Minnesota Archives - Page 233 of 356

Minnesota Student Will Be Continuing Distance Learning For The Rest Of The Year

It's already been more than a month since Minnesota students were last in school classrooms.

April 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – All Minnesota k-12 schools are remaining closed for the rest of the academic school year. Governor Tim Walz made the announcement earlier today as a further precaution to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s already been more than a month since Minnesota students were last in school classrooms. Most academic school years in the state…

Duluth Library Foundation Raising Money During Second Annual “Giving Day”

April 23, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – After the city of Duluth laid off 25 library technicians on Wednesday, the Duluth Public Library has announced its second annual “Giving Day.” Although the library is temporarily closed, the Duluth Library Foundation is asking for donations. The staff said that they want to make sure the public still has the resources they need during the Covid-19…

VP Mike Pence to Visit Mayo Clinic in Rochester Next Week

April 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

ROCHESTER, Minn. (FOX 9) – Vice President Mike Pence will visit Mayo Clinic’s facilities in Rochester next week, marking his second trip to Minnesota in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. Pence’s trip is scheduled for Tuesday. He’ll tour Mayo Clinic’s research and treatment facilities and talk with workers, according to a White House statement sent Wednesday evening. Pence’s most recent trip…

Duluth City Councilor Barbara Russ Stepping Down

April 23, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Barbara Russ announced on Thursday that she is resigning from the Duluth City Council due to health issues. Russ wrote in a statement: “For the past 5 ½ years I have been privileged to serve as an At-Large Duluth City Councilor. During my tenure, I have fought hard to help the homeless and underprivileged…

Walz Orders Minnesota Schools Closed for Rest of School Year, Outlines Next Steps

April 23, 2020

Site Staff, The Associated Press,

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday ordered Minnesota schools to stay closed through the rest of the academic year amid the COVID-19 crisis. Walz, who is a former teacher, calls it “a heartbreaking decision.” The Democratic governor says he feels sorry for all the students who will miss out on graduations, tournaments,…

LIVE: Gov. Tim Walz Press Conference

April 23, 2020

The Associated Press, Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday ordered Minnesota schools to stay closed through the rest of the academic year amid the COVID-19 crisis. Walz, who is a former teacher, calls it “a heartbreaking decision.” The Democratic governor says he feels sorry for all the students who will miss out on graduations, tournaments and end of year celebrations. But…

CHUM 16th Annual Rhubarb Festival Canceled

April 23, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM’s 16th Annual Rhubarb Festival has been canceled. CHUM says the decision to cancel the June 27 event is to ensure the safety of volunteers and attendees amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival raises about $60,000-$70,000 for CHUM each year. CHUM says next year’s festival will take place on June 26, 2021. Categories: Minnesota, News, News –…

Minnesota State Fair Will Either Run Full 12 Days or be Canceled Says GM

April 23, 2020

Site Staff,

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The general manager of the Minnesota State Fair says the Great Minnesota Get-Together is still on track to start on Aug. 27, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, general manager Jerry Hammer said this year’s State Fair will be all or nothing—alternate fair dates, a change in the duration of the fair or significant reductions…

Latest Minnesota COVID-19 Numbers

April 23, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 21 new deaths on Thursday morning marking the most deaths reported in a single day to date. The department also reported 2,942 confirmed cases throughout the state. Health officials have cautioned that the real number of Minnesotans infected with the coronavirus is likely much higher because most people don’t qualify…

National Bank of Commerce Donates 8,000 N95 Masks to Duluth Hospitals

St. Luke's and Essentia Each Received 4,000 N95 Masks Thanks to National Bank of Commerce

April 23, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – With a nationwide shortage of N95 masks, and states told they must find supplies themselves, it’s becoming more difficult by the day to obtain a stockpile for Northland hospitals. On Wednesday, National Bank of Commerce gifted St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth a supply of 4,000 N95 masks for healthcare workers on the front lines to utilize. Another…

Walz Expected to Keep Minnesota Schools Closed

April 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce that he’s ordering Minnesota schools to stay closed through the rest of the year amid the COVID-19 crisis. The Democratic governor closed public and charter schools just over a month ago and directed them to switch to distance learning, a move that affected nearly…

12 Residents Die of COVID-19 at 1 Minnesota Senior Campus

April 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

NEW HOPE, Minn. (AP) — One of Minnesota’s deadliest outbreaks of the coronavirus in a single setting is at a senior care campus in New Hope where 12 residents have died of complications of the virus. Records reviewed by the Star Tribune show the deaths since April 6 involve residents at St. Therese of New Hope who was between 82 and…

Nearly 50 Full-Time City of Duluth Employees Laid Off

This latest round of layoffs comes after 45 temporary/seasonal employees were also laid off.

April 23, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is laying off nearly 50 more employees on top of dozens of temporary and seasonal positions because of a massive projected budget shortfall. A spokesperson for Mayor Emily Larson said Wednesday that 49 full-time employees are affected in this latest round of layoffs. The positions range from housing inspectors within the fire department…

Duluth School District Seeking Cloth Face Coverings

April 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District has received more than 300 donated masks so far, 100 more are needed. The masks will be used for people working in emergency childcare and for district employees making lunches for students. Those workers will also continue using social distancing practices. “They’re now doing things to provide childcare to prepare meals to curriculum…

Eleven-Year-Old Donates Masks and Money to Community Members

April 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – With students out of school right now, for some it can be difficult to pass the time. “She’s always been into crafts. But she’s never really sewed so we were trying to find something to keep her busy with not being at school and dance and stuff,” Cloquet Resident, Erick Halli says. Soon after the stay at…

Pike Lake Elementary School Teachers Create A “We Miss You” Video For Students

"It really does touch them and help them to see our faces, It helps them to see that we really do care."

April 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – Nothing says I miss you like a video filled with heartfelt messages, right? Well, teachers and staff at Pike Lake Elementary did just that to share with their students while being apart during the pandemic. The video is a combination of pictures of the teachers and staff with messages expressing how much they miss their students. The…

Duluth Offers Emergency Grant Funding To Support Small Businesses During The Pandemic

Each business could receive 10,000 to support operations during the pandemic.

April 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in Duluth affected by the Coronavirus pandemic have one more day to apply for a special grant program. The Duluth 1200 Fund is handing out thousands of dollars in fast grants to provide immediate financial assistance to businesses being negatively impacted. The goal is to help preserve more than 1,000 jobs in the City of…

Gov. Walz, Mayo, U of M Announce COVID-19 Testing Breakthrough in Minnesota

April 22, 2020

Site Staff,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz along with the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota announced on Wednesday a breakthrough for widespread testing of COVID-19 in the state. The statewide testing strategy will allow the testing of anyone with symptoms, isolate confirmed cases, and expand public health surveillance tools. The governor’s office…

LIVE: Gov. Walz Makes Announcement on COVID-19 Testing

April 22, 2020

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is preparing to make a major announcement about coronavirus testing in Minnesota. The governor will be joined at a 2 p.m. news conference by leaders from the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, and other health system leaders. Walz had previously set a goal of increasing the state’s testing capacity to 5,000 per day…

COVID-19 Kills 19 More Minnesotans in Biggest 1-day Jump Yet

April 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — COVID-19 has killed 19 more Minnesotans, marking the largest one-day death toll since the pandemic reached the state, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Wednesday. The 19 new deaths raised the state’s total to 179. The department also reported 154 new confirmed cases, a big one-day jump that raised the state’s total to 2,721. Health officials have…

COVID-19 Pandemic Could Have Big Impacts on the 2020 Presidential Election

Talk of a 'Mail-In' Election Have Been Brought Up By Many Lawmakers Including Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar

April 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Amid growing concern, many questions are surrounding how the COVID-19 pandemic could impact the 2020 Presidential election. Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden and President Trump are having to use different platforms on the campaign trail. Much of the media attention is focused on how Mr. Trump is handling the pandemic, which in turn leaves voters to analyze how…

Duluth City Council President, Tourist Attractions Prepare for Tough Times After Budget Shortfall

So far businesses are allowed to open early May, but there's weeks of preparation involved.

April 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After Mayor Emily Larson’s announcement of the City’s tremendous 2020 budget shortfall due to COVID-19, tourist attractions navigate uncertain times through the most important dollar-making months Duluth sees all year. While Governor Walz’s stay-at-home order right now says businesses can start opening up the first week of May, owners of attractions told us they can’t just throw open…

Superior Street Reconstruction Project Update

April 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been more than two weeks since phase three of the Superior Street Reconstruction Project began in downtown Duluth. So far, city officials tell us the project is right on schedule. Phase three is taking place between Lake Avenue and Third Avenue West. The project is being worked on in two different stages. Right now, construction teams…

Great Outdoors: Marinas Set to Re-Open

April 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. – As of Friday the 17th, Governor Tim Walz expanded Minnesota’s essential services allowing some outdoor recreational activities to fall under that category. “The first thing we did was get careful and serious about social distancing in the workplace and then we were preparing to shut down,” Barkers Island General Manager, Eric Thomas says. In Wisconsin, marinas…

Hermantown Businesses Can Now Sell To-Go Liquor

All alcohol can only be sold if accompanied by takeout or delivery orders.

April 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown area businesses are now being allowed to sell takeout liquor for the duration of the pandemic. The Hermantown City Council recently approved an ordinance allowing businesses with a liquor license to apply for a temporary license to offer to-go liquor. The governor already approved a similar measure… for beer and wine, but this ordinance allows for…

Lester Park Golf Course Closed For The Season

Recent numbers show both city-operated golf courses lose about $150,000 every year.

April 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – After announcing a series of budget shortcomings amid the Coronivirus pandemic, the City of Duluth is closing the Lester Park Golf Course. Friends of Duluth Public Golf works in collaboration with the City of Duluth. But the organization wasn’t included as part of the decision-making process to close Lester Park Golf Course. Duluth city officials recently released…

B&B Market Sees Rise In Food Donations

April 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The B&B Market in Cloquet has received over 57,000 dollars in donations to help members of the Cloquet community and beyond. Almost a month ago the market began giving out gift cards to people in need allowing them to shop for essentials. Now, to adhere to social distancing guidelines they are making free food bags for customers….

Fire Departments Prepare For Statewide Mask Drive

April 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz issued the homemade mask drive this week, and now fire departments across the state are getting ready to participate. Over at station number one in Cloquet, they have already received over forty masks… and once they receive the bulk of donations on Saturday, they will reach out to facilities in the next week or…

U of Minn. to Freeze Tuition Next School Year

April 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The University of Minnesota will freeze tuition for most students next school year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The tuition freeze applies to all students on the university’s five campuses except for those enrolled in three professional programs. Those are dentistry, the medical school and three professional masters in the College of Science and Engineering at the…

17 More Minnesotans Die of COVID-19 as State’s Death Toll Hits 160

April 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Seventeen more Minnesotans have died from COVID-19, raising the state’s death toll to 160, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Tuesday. The 17 new deaths tied a high set last Friday. The department also reported 97 new confirmed cases to boost the state’s total to 2,576. It was the first time since last Tuesday that the department…

Hibbing Taconite To Lay Off 650 Employees

April 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

Hibbing Taconite will be idling its plant in the beginning of May and laying off 650 of its 750 employees. This comes after Northshore Mining announced hundreds of layoffs in Babbitt and Silver Bay, and Keetac Mine announced hundreds of layoffs in Keewatin. Below is the press release from ArcelorMittal USA, which manages Hibbing Taconite: Due to the unprecedented and…

Duluth Pastry Chef Spreading Sweetness, Safety with Delivery of Cakes, Masks

Sweet Exchange delivery is going contactless with orders of cakes and cupcakes, along with a free handmade mask.

April 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A local pastry chef who was hoping to open a new storefront in Downtown Duluth is continuing to bring sweetness to people, with an added bonus. The owner of Sweet Exchange is taking phone orders for contactless delivery of cakes and cupcakes. Think Ding Dong Ditch with a cake waiting on your doorstep. She’s also handmaking cloth masks…

West Duluth Sewing and Design Selling Handmade Masks to Stay Afloat

The sewing and alterations business is selling masks for $6, the only business they are getting right now with proms and weddings cancelled.

April 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At first, West Duluth Sewing and Design’s foray into making masks started with a donation. Now it’s their only real income, with cancelled proms and weddings slowing business. A nursing home in Moose Lake asked the owners, Jeaneth and Harold Deterling, to make and donate about 50 masks a week, being paid just for materials. “She asked me…

FOX 21 Hometown Heroes: 4/19/20

April 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 is highlighting local front-line workers who are giving their all for the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are just a few of our Hometown Heroes from Sunday’s broadcast. If you’d like to nominate someone, just head over to FOX 21’s Facebook page to upload an image and a brief description about the person. We…

JBS Shuts Down Minnesota Pork Plant Hit by COVID-19 Outbreak

April 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — JBS USA said it is temporarily shutting down its big pork processing plant in southwestern Minnesota because of an outbreak of COVID-19 among workers, the latest closure of a major U.S. food processing plant due to the pandemic. Meat processing workers are particularly susceptible to the virus because they typically stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the line and congregate in crowded…

Live: Gov. Tim Walz Gives COVID-19 Press Briefing

April 20, 2020

Site Staff,

Categories: Coronavirus, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Live: City of Duluth Holds COVID-19 Press Conference

April 20, 2020

Site Staff,

Live: City of Duluth Press Conference Posted by Fox 21 News on Monday, April 20, 2020 Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Minnesota Latest COVID-19 Numbers, April 20

April 20, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health released updated COVID-19 numbers Monday morning reporting 2,470 confirmed cases in the state. That is 114 new cases of COVID-19 since yesterday. Minnesota is also reporting 143 total deaths in the state due to new coronavirus. To date, 1,202 in the state no longer require isolation. The MDH website reports that…

Local Dancer Gives Others Virtual Platform to Shine

Worldwide Dance Challenge is uniting dancers across the world to connect, collaborate and compete.

April 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As more people stay at home across the world due to the Coronavirus, artists like dancers become stifled at home. Professional dancer Jesse Paul Smith noticed this, and started the Worldwide Dance Challenge. “I really believe this is the next phase of dance competitions,” he said. The Superior native saw how quarantine was effecting dancers, who had put…

OMC Smokehouse, Corktown to Open; Merge into ‘OMC Express and Deli’

New business style hopes to bring back 20-25% of the 200 laid off employees.

April 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- People missing the smoked meat and sandwiches in Lincoln Park are in luck. OMC Express and Deli will open Wednesday, as the result of merging OMC Smokehouse and Corktown Deli and Brews. Both businesses have been closed through the pandemic. According to owner Tom Hanson, the operation should put 20-25% of the 200 employees laid off back to…

Two New COVID-19 Cases, Ninth Death Reported in St. Louis County

Total number of cases in the county is now 48.

April 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA- Two new Coronavirus cases, and one death were reported in St. Louis County Sunday, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The county now has 48 positive cases and nine deaths total. Statewide 13 new deaths were reported Sunday, bringing the total number to 134, according to MDH. Minnesota now has 2,356 positive cases, with 1,160 individuals released from…

Pandemic Forces Wedding Planners to Adjust as Couples Wait to Tie the Knot

Both planners and couples are navigating new territory of rescheduling the big day.

April 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On a warm, sunny April day, many scenic outdoor spots in the Northland are normally packed with a bride, groom, and large crowd, gathered to witness the marriage. But just like other events, weddings now have to be drastically changed due to COVID-19. “This is definitely not something you imagine, you know?” said bride-to-be, Meghan Hagedon. “You plan…

New COVID-19 Death Reported in St. Louis County, New Positive Case in Early 20s

As of Saturday there are 46 confirmed cases in the County.

April 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- One new individual has died from COVID-19 in St. Louis County, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, bringing the total number of deaths to eight. The deceased is a woman in her early 80s, and was living in a long-term care facility. Another case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the county Saturday, to be a…

Gov. Walz Calls on Minnesotans to Donate Homemade Masks

State health officials report 143 new COVID-19 cases and 10 new coronavirus deaths statewide

April 18, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz is calling on Minnesota residents to make homemade masks for those most at risk of the coronavirus. Walz said Saturday that people should drop off the masks at their local fire departments next Saturday so that they can be delivered to senior living facilities and other group homes for employees and residents to wear….

Working From Home Could Be Taking A Toll On Your Body

April 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic has caused millions of people to start working from home to help minimize the spread. But working from home could eventually take a toll on your body. Those working from the comfort of their home could be more likely to have back and joint pain. It can be common for more people to be doing…

Flower Deliveries Are Up Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

April 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Flower deliveries are up for local florist shops in the Northland. Engwall Florist and Gifts in Hermantown is doing way more deliveries than usual during this pandemic. Lilies and tulips are some of the most popular flowers being ordered. As many people are spending more time at home, most of them are looking to share something with…

St. Luke’s Wants Your Old iPad Or Tablet For Patients

April 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you are on the market to purchase a new iPad or tablet and will no longer have use for your old one, St. Luke’s Hospital will take those devices off your hands. Currently, the hospital is no longer allowing visitors to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. More iPads or tablets could help physicians to…

Minnesota DNR Issues Burning Restrictions

April 17, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – With the temperatures warming up, there is an elevated risk of fire danger. Typically in the spring, the DNR sees a warming and drying trend. This year, they are encouraging social distancing by implementing burning restrictions earlier than normal. “We’re no longer issuing burning permits for vegetative material. So that limits the amount of wildfires our emergency…

President Trump Tweets: “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!”

April 17, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump has tweeted his support for a protest by conservatives Friday outside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s official residence in St Paul. The protest is being organized under the theme “Liberate Minnesota” by grassroots Trump supporters who oppose Walz’s stay-at-home order. It’s one of several taking part across the country this week as conservatives push back against economic…

Minnesota Latest COVID-19 Numbers, April 17

That is 159 New Cases Since Thursday

April 17, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health released updated COVID-19 numbers Friday morning reporting 2,071 confirmed cases in the state. That is 159 new cases of COVID-19 since yesterday. Minnesota is also reporting 111 total deaths in the state due to new coronavirus. To date, 1,066 in the state no longer require isolation. The MDH website reports that…