Minnesota

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, November 17

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,945 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 236,949 in the state. Health officials also reported 26 news deaths bringing the death total to 2,943 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,506,178 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Carlton County Offers Free Recycling of Holiday Lights

Holiday lights can be recycled for free at the Transfer Station on Highway 210.

CARLTON, Minn.- Holiday lights are being hung as Christmas approaches, but if you end up with some broken bulbs or just want to throw them out, you can recycle them instead at the Carlton County Transfer Station. Holiday lights can be recycled for free at the Transfer Station on Highway 210, as long as they aren’t attached to any plastic…

Nurses Make Emotional Plea Backing Gov. Walz’s Frustration at Lack of ‘Social Compliance’ of COVID Guidelines

"I think it's obvious we're going to have to do more mitigation efforts," Gov. Walz said, as the state is expected to surpass 300,00 cases by Thanksgiving.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- A frustrated Minnesota Governor Tim Walz looked to nurses and doctors from around the state to illustrate how the COVID-19 surge is pushing them to their limits — in an effort to appeal to those who may not be following prevention guidelines. “What I recognize right now is that we’re in a place in this country where…

St. Louis County Launches Billboard Campaign To Reach Teens

DULUTH, Minn.- Several billboards are now displayed throughout St. Louis County, including two in the Duluth area, to shed light on the norms of substance uses. Vaping is one form of substance that has become more common among young people in recent years. A recent survey conducted on Minnesota students shows the idea that “everyone is doing it” is certainly…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, November 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 7,444 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 231,018 in the state. Health officials also reported 12 news deaths bringing the death total to 2,917 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,472,833 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Personality, Not Disability Defines Proctor’s New Homecoming Queen

Carly Barnstorf, 2020 Homecoming Queen, is a smiling face throughout Proctor High's Sports and Cheer Squad.

PROCTOR, Minn.- It’s Homecoming season for high schools across the Northland, and at Proctor High School they have crowned a very special Homecoming Queen who isn’t letting her Down Syndrome define her or her high school experience. The Homecoming Ceremony and Court at Proctor Wednesday was like no other. “It was pretty exciting,” said Senior Cheerleader Carly Barnstorf. Barnstorf was…

Man, 19, Shot Multiple Times in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department is investigating a shooting in the Lincoln Park Neighborhood that left one person wounded Saturday. According to a department spokesperson, officers responded at 5:50 p.m. Saturday to a report of a shooting in the area of the 2200 Block of W 4th St. Upon arrival, officers located a 19-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds….

Minnesota Hits New Record of Daily COVID-19 Cases

Since the pandemic arrived in Minnesota in March, the state’s pandemic tallies include 216,028 positive cases, 12,915 hospitalizations and 2,874 deaths.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials have reported 35 new deaths and a record 8,703 new coronavirus cases. The Star Tribune reports the state’s one-day case count came on a record volume of about 52,311 newly completed tests. Since the pandemic arrived in Minnesota in March, the state’s pandemic tallies include 216,028 positive cases, 12,915 hospitalizations and 2,874 deaths. Residents…

St. Louis County Authorities Searching for Missing NERCC Escapee

NERCC staff reported that Keith Cochise Bellanger had just fled on foot from the property. 

SAGINAW, Minn.- Authorities with St. Louis County Sherriff’s Office are on the hunt for an escapee from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) Friday. According to the Sherriff’s Office, on November 13, 2020 at approximately 4:00 p.m., the St Louis County Sheriff’s Office was advised of an escapee from NERCC. NERCC staff reported that Keith Cochise Bellanger (33) had just…

Chester Bowl Hosting A Virtual Fundraiser To Help Send Kids To Camp

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester bowl is collecting donations for its annual Ski, Suds, and Slices fundraiser to help keep kids attending their annual camp programs. This year the event is being held virtually due to the pandemic. Donors can buy tickets to an exclusive livestream concert of local bands. Attendees can also bid on items in a silent auction. “Last…

Proctors School Added to MN Department of Health Outbreak List

The district cites staff shortages and increasing infection rates

PROCTOR, Minn. – Bay View Elementary School in Proctor was placed on the Minnesota Department of Health’s Outbreak list on Thursday. It’s meant for school buildings which have five or more reported Covid-19 cases between students and staff in a two-week period. Proctor previously announced they will continue with their distance learning model through January 4th. The district cites staff…

Minnesota Schools Struggle With Staffing as Virus Surges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota school districts are experiencing staffing shortages statewide amid a continued surge in virus cases in recent weeks. Some superintendents say more educators and school staff are being infected or exposed to the virus and having to quarantine, forcing districts across the state to dial back in-person learning models. The state is seeing explosive growth in virus…

Police: Two St. Cloud Home Invasion, Shooting Suspects Arrested in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say two suspects in a St. Cloud home invasion and shooting have been arrested after conducting a search a warrant at a residence at Harbor Highlands. According to police, the Duluth Police Department received information from the St. Cloud Police Department which identified a residence in Duluth where the two suspects were…

City of Duluth Launches Second Year of Snow Removal Assistance Program

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced Friday that it will once again be launching its Snow Removal Assistance Program this winter. The program connects qualifying residents with volunteers who can help shovel snow throughout the winter months. According to the City website, the Snow Removal Assistance Program provides for the removal of snow from the door of the…

St. Cloud Prison Locked Down as COVID-19 Cases Surge

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — The state prison in St. Cloud has been locked down because of a surge in coronavirus cases. Minnesota Department of Corrections spokeswoman Sarah Fitzgerald tells KMSP-TV that there are 335 current cases of COVID-19 among the 623 inmates in the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud. Fifty-nine staff members were also out with the coronavirus. Fitzgerald said…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, November 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,552 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 207,339 in the state. Health officials also reported 46 news deaths bringing the death total to 2,839 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,304,436 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Hibbing Schools to Move to Distance Learning Next Week

HIBBING, Minn. – Hibbing Schools says they will begin a “COVID-19 Reset” for PK-12th grade beginning next week. In a recent Facebook post, Hibbing Schools announced they would be canceling all school activities including in-person classes, extracurricular activities, district-provided meals, and Tier One Worker Daycare during the COVID-19 Reset. Classes will not be in sessions on Monday, November 16 as…

UMD Hosts Entrepreneurship Conference

Over 500 students from various age groups participated in a conference.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 6th annual UMD Entrepreneurship conference was held this morning in the Kirby Student Center. This year was the first year the event has been completely virtual. Over 500 students from various age groups participated in a conference geared towards showing how several companies are breaking the barriers and still thriving during the pandemic. “No matter what…

Gov. Walz Extends COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) ST.PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Thursday that he has extended the COVID-19 peacetime emergency due to the record number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths due to the virus. “COVID-19 is taking a deadly toll on our communities and putting a strain on our health care system,” said Governor Walz. “As cases…

Minnesota DNR, MPCA Approve Permits for Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency approved necessary permits for Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement Project. In a recent statement, Enbridge said the decision from the MPCA and Minnesota DNR, “clears the way for a determination from the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding federal permits.” The eight approved…

Mail Order at-Home COVID-19 Tests Now Available to All Minnesotans

(FOX 9) – Minnesotans can now get tested for COVID-19 without ever leaving their home, according to state health officials. The Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday it has expanded its pilot program for its at-home COVID-19 test statewide. Anyone in Minnesota can now order a saliva test to be delivered to their home. The test is then sent to the new saliva testing…

Minnesota Virus Cases Climb Above 7,000 for First Time

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health on Thursday reported 7,228 new cases of the coronavirus, shattering the single-day record set just last week by more than 1,000 cases as the virus continues its unrelenting spread throughout the state. Minnesota health officials reported 39 deaths on Thursday, second only to the 56 deaths reported the day before. The state…

Proctor Public Schools to Remain in Distance Learning Through End of Year

PROCTOR, Minn. – On Thursday, Proctor Public Schools announced they will be in distance learning until at least January 4. Superintendent John Engelking said that due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in the area they have made the decision to remain in the distance learning model throughout the end of the year. Engelking noted that they would look…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, November 12

Minnesota Health Officials Report 7,728 new COVID-19 Thursday Marking the Highest Ever Recorded in the State

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 7,728 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 201,795 in the state. Health officials also reported 39 news deaths bringing the death total to 2,793 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,253,880 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Anoka-Hennepin Elementary Schools to Close Due to COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s largest school district is planning to close its elementary schools as a growing number of coronavirus cases has left it short on staff and bus drivers. The Anoka-Hennepin district, which serves 13 communities, will be transitioning to distance learning. Elementary students have been attending in-person classes two days a week since Sept. 15. Anoka-Hennepin’s middle and…

Wonder Wednesdays Start at Great Lakes Aquarium

The Great Lakes Aquarium is having a special discount for families during this winter season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium is having a special discount for families during this winter season. It’s called Wonder Wednesdays and visitors from age 3 to adult get admission for 6 dollars down from 15 bucks. Children under three are always free. Management at the aquarium hopes that this will be a time where families don’t have to…

Governor Walz Imposes New Restrictions For Weddings

Glensheen mansion typically hosts nearly 50 weddings in a normal season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is turning back the dial to help slow the pace of rising covid-19 cases in the state. These new restrictions will put additional limitations on bars and restaurants starting Friday. Both indoor and outdoor private social gatherings will also be capped at ten people at that point. The number of guests allowed at…

Glensheen Mansion Unveils Christmas Decorations

The historic estate will be opened for self-guided Christmas tours this Friday.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s beginning to look a lot light Christmas at Glensheen Mansion. The historic estate will be opened for self-guided Christmas tours this Friday. Staff have spent the past few weeks decorating the mansion with dozens of trees and have also hidden 25 elves inside the home which has become a family favorite. “Kids can find the elves…

Duluthians Dig Out After Overnight Snowfall

Under a Duluth city ordinance, property owners with a public sidewalk are required to remove snow from that sidewalk within 24 hours after a snow fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – Several inches of snow fell in Duluth overnight and some residents spent the morning digging out. Those without snow blowers spent a little extra time shoveling  and one Lakeside resident was even helping clear off a neighbor’s sidewalk. “We try to help out our neighbors who might not have an easy of a time shoveling their walkways….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, November 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 194,570 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 56 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,754 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 3,179,872 tests have been completed to date. There are 157,164 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 12,151 patients have required hospitalization…

Walz Says Minnesota Will Report a Record 56 COVID-19 Deaths

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials will report a record of 56 new deaths from COVID-19 when they release updated figures Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz said. Walz told Minnesota Public Radio the daily report will also show positivity rates above 20%, an important measure of how fast the disease is spreading. The 7-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Minnesota has…

Lake County Sheriff’s Department Welcomes K9 Arrow

K9 Arrow Works With His Handler, Lake County Sheriff's Deputy Jack Dietz

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – After nearly 10 years of taking the hard road in many cases, the road is now a lot smoother looking ahead for the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. The law enforcement team recently welcomed a new four-legged enforcer, K9 Arrow. “He’s kind of — the best way to describe it is a very active kid,” said Deputy…

Tough Road Ahead After Gov. Walz’s New Restrictions, Local Bars Say

The restrictions limit bars and restaurants to below 50% capacity with no more than 150 people total, with mandatory closure 10p-4a.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz turned the dial back Tuesday, with new COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings and bars and restaurants in particular. Some local bar owners and staff throughout Duluth spoke out. Gov. Walz says these rules are because 71% of COVID cases from June to November were spread through private social gatherings, weddings, funerals, and bars. In…

National Weather Service, Dept. of Public Safety Promote Winter Hazard Awareness Week

The two organizations are advertising a few lists on their website that can be helpful to prepare for winter before it happens.

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Weather Service and Minnesota Department of Public Safety are promoting Winter Hazard Awareness Week across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The two organizations are advertising a few lists on their website that can be helpful to prepare for winter before it happens. They have included a list of supplies for your vehicle and ways to check to…

Great Outdoors: November Golfing

Other area golf courses also reopened last week because of the high temperatures including Nemadji, and the back nine of Enger Golf course. 

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor reopened its nine-hole golf course last Tuesday with plans to remain open all week long thanks to some record breaking warm weather. That left avid golfers itching to get back out on the course for one more crack at the season. “The cold weather does not bother me. The latest I think I golfed was November…