Minnesota Archives - Page 197 of 356

Minnesota Formally Casts Its 10 Electoral Votes for Biden

December 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s electors on Monday formally cast the state’s 10 electoral votes for Democratic President-elect Joe Biden. It took under 25 minutes for the 10 electors to affirm Biden’s victory in Minnesota and just 40 minutes to complete all the paperwork and adjourn without incident. The 10 electors, all wearing masks, gathered at the Capitol in St. Paul…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, December 14

December 14, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,026 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 381,841 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,462 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,933,794 tests have been completed to date. There are…

VA Hospital in Minnesota Gets State’s 1st Vaccine Shipment

December 14, 2020

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has received Minnesota’s first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, though it wasn’t immediately clear when vaccinations would begin. Gov. Tim Walz was at the hospital when the shipment arrived Monday and said it’s a day everyone has been waiting. Other Minnesota hospital systems expect to receive their initial shipments in the next day…

Minnesota Lawmakers Strike Deal on Unemployment Benefits, COVID-19 Business Relief

December 14, 2020

Site Staff,

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – As they gavel in for a special session, Minnesota lawmakers have a deal to send $216 million in cash relief to businesses and give a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits to ease the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re going to pass a bill today,” said state Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, one of…

Bar That Defied Shut-Down Order Has Lost Its Liquor License

December 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota restaurant that continued to host dine-in service in defiance of Gov. Tim Walz’s coronavirus order has temporarily lost its liquor license. State officials suspended the license Sunday for the Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks. The suspension comes just days after a Polk County court closed the bar and restaurant to in-person dining,…

Bentleyville Founder Urges Weekday Visits as Saturday Nights Get Busy

The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night.

December 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights is coming off another busy Saturday night. Ahead of the coming holiday weekend, founder Nathan Bentley is again asking future attendees to seriously consider coming during the week. The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. Bentley has asked attendees…

Duluth, St. Louis Co. Leaders ‘Dismayed’ by Rep. Stauber’s Backing of Lawsuit to Overturn Biden Win

December 13, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Elected leaders in Duluth and St. Louis County are calling out Republican Congressman Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesota’s 8th District, for his backing of a recent lawsuit to invalidate President-Elect Joe Biden’s wins in Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Letter to Congressman Stauber The lawsuit was thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court Friday. Duluth Mayor Emily…

UPDATE: Bentleyville Line Fills Up, Guests Turned Away Hours Early Saturday

Guests were asked to come back during the week for shorter wait times.

December 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights completely closed to new vehicles Saturday night, after reaching capacity early in the evening according to their website. Around 5:30 Saturday evening the attraction posted on their Facebook page that to “alleviate the number of vehicles on the roadways,” they would close the line until 7:30. But when 7:30 rolled around, that post changed…

Bentleyville Backed Up, Line Closes for Two Hours Saturday

The line for the Tour of Lights was at capacity, closing from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

December 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Traffic at Bentleyville once again backed up Saturday, forcing the line for the drive-thru attraction to close for part of the evening. According to a post on their Facebook page, the line was at capacity around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. They closed the line for two hours until 7:30 p.m., and asked guests to return after that to alleviate…

Essentia Health Hiring Healthcare Workers

"It's been an unbelievable amount of stress on our staff. We're used to taking care of people who are very sick and used to seeing people die, but not in these numbers," said Jon Pryor, president of Essentia Health.

December 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand for healthcare workers is becoming critical in the Northland. Essentia Health is now hiring, hoping to find skilled healthcare employees to fill the gaps brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. A shortage of frontline workers such as nurses is already creating a strain for hospitals in the region. Many hospital officials are getting concerned for the…

Families With Students At ISD 709 Says Learning During The Pandemic Is Challenging

A survey found about 75% of students and families have said they are having challenges.

December 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public School District recently conducted a survey to learn the impacts of educating during the pandemic has had on families of students. The survey found about 75% of students and families have said they are having challenges. School district officials say the pandemic has changed the concept of what used to be the standards for…

Aging Population Could Create A “Silver Tsunami”

It is believed as people get older they are at higher risk of having chronic diseases.

December 11, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Recent research from the University of Minnesota Medical School shows the number of people over the age of 65 in the state is expected to double. The rapidly aging population has health professionals worried this could have major impacts. Clinical experts are calling it the “Silver Tsunami.” It is believed as people get older they are at…

Woman Arrested After Abandoning 6-Year-Old Daughter on Side of Highway 61

December 11, 2020

Site Staff,

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Police say a woman has been arrested after she abandoned her 6-year-old daughter on the side of Highway 61 in the Grand Portage area Thursday night. According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the area on reports of a child that was found on the side of the highway without proper winter clothing….

Keetac Mine Restarts Production

December 11, 2020

Site Staff,

KEEWATIN, Minn. – Operations have restarted at the Keetac mine, according to Union Rep. Dan Pierce. A company spokesperson says plans are currently in the works to bring back about 400 employees. The site had been idle since May of this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. Steel owned Minntac reopened production lines 6 and 7 at the end…

MN DOC Reports Two More COVID-19 Deaths From Moose Lake, Faribault Correctional Facilities

December 11, 2020

Site Staff,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Corrections announced on Friday two more COVID-19 related deaths from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Moose Lake and Faribault. One of the deceased from a 66-year-old man incarcerated at MCF-Fairbault and the other was a 63-year-old man from MCF-Moose Lake. Both men died at Abbot Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. The MN DOC…

Emmer, Stauber, Hagedorn Ask High Court to Void Biden Win

December 11, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Republican U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer, Pete Stauber, and Jim Hagedorn of Minnesota have signed on to a last-gasp bid to get the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the presidential election. The three are among more than 100 House Republicans who joined an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Emmer’s name…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, December 11

December 11, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,773 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 370,968 in the state. Health officials also reported 94 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,292 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,789,829 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Driver in Fatal Hibbing Crash Charged With Criminal Vehicular Homicide

December 11, 2020

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – The driver in a fatal head-on crash in Hibbing last month has been charged with one count of criminal vehicular homicide – operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner and one count of criminal vehicular homicide – operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance, according to the Hibbing Police Department. According…

Zup’s to Purchase Ely Northland Market

December 11, 2020

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Zup’s Food Market) ELY, Minn. – Zup’s Food Market announced on Wednesday its plans to purchase Ely Northland Market in the early part of 2021. The two major grocers in Ely say the partnership will result in one large grocery store located in the now vacant Shopko building. According to a recent press release, both stores will continue to…

Parents Sue Walz to Lift ‘Pause’ on Youth Sports Over Virus

December 11, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A group of parents has sued Gov. Tim Walz, seeking to throw out his order that put high school sports on hold as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. But lawmakers agreed Thursday on $216 million in grants for businesses hurt by the four-week “pause” that Walz imposed…

A Portion Of Lincoln Park Drive Closes For Pedestrian-Only Access

The road will be closed starting from the bridge on Lincoln Park Drive up to 10th street.

December 10, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A portion of Lincoln Park Drive will close on Friday to be used as a pedestrian-only trail for the winter. The road will be closed starting from the bridge on Lincoln Park Drive up to 10th street. Vehicle access will also be restricted at 6th street. This is the second time the city closed down a portion…

Holiday Gatherings Still Discouraged Even As A Vaccine Nears Approval

More than 50% of the total COVID-19 cases in the county since March were reported last month.

December 10, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Coronavirus vaccine could be available in the Northland within the next few weeks. Although a treatment is on the way health officials are still urging the community to avoid holiday gatherings to help slow surges in COVID-19 cases. Demand for a Coronavirus vaccine in the northland is expected to be far greater than the doses available….

Fan Cutouts Available For Purchase For UMD Bulldog Hockey Games

The cutouts costs $75 each.

December 10, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – This season, the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldog hockey fans won’t be allowed into Amsoil Arena to watch any of the games, but you still have a chance to show your support for the teams in a creative way. Fans can now purchase a cardboard cutout of themselves to be displayed in the arena during the home…

Minnesota’s New COVID-19 Deaths Include 2 Victims in 20s

December 10, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two Minnesotans in their 20s are among the 89 new deaths from COVID-19 reported by state health officials Thursday. It’s an unusual development in a pandemic that mostly claims the lives of elderly patients. The Minnesota Department of Health says they included someone 25 to 29 years old in Ramsey County and someone between 20 and 24…

House, Senate Strike Apparent Deal on $216 Million in Business Relief, Not on Unemployment Benefits

December 10, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota lawmakers have struck a deal to send $216 million in cash relief to businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic and mandatory shutdowns, but there’s no agreement to extend unemployment benefits to laid-off workers. The Legislature is set to convene for a special session Monday, and lawmakers have been racing to reach an agreement. It’s unclear whether Democrats who…

Second COVID-19 Related Death Reported at Moose Lake MNSOP Facility

December 10, 2020

Site Staff,

(photo: AP news) MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – A second COVID-19 related death has been reported at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program’s Moose Lake facility. According to a recent press release from the facility, the client died Wednesday, December 9 and the family has been notified. The first COVID-19 related death at the facility was on December 2. “We offer our…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, December 10

December 10, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,523 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 367,218 in the state. Health officials also reported 89 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,198 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,731,719 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Walz Pushes Announcement on Extending COVID-19 Restrictions to Monday

December 10, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is delaying until Monday an announcement on extending business closures due to COVID-19. Walz had initially planned to make that call on Friday, but the decision is still in the planning stages, a spokesperson told FOX 9. Last month, Walz initiated a four-week pause on indoor dining at bars and restaurants and youth…

33rd Annual Duluth Wedding Show Postponed to March

December 10, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 33rd annual Duluth Wedding show has been postponed to March due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Lundeen Group announced on Thursday that the show, originally scheduled for Saturday, January 9 at the DECC, has been pushed to Sunday, March 14. “We have reviewed the latest State of Minnesota guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and, as…

First Responders Are Feeling Strained From Impacts Of COVID-19

December 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

NORTHLAND, Minn. – First responders have been strained by this pandemic, especially ambulance crews that may respond to someone having symptoms. Communities rely on first responders when emergencies happen, but as coronavirus case numbers surge in the region, the job is becoming more challenging. “We need some help in being able to respond to the emergencies,” said Virginia Mayor Larry…

McQuade’s Pub And Grill Opens In Old Carmody 61 Location In Two Harbors

December 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – McQuade’s Pub and Grill is now open for take out after relocating to a bigger space. The restaurant used to be in downtown Two Harbors, but now takes over the Old Carmody 61 on Highway 61. The restaurant expanded its seating and size of the kitchen. The owner says the pandemic has also allowed him to…

Highlighted Disparities During Pandemic Still Leaves People Of Color Uneasy About COVID-19 Pandemic

A recent survey shows only about 50% of African Americans are open to taking the coronavirus vaccine.

December 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A roll out for a coronavirus vaccine is expected before the end of the year. Beyond the issue of who gets the vaccine first, there is another obstacle many health professionals say still needs to be addressed. The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a brighter light on health disparities for people of color. A recent study shows about…

Mike’s Cafe and Pizzeria Opens in Esko

December 9, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

ESKO, Minn. – A familiar restaurant has moved into the building previously occupied by Eskomo Pizza Pies in Esko. Mike’s Cafe and Pizzeria, which spent nearly four decades in western Duluth as Mike’s Western Cafe, opened up in early November. With the owner growing up in the town, he says that despite the pandemic, the community response has been uplifting…

Gov. Walz Calls Special Session to Pass COVID-19 Relief

December 9, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday that he will convene a special session of the Minnesota Legislature on Monday in order to provide COVID-19 relief in the state. Additionally, Gov. Walz says he intends to extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by another 30 days. “Minnesota’s small businesses and workers are bearing a large burden of the…

Minnesota Reports 4,539 New Coronavirus Cases; 82 New Deaths

December 9, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported 4,539 new coronavirus cases Wednesday and 82 new deaths, the state’s third-highest one-day total of the pandemic. The new cases raise Minnesota’s total case count to 363,719 and its cumulative death toll to 4,109. But hospitalizations are continuing a slow decline. Minnesota had 1,545 people hospitalized with COVID as of Tuesday, with 358…

One Dead in Itasca County Logging Truck Crash

December 9, 2020

Site Staff,

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A Deerwood man is dead after crashing into the side of a logging truck Tuesday morning, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Reports state the accident happened on Highway 169 near Itasca County Road 450 around 10:13 a.m. Authorities say a 2015 Ford Explorer, driven by Michael Alan Brandt, 69, was traveling north on Highway 169…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, December 9

December 9, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 4,539 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 363,719 in the state. Health officials also reported 82 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,109 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,690,213 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Minneapolis Eyes Deep Police Cuts After Floyd’s Death

December 9, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via AP, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The future of policing in the city where George Floyd was killed is headed for a showdown vote Wednesday night. The Minneapolis City Council will decide whether to shrink the city’s police department while violent crime is already soaring and redirect funding toward alternatives for reducing violence. Mayor Jacob Frey has…

Gov Walz: ‘The end of COVID is out there’ with Vaccine Rollout Likely Next Week

If approved, the state would receive 46,800 shots from Pfizer by next week.

December 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz unveiled the state’s plan for getting Minnesotans vaccinated against coronavirus, some as soon as the coming weeks. “This day is real, it’s happening, it is really here. In Minnesota, we’re prepared for it,” said the Governor in a press conference Tuesday. “We are on the doorstep of starting this.” According to the Minnesota…

City of Virginia Closes City Hall For Covid-19 Precautions

December 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Virginia City Hall has closed to the public after one city staff member tested positive for the coronavirus. The closure is just a precaution to prevent the spread of the virus. The individual exposed to the virus worked as an evidence technician for the police department as well as staffed the general public services window. Unfortunately,…

City Of Duluth Make Recommendations For Tourism Tax Dollars

"We are expecting to collect 25% less in 2021 than we anticipated collecting this year in 2020," said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson.

December 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues to hurt many parts of the Northland tourism industry Duluth city leaders are starting the process of deciding how tourism generated tax dollars should be spent next year. Last year, about $12 million in tourism tax revenue ended up being set aside for Duluth community investments and to help pay for some of…

Hermantown Government Services Building Reopens After Covid-19 Related Closure

The Hermantown Government Services building is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

December 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown Government Services building has reopened to the public once again after some staff members were diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19. The facility is home to the Hermantown City Hall, Police, and Fire Departments. The building was closed for about a month as a precaution for the safety of the public, but staff continued to work…

Deputies Identified in Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Mt. Iron

December 8, 2020

Site Staff,

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has identified the two deputies involved in the fatal officer-involved shooting in Mountain Iron on Saturday. According to a recent press release from the Minnesota BCA, Deputy Ryan Smith and Deputy Matt Tomsich were involved in the shooting that killed 19-year-old Estavon Dominick Elioff. Smith has been with the St….

Willow River Man Sentenced for Criminal Vehicular Homicide

December 8, 2020

Site Staff,

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – A Willow River man has been sentenced to 41 months in prison for driving through Kettle River while high on meth last September resulting in the death of one of his passengers. According to court records, Preston Prokasky, 44, pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide in January and was sentenced on Tuesday. Court documents say Prokasky…

Minnesota in Line to Get 183,400 COVID-19 Vaccines by the End of 2020

December 8, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz and state health officials outlined Minnesota’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan in a statewide address Tuesday. Walz said he expects Minnesota will get its first vaccine shipment “sometime in the next week or so.” However, Walz cautions there is an unclear and shifting schedule for delivery of both Pfizer and Moderna’s initial vaccines. Minnesota is…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 8

December 8, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,080 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 359,203 in the state. Health officials also reported 22 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,027 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,650,726 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Gov. Walz, MDH Trim Recommended Quarantine to 10 or 7 Days After COVID Exposure

A full 14-day quarantine after being exposed to someone with COVID-19 is still the most safe, officials said.

December 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

ST.PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz and state health leaders announced changes Monday to how long people should quarantine if exposed to someone with coronavirus, and also prepped the state for new mitigation efforts to come within the week. “The fact of the matter is a 14-day quarantine is the best thing to do. But the science has been refined enough…

Storefront Windows Celebrate Cultural Traditions With Holiday Displays

December 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some vacant storefronts in Lincoln Park are being dressed up with holiday displays created by local artists. The windows showcase holiday cultural traditions like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. People passing by can read and learn more about those traditions. A local artist says she hopes the displays remind the community of the importance of sticking together. The first…

Two Young ATV Riders Break Through Ice on Lake, Make It Safely Back to Land

December 7, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

ST. LOUIS CO., Minn. — Two young ATV riders were able to make it back to land safely after their ATVs broke through the ice and went into the Fish Lake Reservoir. St. Louis County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene around 4:45 p.m. on Monday. Officials did not provide the ages of the ATV riders or if they…

Mailing And Shipping Stores Staying Busy For The Holidays

It is recommended to get those out as early as possible to make it in time for Christmas.

December 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local mailing and shipping stores are keeping busy as more people are sending holiday gifts during the pandemic. The Pack and Mail on Grand Avenue has seen an uptick in customers sending packages all across the country. The steady business hasn’t left any downtime for the workers. A clerk says in the last couple of years mailing…