Minnesota Archives - Page 189 of 356

St. Louis County Public Health Debuts Mobile Covid-19 Testing Trailers

"We are trying to come to people and come to the community to make it as accessible as possible," said Susan Vitulli, a public health educator for St. Louis County.

February 3, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health is making it easier for many Northlanders to have access to COVID-19 testing. The county purchased two mobile COVID-19 test trailers for more than $200,000 The money used to buy these units came as part of CARES act funding awarded to the county. “We’re excited to offer more community testing opportunities throughout…

Public Health Officials Say Avoid Large Gatherings For Super Bowl Weekend

Health professionals say it is best to only gather with people only in your household.

February 3, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. -St. Louis County Public Health is reminding people to limit the number of people they choose to celebrate with during Super Bowl weekend Minnesota is still under the Governor’s orders to avoid large gatherings. Smaller gatherings are still a concern for many health professionals. They say it is best to only gather with people only in your household….

Minnesota BCA Identifies Deputy in Officer-Involved Shooting in Saginaw

February 3, 2021

Site Staff,

SAGINAW, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified the deputy involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting incident last week in Saginaw. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to a report of a carjacking Friday night at the Pike Lake Super One grocery store. Authorities say the suspect was armed. The carjacking ended…

Plan to Strip Walz of Power to Close Schools Passes 1st Test

February 3, 2021

The Associated Press,

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Republican proposal to strip Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of the emergency powers he used to close schools as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Minnesota has passed its first test in the state Senate. Sen. Carla Nelson, of Rochester, says her bill would put the decision-making back with local school boards….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, February 3

February 3, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 669 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 463,766 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,234 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,628,961 tests have been completed to date. There…

Essentia Health to Move Vaccine Clinic to Miller Hill Mall

February 3, 2021

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Essentia Health) DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced they will be moving its COVID-19 vaccination clinic to the Miller Hill Mall this week. The hospital says vaccinations will be administered by appointment only at the new location beginning Friday. The clinic’s new location will be inside the former Dress Barn space, across from Maurices. Clinic hours will be 7…

Erin Letzring Wins Her First Beargrease Marathon, First Female Champion in 23 Years

Letzring beats previous champ Ryan Redington by just 7 seconds at the finish.

February 2, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After an epic finish-line battle Tuesday evening, the winner of the 37th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was first-time marathon musher Erin Letzring, beating out previous champ Ryan Redington by seconds in the final stretch. “Doing good. We’re all tired and could use a drink of water, but we’re all doing good,” said Letzring, panting with exhaustion…

MN Court of Appeals Denies Lawsuit Against Line 3

February 2, 2021

Dan Hanger,

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File) A Minnesota Court of Appeals judge has thrown out a lawsuit that was trying to stop the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline reconstruction project. Several activist and Indigenous groups were challenging a recent permit approval by saying the pipeline threatens Native American waters and climate change. Enbridge says it’s pleased with the court’s decision but…

Duluth Hits New Record With Opioid Deaths; Police Working On Treatment Efforts

February 2, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police say the city had its highest number of deaths from opioid overdoses in 2020, ever since they began tracking the numbers back in 2013. 20 people died from suspected overdoses, with some deaths still needing to be confirmed with toxicology reports. Duluth had a total of 213 overdoses in 2020, which is actually more than…

More Snow Sculptures Coming to Lincoln Park

Each sculpture takes roughly two days to complete.

February 2, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Several snow sculptures in the Lincoln Park craft district have recently been completed and more are on the way. Three more sculptures will appear on Superior Street in Lincoln Park after the idea to bring more joy to the area had been brewing for over a year. Now, it snowballed, bringing artists Minnesota and the Twin ports…

Pandemic Prompting More People to Hit the Slopes at Lutsen Mountains

With Safety Precautions in Place, Staff at Lutsen Mountains is Ready to Welcome Visitors to the Slopes

February 2, 2021

Brett Scott,

LUTSEN, Minn. – It’s known as cabin fever, and this year, we may find ourselves letting it sink in earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many winter weather enthusiasts are embracing current restrictions and taking a trip up the North Shore. “If you would like an action-packed, nature-filled, beautiful landscape ski resort, come to Lutsen Mountains,” exclaimed Rhylee Octavion,…

Many People Are Still Hesitant To Take Vaccine

February 2, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – More COVID-19 vaccines are going into the arms of people across the country, but there are still some folks feeling hesitant about getting the shot. Experts say many people may be skeptical about its effectiveness due to how quickly it was created. The hesitation may also be because the vaccine is highly politicized and the continuous sharing…

Health Expert Say Take Pain Relievers After Getting Your Vaccine Instead Of Before To Help With Side Effects

February 2, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – There has been a lot of debate about taking painkillers to treat side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. Health experts say it is safe to take a pain reliever to help relieve the side effects of the vaccine, but when it should be taken is an issue many vaccine recipients are still unclear about. Many people have…

The Duluth Superior Symphony Returns To Live Concerts

For the first time ever, the DSSO is offering the option to view the event from the comfort of your home.

February 2, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is returning to live concerts after a two-month shut down due to the pandemic. Guests can attend a live showing starting this weekend, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, there is only a limited number of seating available. For the first time ever, the DSSO is offering the option to view the event…

Update: St. Luke’s No Longer Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hotline

February 2, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – After temporarily suspending its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hotline on Tuesday due to high call volumes, St. Luke’s says they will no longer be offering the hotline moving forward. To prevent long wait times for patients the hospital says they will instead offer two scheduling methods to patients who wish to make a vaccine appointment: Patients can schedule…

St. Luke’s COVID Vaccine Clinic Hotline Temporarily Suspended

February 2, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced on its Facebook page Tuesday afternoon that the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hotline has been temporarily suspended. The hospital says they have suspended calls to the hotline due to an overwhelming amount of calls from the community. All other lines at St. Luke’s are still available. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and…

Walz Asks Cliffs, US Steel to Collaborate to Keep Taconite Plants Open, Cliffs CEO Responds

February 2, 2021

Site Staff,

ST.PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz sent letters urging the CEOs of US Steel and Cleveland Cliffs to work together to ensure the future success of both Minntac and Hibbing Taconite operations. “I am writing this letter out of concern about the future of two iron ore taconite operations— Minntac and Hibbing Taconite–on Minnesota’s Iron Range and to…

Walz Raises $1.7 Million for Likely 2022 Re-Election Bid

February 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has raised $1.7 million for his likely 2022 reelection bid since he took office two years ago and finished 2020 with $1.3 million in the bank. While Walz has not formally announced that he’ll seek a second term, his campaign also said Tuesday that he…

City: Duluth Saw Highest Number of Opioid Overdoses in 2020

February 2, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth saw the highest number of opioid-related overdoses in 2020, according to a Tuesday press release from city officials. 2020 reports state there was a total of 213 overdoses within city limits and preliminary numbers show there were 20 opioid-related deaths, pending toxicology reports. In comparison, the city reported 106 overdoses in 2018 and…

USS Minneapolis-St. Paul Commissioning in Duluth on Hold

February 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

(photo: Facebook/USS Minneapolis Saint Paul Commissioning Team) DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — The U.S. Navy says the commissioning of the USS Minneapolis-St. Paul in Duluth is on hold after a design defect was discovered. The high-speed combat ship was christened at the Marinette, Wisconsin shipyard in 2019. The commissioning ceremony was expected to take place this spring before a problem with…

Minneapolis Announces Policy Change for Police Body Cameras

February 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis mayor and police chief say officers will no longer be allowed to turn off their body cameras to talk privately when they respond to calls. The move announced Monday is one of several changes that followed the death of George Floyd and was an issue in another widely-publicized Minneapolis police killing. Floyd, who was Black…

Duluth Kids Dig Into History of Groundhog Day

At the Gary New Duluth Rec Center, kids got to learn all about Groundhogs, the history of the holiday, and other fun facts.

February 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn- On Tuesday, we’ll find out if we get six more weeks of winter or an early spring on Groundhog Day — and on Monday some kids in Duluth learned more about the tradition. As part of the YMCA’s twice-a-week programming at the Gary New Duluth Rec Center, kids got to learn all about Groundhogs, the history of the…

Duluth Depot to Remain Closed To Public, Vaccinating Frontline Workers Until April

The vaccines are available to those specific group by appointment only. No walk-ins are allowed.

February 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Depot has transformed its Great Hall into a small-scale vaccination clinic for front-line healthcare workers – meaning it will remain closed to the general public until April, with no plans for shows or exhibits until then. “We feel like it’s very important that we really push forward with this vaccination effort,” said Mary Tennis,…

Two North Shore Lodges Finish Major Renovations

Mountain Inn at Lutsen and Cascade Lodge and Restaurant Recently Completed Extensive Renovations of Their Lodging Facilities

February 1, 2021

Brett Scott,

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Recent stay-safe restrictions have given many Northlanders more time to tackle projects we couldn’t get done during the busy hustle and bustle of daily lives pre-pandemic. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, you’re invited inside two lodges along the North Shore that are happy to welcome guests into fresh facilities after months of hard work. “There…

Starbase Program Inspiring STEM Students

Students are following a mission to mars story line.

February 1, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was the programs first week back to in-person classes since November giving 5th grade students from Stella Maris Academy and Many Rivers Montessori a chance to get back to the books. “We take the math and science that students learn in their classrooms and kind of turn it on its head and deliver it in a…

Free Mobile COVID-19 Testing Sites Aim to Increase Accessibility Throughout Duluth

A mobile testing trailer will be in different Duluth neighborhoods twice a week throughout February.

February 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- More opportunities to get tested for COVID-19 for free will be popping up around Duluth, part of St. Louis County Public Health’s plan to make testing more accessible for people who may have trouble getting to the DECC. Public Health Mobile Sites/Trailers will be at the following locations throughout the month: Wednesday, February 3, 10 a.m. to 2…

More Doses Of Covid-19 Available For 65 And Older Minnesotans

Over 35,000 additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is being made available.

February 1, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – More 65 and older Minnesotans are getting a chance to roll up their sleeves to get a covid-19 vaccine shot. Over 35,000 additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is being made available. Governor Tim Walz announced the new vaccine supply will be distributed throughout the state. Minnesota is receiving a greater than 15% increase in the number…

Home Sales Could Continue To Go Up In 2021

February 1, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was quite a year for home sales in the Northland and it could be much of the same in 2021. After the sale of homes and their prices hit records, local realtors expect sales to remain constant. There is still a lack of inventory, which is creating a seller’s market. If you are looking to buy…

The NAACP Duluth Chapter Gets A New President

Duluth native Classie Dudley is taking over the role.

February 1, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The NAACP Duluth Chapter now has a new president. Duluth native Classie Dudley is taking over the role. She previously won the seat in an election six years ago, but a technicality regarding her membership took away the victory. She says that set back provided a learning opportunity when it came to running a second time. “I…

Cloquet Man Pleads Not Guilty to Manslaughter Charges

February 1, 2021

Site Staff,

CLOQUET, Minn. – A Cloquet man charged with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old last month in Brevator Township pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter in court on Monday. According to reports, Joseph James Fohrenkam, 18, allegedly shot and killed Joseph James Peterson, 16, on the night of December 28 while drinking in his truck with friends and “waving a…

Court Upholds Minneapolis Cop’s Conviction in Damond Case

February 1, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Court of Appeals has upheld a former Minneapolis police officer’s murder conviction in the 2017 shooting death of an unarmed woman who had dialed 911. Mohamed Noor is serving 12 1/2 years in the death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, whom he shot once in the stomach when she approached his patrol car in the alley behind…

Essentia Opens Temporary Skywalk

The skywalk will allow patients and staff easier access to Essentia Clinics first street building.

February 1, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – A skywalk linking Essentia’s Duluth Clinic to a city parking ramp officially opened on Monday. The skywalk will allow patients and staff easier access to Essentia Clinic’s first street building. The temporary skywalk will make it safe to travel through the Vision Northland construction site. Patients and staff must be screened for Covid-19 in the clinics main…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, February 1

February 1, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 727 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 462,528 in the state. Health officials also reported 2 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,202 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,597,842 tests have been completed to date. There…

Duluth’s Historic Chester Bowl Ski Hill Continues Providing Family Fun

Chester Bowl's First Ski Jump Opened in 1906; Alpine Skiing Began in the 1970s

February 1, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl is back open for business this winter and many families are taking advantage of all the activities the park has to offer. “The season has just been wonderful. People are excited to be out doing something active and social,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive Director of Chester Bowl. Chester Bowl offers ski and snowboard lessons every…

Minnesota to Detail New Setup for Community Vaccine Clinics

February 1, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials are expected Monday to announce “significantly more” coronavirus vaccine will be allotted to people 65 and older. The state has run a two-week pilot of community vaccination clinics since the federal government lowered the recommended age for vaccinations to 65 and up. But getting appointments has been difficult since states are getting far less…

Schouweiler Wins Beagrease Half Marathon

The mushers arrived at the Trestle Inn in Finland, Minnesota just before 6:30 a.m. Monday morning.

February 1, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

FINLAND, Minn. – The John Beargrease Half Marathon officially has a winner. The mushers arrived at the Trestle Inn in Finland, Minnesota just before 6:30 a.m. Monday morning. Erin Schouweiler crossed the finish line first followed by Michael Bestgen in a close second. Rita Wehseler came in third. So far, ten total mushers have crossed the 120 finish line. Schouweiler…

Mushers Takeoff For 37th Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Despite No Fans

The teams were wound up and ready to set out on the 300-mile journey to Grand Portage.

January 31, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-With a different starting line, warmer weather, and no spectators, the 37th John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon looked different. But to mushers and their dogs, the trail experience looks to be the same. “Having this race happen is huge not only for the mushers and the fans but for the dogs,” said returning champ Ryan Redington. “You hear how…

Duluthian Uses Big Instagram Following to Teach Government Studies And Give Back

January 31, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth woman is using her background as a former U.S. government studies teacher to not only educate her large Instagram following, but to do some good as well. Sharon McMahon spent years teaching U.S. government studies in different corners of the country and now runs a photography business in Duluth. This past fall, her passion for…

Beargrease Vets Examine Dogs On Race Day, One Last Time Before First Checkpoint

Last minute injuries can come from dogs getting antsy waiting, or even frostbitten tongues in colder weather.

January 31, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While mushers, handlers and the dog teams get blinded by excitement before they start on the trail, the Beargrease veterinarians were busy making sure the dogs were in race-shape Sunday. At Saturday’s final official vet check, mushers could get extra dogs checked and cleared, just in case one of them gets injured overnight or at the starting line….

Trail Mail Honors Memory of John Beargrease

January 31, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you didn’t know already, the Beargrease has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s when John Beargrease himself was a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier up the North Shore. John Beargrease would travel between Two Harbors and Grand Marais with only four dogs pulling his toboggan. John became well-known for his efforts to get…

Minnesotans Received Emails Canceling COVID Vaccine In Error

January 31, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Some Minnesotans enrolled in the state’s pilot COVID-19 vaccination program got multiple emails and texts that wrongly told them their appointments were canceled. State health officials say nearly everyone who got the erroneous message has been notified that their appointments are indeed confirmed. The messages came Saturday from the state’s vendor, Primary Bio, and were intended for…

Minnesota Shows Nearly 1,000 New Virus Cases, 13 New Deaths

January 31, 2021

Dan Hanger,

Minnesota health officials are confirming 996 new COVID-19 cases and 13 new deaths to due complications from the coronavirus. The update released Sunday increased the total number of positive tests to 461,807 and cumulative deaths to 6,200 since the start of the pandemic. The COVID Tracking Project reports that Minnesota 48th in the country for new cases per capita in…

UPDATE: Man Died Of Self-Inflicted Gunshot, Not Officer Gunfire in Shooting in Saginaw Friday, BCA Says

Scott Michael Jordon, 34, of Duluth died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

January 30, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SAGINAW, Minn.- According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension the man who died Friday during an officer-involved shooting incident in Saginaw died of a self-inflicted gunshot, not a gunshot by authorities, as the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office previously reported. A spokesperson with the BCA said the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man as Scott Michael…

Second Harvest Food Bank Sees A Jump in The Number Of People In Need Of Food Assistance

More than 7 million pounds of food has been distributed this year, which equals over 6 million meals.

January 29, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Second Harvest Food Bank has seen a jump in the need for food assistance across the region this year. Second Harvest officials say this year about 8% more people throughout Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin needed help feeding their families. That’s an estimated additional 13,500 people for the year. Also, 20% of the people using the…

Car Thefts Continue To Jump During The Winter In Duluth

It believed people are leaving their keys in the car or leaving it running to warm up during chilly days.

January 29, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are continuing to see an uptick in car thefts during the winter months. Authorities say certain habits during the winter can make people’s cars a target for car thieves. It believed people are leaving their keys in the car or leaving it running to warm up during chilly days. DPD says there are a few…

Brewery Owners Sound Off Hoping To Make A Change To The Growler Cap Law

"Over 8,000 breweries in the country, we are the only five restricted from selling beer to-go to the consumer. That's crazy we need to make a change," said Lon Larson, the co-owner of Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors.

January 29, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Some of the top beer makers in Minnesota are hoping to bring a change to restrictions preventing the sale of growlers. “We are actually the only five in the entire country. Over 8,000 breweries in the country, we are the only five restricted from selling beer to-go to the consumer. That’s crazy we need to make…

Virus Forces Bloomington Schools Back to Distance Learning

January 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A large Minnesota school district has been forced to return to distance learning after an outbreak of COVID-19 among its transportation workers. Bloomington Public Schools brought back preschoolers through second graders on Jan. 19 and had planned to bring back third to fifth graders on Monday. But the district informed parents Thursday evening that the plan is…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, January 29

January 29, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,145 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 459,747 in the state. Health officials also reported 28 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,168 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,513,797 tests have been completed to date. There…

Michigan Approves Great Lakes Oil Pipeline Tunnel Permits

January 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – Michigan’s environmental agency is approving the construction of an underground tunnel to house a replacement for a controversial oil pipeline in the Great Lakes. State officials have awarded permits to Enbridge for the $500 million tunnel project. The company is resisting Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s order to shut down Enbridge’s Line 5 in the Straits…

Prosecutors Appeal Ruling That Split Trials in Floyd’s Death

January 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors in Minnesota have appealed a judge’s ruling that split the trials of four Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s death and kept the first trial scheduled to start in March. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill ruled earlier in January that Derek Chauvin, the…