Minnesota Archives - Page 248 of 374

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…

Governor Signs Bills on COVID-19, Election Security, Drugs

May 13, 2020

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has signed six bills into law as the regular session of the Minnesota Legislature winds down toward its adjournment date Monday. One of the bills he signed Tuesday extended a state COVID-19 relief fund that expired this week. Another allows the state to tap $17 million in federal election…

Live: The Minnesota Department of Health Releases Version 3.0 of COVID-19 Model

May 13, 2020

Site Staff,

Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Gov. Walz to Provide Update on Minnesota’s Stay Home Order Tonight

May 13, 2020

Site Staff, The Associated Press,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday morning that he will give an update to Minnesotan’s about the state’s response to COVID-19 during a live address at 6:00 p.m. Walz is expected to extend his peacetime state of emergency order until June 12. The governor has used his emergency powers to order…

Parties Split on Divvying up Minnesota’s Nearly $2B in Virus Aid

May 13, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Unless the divided Minnesota Legislature agrees on something different, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and his agency heads will have complete authority to decide how to spend Minnesota’s nearly $2 billion shares of coronavirus aid under the federal CARES Act, Democratic leaders said Tuesday. A bill by Sen. Julie Rosen, of Vernon…

Residents Vote to Consolidate Eveleth-Gilbert, Virginia School Districts

May 13, 2020

Brett Scott,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Tuesday night, community members in both the Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert schools voted to consolidate the two school districts. The vote unofficially passed 77.6% in Virginia and 53.3% in Eveleth-Gilbert. Only a majority was needed in both districts for the consolidation to occur. “We know the road ahead will, at times, be difficult and that we have much…

St. Louis County Projects Budget Shortfall, No Layoffs So Far

The County is also waiving late fees for property owners who apply for an extension to July.

May 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 has dealt a financial blow to St. Louis County in the form of a projected budget shortall. According to County Auditor Nancy Nilsen, the budget shortfall is expected to be at least $6 million. She said her office is not looking at layoffs or furloughs, but instead plan to save money with a hiring freeze leaving about…

Duluth Firefighters Train with New Fire Rig, Expect Faster Response Times

The new $1.4 million firetruck is outfitted with a center-mounted ladder, mounted bucket, and more.

May 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Two weeks ago the Duluth Fire Department received a new fire engine, to be used out of Tower One. After spending time outfitting it with all the necessary bells and whistles, they took it out for a spin Tuesday for training. There was no fire in the Marcus Theaters parking lot, but the hoses were running on a…

Gary-New Duluth Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Shutdown

Triple J Service Center and Family Dollar talk about how the pandemic has affected stores

May 12, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Businesses have struggled across the Northland during the pandemic. Some businesses have been closed for nearly two months under Minnesota’s Stay at Home Order. Other shops have remained opened during the pandemic. While some of those stores have seen an increase in business, for others it’s been much slower. Triple J Service Center has struggled during the…

Hearing Wellness Center Reopens For In-Person Appointments

The center is taking a few precautions to allow for in-person visits including requiring patients to wait in their cars until their scheduled appointment begins.

May 12, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has now allowed some health providers including hearing treatment centers to reopen. These health providers are required to put safety precautions in place as the pandemic continues. The Hearing Wellness Center in Duluth has continued caring for patients during the Minnesota Stay-at-home order, but only through telehealth appointments. The organization is looking forward…

A New Type Of Restaurant Opens As Pandemic Continues

Blue Rock Coffee and Wine Cafe is open seven days a week.

May 12, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new type of restaurant is now open for business in Duluth. Blue Rock Coffee and Wine Cafe made its debut on Monday. The restaurant serves specialty drinks such as smoothies and coffee from Duluth Coffee Company. The food spot also offers a wide array of items on the menu such as quiche and breakfast sandwiches, which…

Applications for At-Large City Council Seat Now Available

May 12, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth says applications for the At-Large City Council vacancy are now available online. The seat was previously held by Councilor Barb Russ who resigned from the Duluth City Council last month due to health issues. According to a recent press release, applications must be submitted by email to the City Clerk or by mail…

St. Louis County Board Approves Waiving Penalties for Late Property Tax Payments

May 12, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has approved waving penalties on late property tax payments for those struggling financially due to the impacts of COVID-19. According to county officials, to be eligible property owners must fill out a short application found on the county website which can be found here. The deadline to apply for late…

Live: Minnesota Health Officials Give Updates on COVID-19 Cases in the State

May 12, 2020

Site Staff,

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, May 12

May 12, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 12,494 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 23 new deaths bringing the death total to 614 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 120,834 tests have been completed to date. There are 8,223 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,799 patients have required hospitalization…

A Local Jewelry Store Reopens For Curbside

Security Jewelers is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for curbside pick up and drop-off.

May 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Security Jewelers in Duluth has reopened for curbside pickup and drop-off as part of the guidelines put in place by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to allow many non-essential businesses to continue operations. Right now, the jewelry store is open for people to pick up jewelry orders that may have been in place before the shutdown of non-essential…

Concerns Grow As Domestic Violence Calls Gradually Decline During The Coronavirus Pandemic

As the pandemic continued through April, the number of calls began to gradually decline.

May 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The ongoing pandemic is raising some concerns for the well-being of victims of domestic violence. Organizations, such as Safe Haven in Duluth, are seeing drastic changes in the number of calls for help since the coronavirus pandemic began. Now they are worried, what these changes could mean for the safety of those victims. A decline in the…

WLSSD Begins A Portion Of Its $2 Million Wastewater Pipe Maintenance Project

Residents should not expect any disruptions to their water services.

May 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Superior Street between 44th and 45th Avenue East is closing this week to allow the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District in Duluth to begin the first stages of restoring an existing sewer pipeline in Lakeside. This is part of WLSSD’s two million dollar wastewater pipe maintenance project. The pipeline services communities between Knife River and Duluth. It…

Businesses in Itasca County Weather through Pandemic

May 11, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– The Dutch Room and Mad Dog’s Pizza in Grand Rapids have seen business change over the last couple months. “It was a huge eye-opener to, ‘Okay, how do we do things? How do we adapt,” said Dutch Room and Mad Dog’s Pizza Owner Gabe Miskovich Restrictions on bars and restaurants in Minnesota have been in effect for…

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Shows Off New Locomotive

The historic locomotive was built back in 1956 and had one of the first practical diesel engines.

May 11, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – In celebration of National Train Day on Sunday, the North Shore Scenic Railroad added another engine to their fleet. The historic locomotive was built back in 1956 and had one of the first practical diesel engines. Now, with a new paint job, the smaller and more durable locomotive is ready to take people up the North Shore….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, May 11

May 11, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 11,799 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 591 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 115,781 tests have been completed to date. There are 7,536 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,716 patients have required hospitalization…

Ashley Grimm Lands DFL Endorsement For St. Louis County Board

May 10, 2020

Dan Hanger,

Ashley Grimm DULUTH, Minn. – Ashley Grimm has landed the DFL endorsement for St. Louis County Commissioner Dist. 3, which represents the western portion of Duluth. Grimm received more than 69 percent of the votes cast by convention delegates at the first-ever electronic virtual convention. This came after a 2-week balloting period. DFL competitor Noah Hobbs received the remaining votes….

Hometown Heroes: 5/10/20

May 10, 2020

Dan Hanger,

Categories: Hometown Hero – article, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Man Credited With Helping Save Neighbor’s Garage On Fire

May 10, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A neighbor is being credited for helping stop a fire from getting out of control in Lincoln Park. The Duluth Fire Department says the man saw his neighbor’s garage on fire, so he grabbed two fire extinguishers to tackle it before firefighters arrived. The fire happened around 1:30 p.m. Sunday. On the 2400 block of West 24th…

Busy Mother’s Day for Vanilla Bean To-Go Brunches

May 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Mother’s Day was busy for many restaurants that offer brunch in the Twin Ports. Vanilla Bean in Duluth said they saw a line out the door for their brunch-to-go. Even though they had about 15-16 orders lined up with over an hour wait for some people, owner Jason Vincent said people still thanked him for being open and…

Welfare Checks Increase Slightly in Itasca County Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Overall Calls For Criminal Activity Are Down in Many Iron Range Cities

May 10, 2020

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – During a press briefing Friday, Grand Rapids Police Chief Scott Johnson had a message for residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic — to remain calm, and check up on your family, friends, and neighbors. Overall calls for criminal activity are down in the City of Grand Rapids. Shoplifting crimes are now being dealt with electronically and through…

St. Scholastica Spring Commencement Goes Virtual, Seniors Look Back on Last Year

While disappointing, not having an in-person commencement doesn't change the fact that they completed four years of college, seniors say.

May 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Graduating seniors at the College of St. Scholastica are celebrating the end of their college lives a bit differently than they may have expected: with a virtual commencement ceremony. This time last year, there was a full gymnasium filled with caps and gowns. “I was homeschooled high school so I never had the ceremony so I was really…

Cloquet High Seniors Pick Up Graduation Cap and Gowns Drive-Thru Style

Teachers, Family and Community members wear purple and come out in support.

May 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- Picking up your graduation cap and gown is a big moment for high school seniors. So the Cloquet High School Administration and the surrounding community made it even bigger, while still maintaining social distance–having them available as a drive-thru. “It really boiled down to some form of togetherness,” said Principal Steve Battaglia. A chorus of honks greeted Cloquet…

Hospitality Industry Hit Hard By Covid-19

May 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A recent survey conducted by Hospitality Minnesota shows more than half of businesses in the hospitality industry across the state including hotels, restaurants, and bars will likely shut down permanently as a result of financial impacts of Covid-19. With each passing day, it is getting more difficult for businesses to keep up with mounting obligations such as…

Bailey Builds Allows Customers to Shop from their Cars

Car-side shopping is in addition to curbside pickup and an online store.

May 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- An arts studio and store on Grand Avenue in Duluth is changing the way they bring handmade gifts to customers. You can now shop Bailey Builds from your car. One of the staff members will meet you at your vehicle with a mask and gloves to find out what you’re looking for, come back with gift ideas, and…

Minnesota House Approves Bill That Would Raise Tobacco Age to 21

May 9, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House has approved legislation that raises the age for residents to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21. Lawmakers voted 89-41 Saturday in favor of the measure known as Tobacco 21. It became federal law last December, but promoters of the state bill say it is needed for compliance and enforcement. Democratic Rep. Heath…

New Scenic Cafe Offering Mother’s Day Meal Kits

May 8, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – A popular Northland restaurant is offering some special meal kits for mothers this weekend. New Scenic Cafe is delivering and offering pickup for about 100 meal kits for Mother’s Day with brunch, dinner or a land and sea grill options in each kit. Owners say, the goal is to bring these popular items out to celebrate Northland…

Duluth Community Walks To Honor An Unarmed Man Shot & Killed in Georgia

"I'm terrified as a mom. I can't sleep at night. I can't eat. It's a thing as a parent all you want to do is keep your kids safe," said Diana Oestreich.

May 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday, the Duluth community came together to walk in honor of the life of an unarmed black man from Georgia who was tragically shot and killed while jogging back in February. Instead of celebrating what would have been his 26th birthday, the family of Ahmaud Arbery will now be mourning his death. Communities around the nation,…

Denfeld Staff Deliver Caps, Gowns to Seniors

On Friday, Denfeld staff showed their appreciation for the seniors by getting them the materials they would normally receive before a diploma.

May 8, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – For the 2020 class at Denfeld High School, their year has been different to say the least. “We’re really trying to add those special pieces that you’d think they would be missing out on but they are still getting to some degree,” Denfeld English Teacher, Mariah Macioce says. On Friday, Denfeld staff showed their appreciation for the…

Minnesota Law Enforcement Seeing Spike in Speed Related Traffic Violations

DUI Traffic Citations Are on the Decrease Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 8, 2020

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Law enforcement authorities in Minnesota want to remind residents their main goal through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is to support local health officials and encourage safe social distancing practices. During a press briefing Friday by Itasca County law enforcement officials, the Minnesota State Patrol shared how troopers are seeing an uptick in speeding violations throughout the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 8

May 8, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 10,888 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 26 new deaths bringing the death total to 534 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 101,270 tests have been completed to date. There are 5,697 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,549 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Bans Large, In-Person Graduation Ceremonies for Class of 2020 Amid Pandemic

May 8, 2020

Kelly Tekler,

(FOX 9) – Minnesota education and health officials are banning large, in-person graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the safest way for schools to celebrate is for everyone to stay home. Officials released public health guidance Friday for high school and college graduation ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance was developing in consultation with school leaders…

Walz Outlines Virus ‘Battle Plan’ at Minnesota Nursing Homes

May 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz outlined a “battle plan” Thursday to keep Minnesota long-term care residents and workers safe against COVID-19, which so far has claimed the lives of more than 400 residents of nursing homes or assisted-living facilities in the state. Walz told reporters that the state is “prepared to go very…

Duluth Hospitals Confident Elective Surgeries Can Go On ‘Safely’

Both St. Luke's and Essentia Health Have Protocols in Place Before a Patient Receives a Surgical Procedure Amid COVID-19

May 7, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is allowing elective surgical procedures to start again on Monday, May 11 after hospitals take preventative measures to ensure continued safety. Before surgical dates, both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health will be testing patients for COVID-19 three days before their procedure. They will then ask patients to quarantine themselves up until the date…

The “No Poop Fairy” Returns To Give People A Reminder To Pick Up After Their Pets

May 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The “No Poop Fairy” has returned. The unmagical being visited Hartley Nature Center in Duluth to remind residents to do their “civic dooty” of picking up after their pets. Last year, the Regional Stormwater Protection Team debuted a PSA starring the “No Poop Fairy” to help people be mindful when they are out with their pets. This…

UMD Receives Grant To Examine Climate Change Around The Great Lakes

Researchers will examine increasing water levels, changes in algae growth, and storm patterns.

May 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth recently received a grant for half a million dollars to look more into how climate-driven disturbances are impacting the Great Lakes including lake superior. For the next three years, this grant will give UMD the opportunity to bring together more than 30 scientists, practitioners, and decision-makers to gain a better understanding of…

Officials: Northland Likely to See a ‘Wave’ Rather Than ‘Surge’ in COVID-19 Patients

St. Luke's and Essentia Health Update The Public on a Weekly Basis Regarding Preparations, New Scientific Models

May 7, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – With strict social distancing measures in place, local health experts now believe the Northland will likely not see a surge in COVID-19 patients, but rather a wave or the occasional spike in cases. During a weekly press briefing from St. Luke’s and Essentia Health Thursday, a panel of doctors and researchers gave an update on the projection…

Fond Du Lac Reservation Seeking PPE Donations

May 7, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Fond Du Lac Reservation is seeking donations of personal protective equipment. The Reservation has been screening people entering the tribal center for well over a month. Now, the band is in need of N-95 and cloth masks, disinfectant wipes and thermometer covers so they can be distributed throughout the community. “Our Fond Du Lac community has…

Minnesota Company to Close North Dakota Coal-fired Plant

May 7, 2020

The Associated Press,

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The company that operates the largest coal-fired power plant in North Dakota announced Thursday it will close the factory and replace most of its energy with new wind farms in Minnesota. Maple Grove, Minnesota-based Great River Energy said its Coal Creek Station near Underwood in west-central North Dakota will be shuttered in the second half of…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, May 7

May 7, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 9,365 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 28 new deaths bringing the death total to 508 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 97,421 tests have been completed to date. There are 5,308 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,459 patients have required hospitalization…

Two More Employees Test Positive for COVID-19 at USG Plant in Cloquet

May 7, 2020

Site Staff,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Two more employees have tested positive for COVID-19 at the USG plant in Cloquet, according to a USG spokesperson. The company has now had a total of three positive cases at the plant. The first employee tested positive for the new coronavirus last month. A USG spokesperson tells Fox 21 that after learning two more employees have…

Fire Crews Battle Lakeside Home Fire Wednesday Night

May 7, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – A home in Lakeside sustained heavy damage after a fire broke out Wednesday night. According to the Duluth Fire Department, crews responded to a kitchen fire at 4617 Oneida Street around 11:46 p.m. Thursday. Authorities say one of the residents was able to partially extinguish the fire that had started on the stove and made its way…