Minnesota Archives - Page 229 of 356

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, May 19

May 19, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 17,029 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 17 new deaths bringing the death total to 748 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 161,835 tests have been completed to date. There are 11,540 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,221 patients have required hospitalization…

Judge Blocks Minnesota Bar From Reopening; Other Rules Ease

May 19, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Brian Peterson/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge blocked a Minnesota tavern owner from reopening his chain of six establishments Monday in violation of a state order that bars and restaurants must remain closed to sit-down customers for now to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Stearns County Judge William Cashman issued the temporary restraining order at the…

Boating Businesses Ready to Set Sail with Modifications for Safety

Vista Star and Pontoons out of Pier B are changing their operations to ensure passengers have a safe nautical experience.

May 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As summer gets closer, Duluth begins to shine as a waterfront destination again. After looking at summer with uncertainty, boating rental and tour services are excited to say they can provide people that gateway to the big blue lake. The Vista Fleet is missing the big Memorial Day opening, but owner Justin Steinbach expects to be open by…

Skywalk Re-Opens after Two-Month Closure, Businesses Hope for Foot Traffic Again

Frame Corner and Gallery looks to recover as long as people come in to shop.

May 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown Duluth is reconnected once again with the Skywalk back open after a two-month closure due to COVID-19. The Skywalk was noticibly emptier than usual, but that didn’t stop businesses from swinging their doors open. Frame Corner and Gallery in the Holiday Center has been selling custom frames through curbside pickup but owner Sara Sarvella said she’s looking…

Lakewood Elementary Teachers, Staff Say ‘Thank You’ Before Summer Vibes Sink In

Teachers, Staff Organize Drive-By Parade to Wish Students Well as the School Year Comes to a Close

May 18, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of smiling faces drove past Lakewood Elementary School in Duluth Monday. The teachers and staff recently coming up with an idea to safely see their students and say ‘thank you’ for a great year even though it didn’t get to end as planned. “I miss my teachers all I can,” said Wyatt, a first-grade student at…

Organization Starts Campaign To Recognize Duluth Educators

The community is encouraged to recognize educators using the hashtag #Applause4DuluthTeachers.

May 18, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Teachers, staff, and other educational employees have been stepping up to meet the needs of Duluth Public School children as they transitioned to distance learning. And that big change has certainly included some struggles and challenges. But the Education Equity Alliance wants to make sure all the hard work of teachers and staff doesn’t go unnoticed. The…

A Local Nursery School Is Offering A Summer Camp For School-Aged Children

The program is expected to begin this Wednesday and will run through the end of the summer.

May 18, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Many summer camps around the Northland are already choosing not open for the season to prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus. Fortunately, University Nursery School isn’t one of them canceling summer programming. University Nursery School’s location, in the Harbor Highlands community, has been transformed to offer a full-time summer program. It can accommodate up to 30…

Suspects in Hibbing Shot Fired Incident Formally Charged

May 18, 2020

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – Two men arrested last week in connection to a shot fired incident in Hibbing have been formally charged. One of the suspects, Nicholas Ray Champa, 22, has been charged with second-degree felony assault, felon in possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property, and intentionally pointing a gun at another. The other suspect, Levi Jean Jacobson, 24, has…

Grand Casino Announces Phased Approach to Reopening

May 18, 2020

Site Staff,

HINCKLEY, Minn. – Grand Casino announced on Monday that while they have not yet set a date for their reopening, they have developed a health and safety plan so they can open as safely as possible. Grand Casino says guests will notice several procedural and physical changes due to a multi-phase reopening strategy they are implementing. “We looked at every…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, May 18

May 18, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 16,372 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 731 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 156,606 tests have been completed to date. There are 10,764 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,128 patients have required hospitalization…

Miller Hill Mall Reopens

May 18, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Miller Hill Mall announced Monday morning that they are reopening. According to a recent press release, the mall will reopen today at 11:00 a.m. “The health, safety, and well-being of the community we serve will always be our highest priority, and we have developed a thorough and detailed set of protocols highlighting the exceptional measures we’ve implemented…

Session Deadline Comes Without Infrastructure Bill Passage

May 18, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers were unable to break an impasse over a major public construction borrowing package as the legislative session ground to a halt ahead of Monday’s adjournment. The bonding bill and other issues that could not be resolved by Sunday night could be addressed in a special session in June when legislators…

Minnesota’s AG Sues Businessman Planning to Violate Closure Order

May 18, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s attorney general is suing the owner of a chain of bars and restaurants who plans to open this week in violation of a state order to remain closed to on-site customers to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The lawsuit from Attorney General Keith Ellison Sunday was met with criticism from House Republicans who…

People Rescued After Canoe Capsized On Cloquet River

May 17, 2020

Dan Hanger,

Some people had to be rescued Sunday after their canoe capsized on the Cloquet River. It happened around 3:30 p.m. in New Independence Township. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the canoe hit some rocks, got severely damaged and then capsized. The five people on board made it to shore safely. They weren’t injured. The St. Louis County Rescue…

Minnesota Power Plaza to Be Renovated This Summer

Plans include added seating, gardens, and solar lighting.

May 17, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- More changes could be coming to Downtown Duluth this summer as the Allete Company is working to renovate Minnesota Power Plaza at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. Staff with Allete said the plaza will include increased accessibility including a sidewalk into Canal Park. They’re also looking to put in more seating, shading, gardens, and solar…

Portland Malt Shoppe Open for the Season

Customers say they're excited to taste summer again.

May 17, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A sign that summer is just around the corner–the popular Portland Malt Shoppe in Duluth re-opened Friday. People can once again stop in for sundaes, malts, and more frozen treats while walking the lakewalk by Fitger’s. “It’s nice to be able to support local businesses when we can. Just nice to be able to help out the community,”…

Duluth Police Union Caps Off Police Week With Video Featuring Paul Harvey’s “Policeman” Narration

May 17, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Local 807, the union representing the department’s officers, investigators and sergeants has started its own Facebook page to help connect with the community better by showcasing the work officers are doing on a daily basis. And just this weekend to cap off Police Week, the page featured a video featuring Paul Harvey’s “Policeman” narration. Click…

14 Year-Old Gets Personal Birthday Parade

Traffic on Arrowhead Road honked to wish Haley a Happy Birthday.

May 16, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday a Duluth teenager got her own personal birthday parade to help her celebrate another milestone. Much of the traffic on Arrowhead Road honked to celebrate Haley Kovach-Hubert turning 14. The birthday girl also got a special parade organized by her family. Haley says despite not having a party, this birthday was one to remember. “I feel…

Virtual UMD Commencement Still One to Remember, Graduates Say

2300 graduated online, with video speeches and a slideshow.

May 16, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- About 2,300 seniors graduated from UMD this year, but they’re listening to pomp and circumstance in their own homes, virtually. “Being a family of five we just try and make it as special as we can,” said Music Education major Hunter Hamby. “We know we can’t emulate the big celebration sort of thing.” That big celebration would normally…

$2 Billion Bonding Bill Fails in Minnesota House of Representatives

May 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A $2 billion bonding measure failed in the DFL-controlled Minnesota House after Republicans said the bill was too massive to pass while the state is dealing with money woes due to the coronavirus. The long-mired public construction borrowing bill needed to meet a three-fifths margin required to pass bonding legislation that authorizes long-term debt. Saturday’s…

Minnesota COVID-19 Death Toll Reaches 700

May 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials say the death toll due to the coronavirus has reached 700, after 17 new cases were confirmed. The report released Saturday showed 740 new cases of COVID-19, putting the total at 14,969. The figure includes 63 new positive tests involving health care workers, increasing the total to 1,765. There were mixed results in the…

Zeitgeist Zinema Hosts Virtual Short Film Festival

"Twin Ports Shorts" is a collection of nearly ten short films from local filmmakers, which can all be streamed from the comfort of your home.

May 15, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – Zeitgeist Zinema in Duluth is taking the virtual route to showcase films for its annual local film festival. “Twin Ports Shorts” is a collection of nearly ten short films from local filmmakers, which can all be streamed from the comfort of your home. Genres range from dramas to thrillers to comedies. Filmmakers will also give introductions to…

Payroll Protection Loan Program Helps Small Businesses Continue To Thrive

Bremer has already approved nearly 7,000 applications from small businesses amounting to more than $1 billion.

May 15, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – As part of the CARES Act, the Payroll Protection Loan program was developed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed during the pandemic. Minnesota-based Bremer Bank is one of many bank institutions authorized to issue those loans. Bank-wide, including branches in Duluth, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, Bremer has already approved nearly 7,000 applications from small businesses…

An Assisted Living Facility Recognizes Volunteers

Nearly 50 people usually volunteer their time at the Villa Vista Senior Living facility in Cromwell every month.

May 15, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

CROMWELL, Minn. – A local assisted living facility is showing their appreciation for their volunteers that have been helping out on a regular basis to keep the facility running. As the coronavirus pandemic continues residents and staff are getting creative with how they are showing that appreciation by hosting a drive-thru gift pick up. Nearly 50 people usually volunteer their…

Itasca County Health Officials Urge Active Living, Healthy Eating Amid COVID-19

May 15, 2020

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As of Friday, health officials in Itasca County confirm three additional COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total to five. Three of the deceased were males in their 80s, one was a male in his 90s, and details surrounding the fifth death remain unknown at this time. Itasca County reported 42 cases of coronavirus as of Friday…

Colleagues Throw Retirement Parade For Longtime Social Worker

May 15, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn.-A longtime social worker celebrated her retirement on Friday with the help of a parade in downtown Duluth. Holly Church has been a social worker for almost 29 years. Church was originally supposed to retire a month ago, but stayed on to make sure things were running smoothly during the Covid-19 pandemic. She says, seeing everyone wish her well was…

City to Reopen Skywalks on Monday

May 15, 2020

Kelly Tekler,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced on Friday that they will reopen the skywalk system on Monday at 7:00 a.m. The city says the skywalk will be open during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Reminders will be placed throughout the skywalk system reminding people of proper social distancing and CDC recommendations. To help limit touching,…

Walz Picks Worthington Judge Gordon Moore for Supreme Court

May 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tom Walz used his first appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court on Friday to elevate Gordon Moore, a district judge from southwestern Minnesota, to replace the retiring Associate Justice David Lillehaug. Moore, 57, currently serves in Worthington, which is in Nobles County and where he has lived for about 25…

BWCA to Reopen for Day and Overnight Use

May 15, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a Friday press release, the Superior National Forest will reopen the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for both day and overnight use starting May 18. “We are happy to be fully allowing visitors into the BWCAW,” says Connie Cummins, Forest Supervisor. “We ask that visitors please continue to follow local, state, and federal guidelines on…

Semi Loses Partial Load on ‘Can of Worms’, No Injuries Reported

May 15, 2020

Site Staff,

UPDATE: DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the semi-truck was crossing over the ‘Can of Worms’ to go upbound Highway 53 when it partially lost its load of conveyor belts. Authorities had to shut down northbound I-35 while the semi and load were removed from the roadway. No injuries were reported in the incident. DULUTH, Minn. –…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 15, Three Additional Deaths Reported in Itasca County

May 15, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 14,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 20 new deaths bringing the death total to 683 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 134,669 tests have been completed to date. There are 9,503 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,985 patients have required hospitalization…

Two Arrested in Hibbing Shots Fired Incident

May 15, 2020

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police Department says two males were arrested Thursday night in relation to shots fired incident. According to Hibbing Police, officers were dispatched to the 2500 Block of 4th Avenue East around 10:53 a.m. on reports of a single gunshot. When officers arrived on the scene they learned that a fight had broken out and a…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Rice Lake Crash

May 15, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

RICE LAKE, Minn. – St. Louis County Deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash Thursday night around 8 o’clock in the city of Rice Lake. The male driver was identified as 25-year-old Dustin Wayne Hansey. According to the police report, Hansey was driving along West Tischer Road when he crossed over the centerline. He then left the roadway and struck a…

CHUM Food Shelf Seeking Donations For New Vehicle

The organization is looking for donations to upgrade their pickup vehicle to meet demand.

May 14, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM food shelf continues to stay open for anyone with food insecurities. Since the pandemic started, the organization began doing a curbside system where people can pick up pre-made boxes of food. Now, with the food shelf receiving close to sixty-thousand pounds of items over the last two months. The organization is looking for donations to upgrade…

Memorial Blood Centers Have Increased Need For Donors

Healthy individuals that have been free from cold or flu-like symptoms for up to three days can schedule an appointment.

May 14, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – With hospitals now able to do more elective surgeries blood donations are in a critical need. Healthy individuals that have been free from cold or flu-like symptoms for up to three days can schedule an appointment. There are new protocols in place at each Memorial Blood Center site. “We are practicing social distancing. Right now, most of…

Maurices Lays Off 39 Employees

May 14, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — Maurices has had to make cuts on the corporate level due to the pandemic. On April 27th, the company let go of 39 employees who worked in the Duluth office, the Design Center team in New York, and the field leadership team. A spokesperson with the company added that all employees who were laid off were offered…

Mall of America Retail Stores to Reopen June 1

May 14, 2020

Site Staff,

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Mall of America will reopen its retail stores on June 1, the company announced Thursday. The Governor of Minnesota announced Wednesday that the current stay-at-home order will expire Sunday and be replaced by an order allowing retailers to open stores at 50 percent capacity. Although many stores would be allowed to open Monday, the Mall said opening June…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, May 14

May 14, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 13,435 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 25 new deaths bringing the death total to 663 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 128,752 tests have been completed to date. There are 9,136 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,915 patients have required hospitalization…

Virtual Walk for Hope Raising Awareness of Huntington’s Disease

The Virtual Walk for Hope is Happening Saturday, May 16

May 14, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – May is Huntington’s Disease awareness month across the nation. The illness is a fatal genetic disorder causing the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. This weekend, Northlanders are encouraged to walk at their own pace and help raise awareness of the disease. The Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s (HDSA) is launching the Duluth Virtual Team…

Seniors File Legal Challenge to Absentee Voting Rules

May 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A group of Minnesota seniors is joining their counterparts in at least four other states by legally challenging their state’s absentee voting rules amid the coronavirus outbreak. A lawsuit filed by the Minnesota Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund in Ramsey County District Court seeks to stop the state from requiring a witness signature on…

Gov. Walz Announces Stay-at-Home Order Will Expire Monday

May 13, 2020

Andrew Kirov, ,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has announced the state’s stay-at-home order will end May 18th. The governor also announced many non-essential businesses can reopen to the public June 1st with some restrictions. Walz says many restrictions will remain in place as the fight against COVID-19 rages on. “The Stay at Home Order is expiring and the dials…

Tips for Keeping Ticks From Latching on to Your Pets

The CDC Recommends Using Preventative Products to Avoid Tickborne Diseases

May 13, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s that time of year again! Creepy, crawly ticks are back out and ready to latch on to you and your pets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines are not available for most of the tick-borne diseases that animals can get. That’s why local vets say it’s important for pet owners to…

Proposed Minnesota Bonding Bill Includes Funding for Northland Projects

May 13, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A bonding bill has made it through committee in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and a lot of Northland projects are included in the proposal. The $2.5 billion bonding bill would provide $13.5 million in funding for Duluth’s seawall restoration project. It would also fund an $8 million renovation project at the Duluth Depot, and a…

148th Fighter Wing Honors Frontline Workers With Flyover

May 13, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s called Operation American Resolve and it’s a way members of the 148th fighter wing can show their appreciation for people, like healthcare workers, who are answering the call during these difficult times. “We’ve also got people like our first responders, our cops, our fire fighters. Even people running the supply chain out there with our groceries, essential…

Fourth Of July Fireworks Postponed Until Labor Day Weekend

Fourth Fest brings nearly 10,000 people to Duluth to celebrate the holiday.

May 13, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – As the city continues to help slow the spread of the coronavirus Duluth city officials announced Wednesday the annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Bayfront Park is being postponed until labor day weekend. Fourth Fest brings nearly 10,000 people to Duluth to celebrate the holiday. City officials say they have looked into other alternatives including possibly…

Duluth East Hosts Drive-Thru Cap & Gown Pickup

"I am really happy we have a school that would do this for us," said Quinn Clark.

May 13, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Students around the nation are missing out memorable events like graduation Duluth East High School leaders are giving their students something to remember as they participated in a special drive-thru event to pick up their caps and gowns. The Class of 2020 at Duluth East may not get the chance to physically walk across the stage to…

Live: Walz to Address Minnesotans on Next Steps in COVID-19 Fight

May 13, 2020

Site Staff, The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz plans to describe the next steps in Minnesota’s fight against COVID-19 Wednesday evening after health officials released updated modeling — couched in caveats — that shows the potential effects of various scenarios he could choose. The Democratic governor is expected to extend his emergency declaration, which expires Wednesday. He may also discuss the future…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, May 13

May 13, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 12,917 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 24 new deaths bringing the death total to 638 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 122,035 tests have been completed to date. There are 8,787 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,851 patients have required hospitalization…

Court: Minnesota Agency Can Change Name of Lake Calhoun

May 13, 2020

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A divided Minnesota Supreme Court said Wednesday that the state Department of Natural Resources has the authority to change the name of a popular lake back to its original Dakota name. The state Court of Appeals ruled in April that the agency overstepped its authority in January 2018 when it changed the…

Duluth Fourth of July Fireworks Postponed Until Labor Day

May 13, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has decided to postpone the annual Fourth of July fireworks at Bayfront Park until Labor Day. The decision was announced by Duluth’s director of public administration Jim Filby during the City of Duluth’s weekly press conference. “One early July event that will not be able to proceed as usual is the Fourth of…