DULUTH, Minn. – Momentum is building as community members gather to talk about and potentially come up with a plan to rid away from using plastic bags and Styrofoam to–go containers. The event Thursday that was hosted by “Bag–It Duluth.” The group is hoping to raise the level of concern involving plastic and our surrounding water supply. Researchers and city…
Polar Bear Plunge Preps
DULUTH, Minn. – Emergency responders from across the Northland participated in a joint training workshop in Duluth today. The workshop focused on emergency groups, such as the Red Cross and local public health and emergency managers, gaining a better understanding of Family Assistance Centers and how groups can work together to use them in crisis situations. “People in Northeastern Minnesota…
NEW YORK (AP) – New calculations to better track HIV infections confirm that the United States is seeing a strong and steady decline. The number of new cases has been falling for years, but health officials wanted a clearer picture of how the epidemic was behaving. They had been counting people when they were diagnosed with the AIDS virus, not…
DULUTH, Minn. – Handmade cards full of color and love are now decorating the Caring Ways Cancer Resource Center of Essentia Health in Duluth. The Duluth KidsClub started two years ago, when Founder Brandi Worthing wanted to create a social hub for parents to connect with events happening in the community. Over the weekend, the Pottery Burn Studio and Duluth KidsClub…
ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota and Wisconsin are teaming up to tackle prescription painkiller abuse. The attorneys general from both states met at the Minnesota Capitol Monday to discuss their “Dose of Reality” campaign. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson says prescription opioid deaths now outpace heroin overdoses nationwide. Their campaign includes a startling public service announcement featuring a mother who…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Record-breaking signups in the state’s health insurance exchange belies a startling trend: Fewer Minnesota residents are buying coverage on their own. Nearly 270,000 residents bought insurance last year on the individual market, where shoppers who aren’t covered by employers or public programs get insurance. As Minnesota’s open enrollment closed this week, it fell to 190,000….
MADISON (AP) – A new report says the rate of heroin overdose deaths grew more than 800 percent in Wisconsin over the last decade. Findings the Department of Health Services released Friday show the rate of overdose deaths involving heroin grew 880 percent between 2006 and 2015, from 0.5 deaths per 100,000 residents to 4.9 deaths per 100,000. The rate…
ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota has recorded its first child death due to influenza this season. The state Department of Health said Thursday one child death related to influenza has been reported since the start of the flu season. Influenza is considered widespread in Minnesota, according to a weekly update. The Health Department says 156 people were hospitalized with flu…
(Photo courtesy Country Arch Care Center)FLEMINGTON, N.J. (AP) – A New Jersey woman who was the oldest American person has died at age 114. Martin Funeral Home says Adele Dunlap died Sunday at a hospital near Flemington. Dunlap had no explanation for her longevity. Asked last year how it felt to be the oldest American, she said she didn’t feel…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)-Rising health insurance premiums and Minnesota’s novel financial help program have driven record enrollment in private health plans. Officials at the state’s exchange announced Thursday it had signed up more than 117,500 residents during 2017’s open enrollment period. That’s up by more than a third from last year. The spike in insurance signups comes amid uncertainty at…
DULUTH, Minn. – Winter may be winding down, but flu season is still going strong. Doctors at St. Luke’s in Duluth say they’ve seen an increase in flu cases over the last few weeks, which is normal for this time of year. Flu shots are still available. According to Dr. Andrew Thompson, M.D. of St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Clinic, now…
DULUTH, Minn. — Jumping rope is a timeless tradition for school kids wanting a fun way to exercise. But students at the Duluth Edison Charter Schools Northstar Academy (DECS) are jumping rope for a good cause. “For us the big thing is just to join joy with movement,” said P.E. teacher Sonja Riddle. “So to just try to encourage the…
MADISON (AP) – The state Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bill that would make it legal to use a marijuana extract to treat seizures. The measure legalizes possession of cannabidiol oil with a doctor’s certification. The chapter adopted the bill on a 31-1 vote Wednesday. Republican Senator Duey Stroebel was the only senator to vote against it. Parents of children…
(Photo: Newsfile)ST. PAUL (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton says he’s confident his upcoming prostate cancer surgery won’t hinder his remaining two years in office. The Democratic governor is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove his prostate on March 2. Dayton revealed his diagnosis late last month, a day after collapsing during his State of the State address. Dayton said Wednesday…
BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) – A new training program in Bemidji is teaching foster parents how to wean infants off opioid addictions in their homes. Minnesota Public Radio reports the program was started by Alyssa Bruning, a registered nurse at the Sanford Medical Center. The number of infants born with opioids in their systems has doubled in Minnesota in the last…
An Illinois-based pet food company is voluntarily recalling one of its products after four dogs became sick and one died after consuming the company’s dog food. Evanders Dog & Cat Food is recalling five lots of its Hunk of Beef product due to potential contamination with Pentobarbital, which can affect animals causing drowsiness, dizziness, excitement, loss of balance, nausea, and…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- State mandated compliance checks were held in Douglas County to make sure businesses aren’t selling tobacco products to under aged minors. The minors who were part of the test were able to purchase the tobacco products 13 percent of the time they tried. Experts say the tobacco industry is producing products that appeal to a younger generation,…
MADISON (AP) – A new report says opioid prescriptions dropped nearly 12-percent in the last three months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. The report from the state Controlled Substances Board found the number of prescriptions decreased 11.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared with the fourth quarter of 2015, from 1.26 million prescriptions in…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The 2017 Blizzard Snowmobile Tour to end ALS wrapped up today with a banquet at Cirrus Aircraft. 225 riders took to the trails in this year’s tour, which began on February 2nd. Riders traveled through Northern Minnesota to raise funds and awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The disease has personally impacted many riders…
DULUTH, Minn. – You may have noticed more Northlanders wearing red on Friday, and if so, you’re not alone. Doctors and researchers at Essentia Health in Duluth are looking to spread the word when it comes to heart attack awareness, especially for women. Experts say one in three women die of cardiovascular disease, equal to one life every minute. However,…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Second Annual Nearly Naked Ruck March is just around the corner. The 10 mile hike raises money for 23rd Veteran, an organization helping military veterans transition back into civilian life. 23rd Veteran helps recondition the veterans brains for the civilian world through the program called 23V RECON. “In the military they train us for four years…
DULUTH, Minn.-Almost 70 kids filled up Lake Superior College dental facility to get free dental care today. The event was part of the “Give Kids a Smile” day which went on throughout the state. The event is its 15th year. It was started to help children who didn’t have access to dental care. “Unfortunately the access to care is a…
DULUTH, Minn. – Folks across the country will be dressed in red today to raise awareness for heart disease in women. Go Red For Women Day brings to light the fact that the leading cause of death in women is heart disease. February is Heart Health Month. Dr. Disha Mookherjee, the Director of St. Luke’s Cardiac Rehabilitation and Women’s Heart…
DULUTH, Minn. – Later this month, Northlanders will be stripping down to their long underwear and boots for a good cause. The Second Annual Nearly Naked Ruck March is Saturday, February 25. This 10 mile hike along the Duluth Lakewalk raises money for 23rd Veteran. The organization was started by 23rd Veteran Executive Director Mike Waldron after he experienced…
DULUTH, Minn.- If your kids bring home some insects that get you ripping your hair out, a new business in town might be able to help you out. The Lice Lounge specializes in Head Lice Treatment and Prevention. The lounge has a location in White Bear Lake, but after having so many clients travel from the Northland to get…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, Governor Mark Dayton visited the Mayo Clinic for his scheduled appointments regarding his recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. “Governor Mark Dayton’s prostate cancer was caught early and is localized, treatable, and curable,” Mayo Clinic spokesperson, Karl Oestreich stated. “His Mayo Clinic physicians have discussed several treatment options with the Governor…
DULUTH, Minn. – There are new details on those 100 new jobs at United Healthcare in Duluth. Most of the available jobs are customer service positions, working with subscribers over the phone. The rest are in Medicaid enrollment, working with people from across the country. If you’re a veteran looking for work, good news; United Healthcare wants you! “We’ve got…
Adam EllingsonMANKATO, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating what caused the unexpected death of a college student. State officials are concerned Monday’s death of Minnesota State University, Mankato student Adam Ellingson may have been linked to bacterial meningitis. The Associated Press reports that State Health Department Doug Schultz said their investigation isn’t done yet, and they…
DULUTH, Minn. – Good news in the local job market. United Healthcare is hiring 100 people for its Duluth office. Positions include customer service and enrollment representatives. United Healthcare told Fox 21 that they are seeing a growth in customers across the country for their health insurance plans. Applications can be submitted on their website between now and May 1….
ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota’s state-run health insurance exchange has announced a one-week special enrollment period. It’s designed to give Minnesotans extra time to take advantage of a new law providing relief from rising health insurance premiums for more than 100,000 shoppers. The current enrollment ends on January 31, but MNsure added a one-week special enrollment period that will run…
DULUTH, Minn.- The American Red Cross is having a blood shortage, after several rounds of severe winter weather in many parts of the country forced them to cancel blood drives. Since December 1, around 300 blood drives across 27 states have been canceled because of weather, but hospital patients still need blood transfusions. So today, students and community members donated…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Minnesota’s medical marijuana program needs more money to help cover costs associated with being one of the most restrictive laws in the country. The state’s Office of Medical Cannabis is seeking $500,000 over the next two years as lawmakers put together a $40 billion-plus budget. Top regulators say that money would help pay unexpected costs…
MADISON (AP) – Attorney General Brad Schmiel and a sexual assault prevention group have launched a new initiative to help victims track evidence in their cases. The Department of Justice and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, announced the creation of the By Your Side campaign Monday. The campaign is designed to reach out to all sexual assault victims who…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – There’s good news for Minnesotans who need health insurance. MNSure, the state–run insurance exchange announced a special one–week enrollment period. This extension gives Minnesotans extra time to take advantage of a new law which provides relief from rising premiums. The current enrollment now runs through February 8th, instead of January 31st. All state residents are eligible,…
ST. PAUL – Governor Mark Dayton today signed Chapter 2, SF 1 to provide an automatic 25-percent reduction in health insurance premiums for the more than 125,000 Minnesotans facing significant premium increases in the individual market. The following is a statement from Governor Mark Dayton: “In order to provide urgently-needed health insurance premium relief to 125,000 Minnesotans, I am signing…
ST. PAUL (AP) – Financial help for Minnesota residents paying massive health insurance premium hikes is nearing the finish line at the Minnesota Legislature. The Minnesota Senate approved a bill, Thursday, using $325 million in state funds to cut monthly premiums by 25-percent. The House was expected to follow up later Thursday, and Governor Mark Dayton has indicated he’ll sign…
ST. PAUL (AP) – The Mayo Clinic says Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton’s fall during his State of the State address was not related to his prostate cancer diagnosis. In a statement Tuesday evening, Mayo Clinic spokesman Karl Oestreich says doctors believe Dayton’s fainting spell “was situational and related to standing for a long time while giving his speech and possible…
Duluth, Minn While children laugh nearly 300 times a day, adults only laugh about 20 times a day. Experts say five minutes of laughter a day can put you in a good mood for up three to five days after. St. Luke’s Medical Clinic in West Duluth is bringing another way via laughing yoga. “We’re here for a good time…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Climbers from all over the country, and even Canada, will be harnessing up at UW-Superior this weekend for the annual Rock On! Climbing Competition. This is the 13th year of the event. Rock On! was started by a group of students hoping to support their rock climbing program. All money raised through the competition goes back to…
ST. PAUL (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton says he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but will finish the final two years of his term. Dayton made the announcement, Tuesday, just a day after collapsing while delivering his State of the State address. “I always thought I was incredibly fortunate…cancer seems to me like Russian Roulette. Everytime I get a clean…
HERMANTOWN, Minn. -The new Miller Creek Medical Clinic in Hermantown is now open. The clinic opened its doors on December 19th and held their community open house and ribbon cutting ceremony today. St. Luke’s officials are hoping the new clinic will allow them to expand on services they offered at their old location. “We’re trying to create a more convenient…
CADOTT, Wis. (AP) – A medical center in northwestern Wisconsin is closed indefinitely as federal agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration investigate. The DEA and the Wisconsin Department of Justice executed an administrative inspection warrant at Cadott Medical Center this week. The Associated Press reports that a DOJ representative says an inspection warrant can include criminal drug investigations and oversight…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Tonight on a vote of 73-54, the Minnesota House passed a bill creating a relief subsidy program aimed to address increasing health insurance premiums in the individual market. Under the plan, policyholders wouldn’t see relief until 2018, and it also contains many complex health insurance policy changes. “Minnesotans are being hit hard by massive premium increases,…
CARLTON, Minn. – The Carlton County Wellness Center may have opened in the fall, but the novelty hasn’t worn off on community members as they continually join the program. About 100 people have joined the center over the last few months. The center offers state-of the art fitness equipment and classes for people of all ages, but its main focus…
ST. PAUL (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are working to offset massive health insurance premium increases for more than 100,000 residents who buy their own coverage. It’s a novel step as other states grapple with rising health insurance costs and uncertainty of how the Donald Trump administration will handle the Affordable Care Act. Minneosta officials agree premium hikes of up to…
HOUSTON (AP) – A spokesman for former President George H.W. Bush says Bush has been admitted to the intensive care unit at Houston’s Methodist Hospital to address a respiratory problem from pneumonia. Spokesman Jim McGrath says Bush’s wife Barbara Bush, 91, as also been hospitalized as a precaution after experiencing fatigue and coughing. McGrath says the 92-year-old former president was…
DULUTH, Minn. – According to heart disease experts, every 34 seconds someone in the United States suffers a heart attack. And women account for nearly half of all heart attack deaths. In an effort to help prevent heart attacks, 10 women from the Twin Ports got a grocery makeover Tuesday to promote a healthier lifestyle. It’s the start of a…
MADISON (AP) – State Senator Van Wanggaard is circulating a bill that would make possessing a marijuana extract used to prevent seizures legal, in Wisconsin, with a doctor’s certification. Parents of children who suffer from seizures have been pushing for legislation that would allow them to use CBD oil to ease the symptoms. A similar bill passed the Assembly last…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is the fourth state in the nation to extend subsidized health care coverage to those participating in the Obama administration’s deportation reprieve program. The Star Tribune reports that this month the state opened subsidized health coverage to recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which gives short-term work permits and deportation stays to…
