Minnesota Archives - Page 196 of 363

St. Louis County Sees 900 Small Businesses Apply for Phase 3 Grants

The total amount of aid requested comes out to $16.4 million. The county has $3.8 million dollars in grant funding from the state to distribute.

February 8, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- 900 businesses in St. Louis County have sought relief through Phase 3 of the county’s small business relief grants. The total amount of aid requested comes out to $16.4 million. The county has $3.8 million dollars in grant funding from the state to distribute. So 200 “first tier” businesses forced to close back in November that received no…

Extreme Cold Frightful for Humans, Delightful for Animals at Zoo

According to Lake Superior Zookeepers, their animals are no strangers to climates like this.

February 8, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While humans have to take extra safety measures in this extreme cold, many animals at the Lake Superior Zoo love to be outside – but with windchills this low, things like frostbite are a still a danger, regardless of species. “Most all of the animals that we have here if they’re outside this is gonna be similar to…

Recent Cold Temperatures Serve As Good Reminder To Check On Older Adults

"Just be mindful. If you have a neighbor that you know is elderly, it doesn't hurt to go check on them to make sure they have everything that they need," said Mary Bovee, the executive director for Age Well Arrowhead.

February 8, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The freezing cold hitting the Northland, this week, can be a strong reminder to check up on older individuals. Elderly adults are among the most vulnerable to extreme temperatures and cold conditions. Recently Duluth Police dispatched a community service officer to help a 79-year-old woman, who called 911 to get assistance shoveling herself out of her home…

An Ice Sauna Is Opening In Canal Park

It stands eight feet tall with about 100 ice bricks weighing in at nearly 200 pounds each.

February 8, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Frigid temperatures are sticking around in Northland, this week, and a local sauna company is helping people embrace the cold. Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna has built a sauna made completely out of ice. It took roughly five days to create and stands eight feet tall with about 100 ice bricks weighing in at nearly 200 pounds…

Minnesota DEED Awards $13 Million in COVID Relief Grants to Theaters, Convention Centers

February 8, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded over $13 million in COVID relief grants to various convention centers and movie theaters across the state. One of the grant recipients listed is the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center which is to be awarded $500,000. The grants include $4.6 million for 15 convention centers and $8.54…

St. Louis County Attorney: Use of Deadly Force Justified in Mt. Iron Officer-Involved Shooting

February 8, 2021

Site Staff,

MT. IRON, Minn. – The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office has ruled that the use of deadly force was justified in a December officer-involved shooting in Mt. Iron. The ruling is in connection to a December 5, 2020 incident, when Deputy Ryan Smith and Deputy Matt Tomsich were involved in a shooting that killed 19-year-old Estavon Dominick Elioff. According to…

Essentia Health Eases Visitor Restrictions

February 8, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is making updates to its visitor policy as cases of COVID-19 in the area have started to slow down. According to a Monday press release, beginning Tuesday the hospital will allow one adult visitor per patient per day in all clinics and hospitals. The hospital says this update will also include emergency departments. The changes…

House GOP Calls for Lifting Business Restrictions by May 1

February 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota House Republicans laid out a roadmap Monday for lifting the state’s coronavirus restrictions on businesses with a goal of letting them return to full operations by May 1. Rep. Dave Baker, of Willmar, said at a news conference that businesses such as restaurants, hotels, event centers, and gyms need to be able to make reopening plans…

Duluth City Crews Tackle 5 Water Main Breaks In Less Than 72 Hours

February 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials with the city of Duluth said crews have dealt with five water main breaks in less than 72 hours. The most recent break happened Sunday evening on the 2800-block of Hagberg Street in the Piedmont neighborhood. As of around 9:30 p.m., a city spokesperson said “crews have shut off the water and are in the process…

Duluth Firefighters Battle 2 Fires During Deep Freeze

February 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters battled two fires within 24 hours – and during the city’s coldest air of the year. The first fire happened around 12:15 a.m. Sunday on the 2200-block of West 2nd Street. A garage caught on fire. Officials believe the fire was caused by leaking propane near a heat source. Nobody was injured. Lakeside fire. The…

Sport and Recreational Vehicle Sales Growing

"They just wanted a place of their own where they could get away wherever they decided to go," Yost says.

February 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – As winter continues, recreational vehicle dealers in the Northland are seeing a lot of people eager to hit the road for new adventures. It has been a wild year for RV dealers, like Bullyans in Hermantown as most of their inventory keeps selling out. “We’re just starting to get it trickled back in. After we sold it…

Cloquet Public Library Reopens For In-Person Visitors

The library is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

February 7, 2021

Jane Kim,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Public Library is back open for business. The library had closed down for the second time during the pandemic on November 19th to only offer curbside pickup. Although programs like Movie Nights have been cancelled, the library is facilitating educational projects like make-and-take crafts. Library staff hope that everyone can follow the proper guidelines. “Now…

Gov. Walz Deploys Guard For Chauvin Trial Security

February 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to deploy in preparation for potential civil unrest during the upcoming trials of four ex-Minneapolis police officers charged in the killing of George Floyd last summer. The Democratic governor’s executive order authorizes the deployment of an unspecified number of troops in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They would serve…

Hospitals Criticize Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

February 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota hospitals are criticizing the state’s coronavirus vaccine distribution system as inequitable, leaving some clinics and hospitals without doses for older, vulnerable patients. The Minnesota Hospital Association, in a letter to state health officials, says some clinics haven’t received vaccine doses in days. In January, the state opened up vaccinations to people 65 and older…

Essentia Health Continues To See Lack Of Patients Going For A Check-Up

February 6, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn- Essentia Health is continuing to see a lack of patients coming in for a check-up. They are instead waiting until it’s too late, which is creating an uptick in emergency room visits. Now that restrictions have loosened, Health experts believe many people may have become used to being home… or still do not want to visit a hospital…

Day Out With Thomas to Return to Duluth in August

According to the Railroad's Facebook page, Day out with Thomas is set for August 6-8 and 13-15.

February 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad announced Thomas the Tank Engine will be returning to the Northland this summer. According to the Railroad’s Facebook page, Day Out with Thomas is set for August 6-8 and 13-15. Families can enjoy a ride with Thomas and his friend Percy, along with live music and other activities. Tickets are on-sale now,…

Two Arrested After Friday Night Shooting in Duluth’s Lincoln Park

Two males in their 20s were arrested, no injuries were reported and all parties were known to each other.

February 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police officers arrested two suspects, responding to a shooting at an apartment in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood Friday, and according to authorities those suspects are previous violent offenders. According to a spokesperson with the department, officers responded to a report of shots fired at an apartment in the 2400 Block of West 3rd Street around 7:45…

U Of M Medical School Sees Increase In Student Applications

This year there were nearly 3,500 applicants wanting to attend the school.

February 5, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – More people are filling out applications to attend the University of Minnesota Medical School campuses including in Duluth. There are many factors that may play into the increase of applicants, but U of M Medical School officials say it is impressive knowing so many people are willing to dedicate to a career in healthcare. In a typical…

MN Power Crews Head To NY To Help With Power Outages

The Northland crew is expected to return in about two weeks.

February 5, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power is helping battle power outages in New York, which were caused by the recent NorEaster that left behind about a foot of snow. On Thursday, a five-member crew loaded up and headed for the Big Apple to help restore power for hundreds of New York residents. Minnesota Power leadership says lending a hand is about…

State to Open Community Vaccination Site at DECC Next Week

February 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will be the host to a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination site. According to a Friday press release, it’s one of multiple permanent COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program sites being launched – there will also be one in Minneapolis. “Of the approximately 6,000 vaccines initially allotted to the CVP for adults 65 years…

Walz Signs Executive Order Calling up National Guard to Minneapolis for Chauvin Trial

February 5, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order calling up the Minnesota National Guard to Minneapolis ahead of the March trial of Derek Chauvin, the ex-police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd. The Guard deployment will be “significant” and soldiers could be on the ground in about two weeks, a Walz spokesman said ahead…

Nearly 500K Minnesota Adults Have Received at Least 1st COVID-19 Vaccine Dose

February 5, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials reported Friday 497,843 Minnesotans have now received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or 11.6% of the state’s adult population, although the state’s data lags by a few days. A total of 138,212 Minnesotans are fully inoculated, or 3.2% of the adult population, according to the latest state Department of Health data. So…

Pandemic Drives Increase in Visits to Minnesota Food Shelves

February 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s food shelves saw a big jump in need in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting economic instability. Hunger Solutions Minnesota collects data from 350 food shelves across the state. Its annual report says they saw a record 3.8 million visits in 2020, up 7% from the year before, led by a 31% jump in…

Duluth Police Investigating Wednesday Drive-By Shooting Incident

February 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say they are investigating a Wednesday morning drive-by shooting incident. The incident happened around 9:52 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 53 and Piedmont Avenue. According to police, after speaking with the reporting party of the incident officers learned that a gray passenger car traveling up Highway 53 fired three shots at another gray passenger…

City Crews Working to Repair Two Water Main Breaks in Duluth

February 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday morning, city crews located two water main breaks in Duluth. One water main break was located at 4915 Colorado Street. Water has been shut off on Colorado Street between 49th and 51st Avenue East. The city says it is unknown how long it will take to repair. A second water main break was located at…

Duluth Public Schools Announces Plan For Secondary In-Person Learning

February 4, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools has announced some in-person classes will return next month for middle and high school students. Supt. John Magas says the update comes at the approval of the state health and education departments. “We learned a lot over the past nearly six months, from our own experience with elementary in-person and from other districts,” Magas…

Laura MacArthur Elementary Receives P.E. Grant

The grant, worth over $1,000, allowed the school to purchase snowpup cross country skis from the local continental ski shop.

February 4, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in the fall, Laura MacArthur Elementary in Duluth received a grant allowing the school to purchase skis for their Phys Ed class. On Thursday morning, 20 second graders got the chance to take their brand new skis out for the first time. The grant, worth over $1,000, allowed the school to purchase snowpup cross country skis from…

End Of Year Tourism Taxes Made A Strong Turnaround

2020 ended with tourism in Duluth being down by about 30%.

February 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Tourism tax revenue in duluth took a hit over the past year as some bars, restaurants, and hotels were forced to close to protect public health during the pandemic, but Duluth’s estimated tourism tax drop ended up lower than expected. Based on trends shown throughout the pandemic, the City of Duluth projected a significant decrease in tourism…

Itasca County Health Dept. Urges Patience, Caution as Vaccine Rollout Continues

Residents Will Be Notified When It's Their Turn to be Vaccinated

February 4, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – COVID vaccinations continue to roll out for residents in Itasca County. Public health officials say they are currently in the process of inoculating those working in schools and childcare facilities, as well as residents who are 65 and older. In the past seven days, 35 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Itasca County….

Minnesota Prosecutors Ask to Reinstate Charge in Floyd Death

February 4, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota prosecutors are asking a judge to reinstate one count that had been previously dismissed against the former Minneapolis officer charged with killing George Floyd — saying an appellate court decision from earlier this week shows the count can apply. Derek Chauvin faces trial in March on one count of second-degree murder and one count of manslaughter….

Duluth Warming Center Hours Extended Due to Extreme Cold

February 4, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Warming Center is extending its hours through the weekend due to forecasted extreme cold temperatures. The Center will be open February 4 through February 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. The Center will be open for 24 hours on Sundays. The Warming Center is located in the Rainbow Center at 211 North 3rd Avenue…

Judge Approves Divorce for Ex-Cop Charged in Floyd’s Death

February 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge has approved a divorce settlement between the former Minneapolis police officer who placed his knee on George Floyd’s neck and his wife. The divorce of Derek Chauvin and Kellie Chauvin was finalized Tuesday and redacted documents were made public Thursday. The approval comes months after Washington County District Judge Juanita Freeman rejected a prior…

DECC COVID-19 Testing Site Now Open Only Five Days a Week

February 4, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center COVID-19 testing site has reduced its hours of operation. Starting this week, the testing site will now only be open Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. According to reports, demand for testing has dropped in the area which led…

MNsure Will Open 3-Month Special Enrollment Period Feb. 16

February 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s state-run health insurance exchange said Wednesday it will open a three-month special enrollment period to help uninsured and other Minnesotans obtain coverage. MNsure said the open enrollment will begin Feb. 16 and run through May 17. The announcement follows a nationwide special enrollment period ordered by President Joe Biden last week for states that participate in…

Duluth Police Chief Talks 2021 Priorities For Department

February 3, 2021

Dan Hanger, Marcus Asmus,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken sat down with FOX 21’s Dan Hanger to talk about his priorities for 2021 after a year of so many challenges. The goal this year is to try to get face-to-face interactions with police back — when safe from COVID — while taking a big step to modernize the police department even…

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…