Minnesota Archives - Page 191 of 356

Minnesota Allocated Nearly 900K Vaccine Doses So Far

January 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported Friday the state has now been allocated 871,650 doses of federally controlled COVID-19 vaccine, up more than 240,000 doses from a week earlier. The state’s snapshot of progress in administering vaccines also showed that 214,050 people have gotten their first dose of a two-shot series, with 49,604 people having completed the two shots….

Stadium Water Seepage Problem Will Take $800,000 Fix

January 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority will spend $800,000 from a contingency fund to fix a water seepage problem at U.S. Bank Stadium. The authority’s chairman, Michael Vekich, says the repair payment was negotiated with the stadium’s general contractor and was short of the $3.2 million M.A. Mortensen Co. wanted. The $800,000 comes from a contingency fund created…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, January 22

January 22, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,525 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 452,268 in the state. Health officials also reported 21 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,032 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,289,662 tests have been completed to date. There…

Ban on Facial Recognition Technology Advances in Minneapolis

January 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A proposal to ban the use of facial recognition technology by Minneapolis police and other city departments is advancing. The technology has raised concerns by some who worry it could be a dangerous step toward a surveillance state where people’s movements are tracked the moment they leave their homes. The technology uses machine learning algorithms to automatically…

Quilt Shops Seeing Boost in Business

The shop has a variety of local kits for sale, and owners say that people have also taken up mask making with fabrics flying off the shelves.

January 21, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, one quilt shop in Cloquet is doing pretty well for themselves. The Quilted Dog Quilt Shop located on highway 33 in Cloquet has seen a boost in business thanks to people taking up sewing again during the pandemic. The shop has a variety of local kits for sale, and owners say that people have…

Zeitgeist Reopens Bar For Limited Indoor Dining

"I'm so excited to have people in here to make this place feel alive again. I think it's going to be really heartwarming," said Robert Lee, the owner of the pop-up restaurant Gumbo Boi.

January 21, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Many bars and restaurants have struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic. Zeitgeist is now welcoming customers back to test out demand for indoor dining with plans to fully reopen in the future. The Zeitgeist Arts Café shut its doors in August as a response to the financial troubles caused by the pandemic. Now the café’s bar…

Duluth Transit Authority Proposes To Reduce Bus Fares

The DTA will be holding a virtual public comment meeting Monday.

January 21, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority is looking at possibly reducing bus fares to get more northlanders using the bus. The bus company is proposing to the Duluth City Council to lower pricing for single-day bus passes from $4 to $3. The seven-day pass would also be reduced by $2 and the monthly summer youth pass would go down…

St. Luke’s to Open COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

January 21, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced on Thursday that its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic will soon be opening at the hospital. The clinic is set to tentatively open in early February for patients 65 and older. According to a recent press release, the clinic’s hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The COVID-19 Clinic will offer…

Judge Denies Request to Delay Cop’s Trial in Floyd’s Death

January 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge says he won’t reconsider his decision to hold a March trial for the former Minneapolis police officer who held his knee to George Floyd’s neck as the man said he couldn’t breathe. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill ruled this month that Derek Chauvin will stand trial beginning March 8, as scheduled, and will be…

Duluth Police Department Welcome K9 Athena

January 21, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has added a new member to the team, K9 Athena. K9 Athena is a Dutch Shepherd and is the half-sister of K9 Luna. The police department says Athena’s handler is Officer Kaase who has been with the department for 6 years, first as a patrol officer and now as an HRA investigator. Officer…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 21

January 21, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,292 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 450,762 in the state. Health officials also reported 32 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,011 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,247,442 tests have been completed to date. There…

Barnum High School Basketball Coach Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct

January 21, 2021

Site Staff,

BARNUM, Minn. – A Barnum High School girls basketball coach has been arrested and charged with three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Andrew John Palmer, 33, of Moose Lake, was formally charged Thursday for engaging in sexual contact with a 17-year-old basketball player while he was her coach. According to the criminal complaint, one of the girl’s parents contacted…

Minnesota Pharmacies Request to Be Part of Vaccine Rollout

January 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota pharmacies and health care providers are requesting the state include them in the coronavirus vaccine rollout as the demand for a shot among seniors far outpaces the state’s supply. Pharmacists testified before a Minnesota Senate health committee on Wednesday, telling lawmakers they can provide easier access to a vaccine as the priority groups for doses expands…

Duluth Parks Department Hosts Recreational Skating Program

With several sessions a week, the goal is to get people to enjoy skating with social distance in mind.

January 20, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Heritage Center along with the Duluth Parks Department have restarted their recreational skating program. The cost is $3 per session. With several sessions a week, the goal is to get people to enjoy skating while being socially distant. “Love having families out here to cruise around together, you know,” City of Duluth Recreation Specialist, Nick…

UMD Students React To Inauguration Of Pres. Joe Biden And Vice Pres. Kamala Harris

Many UMD students took time in between classes to watch the swearing-in of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

January 20, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris is getting a lot of attention on college campuses. No matter what their political views, watching the ceremonies was a chance for everyone to witness a big moment in history. “I’m excited. It’s like an important day no matter who gets inaugurated,” said Siiri Truckey, a…

Youth Program AT GND Recreation Center Helps Kids Explore Nature

The youth program is hosted every Wednesday and Thursday.

January 20, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A few elementary school students got a nature lesson as part of an on-going program at the Gary-New Duluth Recreation Center. This week, kids learned all about winter birds The students even built and painted their own bird feeders which are being placed outdoors near the rec center. Staff say this program could help teach kids the…

Cold Front In Bayfront Park Still Goes On

Duluth's Cold Front begins February 6th and goes through February 12th.

January 20, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Cold Front event is still happening this year, but it will be a little different this time around. In past years Cold Front was a one-day event, but now it will last a week to help prevent people from gathering in Bayfront Park at once. Several activities will take place at the festival park and across…

Minnesota Vaccine Pilot Program Spots for First Week Filled

January 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Wednesday announced that all 6,000 spots in a coronavirus vaccine pilot program reserved for Minnesotans over 65 have been filled after issues with the registration website caused it to crash on Tuesday. The 12,000 doses reserved for the program this week — half of which are reserved for teachers and child care workers…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 20

January 20, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,237 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 449,492 in the state. Health officials also reported 34 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,979 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,206,196 tests have been completed to date. There…

Klobuchar: Democracy Cannot Be Taken for Granted

January 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar took center stage at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and used her introductory address to remind Americans that democracy cannot be taken for granted. Klobuchar says the insurrection at the Capitol just two weeks awakened Americans to their responsibility to carry the torch for democracy. Klobuchar…

Trump Pardons Minnesota Man Who Served Time for Drug Offense

January 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

UPDATE: MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump has granted clemency to two Minnesota residents convicted of drug charges. Trump commuted the sentence of Cassandra Ann Kasowski, of Moorhead, who has served more than seven years of an 18-year sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance. The case involved the transportation of mass…

Duluth Police Begin Vaccinations, Mourn Colleague Who Died Of COVID-19

January 19, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the Duluth Police Department have begun getting their COVID-19 vaccinations as they mourn one of the colleagues who recently died of the virus. Some of the department’s employees started getting their shots this past weekend. Shelly Meixsel A spokesperson said while the department is not requiring employees to get vaccinated or report when they do,…

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank Hosting Virtual Fundraiser

The Food Bank Hopes to Raise $50,000 During the Virtual Event

January 19, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Second Harvest North Central Food Bank in Grand Rapids is looking for your generous support Thursday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Due to the COVID pandemic, the organization will host its first-ever virtual Chef’s Gala. The event typically takes place at the Timberlake Lodge and serves as the Food Bank’s largest fundraiser of the year….

Sen. Amy Klobuchar To Speak At Presidential Inauguration She Helped Plan

January 19, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Amy Klobuchar will play a big role in Wednesday’s presidential inauguration. The senator from Minnesota is on the Senate Rules Committee as the lead Democrat, and a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. She will be joining President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris at a small church service in the morning,…

Lack of Snow Leaving Many Northland Snowmobile Trails in Poor Condition

According to the Minnesota DNR, many of the trails around Duluth are labeled "poor."

January 19, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It would seem Mother Nature is not keeping up with the pandemic-fueled demand to get outside and try new winter activities, as a winter lacking in snow has made an ugly scene and poor conditions on Northland ski and snowmobile trails. “We’ve been a little short on snow,” said Rob Waksdahl, Groomer Operator with the Duluth Drift Toppers….

Organizations Helping Veterans Are Facing Their Own Hardships

Staff say they have challenges with outreach as many of the in-person events that help connect veterans to services have been canceled.

January 19, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Organizations that help veterans are facing their own hardships because of the pandemic. The Duluth Veterans Center helps combat soldiers adjust back into civilian life and provides other resources as well. The pandemic has forced the organization to change the way they help those who served, including switching counseling sessions to virtual platforms. “For some of our…

City Wants Public Feedback for The Enger Redevelopment Project

The full 10 acres planned for reconstruction runs through a portion of the Enger Park Golf Course.

January 19, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has selected a developer to help repurpose 10 acres of land in the area of Enger Park Golf Course. Before moving forward both the city and the developer are asking for public input on the best ways to use the site. City officials say this particular site is a prime location with endless…

Some Minnesota Elementary Students Head Back in School

January 19, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Many Minnesota schools are welcoming back some of their youngest students for in-person instruction, with more elementary schools expected to follow in the coming weeks. Some school districts opened for kindergarten, first- and second-grade students on Tuesday and plan to bring back older elementary students next month. Others will begin their reopening process later this month or…

Fire Crews Respond to Structure Fire in Lincoln Park

January 19, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday afternoon fire crews responded to a structure fire at the former Robert’s Home Furnishings building in Lincoln Park. Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the building around 1:00 p.m. Traffic was closed around the building, located at 2102 West Superior Street, while firefighters worked to contain the fire. We will continue to update this…

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Online Appointment Portal Opens Tuesday Afternoon

January 19, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Starting Tuesday at noon, some eligible Minnesotans will be able to sign up online for an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at one of the nine pilot vaccination sites that are opening across the state. Minnesota is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination program to include people 65 years old and above, teachers, and child care workers, but health officials say initial…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 19

January 19, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 922 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 448,268 in the state. Health officials also reported 6 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,945 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,188,091 tests have been completed to date. There…

UMD Political Science Professor Discusses Incoming Biden-Harris Administration

Dr. Cindy Rugeley Discusses Transitional Tradition, Unification, and Historical Significance as Biden-Harris Prepare to be Sworn In

January 19, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The United States is one day away from the swearing-in of our nation’s 46th President in Washington, D.C. The inauguration will no doubt look different than in years past, with COVID-19, recent civil unrest, and an outgoing President breaking transitional tradition. Dr. Cindy Rugeley, associate professor and department head of political science at UMD, weighed in on…

MyPillow CEO: Kohl’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, Wayfair Dropping MyPillow

January 19, 2021

Site Staff,

CHASKA, Minn. (FOX 9) – Some retailers are dropping MyPillow products from their stores, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell told FOX 9. This comes following the CEO’s repeated claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Lindell told FOX 9 Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl’s, Wayfair, and HEB have all dropped MyPillow because of public pressure on social media he claims is being…

First Responders Advise Caution As Sledding Injuries Increase

Duluth Firefighters say be careful before sledding as recent warming and freezing cycles have made snow extra slick.

January 18, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Many people are pent up at home and want to get outside and enjoy the winter, but our fluffy snow has gotten a little slick and hard, causing some kids and adults to get hurt while sledding around Duluth. According to officials with the City of Duluth, emergency personnel have responded to more than a dozen sledding injuries recently,…

Duluth, Proctor Superintendents Disappointed in Slow Federal Vaccine Rollout

Duluth School District is only getting 32 vaccines to start, and Proctor is only getting 10.

January 18, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH/PROCTOR, Minn.- While Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday the state will open up vaccines to the elderly, education and child care workers in the coming weeks, Northland school leaders said they feel disheartened that the vaccines they’re getting to start barely scratch the surface. “Quite honestly I was really hopeful that it would be broader,” said Duluth Schools Superintendent John…

KYN: Sew with Me

Zoom courses are held four to five times a week.

January 18, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Sew with Me brand name has been around for almost 10 years. “We started in Stillwater and expanded from there to meet the needs of sewers throughout the state,” said Laura Maki, owner of Sew with Me. Although the Piedmont neighborhood location has been open for several years, owners say fabric right now is a hot…

Minnesota Governor Hosts Virtual MLK Day Celebration

It was the 35th annual MLK celebration event.

January 18, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz hosted a virtual Martin Luther King Jr celebration on his Youtube channel kicking off the 35th annual event. The governor spoke about the pandemic, George Floyd’s death and other racial injustices throughout the country. He says, those highlighted events marked an already urgent need for meaningful change in our community and country….

Judge Orders Company to Take 3M’s Trademarks off N95 Masks

January 18, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge has ordered a Florida company accused of selling counterfeit N95 face masks with 3M’s name on them to stop using the Minnesota company’s trademarks and representing itself as a distributor or authorized retailer for 3M. 3M sued Nationwide Source Inc. in late December, accusing the company of selling more than 10,000 of the counterfeit…

Walz Announces Vaccine Pilot Program Amid Supply Concerns

January 18, 2021

The Associated Press, Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says the state will open nine community sites this week to vaccinate adults over 65, pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educators, school staff, and child care workers. The program announced Monday expands the rollout beyond the first high-priority group that includes healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff, who began receiving doses last month….

Credit: 148th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

148th Fighter Wing to Deploy to Washington D.C.

There are about 850 troops and airmen from both the Minnesota National Guard and the 148th fighter wing will be in D.C on Wednesday.

January 18, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Minnesota National Guard, and personnel in the 148th Fighter Wing are being deployed to Washington D.C. in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration. There are about 850 troops and airmen from both the Minnesota National Guard and the 148th fighter wing will be in D.C on Wednesday. They will be providing communications, security…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 18

January 18, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 980 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 447,349 in the state. Health officials also reported 12 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,939 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,173,664 tests have been completed to date. There…

850 MN Guard Members Among Soldiers Securing Inauguration

January 18, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — About 850 members of the Minnesota National Guard are among 25,000 soldiers streaming into Washington from across the country for Wednesday’s presidential inauguration. The number of guard members is at least two and a half times the number for previous inaugurals. Before this year, states rotated sending National Guard soldiers to inaugurations. Fewer than 10 from Minnesota…

One Dead, One Injured in Fatal Itasca County Crash

January 18, 2021

Site Staff,

GREENWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Minnesota State Patrol says one man is dead and another suffered life-threatening injuries in a Sunday night vehicle crash in Greenway Township. According to reports, Matthew Jesse Kirkpatrick, 38, was driving a Ford Explorer eastbound on Highway 169 when he crossed the center line and hit a Dodge Ram head-on. The driver of the Dodge Ram…

Facebook Group “Duluth Does Veganuary!” Challenges Locals To Try Plant-Based Diets

January 17, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — A Facebook group called “Duluth Does Veganuary!” is challenging Northlanders to try giving up meat and dairy for the month of January. The group, now in its second year, has more than 650 members and encourages everyone to try going vegan for the full month, but also helps motivate those who are curious about the diet, and…

Pandemic Forces ‘Art in the Alley’ to Leave Downtown Duluth, Focus on Miller Hill Mall

The owner says the pandemic is pushing more people to the mall, and therefore her business.

January 17, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime retailer in Duluth, Art in the Alley was forced out of their location on East Superior Street by the pandemic. The owner, now focusing her attention on sales at the Miller Hill Mall — where she says business is booming. “The thing about being a small business owner, 13 years in may we’ve been through a…

Officials: Extremist Threat To Minnesota Capitol Has Faded

January 17, 2021

Dan Hanger,

Credit: KMSP/FOX9 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s public safety commissioner says authorities now believe there is no credible, immediate threat from extremists to Minnesota in the runup to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. But Commissioner John Harrington says law enforcement agencies won’t be taking any chances. The FBI this week warned of potential attacks at state capitols following the insurrection at the…

Minneapolis Council To Try Again With Plan To Replace Police

January 17, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Some Minneapolis City Council members are preparing a new plan that seeks to replace the city’s police department in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Phillipe Cunningham, Steve Fletcher and Jeremy Schroeder are working on a proposal to create a new public safety department that removes the police department as a standalone department from the city charter….

Minnesota Lists 1,364 New Virus Cases, 40 Additional Deaths

January 17, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are confirming 1,364 new cases of COVID-19 and 40 additional deaths due to complications from the virus. The COVID Tracking Project reports that the state’s death count is the 22nd highest in the country overall and the 28th highest per capita at about 107 deaths per 100,000 people. State officials said 24 of the…

Furniture Sales High in Demand During Pandemic

The local furniture market seems to be doing well during the pandemic.

January 16, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The local furniture market seems to be doing well during the pandemic. Over at Hom Furniture in Hermantown, demand has surged. 2020 was a very busy year and because of COVID-19, people have been purchasing more items for the home office and upholstery furniture for those stuck at home Netflixing. “You know, you want to come home…

Officials Prepare for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up Monday, there are local and statewide events happening, commemorating him and his legacy.

January 15, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up Monday, there are local and statewide events happening, commemorating him and his legacy. One of the major ones being planned is a virtual Twin Ports MLK rally hosted by the NAACP. Duluth Human Rights Officer tells FOX 21 that these types of rallies are important, especially during chaotic times…