Minnesota Archives - Page 207 of 363

Douglas County Struggling With Contact Tracing As COVID-19 Case Numbers Rise

Last week, the county reported more than four hundred positive cases.

November 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – COVID-19 case numbers are rapidly going up in Wisconsin. Douglas County Public Health officials say they are struggling to keep up with contact tracing as more people continue to be diagnosed with the virus once a person has tested positive. Last week, the county reported more than four hundred positive cases. With the continued spike in…

Prosecutor Offers to Cut Burrell’s Prison Term by 15 Years

November 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/John Minchillo) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota prosecutor said Wednesday that he has offered to reduce the sentence of a Black man who is serving life in prison in the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old girl. Myon Burrell was 16 when he was accused of killing Tyesha Edwards, who was hit by a stray bullet on Nov. 22, 2002,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, November 25

November 25, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 6,399 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 289,303 in the state. Health officials also reported 72 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,375 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,956,949 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Healthcare Workers Describe Reality Inside Overwhelmed Duluth Hospitals

Medical Professionals From St. Luke's, Essentia Health Paint Picture of a Grim Reality

November 25, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Frontline workers from St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are speaking out, sharing what they experience during a routine shift amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. Critical care doctors and ICU nurses want residents to know the surge is here, and it’s going to take all of us working together to help limit the spread, and save our most…

Surge Affecting Minnesota Nursing Home Staffing

November 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A current surge of COVID-19 cases throughout Minnesota is affecting staffing levels at many nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. That’s forcing the state to send the National Guard to help out in some homes, while the administration is also asking state employees to consider volunteering in facilities with critical staff shortages. The Star Tribune reports Wednesday that…

Lake Superior Art Glass Offers ‘Design Your Own Ornament’ Sessions

Pick the color, shape, and size of your glass ornaments, then glass blowers then work on your special creation ready for pickup the next day.

November 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As holiday shopping begins for many in the Northland, Lake Superior Art Glass in Canal Park hopes to offer a fun way to add a bit of your creativity to a gift, while also supporting small businesses. You can design your own glass ornaments in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Those interested must reserve a 30-minute…

Superior Restaurants See Extra Customers from Minnesota After Gov. Walz’s Restrictions

While business owners in Superior said they welcome the extra business, they said they feel for the restaurants suffering in Duluth.

November 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Restaurants in Superior are seeing more customers from across the bridge four days into Minnesota’s four-week-long restrictions closing in-person dining. Governor Tim Walz turned the dial back Friday, to try and keep the mounting COVID-19 case numbers from maxing out capacity at hospitals statewide. While business owners in Superior said they welcome the extra business, they said they…

Local Entertainment Venues Awaiting Financial Relief

With the future of some of these local businesses resting on seeing financial relief at the state level all they can do now is wait.

November 24, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Entertainment Venues are among the many Northland businesses hit hard financially by the pandemic. During these next four weeks, they will get some help through the Minnesota Governor’s recently announced plan for a Business Assistance Program. Without this relief, they may not be able to survive. Fresh off of a multi-million dollar renovation in 2019, Skyline Lanes…

Hospitals Urging Community Members To Follow Safety Guidelines

Recent statistics show about 40% of all COVID-19 related hospitalizations in this region were reported during the first three weeks of November.

November 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – This fall has been a very active time for spikes in covid-19 cases around the Northland. The latest numbers show September, October, and November with some of the highest rates for the transmission of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic. That’s why area health professionals are urging everyone to follow safety guidelines to help slow…

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Gives Authorization for Line 3 Replacement Project

November 24, 2020

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – On Tuesday, Enbridge received authorization from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for construction on the Line 3 replacement project. The news comes one day after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a key federal permit for the project. The only permit that still needs approval is a stormwater construction permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency….

State Board Certifies Joe Biden as Winner in Minnesota

November 24, 2020

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: Facebook/Biden) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s state canvassing board has unanimously certified the state’s election results. It’s an ordinarily routine task that drew closer attention due to President Donald Trump’s efforts to delay it in key states. The board agreed 5-0 that Joe Biden defeated Trump in Minnesota by just over 233,000 votes or about 7 percentage points. Biden therefore…

Duluth Public Schools Extend Distance Learning Through January 21

November 24, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools announced Tuesday that they will be extending distance learning for elementary and secondary level students through at least January 21 due to the current projected COVID rates in the area. In a Tuesday press release, Duluth Superintendent John Magas said the decision comes in response to the sharp rise in positive COVID -19 cases…

Four Pedestrians, Two Drivers Injured in Hwy 53 Multi-Vehicle Crash

November 24, 2020

Site Staff,

GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Six people, including fourt pedestrians, were injured Monday evening in a three-car crash on Highway 53 according to the Minnesota State Patrol. According to reports, the crash happened around 5:10 p.m. on Highway 53 at Caribou Lake Road in Grand Lake Township. Authorities say a Buick was traveling northbound on Highway 53 when it struck…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, November 24

November 24, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 6,423 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 282,916 in the state. Health officials also reported 38 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,303 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,891,159 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Prisoner Becomes Fourth Minnesota Inmate to Die of COVID-19

November 24, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Corrections says a 73-year-old man who was a prisoner in Oak Park Heights has died after recently testing positive for COVID-19. The department said Monday that the man, who was not immediately identified, died at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. He tested positive for COVID-19 while he was being treated for terminal…

CHUM Feeds Community By Hosting A Thanksgiving Food Giveaway

About 75 turkeys were given away in just over 30 minutes of starting the event.

November 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, CHUM is giving away Thanksgiving food baskets to people in need of the essentials for a traditional holiday meal. Monday was the first day the organization handed out those boxes of food. Dozens of community members lined up outside Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Duluth patiently waiting to take a basket home. Those in line…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Bentleyville Gift Shop

From snow globes to holiday sweaters, Bentleyville Gift Shop is officially open to the public and is ready to provide all kinds of holiday-esque items to visitors, near and far.

November 23, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – From snow globes to holiday sweaters, the Bentleyville Gift Shop is officially open to the public and is ready to provide all kinds of holiday-esque items to visitors, near and far. The store is usually at Bayfront Festival Park in a smaller building but this year, the shop is located in Grandma’s Sports Garden for the purpose…

DECC COVID-19 Saliva Testing Site, Parking Change Tuesday

November 23, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 saliva testing site at the DECC is moving Tuesday into the DECC’s more spacious South Pioneer Hall. Drivers are asked to enter through the east entrance closest to the William A. Irvin and Marcus Duluth Cinema before parking and walking to “Door A” by the Curling Club entrance. Anybody from Minnesota or Wisconsin can get…

Duluth Police Investigate 34th Shooting of 2020

November 23, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating the city’s 34th shooting of the year — this time in the Central Hillside neighborhood. Officers responded around 8:15 p.m. Monday to a report of the sound of shots fired in the area of 6th Avenue East and 6th Street. “Officers discovered evidence consistent with the report,” according to Ingrid Hornibrook, public information…

Yarn Harbor Helps Warm Up The City

Donations can still be brought to the store.

November 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

Yarn Harbor in Duluth is helping to warm up the city thanks to donations from local community members. Every year the store puts on an event to distributed hats, mittens, gloves to those in need. This year’s winter accessories are sprinkled around town in places like near the enrance of the Chester Creek Trail across from Burrito Union and at…

Gov. Walz Ready to Call Special Session on COVID-19 Relief

November 23, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz sent a letter to legislative leaders Monday emphasizing the need for action to help provide relief for small businesses in the state affected by the pandemic. In a Monday statement from the governor’s office, Walz stated he is standing ready to call a special once the legislature agrees on a package to provide…

Two Arrested in Hibbing Drug Bust

November 23, 2020

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – Two Hibbing men have been arrested and charged for drug and property crimes following a Thursday afternoon drug bust according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. According to reports, the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force along with the Hibbing Police Department and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant around 1:50…

Minnesota Launches Smartphone App to Slow Spread of COVID-19

November 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota officials urge residents to download a free app for their smartphones that will notify them if someone who’s been near them later tests positive for the coronavirus. The app also allows them to warn others anonymously if they test positive themselves. Officials stress that participation in COVIDaware MN is voluntary and that the system contains ample…

Walz to Announce Technology to Help Spread Slow of COVID-19

November 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz plans to unveil a new technology Monday that’s designed to help slow the spread of COVID-19, which has been surging in the state this month. Minnesota health officials reported 7,219 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, lifting the total number of positive cases to more than 270,000 since the start of the pandemic. Officials also…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, November 23

November 23, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 6,353 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 276,500 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,265 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,837,304 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Duluth Warming Center Activation: November 23-29

November 23, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Warming Center will be open for those in need from Monday evening through November 29. This will be the first Warming Center activation of the 2020-2021 winter season. It has been activated because temperatures are expected to drop to 32 degrees or below overnight. The Warming Center is located at the Rainbow Center at 211…

Keene Creek Dog Park Partially Reopens After Summer Construction

About a third of the large dog area and small dog area are now open.

November 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A popular dog park in West Duluth is now partially reopened to the public. Keene Creek Dog Park near Grand Avenue had been under construction during the summer season. About a third of the large dog area and small dog area are now open. According to city officials a large part of the park remains closed to allow…

Bentleyville Modifying Drive-Thru Tour After Vehicles Turned Away Opening Night

Volunteers and Duluth Police had to work though traffic hiccups with the new setup, but said all-in-all it was a successful start.

November 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Bentleyville Tour of Lights kicked off its new 2020 drive-thru season Saturday night, and before getting to the Christmas lights — vehicle headlights decorated the streets around Bayfront Festival Park, as crews worked through some challenges with the new setup. “When it’s the very first time you’re attempting to do a drive-thru and it’s opening night there’s always gonna…

Minnesota Officials Report 40 New Deaths Due To COVID-19

November 22, 2020

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are reporting 7,219 new coronavirus cases, lifting the total number of positive tests to more than 270,000 since the start of the pandemic. Officials confirmed 40 deaths due to complications from COVID-19 in the last day, for a total of 3,241 fatalities. Data filed Saturday by researchers from Johns Hopkins University shows that Minnesota’s…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Drive-Thru Opens to Hundreds of Cars

A long line of cars could be seen waiting before the now drive-thru light display opened Saturday.

November 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s that time of year, Bentleyville Tour of Lights is once again lighting up the skyline of Duluth. But this year both guests and staff are adapting to the holiday staple being drive-thru. A long line of cars could be seen waiting before the light display opened Saturday. This year the event went all drive-thru to ensure social…

Saturday’s Fire on First Street Causes Concerns of Duluth’s Old Structures

Staff at Legacy Glassworks said that fires are a problem them, and other businesses on that street should be prepared for with structures this old.

November 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Following the fire in Downtown Duluth that destroyed a building at 118 E. 1st Street, other businesses along that road said the number of fires happening to older buildings on their street is cause for a little alarm. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the Duluth Fire Marshal’s office is asking the public for…

Firefighters Battle Large Fire in Downtown Duluth

According to a city spokesperson, firefighters responded to a call of a fire there at 9:32 a.m. Saturday.

November 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department responded to at a warehouse commonly known as an antique shop on the 100 Block of East 1st Street Saturday morning. According to the Duluth Fire Department, at 9:31 a.m. the DFD received a structure fire call at 118 East 1st Street. Crews arrived on-scene at 9:32 a.m. and immediately began attempts to put…

Small Town Bars And Restaurants May Be Hit Harder In Latest Shutdown

By being such a strong staple for these communities, the sense of togetherness will be missed.

November 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bars and restaurants get by thanks to the support from their own community members, but due to smaller population sizes in certain communities, the impacts from this second shutdown may hit even harder. Many businesses like the Mainline Station Bar in Floodwood, were just beginning to get back to normal operations after shutting down at the start…

Health Professionals Fear Suicide Rates Might Go Up

Many factors such as isolation and substance abuse during the pandemic may be contributing to the increase in mental health difficulties.

November 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – It might be a good day to check in on your loved ones. The hardships caused by the pandemic is creating an increase in the number of people battling a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. Health experts now fear suicide rates might also rise as the global crisis continues. Many factors such as isolation and…

Hermantown Elementary Moves to Distance Learning

November 20, 2020

Site Staff,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown Superintendent Wayne Whitwam announced on Friday that elementary school students will be moving to distance learning following the Thanksgiving break. Students will come in next week either Tuesday or Wednesday to take materials home for distance learning. “My hope is to get students back into the classrooms as soon as possible. With case rates jumping on…

‘Help Us’: Doctors Implore Minnesotans to Follow Virus Rules

November 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Doctors are urging Minnesotans to take COVID-19 seriously and to comply with new restrictions that take effect Friday night. They appeared with Gov. Tim Walz to provide dramatic accounts of how the state’s health care system is at a breaking point — especially its health care workers. Dr. Carolyn McClain, a Twin Cities emergency physician, told reporters…

BWCAW Quota Permit Reservations Available End of January

November 20, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness quota permit reservations will be available beginning Wednesday, January 27 at 9:00 a.m. for the 2021 season. The BWCAW announced in a Friday press release that visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or a motorized day trip into the BWCAW between May 1 and September 30 are required to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, November 20

November 20, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 6,812 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 256,700 in the state. Health officials also reported 68 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,150 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,659,452 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Adult & Teen Challenge Northland Center Experiencing COVID-19 Outbreak

November 20, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge Northland Center in Duluth is currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak among staff and residents. Right now, 19 staff members and nine residents have tested positive for the virus. Two of the staff members had to be hospitalized, and one of them is still in the hospital. The residents and staff affected…

Northland Foundations Urge Seniors to Apply for Scholarship Opportunities

Over $5 million in funds are available for Northland seniors.

November 19, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Several foundations around the Northland announced new scholarship opportunities for high school seniors who may decide to take a gap year instead of attending college. The Greater Denfeld Foundation is just one of many organizations available for students to apply to. Organizers say that the best way to go about doing so is to speak with your…

The Duluth Library Foundation Hopes To Raise $10,000

November 19, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s Give to the Max Day and the Duluth Library Foundation is hoping to raise $10,000 to help keep resources available to the community. On Thursday, Clifford the Big Red Dog also joined in on the fun by standing outside the Superior Street library to encourage people passing by to donate. The money raised will help to…

DECC, Visit Duluth Move Forward With Merger Discussions

November 19, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and the city’s destination marketing arm — Visit Duluth — are moving forward with discussions to merge operations as they continue to face serious financial strains from the pandemic. The merger is the official recommendation just released by a working group made up of board members from each entity. The discussions were…

Lake Superior Zoo Welcomes Three North American Gray Wolves

November 19, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo welcomed three North American Gray Wolves late Tuesday evening from the California Wolf Center in Julian, CA. The three sisters, Shasta, Sierra, and Tehama are a new addition to the zoo’s wolf exhibit that has been renovated to include a den and a new pool which was possible thanks to Legacy Grant funding…

Mayo Clinic: 905 Staff Diagnosed With COVID in Past 2 Weeks

November 19, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — More than 900 staff members in the Mayo Clinic Health System in the Midwest have been diagnosed with COVID-19 over the last two weeks as the virus continues to surge across the region, officials said. Dr. Amy Williams, executive dean of Mayo Clinic Practice, said Tuesday that the 905 newly diagnosed employees account for 30% of all…

What’s Open and Closed Under Minnesota’s 4-Week Pause?

November 19, 2020

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s four-week pause in response to surging COVID-19 cases statewide will impact many facets of daily life in Minnesota The shutdown goes into effect Friday, Nov. 20 at 11:59 p.m. and runs through Dec. 18. Here’s a look at what businesses and activities will be impacted by the order. WHAT BUSINESSES ARE CLOSED? Restaurants, food courts, bars, cafes, breweries,…

Duluth Airport Barred Pence After Trump Broke Virus Rules

November 19, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS – Duluth airport officials prohibited Donald Trump’s campaign from holding a rally with Vice President Mike Pence after the president flouted state coronavirus guidelines there three weeks earlier. The Duluth Airport Authority’s executive director told his board in an email, obtained by the Star Tribune, he rejected a Pence rally application for Oct. 26 because the Trump campaign had…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, November 19

November 19, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 7,877 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 249,906 in the state. Health officials also reported 72 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,082 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,601,197 tests have been completed to date. There are…

DEDA Approves Option to Purchase Agreement for West Duluth Affordable Housing Development

November 19, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday night the Duluth Economic Development Authority approved a resolution to provide the Minneapolis-based nonprofit Aeon Inc. an option to purchase agreement for vacant land near the Menards in West Duluth. Aeon Inc. hopes to build 120 affordable housing apartment units on the plot of land which is located on the corner of Wadena Street and…

Great Lakes Aquarium Temporarily Closing Due to Governor’s Orders

November 19, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium will temporarily close beginning Saturday, November 21 due to the Governor’s orders. The aquarium says the closures will stay in place for four weeks following the newest Stay Safe Minnesota guidelines. The aquarium will remain open until Friday at 4:30 p.m. Gift store purchases made on the website and the membership drive will…

Essentia Health Temporarily Closes Fitness Centers

November 19, 2020

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Essentia Health) DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health will be temporarily shutting down its fitness centers following Governor Tim Walz’s executive order. Essentia Health says that as of Friday evening it will close it Center for Personal Fitness at the Miller Hill Mall, as well as centers in Moose Lake and Esko. The closures will stay in effect until further…