Minnesota Archives - Page 234 of 356

JBS Shuts Down Minnesota Pork Plant Hit by COVID-19 Outbreak

April 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — JBS USA said it is temporarily shutting down its big pork processing plant in southwestern Minnesota because of an outbreak of COVID-19 among workers, the latest closure of a major U.S. food processing plant due to the pandemic. Meat processing workers are particularly susceptible to the virus because they typically stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the line and congregate in crowded…

Live: Gov. Tim Walz Gives COVID-19 Press Briefing

April 20, 2020

Site Staff,

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

Live: City of Duluth Holds COVID-19 Press Conference

April 20, 2020

Site Staff,

Live: City of Duluth Press Conference Posted by Fox 21 News on Monday, April 20, 2020 Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Minnesota Latest COVID-19 Numbers, April 20

April 20, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health released updated COVID-19 numbers Monday morning reporting 2,470 confirmed cases in the state. That is 114 new cases of COVID-19 since yesterday. Minnesota is also reporting 143 total deaths in the state due to new coronavirus. To date, 1,202 in the state no longer require isolation. The MDH website reports that…

Local Dancer Gives Others Virtual Platform to Shine

Worldwide Dance Challenge is uniting dancers across the world to connect, collaborate and compete.

April 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As more people stay at home across the world due to the Coronavirus, artists like dancers become stifled at home. Professional dancer Jesse Paul Smith noticed this, and started the Worldwide Dance Challenge. “I really believe this is the next phase of dance competitions,” he said. The Superior native saw how quarantine was effecting dancers, who had put…

OMC Smokehouse, Corktown to Open; Merge into ‘OMC Express and Deli’

New business style hopes to bring back 20-25% of the 200 laid off employees.

April 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- People missing the smoked meat and sandwiches in Lincoln Park are in luck. OMC Express and Deli will open Wednesday, as the result of merging OMC Smokehouse and Corktown Deli and Brews. Both businesses have been closed through the pandemic. According to owner Tom Hanson, the operation should put 20-25% of the 200 employees laid off back to…

Two New COVID-19 Cases, Ninth Death Reported in St. Louis County

Total number of cases in the county is now 48.

April 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA- Two new Coronavirus cases, and one death were reported in St. Louis County Sunday, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The county now has 48 positive cases and nine deaths total. Statewide 13 new deaths were reported Sunday, bringing the total number to 134, according to MDH. Minnesota now has 2,356 positive cases, with 1,160 individuals released from…

Pandemic Forces Wedding Planners to Adjust as Couples Wait to Tie the Knot

Both planners and couples are navigating new territory of rescheduling the big day.

April 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On a warm, sunny April day, many scenic outdoor spots in the Northland are normally packed with a bride, groom, and large crowd, gathered to witness the marriage. But just like other events, weddings now have to be drastically changed due to COVID-19. “This is definitely not something you imagine, you know?” said bride-to-be, Meghan Hagedon. “You plan…

New COVID-19 Death Reported in St. Louis County, New Positive Case in Early 20s

As of Saturday there are 46 confirmed cases in the County.

April 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- One new individual has died from COVID-19 in St. Louis County, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, bringing the total number of deaths to eight. The deceased is a woman in her early 80s, and was living in a long-term care facility. Another case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the county Saturday, to be a…

Gov. Walz Calls on Minnesotans to Donate Homemade Masks

State health officials report 143 new COVID-19 cases and 10 new coronavirus deaths statewide

April 18, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz is calling on Minnesota residents to make homemade masks for those most at risk of the coronavirus. Walz said Saturday that people should drop off the masks at their local fire departments next Saturday so that they can be delivered to senior living facilities and other group homes for employees and residents to wear….

Working From Home Could Be Taking A Toll On Your Body

April 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic has caused millions of people to start working from home to help minimize the spread. But working from home could eventually take a toll on your body. Those working from the comfort of their home could be more likely to have back and joint pain. It can be common for more people to be doing…

Flower Deliveries Are Up Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

April 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Flower deliveries are up for local florist shops in the Northland. Engwall Florist and Gifts in Hermantown is doing way more deliveries than usual during this pandemic. Lilies and tulips are some of the most popular flowers being ordered. As many people are spending more time at home, most of them are looking to share something with…

St. Luke’s Wants Your Old iPad Or Tablet For Patients

April 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you are on the market to purchase a new iPad or tablet and will no longer have use for your old one, St. Luke’s Hospital will take those devices off your hands. Currently, the hospital is no longer allowing visitors to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. More iPads or tablets could help physicians to…

Minnesota DNR Issues Burning Restrictions

April 17, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – With the temperatures warming up, there is an elevated risk of fire danger. Typically in the spring, the DNR sees a warming and drying trend. This year, they are encouraging social distancing by implementing burning restrictions earlier than normal. “We’re no longer issuing burning permits for vegetative material. So that limits the amount of wildfires our emergency…

President Trump Tweets: “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!”

April 17, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump has tweeted his support for a protest by conservatives Friday outside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s official residence in St Paul. The protest is being organized under the theme “Liberate Minnesota” by grassroots Trump supporters who oppose Walz’s stay-at-home order. It’s one of several taking part across the country this week as conservatives push back against economic…

Minnesota Latest COVID-19 Numbers, April 17

That is 159 New Cases Since Thursday

April 17, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health released updated COVID-19 numbers Friday morning reporting 2,071 confirmed cases in the state. That is 159 new cases of COVID-19 since yesterday. Minnesota is also reporting 111 total deaths in the state due to new coronavirus. To date, 1,066 in the state no longer require isolation. The MDH website reports that…

Walz Lifts Restrictions for Some Outdoor Recreational Activities

The Order Will Allow Golf courses, Driving Ranges, and a Handful of Other Facilities to Open

April 17, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Friday, Gov. Tim Walz issued an Executive Order lifting restrictions on some outdoor recreational activities while his “Stay At Home” order is still in effect. In a Friday press release, Walz said this order means golf courses and driving ranges, along with a handful of other facilities may open or remain open. The new guidelines…

MNHS: Split Rock Lighthouse, Historic Sites Closed Through June 30

April 17, 2020

Site Staff,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Minnesota Historical Society announced the closure of all historic sites and museums to the public through June 30. The temporary closure will affect 26 historical locations including the Split Rock Lighthouse. The MNHS website says the decision was made ‘to protect the health and safety of guests, staff, volunteers, interns, and the community.’ According to…

Update: US Steel to Idle Keewatin Taconite During Pandemic Slowdown

U.S. Steel Plans to Indefinitely Idle the Keewatin Taconite Plant

April 17, 2020

The Associated Press,

HIBBING, Minn. (AP) — U.S. Steel plans to indefinitely idle the Keewatin Taconite plant in northern Minnesota because of the drop in demand for iron and steel during the coronavirus pandemic, officials said Thursday. Officials said the closure will affect 75 employees “near term,” but a total of 375 employees will be affected over the next month. In a…

First Ever Virtual Beer Fest Happening This Weekend

About 20 Minnesota breweries are participating in the event.

April 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – For all the beer lovers out there, here’s your chance to have an experience of a lifetime right in the comfort of your home. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is hosting the first-ever virtual beer fest this weekend. About 20 Minnesota breweries, including Bent Paddle, Blacklist Brewing, and Hoops Brewing in Duluth, are participating in the virtual…

St. Ann’s Residence Covid-19 Update

20 cases of the Coronavirus has been confirmed at the senior living facility.

April 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Its been one week since a Coronavirus outbreak has hit St. Ann’s Residence in Duluth. So far, a total of 20 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed at the senior living facility, five of those have died. St. Ann’s Executive Director tells us they have already tested nearly 80 of their residents for Covid-19. Only about eight…

City Of Superior Gets Some Economic Relief Amid Pandemic

Nearly $700,000 is being allocated to offer financial relief.

April 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior is responding to the economic impact on its community. Superior Mayor Jim Paine recently announced proposals for the Superior Coronavirus Relief package. The package is a nearly $700,000 investment to help bring back some economic stability to the city. More than $400,000 from the package is being proposed to fund the Community Development Block…

Walz, Evers Partner With Midwest Governors to Reopen Region’s Economy

April 16, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Today, several Midwest Governors announced they will work together to coordinate the reopening of the Midwest region economy. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers along with Governors Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Mike DeWine (OH), JB Pritzker (IL), Eric Holcomb (IN), and Andy Beshear (KY) said they will work closely to examine the best way to…

Essentia Health Extends Leave for 500 Furloughed Employees

April 16, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Plans to furlough 500 non-medical staff at Essentia Health began earlier this month and on Thursday the hospital announced those employees will have their leave extended another 30 days. Additionally, Essentia says more clinical staff will continue to be placed on leave as they continue to face financial impacts due to COVID-19. “Colleagues in both medical and…

Minnesota Latest COVID-19 Numbers

April 16, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health released updated COVID-19 numbers Thursday morning reporting 1,912 confirmed cases in the state. That is 103 new cases of COVID-19 since yesterday. Minnesota is also reporting 94 total deaths in the state due to new coronavirus. To date, 1,020 in the state no longer require isolation. The MDH website reports that…

Minnesota Lawmakers to Vote on Plan for Beer and Wine to go

April 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Legislative leaders have agreed on a plan to let Minnesota restaurants offer beer and wine to go to help them stay afloat while they subsist on takeout orders during the shutdown for COVID-19. The bill is scheduled for votes Thursday in the Senate and Friday in the House. It would allow licensed restaurants to sell up to…

US job Losses Mount as Economic Pain Deepens Worldwide

April 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The ranks of Americans thrown out of work by the coronavirus ballooned Thursday to at least 22 million in just four weeks. Trump planned to announce new recommendations later in the day to allow states to reopen, despite warnings from business leaders and governors that more testing and protective gear are needed first. The government said 5.2…

ACLU-MN sues to release Moose Lake inmates due to COVID-19

April 15, 2020

Dan Hanger,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. (AP) – The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota is suing to release inmates endangered by COVID-19 at Moose Lake prison in northern Minnesota. The organization filed a petition Wednesday against the state Department of Corrections. According to a DOC database, 12 inmates in Moose Lake are confirmed positive for the coronavirus and another 31 inmates are…

Over 33 Thousand Minnesota Small Businesses Approved for Forgivable Loans

Sen. Tina Smith says more work has to be done to address the funding shortage for loans.

April 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA, As stimulus checks begin rolling out, additional help through forgivable loans have been awarded to over 33,819 Minnesota small businesses as of Monday. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) grants loans to small businesses as part of the Stimulus Package. The loans are forgivable to businesses who retain or rehire their workers. Senator Tina Smith (D), who helped pass the…

Duluth International Is Receiving More Than $5 Million In Relief Funding

Typically the airport runs up to 12 daily flights, but that has since dropped to five flights per day.

April 15, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth International Airport is receiving more than $5 million in relief funding to support operations during the pandemic. This comes after Congressman Pete Stauber recently announced nearly $30 million in funding to assist more than 25 airports in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. Those funds were made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Duluth…

Local Restaurant Offers Affordable Kids Lunches During Pandemic

April 15, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – A local restaurant is making sure kids in the area have access to an affordable lunch during the pandemic. At the Trophy Cafe in Gary New Duluth, kids can receive a cheeseburger, chips, and a fruit cup all for just $3 for lunch. The cafe jumped into action as soon as the the pandemic hit. This was…

Goodwill Industries Of Duluth Lays Off Nearly 300 Employees

Most of the layoffs are impacting retail and donation processing workers.

April 15, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – More layoffs are spreading throughout the northland. Nearly 300 employees from Goodwill Industries locations around the area are out of work as a direct result of Covid-19. Goodwill’s core mission is to help people dealing with social and economic barriers, gain viable employment. With operations in the northland being closed for nearly a month, due to Covid…

ACLU Sues to Release Moose Lake Inmates Due to COVID-19 Concerns

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – According to a recent press release, the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota filed a petition on Wednesday against the state Department of Corrections asking for the immediate release of Moose Lake inmates. The ACLU-MN says that the state DOC is not keeping prisoners and staff safe from the rapid spread of COVID-19. “The ACLU of…

Layoffs Expected at Keetac Mine Later This Week

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

KEEWATIN, Minn. – Layoffs are expected this Sunday, April 19 at the US Steel owned Keetac Mine. According to a letter from the Steelworkers Union, the layoffs will affect employees who have been at the mine for three years or less. Maintenance staff who have been with the company for three years or less will continue to work until the…

FDA Approves Low-Cost Ventilator Developed by U of Minnesota

April 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Breanna Retherford/University of Minnesota via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved a low-cost ventilator developed by the University of Minnesota and aimed at helping COVID-19 patients breathe. The FDA authorized use of the compact device, known as the Coventor, that was quickly developed and designed by a team of university researchers, a…

BWCA To Close for Day and Overnight Use Through May 4

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials with the Superior National Forest announced on Wednesday that the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness will be closed for day and overnight use starting tomorrow. The closure will go through May 4 to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Officials say any reservations made through May 4 will receive a full refund including reservation fees. “In…

114 New COVID-19 Cases in Minnesota, 87 Total Deaths

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 114 new cases and eight additional deaths Wednesday morning. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 1,809 and the death total to 87. According to the MDH website, 940 of the 1,809 cases have recovered and no longer require isolation. On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department…

Local Leaders Ask for Rent, Mortgage Suspension

April 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Nearly two dozen local elected officials are calling on Gov. Tim Walz to suspend rent and mortgage payments and stop commercial property evictions during the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to Walz, the officials say “mass displacement, home foreclosures, and the shuttering of businesses are imminent unless aggressive measures are taken immediately.” The officials include a…

Goodwill of Duluth Announces Layoffs Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Effective Tuesday Goodwill Industries Vocational Enterprises of Duluth announced they will be laying off roughly 293 of its 312 workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Goodwill says the majority of these layoffs will be from their retail and donation processing enterprise. “Goodwill Industries has been forced to continue the closure of all retail stores and all operations…

Best Buy to Furlough 51,000 Store Employees Nationwide

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

RICHFIELD, Minn. (FOX 9) – Best Buy announced Wednesday it will furlough approximately 51,000 employees in the U.S. as its stores remain closed nationwide aside from curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Richfield, Minnesota-based retailer said some corporate employees are also participating in voluntary reduced work weeks and resulting pay as well as voluntary furloughs. Best Buy CEO Corie Barry will forego…

Business Clamor for Exemptions to Reopen Amid COVID-19

April 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Nonessential business have inundated Gov. Tim Walz’s administration with requests to open their doors again as a stay-at-home order continues because of the coronavirus pandemic. Walz recently extended that order until at least May 4 but said he and his administration would look at exemptions for more businesses over the coming weeks. State officials would…

Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center Offers Phone, Virtual Education Support Amid COVID-19

The center was originally scheduled to re-open on March 21st. Now, the limited staff are continuing to answer phone calls and have put together an online education program for the public

April 15, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth is taking a different approach to their teaching methods. “Wildwoods will not be accepting wild animals until at least through May 4 as we are trying to adhere to the Governors stay at home mandate,” Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center, Jessica LaBumbard says. The center was originally scheduled to re-open on March 21st. Now,…

A Local Junk Hauling Company Gives Back To Community

Over the next two weeks, Twin Ports Trailer Trash will be also collecting donations for CASDA and RAD.

April 14, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

Twin Ports Trailer Trash is known for doing exactly what its name implies, hauling away junk and trash. But like other small businesses in the area, the junk hauling company is being impacted by Covid-19. Spring is typically a busy time for Twin Ports Trailer Trash, but the pandemic has caused a change of pace. The company is now using…

$15,000 in Meat, Liquor Stolen From Black Water Lounge on Easter Sunday

April 14, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – More than $15,000 worth of inventory was stolen from the Black Water Lounge in downtown Duluth on Easter Sunday. This comes at a time when restaurant owners are trying to survive with only curbside and pick-up orders during the pandemic. The suspect is seen on surveillance video taking salmon, beef and liquor from the back storage area…

Babbitt Mayor Reacts to Northshore Mining Going Idle

April 14, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

BABBITT, Minn. – Cleveland-Cliffs has announced Northshore Mining will shut down by the end of the month, leaving 470 workers without a job. Idiling the facility will have a big economic impact on the city of Babbitt, where the mine is located. The mayor of the small city of around 1,500 people says the mine shutting down will impact all…

Free Masks Bring Long Line to Vikre Distillery

Lake Superior Medical Equipment and Duluth Screen Printing team up to make 175 masks to distribute at Vikre.

April 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Center for Disease Control has updated its recommendations, advising people to wear masks while out in public. Now Vikre Distillery is partnering with local businesses to distribute free cloth masks to Northlanders, along with hand sanitizer. “Keeps us busy while we’re closed, and feels really nice to be able to help the community that way,” said Doug…

DRCC Takes Precautions To Prevent The Spread Of Covid-19

Organization is in need of more personal protective equipment.

April 14, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

The Duluth Regional Care Center, which is an organization that offers housing and community support for people with developmental disabilities is taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of those they serve as the coronavirus pandemic continues. DRCC runs 50 group homes in the Arrowhead Region and also offers in-home services, which have already been scaled back. As a…

Rose Garden Maintenance Begins

April 14, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – City crews were out at Leif Erikson Park in the Rose Garden this afternoon getting rid of leaves they put on the roses last fall. Roses are not the most hearty plants so they need the bags of leaves for insulation during the colder months. Workers say, this is the time people should think about doing gardening…

Relief Funds Set Up For 3 Grand Marais Businesses Destroyed By Fire

April 14, 2020

Dan Hanger,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Relief funds have been set up to support three downtown Grand Marais businesses destroyed by fire Monday. One account is set up at Grand Marais State Bank, PO Box 100, 55604. Any contributions sent to “Fire Relief Fund” will be evenly distributed to the three businesses – Crooked Spoon Café, White Pine North and Picnic &…

Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Midway Road

April 14, 2020

Site Staff,

MIDWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Officials say a small plane landed on Midway Road and Stark Road in Midway Township around 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Authorities say the pilot made an emergency landing on Midway Road shortly after taking off from the Superior airport. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the lone pilot was flying at approximately 3,000 feet when…