Minnesota Archives - Page 194 of 360

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…

Glensheen Offers Snowshoe Rental to Guests

Glensheen is now offering free snowshoe rental to guests with the purchase of a tour every Saturday and Sunday through March.

January 28, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen is now offering free snowshoe rental to guests with the purchase of a tour every Saturday and Sunday through March. Management says it’s exciting to be able to explore the grounds with the snow cover. “It’s awesome for people to go inside the cozy mansion but really the estate in the winter season is absolutely beautiful,”…

Lake Superior Ice Festival Preps Are Underway

January 28, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – The Lake Superior Ice Festival at Barker’s Island starts on Friday and some preps have already underway. Crews have already started to clear snow around the area. Blue boxes have also been placed around town in preparation for the arrival of more than two dozen ice sculptures. An organizer told us it’s difficult to plan an event…

A UMD Program Is Helping 50 & Older Individuals Continue Lifelong Learning

"I never looked back," said Diane Kolquist, a student of the program.

January 28, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota Duluth program is helping adults 50 and older continue the journey of lifelong learning. University for Seniors is a program at UMD that offers intellectual and cultural development to promote learning among the older population. The program is a peer-led learning program. It is run in a study group format and volunteers like…

“Mask Out Minnesota” Encourages People To Get Outdoors

"We want to encourage you to forget the four walls of your home this winter," said Renee Mattson, the executive director for the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.

January 28, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has started a new initiative to encourage people to get outdoors. Commission members visited the Hartley Nature Center in Duluth to promote a new campaign called “Mask Out Minnesota.” The campaign wants to motivate people to try out state parks and trails, which have gotten more popular during the…

Essentia Health Debuts Mobile COVID Vaccine Unit

January 28, 2021

Site Staff,

(photo courtesy: Essentia Health) DULUTH, Minn. – Esssentia Health debuted its first mobile COVID-19 vaccine unit on Thursday that will be used to administer vaccines to groups in need of on-site vaccinations in the community. The mobile unit stopped at The Hills Youth and Family Services on Thursday where 45 staff members were vaccinated as part of the Phase 1A…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 28

January 28, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,335 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 458,633 in the state. Health officials also reported 16 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,140 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,467,868 tests have been completed to date. There…

Duluth Transit Authority Announces Leadership Change

January 28, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Phil Pumphrey has left his position as the Duluth Transit Authority General Manager. The Duluth Transit Authority announced in a Thursday morning press release that while Pumphrey has left his role at the DTA he will remain with First Transit, the company currently under contract to staff a General Manager for the agency. DTA Assistant General Manager,…

Minnesota’s Election Law Fight Heats up Over Voter ID Bill

January 28, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The fight has heated up over whether Minnesota should tighten its election laws or make voting easier. A key Senate panel Wednesday backed a Republican proposal to require voters to present photo identification. Sen. Scott Newman framed it as aimed more at increasing voter confidence in election results than at preventing fraud. But Democratic Secretary of State…

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About Scams

It is recommended if you do not recognize a phone number, do not answer.

January 27, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is sending a warning about a recent uptick in scam phone calls and email impacting northland residents. A handful of complaints have recently been made to the sheriff’s about the attempted scamming. Law enforcement believe the increase in calls and emails may be a result of stimulus money being…

Lake County Health & Human Service Will Soon Open Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics

People can call the Lake County Covid-19 Vaccine hotline at 218-834-8434.

January 27, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines continues throughout the Northland and now some more rural residents will soon be getting in on the action. Lake County Health and Human Services is working to get vaccines out to residents as quickly as possible. One way is by offering pop-up vaccine clinics, which gives the county the ability to…

Judge Orders City To Secure Fire-Damaged Kozy; Demolition, Restoration Still On Table

January 27, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The condemned Kozy building in downtown Duluth is saved again from demolition by the city — at least for now. St. Louis County Judge Eric Hylden has ordered the city of Duluth and the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) to immediately install braces against the walls of the building damaged by fire last November. After that, the…

Greenhouses Thinking Spring

The Lilac Hill greenhouse in Hermantown first began prepping some geranium plants in early January.

January 27, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Green houses in the area are already thinking Spring. The Lilac Hill greenhouse in Hermantown first began prepping some geranium plants in early January. The greenhouse will receive even more plants in the coming weeks. “We start out twelve in hanging baskets which is our petunias and the large big baskets you see that we have available…

Minnesota Driver’s License COVID-19 Extensions Ending

January 27, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – Minnesotans with driver’s licenses or ID cards that expire as COVID-19 extensions come to an end are urged to renew online or in-person in the coming weeks. According to a release from the Department of Public Safety, there are approximately 300,000 Minnesota driver’s license and ID cards that would have expired between March 13, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2021….

EPA, MPCA Announce $16M Sediment Cleanup Project Near Duluth-Superior Harbor

January 27, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency signed a $16 million project agreement to clean up contaminated sediment in the “ponds behind Erie Pier” in Duluth. “EPA’s partnership with Minnesota continues to produce results in the St. Louis River Area of Concern,” said acting EPA Regional Administrator Cheryl Newton. “This sediment cleanup…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 27

January 27, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 851 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 457,317 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,124 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,420,268 tests have been completed to date. There…

State: Some Minnesota Health Systems Ignoring Vaccine Rollout Guidance

January 27, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Some hospital systems around Minnesota are flouting the state and federal guidance on the hierarchy for receiving the coronavirus vaccine, according to health officials. The Minnesota Department of Health has deputized large health systems to distribute the vaccine as part of a public-private partnership. Currently, the state has prioritized vaccinating people who provide in-person health care services…

Lake County to Begin Pop-Up COVID Vaccine Clinics Next Week

January 27, 2021

Site Staff,

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – Lake County Public Health along with the Lake View Hospital & Medical Clinics say they are working to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to Lake County residents beginning next week. According to a recent press release, following the completion of vaccinations for healthcare workers and congregate care residents, pop-up clinics for residents aged 65 and over will be…

Beargrease Silent Auction Goes Virtual Ahead of Sunday Race Start

Until February 7th you can bid on a variety of Beargrease memorabilia as well as gifts, and weekend giveaways to local resorts and venues.

January 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Preparations continue for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon ahead of the start just days away. Normally the big auction and opening ceremony takes place the first week, but this year the auction is virtual. Until February 7th you can bid on a variety of Beargrease memorabilia as well as gifts, and weekend giveaways to local resorts and…

148th Fighter Wing Returns Following Deployment to U.S. Capitol for Biden Inauguration

A total of 110 volunteers were deployed from the 148th, about 10% of their total force.

January 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn,- Members of the 148th Fighter Wing have returned to the Twin Ports following their deployment to the Capitol. — part of the 25,000 National Guard troops sent there for President Joe Biden’s Inauguration, to watch out for threats following the violent Pro-Trump riot. “It was quite crazy to be honest with you,” said Master Sergeant Chris Simonson, Food…

GO: Positive Energy Outdoors

For 17 years, Positive Energy Outdoors has been offering programs for all ages.

January 26, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – “We’re all about people and animal powered recreation,” Positive Energy Outdoors Co-Founder, Blake Cazier says. For 17 years, Positive Energy Outdoors has been offering programs for all ages. “So we have sled dogs and Draft horses. We teach kayaking, have rock climbing adventures,” Cazier says. With the goal of educating their customers about the outdoors with every…

A Tiger At The Wildcat Sanctuary Tests Positive For COVID-19

Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus.

January 26, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

SANDSTONE, Minn.- A rescue tiger living at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone tested positive for COVID-19, but has since recovered. A tiger named Sabrina is a rescue from Texas and upon her arrival showed signs of having possible respiratory issues. Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus. It is believed Sabrina contracted the virus…

Some Proctor Students Return To Hybrid Model

Teachers now wear a mask and a shield to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

January 26, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor schools welcomed some students back to the classroom after months of doing distance learning to help prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. Bay View Elementary kindergarten through fifth-grade students returned back to class and will resume a hybrid model for a few weeks before transitioning to full in-person learning. Some new rules have been put in…

BWCAW Quota Permit Reservations Available Wednesday

January 26, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness quota permit reservations will be available starting tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. for the 2021 season. Visitors are encouraged to book their reservations for May 1 through September 20 online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A permit is required for visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or a motorized…

Tiger in Minnesota Tests Positive for COVID-19

January 26, 2021

Site Staff,

(courtesy: The Wildcat Sanctuary via Fox 9) PINE COUNTY, Minn. – A tiger at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Pine County has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health According to reports from the sanctuary veterinarian, the tiger, a 21-year-old female Sumatran/Bengal tiger, has already recovered from the virus. Sanctuary staff says they first noticed symptoms…

Walz Proposes Tax Hikes on the Rich to Balance State Budget

January 26, 2021

The Associated Press, KQDS Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP/FOX9) — Gov. Tim Walz proposed raising taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans and large companies Tuesday to help plug a projected $1.28 billion gap in the next two-year budget while increasing spending on education and on helping the state recover from the coronavirus pandemic. The Democratic governor’s budget proposal includes new spending of $745 million on education through 12th…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 26

January 26, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 727 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 456,490 in the state. Health officials also reported 8 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,106 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,399,553 tests have been completed to date. There…

Walz to Emphasize COVID-19 Recovery in Next 2-Year Budget

January 26, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz will today propose a two-year budget with a heavy focus on helping Minnesota recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The budget Walz is planning to announce at 12:00 p.m. is expected to top $50 million. It will emphasize assistance to small businesses, help for working families affected by the disease itself or…

Starks Academy After School Program Provides Homework Help, Place to Play During Pandemic

"Seal the Cracks" at the Encounter Youth Center features activities and games and help with schoolwork from tutors.

January 25, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As some elementary students across Duluth head back to the classrooms, some volunteers with the Northland Youth Basketball Alliance and Starks Academy are offering a place where kids of all ages can come to play, and get help with schoolwork. It’s called “Seal The Cracks.” For two hours after school at the Encounter Youth Center on First Street…

K-2nd Graders Welcomed Back Into Duluth Schools — With Precautions

While reassuring parents the school is taking many precautions, officials say a good portion of students have been kept at home by some moms and dads.

January 25, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday, Kindergartners through 2nd Graders in the Duluth School District returned to their classrooms for the first time since November, after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz officially allowed elementary schools to reopen starting January 18th. “I am truly elated to be back at school,” said Homecroft Elementary Principal Tom Cawcutt. In Duluth, the rest of elementary schoolers Grades…

Proctor Senior Awarded Medal of Honor Scholarship

January 25, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – One lucky Proctor student received the Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor scholarship on Monday. Senior Courtney Werner was presented with the $1,500 scholarship after writing an essay about her great grandfather, Thomas Werner, who served during World War II. Courtney said she was able to learn more about her roots through the writing process while keeping her…

Maintenance On The Aerial Lift Bridge Begins

Traffic will be limited to one lane between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.

January 25, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – City crews began routine maintenance on the Aerial Lift Bridge on Monday. City officials say during the shipping off-season is a prime opportunity to make any necessary upgrades. Over the next few weeks, crews will be checking to make sure operations on the bridge are working properly. The city also received a grant for more than 400,000…

Misinformation About Covid-19 And Vaccine Can Lead To Bad Decision Making

"If you don't have good information, you can't make good choices for what you choose to do," said Dr. Kristina Krohn, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

January 25, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. -The spreading of misinformation about the Coronavirus and its preventative vaccine is a common concern among medical experts. They’re worried misreporting of facts about the health crisis can make it harder to protect the public. There are plenty of rumors medical experts would like to clear up. “Anything that tells you it’s not something that we spread just…

City Looks For Public Feedback On Upcoming Reconstruction Project Of East Superior Street

A virtual meeting is being held on January 28th at 4 p.m.

January 25, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The reconstruction of East Superior Street between 45th and 60th Avenue East is expected to happen later this year and city officials are gearing up for the project by asking for public feedback. The project would include repaving that portion of East Superior Street. Construction crews will also be upgrading sidewalks to bring them up to standards…

Duluth Officer Charged In Shooting Wants Case Dismissed, County Attorney Disagrees

January 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

2015 photo on City of Rosemount’s website congratulating Officer Tyler Leibfried on his new job with the Duluth Police Department. DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin is opposing a Duluth police officer’s request to dismiss charges against him in a shooting that injured an unarmed man. Tyler Leibfried, 28, is facing two felony firearm charges, including one…

First Known U.S. Case of Brazilian COVID-19 Variant Discovered in Minnesota

January 25, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – A variant of COVID-19 that originated in Brazil has been discovered in a Minnesota patient, officials say. It is the first known case documented in the United States. The Minnesota Department of Health said the variant, known as Brazil P.1 variant, was found in a person who had recently traveled to Brazil. The variant is thought to be more…

Gov. Walz Unveils ‘Due North’ Education Plan

January 25, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan unveiled the Due North Education Plan which the governor’s office says is focused on ensuring every child in Minnesota receives a high-quality education regardless of race or zip-code. “As a former classroom teacher for over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how a high-quality education shapes students’…

Minnesota Shifts Communication Vaccination Signup to Lottery

January 25, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Monday announced changes in the sign-up process for a community vaccine program for seniors, teachers, and child care workers after heavy demand last week crashed a website and angered many people who could not get through. State officials have shifted from a first-come, first-served system to a lottery that allows…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 25

January 25, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 794 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 455,783 in the state. Health officials also reported 3 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,098 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,388,959 tests have been completed to date. There…

Less Than 5% of Minnesotans Have Received 1 Vaccine Dose

January 25, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The number of Minnesotans who have received at least the first dose of the two-shot COVID-19 vaccine is nearing a quarter-million or less than 5% of the population, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Sunday. A total of 247,415 Minnesotans have received at least one dose. More than 63,000 people have received both shots to complete their…

Fans Cheer on UMD Men’s Hockey at AMSOIL Arena for First Time in Months

In addition to family members, a limited number of tickets were available to students -- which reportedly sold out quickly.

January 24, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As the UMD Men’s Hockey Team returned from quarantine after a COVID situation postponed their series last week, cardboard cutouts weren’t the only ones cheering them on — fans welcomed the Bulldogs back to AMSOIL, for the first time since March. “It’s nice,” said young Noah Wise seeing the game with his dad Sunday. “We’ve been waiting for…

Dozens Protest Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement on Streets Near Backus, MN

Enbridge maintains Line 3 has been repeatedly approved "based on six years of fact and science based regulatory and permitting review."

January 23, 2021

Arman Rahman,

BACKUS, Minn.- A large protest near Backus, Minnesota Saturday called on President Joe Biden to stop Enbridge from constructing the Line 3 Pipeline Replacement, protesters said, just as he did the Keystone Pipeline this week. According to organizers, approximately 200 people gathered on the streets near Backus. This comes just a day after a protester was safely removed from a…

Blood Donations Are Critically Low; Health Experts Encouraging People to Donate

If you have had the vaccine, healthcare professionals say it is safe to give blood.

January 22, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Blood donations continue to be critically low during the pandemic. Donations are typically low in the winter, but as fewer people are choosing not to give blood during the pandemic the supply is becoming exhausted. Health officials say the U.S. blood supply is in stage yellow meaning there are only one to two days worth of blood…

Sacred Heart Music Center Struggling To Survive The Pandemic

"The pandemic has really hurt Sacred Heart," said Mark Nicklawske, a member of the board of directors for Sacred Heart.

January 22, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Sacred Heart Music Center and many other entertainment settings were among the first to shut down at the start of the pandemic. Now it is a big challenge to bounce back from the financial struggles. “The pandemic has really hurt Sacred Heart,” said Mark Nicklawske, a member of the board of directors for Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart…

Maintenance Work on Aerial Lift Bridge to Start Monday

January 22, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning Monday, January 25, traffic will be limited across the Aerial Lift Bridge to one lane while maintenance work. The City of Duluth says crews will be working ten-hour shifts to get the work done as soon as possible. Traffic will be limited to one lane across the bridge between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. “Traffic flow…

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….