Minnesota Archives - Page 198 of 363

Some Proctor Students Return To Hybrid Model

Teachers now wear a mask and a shield to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

January 26, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor schools welcomed some students back to the classroom after months of doing distance learning to help prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. Bay View Elementary kindergarten through fifth-grade students returned back to class and will resume a hybrid model for a few weeks before transitioning to full in-person learning. Some new rules have been put in…

BWCAW Quota Permit Reservations Available Wednesday

January 26, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness quota permit reservations will be available starting tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. for the 2021 season. Visitors are encouraged to book their reservations for May 1 through September 20 online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A permit is required for visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or a motorized…

Tiger in Minnesota Tests Positive for COVID-19

January 26, 2021

Site Staff,

(courtesy: The Wildcat Sanctuary via Fox 9) PINE COUNTY, Minn. – A tiger at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Pine County has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health According to reports from the sanctuary veterinarian, the tiger, a 21-year-old female Sumatran/Bengal tiger, has already recovered from the virus. Sanctuary staff says they first noticed symptoms…

Walz Proposes Tax Hikes on the Rich to Balance State Budget

January 26, 2021

The Associated Press, KQDS Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP/FOX9) — Gov. Tim Walz proposed raising taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans and large companies Tuesday to help plug a projected $1.28 billion gap in the next two-year budget while increasing spending on education and on helping the state recover from the coronavirus pandemic. The Democratic governor’s budget proposal includes new spending of $745 million on education through 12th…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 26

January 26, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 727 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 456,490 in the state. Health officials also reported 8 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,106 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,399,553 tests have been completed to date. There…

Walz to Emphasize COVID-19 Recovery in Next 2-Year Budget

January 26, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz will today propose a two-year budget with a heavy focus on helping Minnesota recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The budget Walz is planning to announce at 12:00 p.m. is expected to top $50 million. It will emphasize assistance to small businesses, help for working families affected by the disease itself or…

Starks Academy After School Program Provides Homework Help, Place to Play During Pandemic

"Seal the Cracks" at the Encounter Youth Center features activities and games and help with schoolwork from tutors.

January 25, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As some elementary students across Duluth head back to the classrooms, some volunteers with the Northland Youth Basketball Alliance and Starks Academy are offering a place where kids of all ages can come to play, and get help with schoolwork. It’s called “Seal The Cracks.” For two hours after school at the Encounter Youth Center on First Street…

K-2nd Graders Welcomed Back Into Duluth Schools — With Precautions

While reassuring parents the school is taking many precautions, officials say a good portion of students have been kept at home by some moms and dads.

January 25, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday, Kindergartners through 2nd Graders in the Duluth School District returned to their classrooms for the first time since November, after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz officially allowed elementary schools to reopen starting January 18th. “I am truly elated to be back at school,” said Homecroft Elementary Principal Tom Cawcutt. In Duluth, the rest of elementary schoolers Grades…

Proctor Senior Awarded Medal of Honor Scholarship

January 25, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – One lucky Proctor student received the Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor scholarship on Monday. Senior Courtney Werner was presented with the $1,500 scholarship after writing an essay about her great grandfather, Thomas Werner, who served during World War II. Courtney said she was able to learn more about her roots through the writing process while keeping her…

Maintenance On The Aerial Lift Bridge Begins

Traffic will be limited to one lane between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.

January 25, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – City crews began routine maintenance on the Aerial Lift Bridge on Monday. City officials say during the shipping off-season is a prime opportunity to make any necessary upgrades. Over the next few weeks, crews will be checking to make sure operations on the bridge are working properly. The city also received a grant for more than 400,000…

Misinformation About Covid-19 And Vaccine Can Lead To Bad Decision Making

"If you don't have good information, you can't make good choices for what you choose to do," said Dr. Kristina Krohn, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

January 25, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. -The spreading of misinformation about the Coronavirus and its preventative vaccine is a common concern among medical experts. They’re worried misreporting of facts about the health crisis can make it harder to protect the public. There are plenty of rumors medical experts would like to clear up. “Anything that tells you it’s not something that we spread just…

City Looks For Public Feedback On Upcoming Reconstruction Project Of East Superior Street

A virtual meeting is being held on January 28th at 4 p.m.

January 25, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The reconstruction of East Superior Street between 45th and 60th Avenue East is expected to happen later this year and city officials are gearing up for the project by asking for public feedback. The project would include repaving that portion of East Superior Street. Construction crews will also be upgrading sidewalks to bring them up to standards…

Duluth Officer Charged In Shooting Wants Case Dismissed, County Attorney Disagrees

January 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

2015 photo on City of Rosemount’s website congratulating Officer Tyler Leibfried on his new job with the Duluth Police Department. DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin is opposing a Duluth police officer’s request to dismiss charges against him in a shooting that injured an unarmed man. Tyler Leibfried, 28, is facing two felony firearm charges, including one…

First Known U.S. Case of Brazilian COVID-19 Variant Discovered in Minnesota

January 25, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – A variant of COVID-19 that originated in Brazil has been discovered in a Minnesota patient, officials say. It is the first known case documented in the United States. The Minnesota Department of Health said the variant, known as Brazil P.1 variant, was found in a person who had recently traveled to Brazil. The variant is thought to be more…

Gov. Walz Unveils ‘Due North’ Education Plan

January 25, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan unveiled the Due North Education Plan which the governor’s office says is focused on ensuring every child in Minnesota receives a high-quality education regardless of race or zip-code. “As a former classroom teacher for over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how a high-quality education shapes students’…

Minnesota Shifts Communication Vaccination Signup to Lottery

January 25, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Monday announced changes in the sign-up process for a community vaccine program for seniors, teachers, and child care workers after heavy demand last week crashed a website and angered many people who could not get through. State officials have shifted from a first-come, first-served system to a lottery that allows…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 25

January 25, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 794 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 455,783 in the state. Health officials also reported 3 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,098 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,388,959 tests have been completed to date. There…

Less Than 5% of Minnesotans Have Received 1 Vaccine Dose

January 25, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The number of Minnesotans who have received at least the first dose of the two-shot COVID-19 vaccine is nearing a quarter-million or less than 5% of the population, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Sunday. A total of 247,415 Minnesotans have received at least one dose. More than 63,000 people have received both shots to complete their…

Fans Cheer on UMD Men’s Hockey at AMSOIL Arena for First Time in Months

In addition to family members, a limited number of tickets were available to students -- which reportedly sold out quickly.

January 24, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As the UMD Men’s Hockey Team returned from quarantine after a COVID situation postponed their series last week, cardboard cutouts weren’t the only ones cheering them on — fans welcomed the Bulldogs back to AMSOIL, for the first time since March. “It’s nice,” said young Noah Wise seeing the game with his dad Sunday. “We’ve been waiting for…

Dozens Protest Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement on Streets Near Backus, MN

Enbridge maintains Line 3 has been repeatedly approved "based on six years of fact and science based regulatory and permitting review."

January 23, 2021

Arman Rahman,

BACKUS, Minn.- A large protest near Backus, Minnesota Saturday called on President Joe Biden to stop Enbridge from constructing the Line 3 Pipeline Replacement, protesters said, just as he did the Keystone Pipeline this week. According to organizers, approximately 200 people gathered on the streets near Backus. This comes just a day after a protester was safely removed from a…

Blood Donations Are Critically Low; Health Experts Encouraging People to Donate

If you have had the vaccine, healthcare professionals say it is safe to give blood.

January 22, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Blood donations continue to be critically low during the pandemic. Donations are typically low in the winter, but as fewer people are choosing not to give blood during the pandemic the supply is becoming exhausted. Health officials say the U.S. blood supply is in stage yellow meaning there are only one to two days worth of blood…

Sacred Heart Music Center Struggling To Survive The Pandemic

"The pandemic has really hurt Sacred Heart," said Mark Nicklawske, a member of the board of directors for Sacred Heart.

January 22, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Sacred Heart Music Center and many other entertainment settings were among the first to shut down at the start of the pandemic. Now it is a big challenge to bounce back from the financial struggles. “The pandemic has really hurt Sacred Heart,” said Mark Nicklawske, a member of the board of directors for Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart…

Maintenance Work on Aerial Lift Bridge to Start Monday

January 22, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning Monday, January 25, traffic will be limited across the Aerial Lift Bridge to one lane while maintenance work. The City of Duluth says crews will be working ten-hour shifts to get the work done as soon as possible. Traffic will be limited to one lane across the bridge between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. “Traffic flow…

Minnesota Allocated Nearly 900K Vaccine Doses So Far

January 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported Friday the state has now been allocated 871,650 doses of federally controlled COVID-19 vaccine, up more than 240,000 doses from a week earlier. The state’s snapshot of progress in administering vaccines also showed that 214,050 people have gotten their first dose of a two-shot series, with 49,604 people having completed the two shots….

Stadium Water Seepage Problem Will Take $800,000 Fix

January 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority will spend $800,000 from a contingency fund to fix a water seepage problem at U.S. Bank Stadium. The authority’s chairman, Michael Vekich, says the repair payment was negotiated with the stadium’s general contractor and was short of the $3.2 million M.A. Mortensen Co. wanted. The $800,000 comes from a contingency fund created…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, January 22

January 22, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,525 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 452,268 in the state. Health officials also reported 21 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,032 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,289,662 tests have been completed to date. There…

Ban on Facial Recognition Technology Advances in Minneapolis

January 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A proposal to ban the use of facial recognition technology by Minneapolis police and other city departments is advancing. The technology has raised concerns by some who worry it could be a dangerous step toward a surveillance state where people’s movements are tracked the moment they leave their homes. The technology uses machine learning algorithms to automatically…

Quilt Shops Seeing Boost in Business

The shop has a variety of local kits for sale, and owners say that people have also taken up mask making with fabrics flying off the shelves.

January 21, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, one quilt shop in Cloquet is doing pretty well for themselves. The Quilted Dog Quilt Shop located on highway 33 in Cloquet has seen a boost in business thanks to people taking up sewing again during the pandemic. The shop has a variety of local kits for sale, and owners say that people have…

Zeitgeist Reopens Bar For Limited Indoor Dining

"I'm so excited to have people in here to make this place feel alive again. I think it's going to be really heartwarming," said Robert Lee, the owner of the pop-up restaurant Gumbo Boi.

January 21, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Many bars and restaurants have struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic. Zeitgeist is now welcoming customers back to test out demand for indoor dining with plans to fully reopen in the future. The Zeitgeist Arts Café shut its doors in August as a response to the financial troubles caused by the pandemic. Now the café’s bar…

Duluth Transit Authority Proposes To Reduce Bus Fares

The DTA will be holding a virtual public comment meeting Monday.

January 21, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority is looking at possibly reducing bus fares to get more northlanders using the bus. The bus company is proposing to the Duluth City Council to lower pricing for single-day bus passes from $4 to $3. The seven-day pass would also be reduced by $2 and the monthly summer youth pass would go down…

St. Luke’s to Open COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

January 21, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced on Thursday that its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic will soon be opening at the hospital. The clinic is set to tentatively open in early February for patients 65 and older. According to a recent press release, the clinic’s hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The COVID-19 Clinic will offer…

Judge Denies Request to Delay Cop’s Trial in Floyd’s Death

January 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge says he won’t reconsider his decision to hold a March trial for the former Minneapolis police officer who held his knee to George Floyd’s neck as the man said he couldn’t breathe. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill ruled this month that Derek Chauvin will stand trial beginning March 8, as scheduled, and will be…

Duluth Police Department Welcome K9 Athena

January 21, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has added a new member to the team, K9 Athena. K9 Athena is a Dutch Shepherd and is the half-sister of K9 Luna. The police department says Athena’s handler is Officer Kaase who has been with the department for 6 years, first as a patrol officer and now as an HRA investigator. Officer…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 21

January 21, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,292 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 450,762 in the state. Health officials also reported 32 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,011 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,247,442 tests have been completed to date. There…

Barnum High School Basketball Coach Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct

January 21, 2021

Site Staff,

BARNUM, Minn. – A Barnum High School girls basketball coach has been arrested and charged with three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Andrew John Palmer, 33, of Moose Lake, was formally charged Thursday for engaging in sexual contact with a 17-year-old basketball player while he was her coach. According to the criminal complaint, one of the girl’s parents contacted…

Minnesota Pharmacies Request to Be Part of Vaccine Rollout

January 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota pharmacies and health care providers are requesting the state include them in the coronavirus vaccine rollout as the demand for a shot among seniors far outpaces the state’s supply. Pharmacists testified before a Minnesota Senate health committee on Wednesday, telling lawmakers they can provide easier access to a vaccine as the priority groups for doses expands…

Duluth Parks Department Hosts Recreational Skating Program

With several sessions a week, the goal is to get people to enjoy skating with social distance in mind.

January 20, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Heritage Center along with the Duluth Parks Department have restarted their recreational skating program. The cost is $3 per session. With several sessions a week, the goal is to get people to enjoy skating while being socially distant. “Love having families out here to cruise around together, you know,” City of Duluth Recreation Specialist, Nick…

UMD Students React To Inauguration Of Pres. Joe Biden And Vice Pres. Kamala Harris

Many UMD students took time in between classes to watch the swearing-in of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

January 20, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris is getting a lot of attention on college campuses. No matter what their political views, watching the ceremonies was a chance for everyone to witness a big moment in history. “I’m excited. It’s like an important day no matter who gets inaugurated,” said Siiri Truckey, a…

Youth Program AT GND Recreation Center Helps Kids Explore Nature

The youth program is hosted every Wednesday and Thursday.

January 20, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A few elementary school students got a nature lesson as part of an on-going program at the Gary-New Duluth Recreation Center. This week, kids learned all about winter birds The students even built and painted their own bird feeders which are being placed outdoors near the rec center. Staff say this program could help teach kids the…

Cold Front In Bayfront Park Still Goes On

Duluth's Cold Front begins February 6th and goes through February 12th.

January 20, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Cold Front event is still happening this year, but it will be a little different this time around. In past years Cold Front was a one-day event, but now it will last a week to help prevent people from gathering in Bayfront Park at once. Several activities will take place at the festival park and across…

Minnesota Vaccine Pilot Program Spots for First Week Filled

January 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Wednesday announced that all 6,000 spots in a coronavirus vaccine pilot program reserved for Minnesotans over 65 have been filled after issues with the registration website caused it to crash on Tuesday. The 12,000 doses reserved for the program this week — half of which are reserved for teachers and child care workers…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 20

January 20, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,237 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 449,492 in the state. Health officials also reported 34 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,979 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,206,196 tests have been completed to date. There…

Klobuchar: Democracy Cannot Be Taken for Granted

January 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar took center stage at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and used her introductory address to remind Americans that democracy cannot be taken for granted. Klobuchar says the insurrection at the Capitol just two weeks awakened Americans to their responsibility to carry the torch for democracy. Klobuchar…

Trump Pardons Minnesota Man Who Served Time for Drug Offense

January 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

UPDATE: MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump has granted clemency to two Minnesota residents convicted of drug charges. Trump commuted the sentence of Cassandra Ann Kasowski, of Moorhead, who has served more than seven years of an 18-year sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance. The case involved the transportation of mass…

Duluth Police Begin Vaccinations, Mourn Colleague Who Died Of COVID-19

January 19, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the Duluth Police Department have begun getting their COVID-19 vaccinations as they mourn one of the colleagues who recently died of the virus. Some of the department’s employees started getting their shots this past weekend. Shelly Meixsel A spokesperson said while the department is not requiring employees to get vaccinated or report when they do,…

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank Hosting Virtual Fundraiser

The Food Bank Hopes to Raise $50,000 During the Virtual Event

January 19, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Second Harvest North Central Food Bank in Grand Rapids is looking for your generous support Thursday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Due to the COVID pandemic, the organization will host its first-ever virtual Chef’s Gala. The event typically takes place at the Timberlake Lodge and serves as the Food Bank’s largest fundraiser of the year….

Sen. Amy Klobuchar To Speak At Presidential Inauguration She Helped Plan

January 19, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Amy Klobuchar will play a big role in Wednesday’s presidential inauguration. The senator from Minnesota is on the Senate Rules Committee as the lead Democrat, and a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. She will be joining President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris at a small church service in the morning,…

Lack of Snow Leaving Many Northland Snowmobile Trails in Poor Condition

According to the Minnesota DNR, many of the trails around Duluth are labeled "poor."

January 19, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It would seem Mother Nature is not keeping up with the pandemic-fueled demand to get outside and try new winter activities, as a winter lacking in snow has made an ugly scene and poor conditions on Northland ski and snowmobile trails. “We’ve been a little short on snow,” said Rob Waksdahl, Groomer Operator with the Duluth Drift Toppers….

Organizations Helping Veterans Are Facing Their Own Hardships

Staff say they have challenges with outreach as many of the in-person events that help connect veterans to services have been canceled.

January 19, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Organizations that help veterans are facing their own hardships because of the pandemic. The Duluth Veterans Center helps combat soldiers adjust back into civilian life and provides other resources as well. The pandemic has forced the organization to change the way they help those who served, including switching counseling sessions to virtual platforms. “For some of our…

City Wants Public Feedback for The Enger Redevelopment Project

The full 10 acres planned for reconstruction runs through a portion of the Enger Park Golf Course.

January 19, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has selected a developer to help repurpose 10 acres of land in the area of Enger Park Golf Course. Before moving forward both the city and the developer are asking for public input on the best ways to use the site. City officials say this particular site is a prime location with endless…