Minnesota Archives - Page 213 of 356

Northland School Districts Switch Plans To Safely Resume Academic Year

The first day of class is September 8th for both Duluth and Proctor Public Schools.

August 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

NORTHLAND – COVID-19 cases are continuing to spike across the northland. Now several schools in the region are making adjustments to plans originally put in place for the start of the academic year. Minnesota schools were given three options to choose from to safely resume the 20-21 school year. Many Northland school districts had planned on implementing a hybrid model,…

DECC Board Parts Ways With Executive Director, No. 2 Leader To Retire

August 25, 2020

Dan Hanger,

Chelly Townsend DULUTH, Minn. – A major shake-up is underway at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center as the DECC’s board is parting ways with its executive director, and the No. 2 person under her has decided to retire. All of this comes as the DECC is virtually empty and facing a serious financial challenge during the pandemic. Chelly Townsend told…

Firefighters Battle Hours-Long Fire at Historic Downtown Hibbing Building

The cause of the Moose Event Center fire is still unknown and under investigation.

August 25, 2020

Arman Rahman,

HIBBING, Minn.- No one was injured fighting an inferno Tuesday that collapsed the roof of the Moose Event Center on Howard Street in Hibbing, according to fire officials. But what does hurt to the small town, is the loss of a building that houses many businesses and memories. “As I stood outside and watched it just kept, no matter how…

Minnesota Plans Sharp Boost in Coronavirus Testing Capacity

August 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota plans to more than double its coronavirus testing capacity by partnering with a national distributor of a rapid saliva test and establishing a new lab to process the results. The governor’s office says the state is finalizing a $14.7 million deal with Rutgers University-based RUCDR Infinite Biologics, which offers the country’s first saliva COVID-19 test, and…

Red Flag Warning Issued Due to Dangerous Swimming Conditions on Park Point

August 25, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. There are no lifeguards on Park Point and red flags are flying along the beach to indicate the…

Fire Crews Battle Blaze in Downtown Hibbing

August 25, 2020

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – According to the Northland FireWire, multiple fire departments are continuing to battle a fire in downtown Hibbing. The fire broke out at the Moose Event Center around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Northland FireWire reported around 11:30 a.m. that crews were battling a “defensive fire” and firefighters were out of the building. It is not yet known if…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 25

August 25, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,707 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,779 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,394,986 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,725 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,238 patients have required hospitalization…

No Fans in Stadium for First 2 Vikings Games

August 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The Minnesota Vikings will play at least their first two home games without fans in attendance. With the current Minnesota Department of Health guidelines specifying an indoor venue capacity of 250 people, officials from the Vikings, the state, U.S. Bank Stadium, the NFL, and the city of Minneapolis were unable to establish a prudent way to open the…

Early Morning Crash Leaves Passenger With Significant Injuries

A 2016 Honda Odyssey was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed when it lost control at 42nd avenue east.

August 25, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Just before 3:30 Tuesday morning, Duluth Police officers responded to a single-vehicle rollover on the 4200 block of London Road. A 2016 Honda Odyssey was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed when it lost control at 42nd avenue east. A 16-year-old female passenger was taken to the hospital with significant injuries. She was in stable…

Iron Range Communities, Officials Rally in Nashwauk to Keep Togo Prison Open

They say if the Governor needs to make cuts to address the state's budget, a big source of jobs and criminal reform on the Range isn't the place to do it.

August 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A packed crowd in Nashwauk rallied around keeping the Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Togo and Willow River open. “Keep the program that is actually putting people, taking people out of prisons and putting them to work,” said District 6 Senator David Tomassoni. Hundreds from both sides of the political aisle packed the Nashwauk Area Veterans Memorial Park, including…

Duluth Police Take A Deeper Look At Types Of People They Want To Hire

August 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has been scouting to potentially fill openings for officers. In the wake of such tragedies like the death of George Floyd, the department has had to a deeper look into the types of people they are looking to hire. The department is focusing more on finding people with a strong character, extensive critical…

First Quarter of School Year Now Distance Learning for Duluth Middle, H.S. Students

August 24, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH — The Duluth School District announced Monday that middle and high school students will fully use a distance learning model for the first quarter of the school year. Supt. John Magas said the change through Nov. 6 will allow the district to safely handle state-mandated childcare service for around 1,000 kids who have at least one parent who is…

Thrift Stores Are Busy Helping Those In Need

August 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Thrift stores in the Twin Ports are staying busy as people are continuing to deal with the financial struggle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Superior has seen an increase in sales in the last several weeks. The most popular items being purchased are clothing and household items. “Some people aren’t working and…

Students At UMD Will Have To Wait To Return To Campus

"Despite extensive preparation research planning and advice, the landscape is shifting yet again and we need to reevaluate our fall plans," said U of M system President Joan Gabel.

August 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota’s Board of %egents voted in favor of a proposal to pump the brakes on the start of the fall semester as a way to further evaluate the potential impacts the global pandemic could have on students if they return to campus. 18- 24-year-olds are among the fastest-growing age group testing positive for COVID-19….

Duluth’s City Council Approves Funding for Storm-Damaged Lakewalk, Brighton Beach

August 24, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve up to $4.5 million in bond money to finish the $20-million Lakewalk reconstruction project. Most of the project is being funded through storm relief from the federal government. A city spokesperson says the city’s obligation of up to $4.5 million is best paid by a bond right now…

U of M Board of Regents Approves Starting Semester With Online Classes

August 24, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Board of Regents voted on Monday to push back move-in dates and to begin the semester with online classes for students at the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Duluth campuses. The University of Minnesota System President Joan Gabel proposed the changes on Friday which was presented to the Board Monday morning for a vote….

Man Arrested After Boating Collision Leaves 1 Person Dead

August 24, 2020

The Associated Press,

OTTERTAIL, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say a 73-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide after a boating collision on Otter Tail Lake in northwestern Minnesota resulted in the death of another man. The crash happened at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office said Neil Baker, 52, of Elysian, had just returned to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 24

August 24, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,298 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,771 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,386,513 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,059 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,195 patients have required hospitalization…

‘Strong Northland’ Restaurant Voucher Campaign Nearing End

Participants Are Encouraged to Use Strong Northland Vouchers by Monday, August 31

August 24, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – In early spring, the Greater Downtown Council in Duluth, along with the support of multiple sponsors, kicked off the Strong Northland Campaign. The campaign is meant to help support area restaurants and boost the local economy during a time when business is down due to COVID-19. Council President Kristi Stokes is reminding those participating in the program to…

Families Hit the Ice at Duluth Parks and Rec Open Skate

Families must pre-register on the Parks and Rec website for the time slot Sunday. Only 25 people at a time are allowed inside the arena.

August 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-The rink at the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Sports Center was alive with ice skaters at Duluth Parks and Recreation’s open skate Sunday. Families must pre-register on the Parks and Rec website for the time slot Sunday. Only 25 people at a time are allowed inside the arena. At the door they are required to fill out a COVID-19…

UMD, UWS, LSC Students Gear Up for Academic Year Full of Changes as School Starts

All schools are taking precautions such as increased signage for social distancing, hand sanitizing stations throughout campus, and extra staff to sanitize spaces and classrooms routinely.

August 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Online v.s. in-person class settings, class sizes, and even semester start dates are all being changed at Northland colleges and universities this year, as students gear up for an academic year like no other. The August 31st starting date at UMD hangs in uncertainty as the Board of Regents is set to vote Monday on whether or not…

Man In Critical Condition After ATV Accident Near Babbitt

August 23, 2020

Dan Hanger,

A man is in critical condition after an ATV accident near Babbit. The accident happened around 7 p.m. Saturday on Pulkinen Road — about 10 miles northwest of Babbitt. The ATV went off the road and hit a tree. The driver — 53-year-old Ward Meyer of Cambridge, Minnesota — was hospitalized Sunday in Duluth in critical condition, according to the…

Two Harbors Man Seriously Injured In ATV Rollover

August 23, 2020

Dan Hanger,

PEQUAYWAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in an ATV accident that left the driver seriously injured. The rollover happened just before midnight Saturday at 8744 Pequaywan Road in Pequaywan Township in St. Louis County. When deputies arrived, they found the driver — a 40-year-old man from Two Harbors — unconscious with severe injuries. He…

Haunted Ridge Still Going On For Halloween

Opening night is October 9th.

August 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

CARLTON, Minn. – All of the ghouls and goblins at the Haunted Ridge in Carlton are gearing up to give Halloween lovers a good scare this year. Despite the pandemic, the terrors must go on, but in a different way. Instead of using live actors, there will be animations displayed to give a haunting experience. Anyone visiting must get their…

DLH Airport Seeing Less Flights This Summer Due to Pandemic

Commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing.

August 22, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Officials at Duluth International Airport say businesses during this peak time of year, June-September, is being hurt by the pandemic. According to Executive Director Tom Werner, commercial air service last month was down 80% from July 2019, though overall activity since April has been increasing. Normally most passengers fly out of DLH for business, Werner said. But due…

Marcus Duluth Cinema Reopens To Movie-Goers

Marcus Duluth Cinema will continue discount days like $5 Tuesday or Student Thursdays.

August 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – It may have felt like forever, but the Marcus Duluth Cinema is open and ready to offer a safe distraction to everyone. Going to the movies just might be everyone’s favorite entertainment activity. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause of a lot of extracurricular fun. The Marcus Duluth Cinema has finally reopened its doors, but not…

Dermatologists Are Noticing “Maskne” Is Becoming A Problem For Many People

Experts say sweat, oils, and bacteria can become trapped under the skin leading to a person to see a change.

August 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have been experiencing unexplained changes to the skin on your face you may be developing “maskne” or mask acne. Dermatologists have been seeing an increase in patients being treated for skin irritation and acne breakouts due to continuous mask-wearing. The skin acts a barrier, but when wearing a face covering, the skin becomes impaired. Experts…

Lake Avenue Bridge Reopens to Traffic After Three Months of Reconstruction

The new left turn lane to West Superior Street from the bridge will stay closed until the Superior Street Project is complete in November.

August 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The road between Downtown Duluth and Canal Park is open for the first time since April as crews finished the Lake Avenue bridge and part of the intersection on Friday. Crews spent the past few months repairing water and sewer lines underground and replacing the old bricks with brand new concrete. Turn lanes have also been reconfigured. While…

Rallies Outside Post Offices in Duluth Deliver Thanks, Support for Postal Workers

The rallies come as Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is accused of making changes that could slow the delivery of mail-in ballots for this year's General Election.

August 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Various community groups gathered by two post offices in Duluth Friday, to picket in support of local postal workers as the future of the United States Post Office hangs in contention in Washington. “I feel like the Post Office, the USPS is an essential Public Service,” said Jon Phipps, a recent UMD Grad from West Duluth. Signs and…

University of Minnesota System President Proposes Start of Semester Primarily Online

August 21, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota System President Joan Gabel has proposed pushing back move-in dates for students and starting the semester primarily online due to COVID-19 concerns. The proposed changes will be presented to the Board of Regents on Monday. In a message to students on Friday, UMD Chancellor Lendley Black wrote, “Our priority from the beginning of…

Minnesota Confirms 15 COVID-19 Cases Linked to Sturgis

August 21, 2020

Site Staff,

(Amy Harris/Invision/AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health has 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in people who went to the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. One of those patients is hospitalized, MDH director of infectious disease and epidemiology Kris Ehresmann said on a briefing phone call Friday. Minnesota health officials are expecting to see more COVID-19…

Duluth Fire Department: Dangerous Swimming Conditions at Park Point

August 21, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. “There are currently no lifeguards at Park Point, and red flags are flying along the beach to indicate…

Panel Grills Commerce Chief Over Line 3 Oil Pipeline Appeal

August 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A member of Gov. Tim Walz’s cabinet faced sharp questioning at a confirmation hearing Friday for approving an appeal over a controversial pipeline project in a dispute that could cost him his job. Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley is under fire because he’s appealing a decision by the independent Public Utilities Commission to approve Enbridge Energy’s plan to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 21

August 21, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 68,133 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,753 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,340,850 tests have been completed to date. There are 60,920 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,064 patients have required hospitalization…

Pilot Killed in Small Plane Crash on White Iron Lake in Ely

August 21, 2020

Site Staff,

ELY, Minn. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says the pilot of a small plane was killed Thursday night when his plane crashed into White Iron Lake. Lake County Dispatch received reports of a possible crash around 11:08 p.m. According to reports, the 58-year-old pilot, from Woodbury, left the Ely Airport around 9:00 p.m. and was heading towards the…

Enrollment Up to Last Year’s Levels at LSC, Students Take Advantage of Last Minute Registration

Early Bird events are at full capacity the next couple days, so the college anticipates enrollment continuing to grow.

August 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Enrollment at Lake Superior College has shot up in the past two weeks, putting them at levels similar to last year according to school officials. In the past week alone enrollment has increased 6%. Officials say that is because more students are choosing a more local, cheaper option with the year uncertain. On Thursday, one of the college’s Early…

Businesses on Iron Range Work to Recover After Slower Summer Due to COVID-19

Businesses owners say they're keeping their heads up, while local officials say the Fall and Winter seasons look bleak.

August 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- As it has everywhere, the pandemic has put a damper on business on the Iron Range this summer — a time when many businesses just began opening back up after three months shut down. “It’s hard to know what’s going to happen with the virus,” Brooke Forseen, an employee at Canelake’s Candies in Virginia said. “It’s really just…

Pregnancy Stress During Pandemic Can Have Impacts

Health professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day can help improve your mood.

August 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. Stress can be a normal reaction to life changes. In the midst of a pandemic, pregnant women experiencing stress just might be too overwhelming. Pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time in a woman’s life. “I kind of felt like my part of my pregnancy taken from me,” said Dakota DeFoe. When the coronavirus pandemic hit the…

The Superior Spooktacular Goes On Despite Pandemic

The event starts October 24th and runs through Halloween.

August 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween isn’t cancelled as of now, but it might look a little different. In just a few months, the Superior Spooktacular will take place downtown despite the global pandemic. This year, the Halloween event will have a variety of activities, including a drive-in movie night. The Spooktacular committee is also partnering with Grandma’s Marathon to put on…

“Bikes For Basketball” Fundraiser Looks To Provide Opportunities For Young Boys And Girls

August 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Rookie Basketball Association, which is a year-round basketball program for young boys and girls through the salvation army, is hoping to raise money to keep kids playing the game. One of the RBA players came up with the idea to host a fundraiser called “Bikes for Basketball.” More than a dozen bikes and tons of…

Itasca County Educators Stress Preparation Before School Begins

Parents and Caregivers Are Encouraged to Practice Masking Ahead of Return to the Classroom

August 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Health and school leaders in Itasca County are urging parents to practice what local medical professionals are preaching to better help their children prepare for the upcoming abnormal school year. Officials stress the need for preventative action at home before students return to the classroom come September. Per Minnesota state guidelines, all students returning to in-person…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 20

August 20, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 67,308 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,745 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,322,220 tests have been completed to date. There are 60,605 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,019 patients have required hospitalization…

Man Sustains Life-Threatening Injuries in Walker Hit and Run

August 20, 2020

Site Staff,

WALKER, Minn. – A 60-year-old man was seriously injured after witnesses say he was run over by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon in rural Walker, MN. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says they received reports that someone had been run over by a vehicle at the Orton’s Y Mart Convenience Store in Turtle Lake Township. When authorities arrived on the scene…

Iron Range Businesses Recognized by Chamber of Commerce with Awards Ceremony

The normal awards banquet scheduled this year was canceled due to coronavirus-related restrictions, but the chamber still found a way to honor Range businesses.

August 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Businesses on the Iron Range were recognized for their contributions to the community at Olcott Park in Virginia Wednesday. The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Honored them as part of this year’s award ceremony. The normal awards banquet scheduled this year was canceled due to coronavirus-related restrictions, but the chamber still found a way to honor Range businesses. The…

Fitger’s Bookstore Shows Support For Local Educators

Teachers can receive a discount at Fitger's Bookstore every day.

August 19, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fitger’s Bookstore is helping teachers get ready for the upcoming school year. Wednesday was dedicated specifically to show support to those educators. Twice a year the bookstore hosts a teacher’s day to help them learn more about the benefits of shopping at an independent bookstore. Some educators also had the opportunity to have a one-on-one shopping…

The Damiano Center Is In Need Of Donations

The center serves 19 meals a day to the people they serve.

August 19, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have any extra household items you no longer need, the Damiano Center in Duluth is asking to take them off your hands. The center is in need of variety of items such as men’s clothing, pots & pans, blankets, and winter coats that can be given to help the people they serve. The organization has…

Tech-Up Program Helps Give Laptops To Those In Need

The program has given out nearly 150 laptops.

August 19, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Community Action Duluth is hoping to narrow the technology gap one person at a time. The organization’s Community Tech-Up program aims to provide free laptops and wifi to those who may not be able to afford it. The program is geared towards giving those individuals more access to educational and employment opportunities. The digital divide has already…

New Covid Lab For Businesses Allows Fast Testing

This allows businesses who wish to get tested to get those results fast.

August 19, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – At times, hospitals can be overwhelmed with testing for Covid-19 resulting in different times an individual may receive their tests back. Now, local business owner Rod Raymond has partnered with a clinical laboratory improvement amendment certified lab to provide accurate test results in 36 hours or less. This allows businesses who wish to get tested to get…

Um-Duluth Faculty Threaten to Put All Classes Online

August 19, 2020

The Associated Press,

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Faculty at the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s largest college is threatening to put all their courses online if administrators don’t meet their demands to make better preparations to handle COVID-19 infections when classes resume this fall. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Wednesday that Swenson College of Science and Engineering department heads sent a letter to Chancellor Lendley Black…

Minnesota Renaissance Festival Canceled Due to COVID-19

August 19, 2020

Site Staff,

(Facebook/MN Renaissance Festival) SHAKOPEE, Minn. – The Minnesota Renaissance Festival has been canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Festival organizers made the announcement Wednesday on their Facebook page saying, “We worked hard the last five months to develop a plan and mitigation measures which we firmly believe would have resulted in a safe and healthy Renaissance Festival. However,…