Minnesota Archives - Page 247 of 363

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

March 18, 2020

The Associated Press,

(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…

Minnesota Salons, Spas Close Amid COVID-19 Crisis

March 18, 2020

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – In accordance with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s executive order, all salons and spas across the state are closed until March 27 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. According to the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, all hair salons, nail salons, and other spa-like businesses closed Tuesday night and will remain closed until March 27. As the state reports at…

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

March 18, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

March 18, 2020

Site Staff,

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

March 18, 2020

The Associated Press,

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.

March 17, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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

March 17, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

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

March 17, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

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

March 17, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

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.

March 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

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.

March 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

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

March 17, 2020

Site Staff,

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

March 17, 2020

Site Staff,

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

March 17, 2020

Site Staff,

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

March 17, 2020

Site Staff,

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

March 17, 2020

Site Staff,

(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….

Mall of America Closing Until March 31 Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

March 17, 2020

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – The Mall of America will close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials announced Tuesday. According to a release, the mall will close temporarily at 5 p.m. March 17 through at least March 31. “Our top priority at Mall of America is protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of our tenants, guests, and team members. That is why Mall of…

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.

March 16, 2020

Jane Kim,

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.

March 16, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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.

March 16, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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.

March 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

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.

March 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

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.

March 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

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

March 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

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

March 16, 2020

Site Staff,

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…

Minneapolis Closes Bars as Minnesota’s COVID-19 Cases Spike

March 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minneapolis ordered bars and restaurants to close as the number of coronavirus cases in Minnesota spiked to 54 on Monday and the Legislature sharply scaled back its operations. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared a local public health emergency, ordering the closure of or limiting access to bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and coffee shops effective at noon…

Minnesota Coronavirus Cases Climb to 54

March 16, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health has updated the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state to 54. The MN DOH website reported the new cases Monday morning. The number of cases rose by 19 since Sunday, March 15. Current counties with cases include Anoka, Blue Earth, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Renville, Sherburne, Stearns, Waseca, Washington,…

Public Defender Wants Jail Inmates Released Due to COVID-19

March 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The State Public Defender’s Office is pushing for the release of jail inmates across Minnesota to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus. Chief Public Defender Bill Ward sent an email to staffers Sunday asking them to get on board and demand that their clients be released. Ward calls the jails a “petri dish” of…

Press Conference: City Provides Update on Plans Regarding COVID-19

March 16, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city is hosting an update at 10:00 a.m. with local leaders to provide an update on the city’s plans going forward regarding COVID-19. Speakers: – Mayor Emily Larson – Congressman Pete Stauber – Noah Schuchman, Chief Administrative Officer – Shawn Krizaj, Duluth Fire Chief & Emergency Management Manager – Mike Tusken, Duluth Police Chief – Amy…

Multiple Fire Crews Battle a Grand Lake Township Garage Fire Sunday Night

March 16, 2020

Site Staff,

GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Fire crews from Grand Lake Fire, Canosia Fire, Hermantown Fire, Solway Fire, and Air National Guard Fire battled a garage fire in Grand Lake Township around 11:00 p.m. Sunday night. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the fire broke out at 5930 North Pike Lake Road. A resident noticed the garage fire and…

Overnight Fire Causes Over $250,000 in Damage

March 16, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to reports of a house fire on 8 N Lakewood Rd shortly after 9:30 Sunday night. Crews found heavy smoke when they arrived. No one was inside the house at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported. Damages are estimated at around $250,000. The cause of the fire remains under…

CDC Recommends Canceling Or Postponing Gatherings Of 50 Or More People For 8 Weeks

March 15, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say Americans should cancel or postpone all gatherings of 50 people or more for the next eight weeks. That’s as experts say social distancing is imperative to curb the spread of coronavirus. The CDC says the new guidance applies to conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and any other…

DSSO Cancels Two Concerts Amid Coronavirus Concerns

March 15, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is canceling programming for the next two weeks. This comes as the CDC recommends all events with more than 50 people be canceled. This means the cancellations of two DSSO concerts — Beethoven Fifth on Mar. 21 and Beethoven Adventure Casual Concert on Mar. 22. DSSO officials say it was a difficult…

Duluth Restaurants Take Precautions Against COVID-19

As restaurants close across the country, restaurants here try their best to stay open.

March 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The President of the Duluth Local Restaurant Association is commenting on how some restaurants in the city are coping with the impacts of people taking precautions and staying home because of the Coronavirus. Currently, all bars and restaurants in Illinois, Ohio, California and Massachusetts have been ordered by their Governors to close to slow the community spread of…

Gov. Walz Closes Minnesota Schools for Two Weeks to Plan for Coronavirus

The two-week period is for school officials and teachers to plan for long-term closures, distance learning.

March 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- In the most intense step the State of Minnesota has taken in response to the Coronavirus, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order closing all schools in the state starting Wednesday, until March 27th. This comes just two days after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced all schools statewide would close through April 6th. While parents prepare to cope…

Larson Addresses Coronavirus Concerns Sunday Ahead of Press Event

March 15, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will be holding a press conference Monday at 10 a.m. with an update on the city’s plans regarding the coronavirus. The event will be closed to the public to honor the Minnesota Department of Health’s social distancing guidelines, according to Larson. The press conference will be streamed on the city and FOX 21’s…

St. Patrick’s Day for the Whole Family at Dubh Linn

Pub expects 2,000 people to come through between Saturday and Tuesday.

March 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration is happening at Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub. According to Pub staff, they’ve been less busy than most years, mostly due to people staying away from public places due to the Coronavirus. However they still expect a lot of families Saturday night, to partake in the green beer 400 lbs of corned…

Grasshoppers and Grapes: Celebrating 45th Annual St. Urho’s Day

The tradition continued despite Coronavirus concerns.

March 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

FINLAND, Minn.- Despite Coronavirus fears shutting down many public events across the country, hundreds of people filled Highway 1 in Finland for the 45th annual St. Urho’s Day Parade. It’s like the Mardi Gras of Minnesota, filling the Highway with green and purple. “I think it’s fabulous. It’s nice to see all these people come together and be happy,” Twin…

A U of M Student Tests Positive For Coronavirus; UMD Prepares Amid Threats

Leadership at the school is now planning on using online classes after extending spring break.

March 13, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota Twin Cities student has tested positive for coronavirus. So far there are no reports of UMD students having the virus but that’s not stopping the campus from preparing. Leadership at the school is now planning on using online classes after extending spring break. Some faculty have been using various electronic delivery methods and…

Local Restaurants Add More Cleaning Protocols

Because of this, management has installed more protocols to ensure the health of both staff and customers.

March 13, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Even though it’s Eat Downtown Duluth week, restaurants like Zeitgeist have seen a decline as the week has gone on with growing concerns over the coronavirus. Because of this, management has installed more protocols to ensure the health of both staff and customers. “We have some additional hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes around so that people can…

City Shares Preparation Plans In Response To The Covid-19 Threat

March 13, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city leaders and local agencies gave an update on their preparations in response to the Coronavirus threat. City officials say they have been planning for several weeks the best approaches to Covid-19 They say the City of Duluth is fully prepared for effective public safety and emergency response when, rather than if, the virus arrives in…

Update: Minnesota Now Has 14 Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

March 13, 2020

Site Staff,

(courtesy: MN Department of Health) (FOX 9) – Minnesota now has 14 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the state. Five new cases were confirmed as of Friday. The World Health Organization has now declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. Minnesota health officials announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 6. MDH reports 555 people have been tested for…

Fun Run With A Covered Upper Lip

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Mustache March Run 5k

March 13, 2020

Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures we are running on Duluth’s Lake Walk in style! Grow out you own mustache or slap on a fake one and walk or run a 5k with friends. This event takes place on Saturday March 21st at 5pm by the Fitger’s stairs on the lake walk. You can preregister by clicking HERE…

St. Urho’s Celebration Continues Strong in Finland, Minnesota

St. Urho's Celebration is Happening March 13 - 15 in Finland, Minnesota

March 13, 2020

Brett Scott,

FINLAND, Minn. – There’s been an invasion! It’s time to chase the grasshoppers from the community of Finland, Minnesota. The annual St. Urho’s Day Celebration is happening Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15. The highly anticipated parade will commence down Highway 1 on Saturday, March 14 starting at 12:00 p.m. This year’s theme celebrates the roaring 1920s. St. Urho…

COVID-19 Questions, Concerns Answered by St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Doctor

FOX 21 Facebook Followers Ask Questions Regarding COVID-19, Local Infectious Disease Doctor Shares Answers

March 13, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Questions, comments, and concerns are filling our social media feeds and television screens this week, so FOX 21 Local News wanted to know what our viewers and Facebook followers are most concerned about regarding the spread of Coronavirus, also known at COVID-19. St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Dr. Andrew Thompson stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7…

LIVE: City Holds Press Conference Responding to Coronavirus Concerns

March 13, 2020

Site Staff,

Speakers: Mayor Emily Larson Shawn Krizaj, Duluth Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Management Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County Public Health Division Director Dr. Jon Pryor, Essentia Health East Market President Dr. Nick Van Deelen, St. Lukes Chief Medical Officer and Emergency Medicine Physician Commander Smith, U.S. Coast Guard Amy Rutledge, MN Power, Manager Corporate Communications Lee Stuart, Executive Director,…

St. Paul Teachers, School District Reach Deal Ending Strike

March 13, 2020

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The St. Paul teachers union and Minnesota’s second-largest school district have reached a tentative contract agreement, ending a strike that began Tuesday and canceled classes for some 36,000 students. The agreement was reached about 3:30 a.m. Friday after more than 19 hours of mediation that began early Thursday. The union represents about…

Robbinsdale Schools Cancel Classes Amid COVID-19 Concerns

The District Was Closed After a Parent Came in Contact With Someone Who Tested Positive

March 13, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – One Minnesota school district has canceled classes Friday over concerns about COVID-19, and the Minnesota House has canceled all meetings until Monday. The Robbinsdale Area School District in suburban Minneapolis said it canceled classes and other activities for the day “out of an abundance of caution” after a parent came in contact with someone who…

Current Duluth School District Superintendent Offered New Job

March 13, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

SAINT PETER, Minn. – Current Duluth School District Superintendent Bill Gronseth has been extended an offer to become the next superintendent of the Saint Peter School District. Gronseth made the decision to step down as Duluth’s superintendent when his contract is up in June. According to the 508 District website, their school board made the decision Thursday evening during a…

Duluth’s Grand St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Canceled Amid Coronavirus Concerns

March 13, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Grand St. Patrick’s Day Celebration has been canceled over the potential spread of coronavirus. The decision was made Thursday night not to hold the event at Clyde Iron Malting Building on March 17th. Instead of the event, there will be a live-stream for the public. Families will now be able to view all of the scheduled…