Minnesota

Lakewalk Surgery Center to Suspend All Elective Surgeries

    DULUTH, Minn. – The Lakewalk Surgery Center says they will be suspending all elective surgeries following an executive order signed by Governor Walz on Thursday.  The surgery center will remain open for patients who have urgent surgical needs.  Lakewalk says they will assist local hospitals by taking on more urgent surgical cases if it becomes necessary.  “Lakewalk also…

Walz: Minnesotans May Need to Shelter in Place Eventually

On Friday the Number of Confirmed Cases Hit 115

(AP Photo/Jim Mone) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz said Friday that he might have to follow California’s lead at some point and order residents to shelter in place to try to slow the spread of COVID-19. “I certainly think it is a possibility,” Walz said in an interview on WCCO Radio on Friday morning, adding that outside experts and…

Minnesota Board of Dentistry Recommends Only Emergency Procedures Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Dr. Daniel Loban of Loban Dental Speaks Out About the Order from the Minnesota Board of Dentistry

DULUTH, Minn. – Dr. Daniel Loban, the owner of Loban Dental, is speaking out regarding the closure of dental offices unless procedures are for emergency purposes. “I can tell you my propensity is to help people and putting myself at home and understanding how serious this is kind of draws a line in the sand so I can be a…

DECC: All Shows, Events, Conventions Canceled Until End of April

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center announced on Friday that all shows, conventions, and other events have been postponed or canceled until at least April 30.  DECC officials say that the parking ramps and lots will remain open during this time.  “Right now, the focus of the DECC board and staff are solely on everyone’s health and safety,” said…

Ursa Minor Brewing Getting Creative Throughout COVID-19 Pandemic

"We want to keep as many employees working as possible," said Ben Hugus, owner of Ursa Minor Brewing in the Lincoln Park Craft District

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff members at Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft Distract are doing their part to practice social distancing, while also keeping the lights on inside the facility. The brewery is offering a new beer delivery service as of Thursday, March 19. A valid ID is required at the time of delivery that must match the…

Kohl’s Temporarily Closes all 1,100 Stores

The Stores Will Be Closed Until at Least April 1

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wisconsin-based retailer Kohl’s Corp. is closing all of its more than 1,100 stores nationwide in response to declining sales tied to the coronavirus pandemic. Kohl’s said the stores will be closed at least until April 1. The company planned to “support store associates with two calendar weeks of pay,” said Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief executive officer in a…

Man Shaves Beard To Help Fight Coronavirus Spread

DULUTH, Minn. – David Uselman is well known at the Bayshore Health Center for his beard. Now he’s shaving it off to help fend off the virus. The move comes amid a list of new protocols. With wearing a mask essential to hospital workers during these times, shaving his beard will allow for the mask to have a direct connection…

Worried Donations Will Drop, Northland Non-profits Band Together to Stay Afloat

DULUTH, Minn. – Five Northland non-profit organizations, including the Northland Foundation and the Head of the Lakes United Way, are collaborating to help support their community efforts during this coronavirus outbreak. The organizations have now created the Covid-19 Response Fund to help raise money to get them through this period of time. Most fundraisers have been canceled as large groups…

City Officials Remind Residents To Only Call 911 For Emergencies During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Emergency services in Duluth are beginning to prioritize emergency calls based on the most immediate need during the coronavirus pandemic. Officials are now asking the public to think before they call 911. The Duluth Fire Department tell us there has been a surge in calls from people with questions about the coronavirus. They are asking even if…

Unemployment Encouraged After Many Workers Lose Jobs As A Result Of Covid-19

Applicants could receive their unemployment benefits within a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many workers across the nation have lost their jobs as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The City of Duluth is now encouraging people to apply for unemployment to help with their financial difficulties. CareerForce, which is part of the City of Duluth’s Workforce Development Department, has been seen an increase in calls from people hoping to…

Minnesota Bans Elective Surgeries in Response to COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health care providers must postpone elective surgeries and other medical procedures so they can focus their resources on responding to the anticipated surge of COVID-19 cases, Gov. Tim Walz ordered Thursday. The order, which also applies to non-emergency dental procedures, followed guidance issued by the federal government this week to delay elective procedures to conserve resources…

City of Duluth Holds Press Conference With Community Partners Regarding COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is holding a 10:00 a.m. press conference with community leaders to update the public regarding COVID-19. This press conference will be closed to the public due to social distancing. Speakers:  Mayor Emily Larson Congressman Pete Stauber Shawn Krizaj, Duluth Fire Chief & Emergency Management Manager Elena Foshay, City of Duluth Workforce Development Director…

Courts Suspend Late Penalties, Collections Referrals and Drivers License Suspensions in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Judicial Branch has temporarily suspended late penalties, collections referrals, and drivers’ license suspensions to help keep Minnesotans out of courthouses. Supreme Court Justice Lorie S. Gildea issued the order Friday in an effort to reduce in-person traffic at courthouses. The suspension will last for the next 30 days. “We are committed to…

Students Receive Free Breakfast And Lunch During Coronavirus Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.- With all Minnesota schools being required to close its doors during Coronavirus pandemic, the Duluth Public School district is making sure students are continuing to be fed by giving out free breakfast and lunch. Starting Wednesday until May 4 any student 18 or younger from any school in Duluth can grab one of the to-go meals. Bagged breakfast…

Salons, Spas in Minnesota Ordered to Close Through March 27

Owners of Local Salons Speak Out Regarding the Impact of Business Closures

DULUTH, Minn. – If you get your hair cut in Minnesota, you won’t be able to anymore – at least until March 27 at 5:00 p.m. Affective Tuesday, March 17 at 5:00 p.m., under orders from Governor Tim Walz, hair and nail salons as well as spas have been ordered to close due to concerns over COVID-19. This news is…

CHUM Food Shelf Offering To-Go Meal Boxes

The food shelf was helped by a big donation from the Rosary School.

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM Food Shelf at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Duluth is not letting the Coronavirus stop them from getting food to those in need. The food shelf is offering 20 to-go box meals everyday from 11-1:45 out of the West alley door. CHUM also received a large donation from the Holy Rosary School of 351 pints of…

Ruby’s Pantry Hosting Drive-Thru Service this Month

For this month, Ruby's will be operating outside the church in the parking lot with drive-thru service.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ruby’s Pantry is not stopping its food distribution on Thursday at Duluth’s Coppertop Church, but the way it’s being handed out is much different. Normally people are welcomed into the church basement where they can select their food. For this month, Ruby’s will be operating outside the church in the parking lot with drive-thru service. Cars will…

Wisconsin Child Care Workers Saddened by Call for Limit on Staff, Children

Governor Evers's order puts a huge burden on employees and parents.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- One of Superior’s busier child care centers reacts to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s decision to scale back staff and amount of children in child care settings. The order dictates that organizations are not allowed to operate with more than 10 staff and 50 kids present. Meanwhile in Minnesota on Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz offered support to child care…

Visit Duluth Launches ’30 Days of Giveaways’ to Help Support Local Businesses

They estimate $4 million has been lost by local tourism industry because of canceled events

DULUTH, Minn. – An estimated $4 million has already been lost by the Duluth tourism industry because of canceled sporting events, conferences, and performances. Tourism is the third largest industry in Duluth, so all those cancellations have been devastating to local businesses. Visit Duluth has been limiting its promotions while the shutdowns continue. “We are pulling back on our promotions…

St. Louis County Declares Local State Of Emergency

This state of emergency builds on state executive orders and federal declarations already imposed.

DULUTH, Minn – As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners has now declared a local state of emergency. This state of emergency builds on state executive orders and federal declarations already imposed. Public access to all St. Louis County offices, including walk-up service windows, will now be suspended. Some St. Louis County employees will also…

St. Luke’s Scaling Back Nonessential Appointments, Elective Surgeries, Procedures

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Thursday, March 19 St. Luke’s will be scaling back on nonessential clinic appointments, elective surgeries, and procedures.  The hospital says they will be rescheduling many of these appointments through April 1.  St. Luke’s says they will contact patients to let them know if their appointment is going to be rescheduled and patients with questions can contact their…

First Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Minnesota House of Representatives

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The first case of the COVID-19 coronavirus has been confirmed at the Minnesota House of Representatives, officials say. Right now, it’s not clear if the case is among a lawmaker or a staffer and officials say, due to privacy laws, they won’t release further information about the individual. “It is possible that…

Update: Miller Hill Mall to Temporarily Close

DULUTH, Minn. – Simon Property Group announced Wednesday afternoon that it will be closing all of its malls in the U.S. in an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  The measure means that Miller Hill Mall will close tonight at 7 p.m. and open Monday, Mar. 30.  “The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers, and employees are…

Duluth Diocese Suspends Mass to Help Stem the Spread of COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Diocese announced on Wednesday that they will be suspending masses through April 20 to help stem the spread of COVID-19.  The suspension takes effect Friday, March 20.  According to the press release, All gatherings of more than 10 people will also be canceled.  Father Bissonette says confessions and office hours should continue to be made available…

Minnesota Unemployment Claims Jump as COVID-19 Cases Rise to 77

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota saw a sharp jump in applications for unemployment insurance after Gov. Tim Walz ordered restaurants, bars, theaters, fitness clubs and other places of public amusement closed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Department of Employment and Economic Development took more than 2,000 applications per hour Tuesday, compared with about 40…

Animal Allies Taking Precautionary Measures Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth Postpones Humane Education Activities, Volunteer Trainings Until End of April

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is now impacting the animals up for adoption in the Northland. Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth announced Wednesday morning on FOX 21 Local News that all humane education activities and volunteer trainings will be postponed until the end of April. Michelle Carter, Development Officer at Animal Allies, said the shelter is experiencing shifts…

Miller Hill Mall Modifies Operating Hours Due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The Miller Hill Mall is temporarily changing its operating hours amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  The mall says the changes were made to support retailers and the community and are in accordance with CDC guidelines.  Operating hours will now be 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday.  The changes went into…

Judge Backs Minnesota’s Twin Metal Mines in Lease Dispute

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a challenge by environmental groups against the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, saying the Interior Department had the authority to reverse itself and renew the project’s federal mineral rights leases. The Obama administration rejected the company’s application to renew its leases, citing the risk of acid mine drainage…

Grandma’s Marathon Still on for June, Officials Discussing Further Action

Officials recommend participants should look into cancellation plans for lodging in case race is postponed or cancelled.

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon has not decided yet if the race of more than 9,000 runners will be cancelled because of the Coronavirus. Race officials told us they are right now discussing whether they need to cancel or postpone the race in June 19th. As for now, the race is still on. But officials are urging runners and spectators to…

Great Outdoors: Northlanders Enjoy The Sun

DULUTH, Minn. –  “Spend a couple days up here in Duluth and enjoy the surrounding area,” Champlin Resident, Jared Galligan says. That’s just what Jared Galligan and his family were able to do for a weekend while his children are on spring break. “They love this area. They always loving climbing on the rocks. Swimming at the hotel pools,” Galligan…

Instructors Get Creative as Colleges Move to All-Online Classes

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – Colleges and universities are switching to all-online classes as the coronavirus spreads. That can be a big challenge for teachers who have to change their curriculum to fit the current situation. Annie Dugan is teaching in a unique space for the rest of the semester. “Right now we have this big open greenhouse that I can…

Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Offers Grant for Artists Impacted by Cancellations

Artists could be awarded $750 for projects that can be effective under social distancing practices

DULUTH, Minn. – Artists could face dire situations in the coming months as performances and art shows are being cancelled across the world. The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council now has a grant to help local artists impacted by the shutdowns. The grant is for artists who have had a performance or gig canceled. They can get up to $750 if…

A Duluth Bar Is Doing “St. Patrick’s Day To-Go”

The bar is hoping to begin selling growlers and offer delivery during the mandated closure.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bars and restaurants are now closed to dine-in customers after being ordered to do so by Governor Walz on Monday. That’s not stopping a Duluth bar from taking a new approach to St. Patrick’s Day. Dubh Linn’s Irish Pub is improvising by offering “St. Patrick’s Day To-Go,” where customers can still order all their Irish favorites. St….

Donations Help Feed Students With Food Insecurities During Covid-19 School Closures

 About 100 bags of food is being given out to Piedmont Elementary students and their families.

DULUTH, Minn – With schools being mandated to close during the Coronavirus pandemic, it brings into question the potential limited access to food for many people dealing with food insecurities. Piedmont Elementary in Duluth put out a call to action for the community to help minimize the impact on children suffering from food insecurities during the Covid-19 school closure. The…

Free Breakfast, Lunch Available to Duluth Students Starting Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Free breakfast and lunch will be made available to Duluth students starting Wednesday, March 18. According to a press release from ISD 709, Duluth public schools will have free breakfast and lunches available to Duluth students 18 years of age and younger. The meals will be available weekdays from March 18 through March 27. District officials say…

Duluth Mayor Declares Local Emergency

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson has declared a local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City says this declaration will allow the mayor and the City’s emergency manager to request and coordinate aide and resources from surrounding jurisdictions and the State as needed. The declaration also means “that in-person meeting of the City Council and any other…

DTA Announces Service Reductions in Response to COVID-19 Concerns

UPDATE: The DTA, under the guidance of the Board of Directors and Senior Management, has made the decision to begin offering free bus service on all of our routes beginning Wednesday. “This decision comes in a response to our evaluation of the current efforts and needs in response to the Covid-19 (coronavirus), and best-practices deployed by other agencies,” the DTA…

Black Bear Casino, Fond-du-Luth to Temporarily Close in Response to COVID-19

FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa announced on Tuesday that they will be temporarily closing the Black Bear Casino and Resort in Carlton as well as the Fond-du-Luth Casino in downtown Duluth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closures will take effect March 18 at 5:00 p.m. The closures will…

Health Officials Confirm 60 Cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota, 47 in Wisconsin

(FOX 9) – Minnesota now has 60 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the state, according to state health officials. On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Health announced that the state now has 60 cases of COVID-19, with 2,336 people tested. The counties with cases include Anoka, Benton, Blue Earth, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Renville, Stearns, Waseca, Washington, and Wright counties….

Yarn Harbor Implements Curbside Pickup

As the coronavirus continues to spread, businesses like Yarn Harbor in Duluth are implementing new ways to deliver products to customers.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the coronavirus continues to spread, businesses like Yarn Harbor in Duluth are implementing new ways to deliver products to customers. The business has introduced a new curbside pickup. Customers can order and pay ahead of time before picking up their supplies in front of Yarn Harbor. Leadership from the business say this new business model will…

Duluth International Increases Santization for Passengers Coming Through

Officials say depending on numbers, a processing/screening center could be a possibility.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport is also taking measures to keep its facilities safe, as Coronavirus spreads nationwide. Airport officials said that traffic through the airport has dropped a bit recently, though a steady flow of passengers are still coming through. While there are no plans to quarantine or screen passengers or even airline staff as they come from…

Duluth Restaurant Owners Brace Themselves as Gov. Walz Announces Statewide Closure

Closure affects only dine-in customers, takeout and delivery services continue.

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz has ordered bars and restaurants across Minnesota to temporarily close to customers who dine in, as the number of Coronavirus cases in the state reaches 54–a dramatic jump in just a few days. This follows an increasing number of states across the country closing their bars and restaurants. The San Francisco Bay Area has gone…

COVID-19 Testing Centers Expected To Open

Health officials say tests for Coronavirus are in limited supply.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Northland prepares for the coronavirus outbreak, both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are planning to set up separate testing centers. This service will only be available to those who have been pre-screened by their primary care physician or through a virtual medical consultation such as Essentia’s e-visit. Those individuals would be able to schedule a…

Public Buildings And Sites Shut Down Starting Tuesday

The city will be pushing for non-essential city staff to work from home or remotely.

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Tuesday, city buildings will be closed to the public as a precaution against the coronavirus threat. The city will now be pushing for non-essential city staff to work from home or remotely as much as possible to help protect themselves and the public’s health. Essential employees will still work on-site as the city want to minimize…

Duluth Public Schools Will Use Time Of Closure To Help Make Future Plans

ISD 709 schools will close from March 18-27.

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz recently ordered all Minnesota K-12 schools to close starting on Wednesday. The Duluth Public School District is speaking out about how this time of closure will be used to plan for the future as coronavirus concerns continue to grow. District officials say they are standing ready by looking into precautions with the best interest…

US Governors Expand Shutdowns Amid Coronavirus Concerns

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – A growing number of governors across the U.S. are ordering the temporary closure of certain businesses such as dine-in restaurants, fitness centers, and movie theaters because of concerns over the coronavirus. Other governors on Monday were still leaving those decisions to local officials or the businesses themselves. That’s created a patchwork of precautions nationwide in…

University of Minnesota Announces Classes Will Continue Online Through End of Semester

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota announced on Monday that classes will continue through alternative modes through the remainder of the semester. You can read the entire U of M release below: Situation Update: As you have seen, the pace of the pandemic in the United States only continues to grow. Each day the magnitude of what we are…