safe this holiday season. This comes as the CDC is…

A New App Is Providing Easy Access To Help For Police Officers Dealing With Stress

DULUTH, Minn. – Working in law enforcement can be stressful for officers in the line of duty. Hoping to combat potential mental health concerns, the Duluth Police Department is testing out a new app called Peer Connect to help provide additional support for officers dealing with stressful situations. “Everybody in this organization, because of the type of work we do,…

St. Luke’s New 3D Mammogram Machine Makes More Detailed Breast Cancer Scans Accessible in Superior

The first 3D system in Superior allowing patients to get more detailed scans without traveling as far as Hibbing or Mountain Iron.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new machine unveiled at St. Luke’s Mariner Medical Center in Superior will now provide more detailed 3D mammograms, which are known to detect cancer earlier. The new Hologic 3D Mammography system captures 15 different images for each scan and divides them into one milometer layers so doctors can scan the breast tissue for abnormalities — detecting cancers…

Flu Shots Available At Essentia Health Vaccination Clinic At Miller Hill

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is now offering a flu shot clinic at the Miller Hill Mall, to help accommodate the need for more people to be vaccinated. Patient volumes for Essentia Health’s walk-in vaccination clinic at the mall have been a little slower than anticipated so far. Health officials are expecting a surge to start soon. The pandemic poses…

Firefighters Deliver Dinner to Brighten Day for Young Boy with Leukemia

Firefighters brought spaghetti to first-grader Roman Laakso and his family, thanks to his kindergarten teacher who is married to one of the firefighters.  

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the Duluth Fire Department Monday boosted the spirits of a young boy just starting his battle with Leukemia. Firefighters delivered dinner to first-grader Roman Laakso and his family, thanks to his kindergarten teacher who is married to one of the firefighters. Little Roman was diagnosed not long ago, and according to his GoFundMe, the family says…

COVID-19 Cases on the Rise in St. Louis County

DULUTH, Minn.– Cases of Coronavirus are continuing to rise in Saint Louis County. After adding more than 100 cases since Friday, public health officials are worried about high rates of community transmission in the county. Adding that when community transmission increases, it can be challenging for cases to go down. “It’s very difficult to institute prevention and control measures where…

MDH Links COVID-19 Cases to Trump, Pence, and Biden campaign visits

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting that there are multiple COVID-19 cases linked to recent presidential campaign visits in Minnesota. A representative with the MDH said that there are three cases linked to the President Trump rally that happened on Sept. 30th in Duluth. Two of those people live in the same home, so the department…

St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Expert Discusses COIVD-19 Severity, Holiday Concerns

Dr. Andrew Thompson is an Infectious Disease Physician at St. Luke's in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Daily COVID-19 testing data released by the Minnesota Department of Health shows a steady rise in COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in recent weeks, and it’s prompting local health experts to speak out with a reminder for residents. “The recent rise in COVID-19 cases is definitely causing concern,” said St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Dr. Andrew Thompson. Thompson…

Essentia Health Offering Saturday Mammography Clinics in October

Doctors Urge Women to Make Regular Mammograms Part of Your Lifelong Health Care Routine

DULUTH, Minn. – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While routine medical exams should be a part of your routine, medical experts at Essentia Health in Duluth are taking the month to offer quality-care to those in need. Doctors say routine screening mammograms can help your provider detect breast cancer before you have symptoms. Diagnostic mammograms help identify cancer after…

New Art Exhibit at UWS Explores Struggles With Alcoholism

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new exhibit is now showing in the Kruk Art Gallery at The University of Wisconsin-Superior. The exhibition called Aqua Vitae features the work of two artists exploring their own struggles with alcoholism. The visual imagery also looks deeper into the triggers and the problematic relationships these artists have had with alcohol. “I think it’s really fascinating…

Superior Businesses React To New Mandate To Limit Capacities

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cases continue to steadily rise in Wisconsin. Starting Thursday, Governor Tony Evers is limiting the capacity for indoor places like bars, restaurants, and stores across the state to help reduce the public’s exposure to the virus. The newly issued order only allows these indoor businesses in Wisconsin to operate with 25% capacity or less. For some of…

Gov. Evers Limits Indoor Capacity in Wisconsin, Set to Use $100 Million to Help Small Businesses

No more than 25% the total capacity of an indoor public space is allowed beginning Thursday until November 6th. 

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced Tuesday he is dialing back the opening of the state, issuing his third emergency order to limit indoor building capacity to 25%, effective Thursday. While ramping up restrictions the Governor also announced $100 million in additional funding to support the state’s small businesses. No more than 25% the total capacity of an indoor…

MDH Continues to Urge Duluth Trump Rally Attendees Get Tested Frequently for COVID-19

State health officials said it's important that those who attended to get tested frequently until they've cleared the two-week mark. 

ST. PAUL, Minn.- As President Donald Trump returns to the White House after being treated for the virus Monday, Minnesota state health officials continue to urge people who were at his rally in Duluth to get tested several times over the next few weeks. In a COVID-19 Briefing Monday, Minnesota Department of Health leaders said just because you test negative…

Local Dental Office Hosts Blood Drive In Honor Of Employee

"Kathy is really a positive presence in the office. She is always so welcoming, and a really great person to have around," said Amanda Newcomb, a dental hygienist.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands are diagnosed with leukemia every year. When it hit close to home for those at Piedmont Dental in Duluth, they jumped into action to help a member of their work family. Kathy Andrews, has been a loyal employee of Piedmont Dental for more than 30 years. “Kathy is really a positive presence in the office. She…

A Craft Market Looks To Spread Positive Energy

DULUTH, Minn. – If you don’t believe in magic, a local pop-up craft market and garage sale might persuade you to think differently. Dozens of handcrafted items, some with magical properties, were being sold including smudging sprays, fairy terrariums, and energy cleansing kits. The crafts aren’t only about introducing people to magic. It’s more about helping create positive energy. “It…