Minnesota Archives - Page 228 of 356

Gary New Duluth Veterans Memorial Ceremony Adapts During COVID-19 Pandemic

Typically, a Large Crowd Would Have Gathered at the Gary New Duluth Veterans Memorial to Commemorate Memorial Day

May 25, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Gary New Duluth community prides itself on being extremely supportive of the men and women of our military. However, this year’s Memorial Day ceremony had to be conducted virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to the virus, residents were unable to host their annual ceremony at the Gary New Duluth Veterans Memorial, as they…

City of Duluth Works to Make Outdoor Seating, Liquor Licenses Easier for Bars and Restaurants

Some businesses are taking advantage of waived permit fees, while others must continue relying on takeout and curbside.

May 25, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth city officials are making changes to policies and processes to allow greater flexibility for bars and restaurants who may not be outfitted to continue operating without dine-in customers. “Just like the city is struggling with the financial impact of this public health emergency, we know that our local businesses are struggling with this public health emergency,” said…

Shutdown ‘Devastating’ for Local Theatres

Duluth Playhouse has been hit hard by pandemic

May 25, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted more than just businesses across the Northland. Non-profit organizations have also been hit hard. Audiences can’t fill theatre seats. That means organizations like the Duluth Playhouse haven’t had their primary revenue source for the last two months. “When we had projected $1.2 million in ticket sales, it’s apparent that’s about $600,000 in…

Virtual Jazz Concert at Carlton’s Oldenburg House Raises Thousands for Area Hospitals

Donations from the livestream were distributed equally to four Northland Hospitals.

May 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CARLTON, Minn.- A popular music venue in Carlton decided to take their annual jazz concerts online, to help out healthcare workers in the Northland. While normally crooning through the estate of the Oldenburg house, songs like “Make Someone Happy” were livestreamed from one room Friday and Saturday night. The “Cookin’ at the O” Benefit Concert raised over $7,500 over the…

Gov. Walz Allows Places of Worship to Open Doors to Limited Capacity May 27th

The Governor and the Catholic Archdiocese came to a deal to gather more than 10 worshipers together at a time.

May 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Catholic Archdiocese of Minnesota came to a deal Saturday to allow places of worship in the state to open May 27th to groups larger than 10 people. This announcement comes on the day when the state is reporting a record number of COVID-19 cases. The Governor’s order states that places of worship,…

Gov. Walz Loosens Restrictions on Places of Worship

May 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is scrapping his 10-person limit on group gatherings and allowing churches to open at 25% occupancy if certain safety guidelines are met. Walz’s decision comes on a day when the state reported a record number of COVID-19 cases. He says the issue has been “a challenging one” because large gatherings raise the risk…

Cloquet Students Bid Farewell to Teachers

Organizers say, although this wasn't the end of the year they wanted teachers are getting the send-off they deserve.

May 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Washington Elementary in Cloquet held their second “reverse parade” allowing students to be driven around the school to wish their teachers well. Organizers say, although this wasn’t the end of the year they wanted teachers are getting the send-off they deserve. “Today would have been our field day and we wanted to do something to celebrate for…

Local Cemeteries Prepare For Memorial Day

May 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth spent the day preparing for Memorial Day to help honor veterans. Baskets full of flowers were laid out for veterans and civilians. Flags were placed on the grave-sites of those fallen soldiers. Family members were also given flags to give them the opportunity to pay their respects for their loved…

Memorial Day Ceremonies Canceled At Local Veteran Cemeteries

"It was a very difficult decision to make," said Minnesota Veteran's State Cemetery Administrator Cory Johnson.

May 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SAGINAW, Minn. – Memorial day is this coming Monday. Thanks to the Covid-19 Pandemic… plans for large public celebrations have been canceled. The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw is the final resting place for hundreds of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives protecting this country. Memorial Day is the day to commemorate those soldiers, but this year it won’t…

Minnesota to Offer Free COVID-19 Testing This Weekend

May 22, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Six National Guard Armory locations throughout Minnesota will offer free COVID-19 during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Minnesota National Guard members will be able to collect roughly 2,000 samples per day across the six sites. “Testing, tracing, and isolating are the best tools we have to understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities and to…

St. Scholastica to Reopen Campuses in the Fall

May 22, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica President Barbara McDonald announced Friday that the college plans on reopening its Duluth and extended campuses this fall. The reopening includes residence halls for the fall semester. Classes will begin for the fall semester on September 8 and will be taught using a mixture of in-person and virtual methods, according to McDonald. “In making this…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 22

May 22, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 19,005 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 33 new deaths bringing the death total to 842 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 180,971 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,696 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,432 patients have required hospitalization…

YMCA’s Camp Miller Announces They Will Be Open for Summer Season

Camp Miller, With Permission from Governor Tim Walz, Will Be Allowed to Host Family Camps Only

May 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

STURGEON LAKE, Minn. – The YMCA’s Camp Miller in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, is celebrating its 122nd summer season this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership learned earlier this week from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, they will be allowed to open this summer for family camps only, with restrictions in place to prevent further spread of coronavirus. “We want…

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Koochiching County

May 22, 2020

Site Staff,

KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Minn. – The Minnesota State Patrol reports that a Baudette man is dead after a motorcycle accident on Highway 11 at County Road 4 in Koochiching County. Authorities say the crash happened around 2:26 p.m. Thursday. The driver, identified as 53-year-old Steven Million, was driving westbound on Highway 11 when the motorcycle went off the road into the…

Erbert & Gerbert’s Owner: MN Restaurants Can Open Safely With Distancing

May 21, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – There is growing frustration from Minnesota bar and restaurant owners, including right here in Duluth, who still can’t open to customers for inside dining even though Gov. Tim Walz is allowing businesses like salons to open up inside at a limited capacity come June 1. “I just look at it as, if you can open a salon…

CSS Moves Graduate Teaching Program Completely Online

More than 100 students typically enroll in the graduate teaching program every year.

May 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica is moving its teaching graduate program online permanently beginning in the fall. The program is for people who already hold degrees in other areas of education and are looking to become a teacher. Graduate students will participate in weekly virutal sessions. The program was in the process of moving completely online before…

Engwall Flowers Prepares Flower Baskets Ahead of Memorial Day

May 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The month of May is typically one of the busiest times of the year for most garden centers. At Engwall Flowers in Hermantown, they are prepared to sell their annuals, perennials, shrubs and cemetery baskets. Staff say, memorial weekend isn’t only a big weekend for gardens, it’s also a time to remember our loved ones. “For vets,…

Salons Reopening To Clients After Governor Gives The OK

Since closing in March, The London Rayne salon owner has had to reschedule more than 50 appointments.

May 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Salons in Minnesota have been given the green light to reopen to the public, but they must follow a few safety protocols. The executive order requires hairstylists, barbers, and their clients to wear masks. And all services are by appointment only. But some salons in Duluth are taking a few extra precautions. London Rayne Salon is using…

Minneapolis to require face masks in all public indoor places

May 21, 2020

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed an emergency regulation Thursday requiring all people in Minneapolis to wear cloth face masks or coverings while indoors starting Tuesday. The Mayor made the announcement at 3 p.m. Thursday along with Minneapolis Health Commissioner Gretchen Musicant and Community Planning and Economic Development Director David Frank and Interim City Attorney Erik Nilsson. The face…

Costco Issues a Request for Bids for Duluth Project Months After Canceling Purchase Agreement

May 21, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to recent reports, requests for bids on the previously halted Costco project in Duluth have been posted on the Builders Exchange website. The Minnesota Builders Exchange General Manager Don O’Connor says bids for the project are needed by May 28. Construction on the site would begin May 1, 2021, and would be completed by November 1,…

Minnesota State Fair Board Meeting Friday to Discuss Fate of 2020 Fair

May 21, 2020

Site Staff,

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Fair Board is meeting Friday to discuss the 2020 Great-Minnesota Get-Together, fair officials confirmed to FOX 9. Reports say the board will make a decision on whether or not the 2020 fair will go on as scheduled amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In late April, Gov. Tim Walz said it was “very difficult” to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, May 21

May 21, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 18,200 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 32 new deaths bringing the death total to 809 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 173,556 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,488 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,380 patients have required hospitalization…

Multiple Residents Displaced After Apartment Fire in Eveleth

The Fire Broke Out Around 6:45 Wednesday Evening

May 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

EVELETH, Minn. – More than a dozen fire departments on the Iron Range responded to an apartment fire at the Countryside Apartment complex in Eveleth Wednesday evening around 6:45 p.m. According to Friends of the Northland FireWire, all residents were safely evacuated. Officials believe more than 20 people have been displaced from their home as a result of the fire….

Some Minnesota Churches Plan to Resume Worship, Defying Governor’s Order

May 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Catholic Conference and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod say they plan to hold services next week despite a ban on in-person worship of more than 10 people. The two denominations sent Gov. Tim Walz separate letters this week to tell him they plan to open their doors to worship Tuesday, May 26. Some politicians and business…

South St. Louis County Fair Canceled for 2020

May 21, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 100th Annual South St. Louis County Fair has been canceled. Event organizers announced the decision to cancel the 2020 county fair on their Facebook page Wednesday. “With safety being the primary requirements to operate a successful fair, social distancing requirements, sterilization, and other safety precautions being recommended and/or enforced by federal and state governments to combat…

Duluth Bar, Restaurant Owners Surprised, Disappointed at Walz’s Outside Seating Restrictions

Different issues arise with just outside seating.

May 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz loosened restrictions on business beginning June 1st. Bars and restaurants can open on that date with outdoor only seating, serving no more than 50 customers at a time and with employees wearing masks. “That extends to how do we find that new normal, restart Minnesota’s economy and I should say grow it from where…

Mayor Larson, Councilors To Take Pay Cuts Amid Budget Crisis

May 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and city councilors are taking a 10 percent voluntary pay cut through the end of the year. Larson makes roughly $97,000 a year. Councilors make close to $14,000. While the savings won’t be significant to the overall budget shortfall of a projected $38 million on the high end this year, Council President Gary…

Minnesota’s Catholic, some Lutheran churches to reopen this month in defiance of Walz restrictions

May 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota’s Catholic church and some Lutheran churches will allow services to resume later this month, choosing to defy Gov. Tim Walz’s latest regulations on public gatherings. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will allow churches to resume Mass on May 26. The Minnesota North and South Districts of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod set…

Canoeist Found Dead After Search on Tuscarora Lake

May 20, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

COOK CO., Minn. — Search and rescue crews have found the body of a missing 29-year-old man who went canoeing on Tuscarora Lake on Wednesday. His identity is being withheld until his family is notified. According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the canoe had capsized on the lake, with two others onboard who were able to swim to an…

AAR To Shut Down Airline Repair Base In Duluth

May 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Aviation company AAR is leaving its aircraft maintenance base at the Duluth Airport. It was not immediately known Wednesday how many jobs will be affected, but AAR employed more than 300 people at the Duluth facility with salaries ranging from $30,000 up to around $80,000 a year. AAR has not spoken publicly yet on the reason behind…

A New Documentary Tells The Stories of Lake Superior Surfers

The film is expected to premiere in November.

May 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – A new documentary highlighting surfers in Lake Superior is now being filmed up the North Shore. The documentary titled Freshwater follows surfers hitting the waves in the freezing waters of Lake Superior. The idea of the documentary came about after the director and his family witnessed the enjoyment these brave people got out of surfing on lake…

St. Louis County Partners With Area Fire Stations For A Mask Drive

Masks collected through this drive are being donated for use at living facilities.

May 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. -Face masks are still in high demand as the Coronavirus Pandemic continues across the nation. To help minimize the need, St. Louis County is partnering with area fire departments to collect masks. Masks collected through this drive are being donated for use at living facilities such as long-term care housing and senior homes. When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz…

Spirit Mountain Closed For The Summer; City Implements Task Force To Figure Out Future

To reopen for the upcoming winter season, the city is going to have to fork over $350,000 in assistance.

May 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Financial impacts of Covid-19 are continuing to hit hard for Spirit Mountain in Duluth. The popular tourist attraction will now remain closed all the way through the end of summer. Spirit Mountain is in bad financial shape as the Covid-19 Pandemic continues to create money problems. Due to the city’s own financial issues, this time around, supporting…

DTA Looking to Increase Services

"When we go back to our higher level service we will be at 83 percent or about 48 buses."

May 20, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – “We made significant changes to our operations and the way we do business,” Duluth Transit Authority General Manager, Phil Pumphrey says. Since March, the Duluth Transit Authority has reduced services to just 24 buses running at only 43 percent of what is normal. “When we go back to our higher level service we will be at 83…

Gov. Walz Announces Phases for Slowly Reopening Restaurants, Bars, Salons

May 20, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Wednesday the next phases in his Stay Safe MN plan, which includes allowing limited restaurant dining and operation of bars beginning June 1. According to Gov. Walz, starting June 1 restaurants and bars can operate only outdoors with no more than 50 patrons at a time, maintaining social distancing, and…

LIVE: Gov. Walz Provides Updates on Minnesota’s Response to COVID-19

May 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota bars and restaurants will learn Wednesday afternoon when they might be able to reopen for sit-down service under restrictions meant to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Many eating establishments across Minnesota have been trying to stay alive with takeout and delivery service since Gov. Tim Walz ordered them to close in mid-March, putting tens of…

Lark O’ the Lake Cafe Announces It Will Not Reopen

May 20, 2020

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Facebook/Lark O’ the Lake) DULUTH, Minn. – Lark O’ the Lake announced on Tuesday that they will not be reopening their cafe this June. In a Facebook post, the cafe wrote: “After 5 years of operation, Lark O’ the Lake Cafe will not reopen this June 1st. We sincerely thank our customers for their patronage, all our past employees…

Spirit Mountain Will Not Reopen Until Fall

May 20, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain announced Wednesday that they will be postponing their reopening until fall due to their current financial situation. Spirit Mountain officials say the only way to open back up this winter is if the cash-strapped city of Duluth hands over $350,000 before winter revenue at the Mountain starts rolling in again. This information comes from a…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, May 20

May 20, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 17,670 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 29 new deaths bringing the death total to 777 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 167,338 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,227 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,308 patients have required hospitalization…

2020 All Pints North Festival Canceled

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Board of Directors Released the Details Wednesday Morning

May 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday morning the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild (MNCBG) Board of Directors announced the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 All Pints North Festival scheduled for August 1, 2020, at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. The decision comes amid many other summer cancellations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “The health and safety of craft beer fans, brewery…

Experience Shearing Day at Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm

Frosty Ridge Alpacas Will Soon Be Open to the Public for Free Farm Tours

May 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Can you imagine shearing more than 50 alpaca all in a matter of six hours? It happened Tuesday morning at Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm located along Maple Grove Road in Duluth. “Believe it or not we sell more socks in the winter than the summer,” said Loni Blumerich, owner of Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm. The process only…

Duluth Airshow Canceled Due to COVID-19 Concerns

May 20, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow scheduled for July 2020 has been canceled. The announcement was made Wednesday morning citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the cancelation. Duluth Airshow President Ryan Kern said, “The Duluth Airshow routinely draws upwards of 50,000 spectators over the weekend from across the Midwest. The Airshow places a high priority on the safety…

Eveleth Bar Owner: ‘June 1st is Really the End of the Wire’

Owners of bars, restaurants, and other businesses met in Eveleth to discuss opening strategies, and share frustrations with the state's handling of things.

May 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

EVELETH, Minn.- Businesses across Minnesota are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s announcement Wednesday authorizing them to open June 1st, including up on the range in the small town of Eveleth that has a population of 3,596. “Walz opening up on the first at a capacity of 25%? That’s. Not. Enough,” said one business owner. Bar and restaurant owners in Eveleth said…

Spirit Mountain Could Stay Closed Through Summer; More Cash Needed To Reopen In Winter

May 19, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The financially strapped Spirit Mountain could very well remain closed through the summer because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. And Spirit Mountain officials say the only way to open back up this winter is if the cash-strapped city of Duluth hands over $350,000 before winter revenue at the Mountain starts rolling in again. This information…

Stella Maris Academy Hosts Mini-Pilgrimage

Duluth catholic schools offer socially-distanced religious experience

May 19, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Churches across the Northland haven’t gathered for traditional services since the shutdown began. Religious schools have also been shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. A May Crowning traditionally happens as part of a catholic church service during the month of May in honor of the Virgin Mary. Because in-person services are not allowed right now, Duluth’s Stella…

A New Voucher Program Is Helping To Give Restaurants A Financial Boost

Vouchers can be used at any of the 40 participating restaurants. They expire on August 31st.

May 19, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants in the Northland are still feeling financial setbacks from the Coronavirus Pandemic. That’s why a new voucher program has now launched to help boost the local economy as businesses are still trying to rebuild operations, while they wait to reopen indoor dining to the public. Strong Northland is a collaborative effort to help economically restore local…

Miller Hill Mall Businesses React to Reopening

The Miller Hill Mall opened back up on Monday after being shut down for over two months.

May 19, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn.-The Miller Hill Mall opened back up on Monday after being shut down for over two months. “It was kind of sporadic. I think a lot of people were kind of seeing what’s open, who’s here and what’s going on,” Apricot Lane Duluth Owner, Wendy Meyers says. For local businesses like Apricot Lane Duluth, it was a breath of…

Suspect Arrested in Connection to Grand Rapids Shooting

May 19, 2020

Site Staff,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids Police say a 36-year-old male suspect has been arrested in connection to the shooting of a Grand Rapids woman on May 8. According to police, the suspect was arrested around 9:50 p.m. on Highway 57 just south of Floodwood on Monday. Police reports indicate that the male suspect allegedly shot the 22-year-old woman in…

Walz to Announce ‘Phased Plans’ for Reopening Bars, Restaurants Wednesday

May 19, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Walz administration will announce “phased plans” for reopening bars, restaurants, and other places of accommodation Wednesday, the state’s economic development commissioner said. Commissioner Steve Grove said in a tweet that state officials would use key public health factors as guideposts for reopening decisions, including: How close you are to another person How long you are in close proximity to…

Canada, US Extend Border Closure to Non-Essential Travel

May 19, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File) TORONTO (AP) — Canada and the US have agreed to extend their agreement to keep the border closed to non-essential travel to June 21 during the coronavirus pandemic. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday the border is a source of vulnerability, so the agreement will be extended by another 30 days. The restrictions were announced…