Minnesota Archives - Page 238 of 356

Blue Heron Trading Company In Duluth Donates To CHUM Food Shelf

"We drove around and picked up 803 pounds. That's a record," said Owner Jane Jenkins.

March 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Blue Heron Trading Company in Duluth is also helping to give back to the community for its 35th anniversary. Every year the houseware store hosts an annual food drive at its location in the DeWitt-Seitz building, but the pandemic has caused the store to shut down. Instead, staff picked up food donations from community members and delivered…

Freezer Sales Jump As Pandemic Continues

There are no freezers. They have sold them out everywhere," said Owner Frank Mertz.

March 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – Appliance stores are getting a little more business these days. Freezer sales are skyrocketing as the coronavirus pandemic continues around the world. As people are spending more time indoors, they are purchasing more food that would require the use of a freezer. Johnson Mertz in Duluth has been selling out of their stock of the appliance since…

Costco Cancels Purchase Agreement for Arrowhead, Haines Road Location

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Costco will no longer be building its long-awaited store in Duluth. According to Dave Holappa of Holappa Commercial Real Estate, earlier this week Costco canceled its purchase agreement for the Arrowhead Road location. Last year the planning commission unanimously approved a plot of land at the corner of Haines Road and Arrowhead Road for the development. Holappa…

Changes Made to Essentia Health Urgent Care, Convenient Care Locations

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has announced new changes to their urgent care locations that will go into effect at 7:00 p.m. Friday until further notice. The changes include: Urgent care services will be offered at the Essentia Health-West Duluth Clinic and Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 3rd Street Building. At both locations, hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m….

Downtown Duluth Skywalk System to Close for Two Weeks

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced the temporary closure of the downtown Duluth skywalk system. The entire skywalk will be shut down for two weeks starting at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 27 until April 13 in accordance with Governor Walz’s Stay at Home Executive order. “We realize that this will be inconvenient, not only for essential workers working…

Two More COVID-19 Deaths Reported in Minnesota

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Two more people have died from the coronavirus in Minnesota, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to four since the outbreak began. As of Friday, there are now 398 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota, although state health officials say that number is still an undercount due to a lack of testing. Approximately 14,003 people have been tested for…

Duluth Dylan Fest 2020 Canceled

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Dylan Fest 2020 has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Duluth Dylan Fest organizers announced the cancellation early Friday morning. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Duluth Dylan Fest 2020 will not be taking place this year,” said committee chair Zane Bail. The event was scheduled to run from Saturday, May 16…

Lakewood Elementary Students Show Support for Teachers, Staff

Governor Tim Walz Has Extended Distance Learning in Minnesota Through May 4, 2020

March 27, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 is keeping students, staff, and teachers separated for the next few weeks. But that’s not stopping students Kyler and Keegan from showing up to Lakewood Elementary School in Duluth to help lift the spirits of those they miss. The boys’ mother, Cassondra, sent in the pictures to FOX 21’s Brett Scott. The boys are holding signs…

Some Students Heading Back to Class at Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College is resuming some classes this Monday on campus

March 27, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College is one of 37 colleges and universities in the Minnesota State system resuming some classes this Monday on campus. While the vast majority of classes will be online, some of the students coming back will be back for classes that are more hands on learning including welding and medical lab technician, or MLT. LSC…

Cloquet Businesses Prepare For “Stay-at-Home” Order

March 26, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Gordy’s Hi-Hat, a popular restaurant in the Northland still plans on being open during the order all while celebrating their 60th year. The owners, Gordy and Marilyn, are currently healthy and quarantining down in Florida. Although an opening date isn’t set in stone, Gordy’s is expected to welcome curbside customers in early April. With forty percent of…

Pine Knot News Receives Journalism Grant

March 26, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Amid the Covid-19 crisis some small essential businesses, like newspapers, remain operational and one local publication has received a big grant. On Wednesday, the Facebook Journalism Project announced that several media outlets will receive money to help them cover the news while reporting on the coronavirus. The Pine Knot News, a locally owned publication out of Cloquet…

Duluth School Board Selects A Finalist In The Hunt For A New Superintendent

If a final contract is approved, the new superintendent could assume his responsibilities starting July 1st.

March 26, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth School Board has selected its final choice in their search for a new superintendent after the current superintendent in Bill Gronseth was offered a job in St. Peter, Minnesota. The board chose John Magas, who is an Associate Superintendent for the Green Bay Area School district. Magas says he is hoping to bring along his previous…

Non-Essential Businesses Speak On Closures As A Request From Governor Walz

"Well like everyone I'm very sad, scared, and everything is uncertain," said owner of Blue Heron Trading Company Jane Jenkins.

March 26, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Dewitt-Seitz building in Canal Park is known to be the home for a variety of businesses like gift shops and restaurants. On a typical day, it’s flooded with locals and tourists but as the pandemic continues, the once lively building is now like a ghost town. Many non-essential businesses in Dewitt-Seitz have already stopped operating as…

Klobuchar’s Husband Back Home After Virus Hospitalization

March 26, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s husband has been released from a hospital where he was being treated for low oxygen and pneumonia as a result of the coronavirus, the senator said Thursday. Klobuchar, a former Democratic presidential candidate, said in a statement that her husband, John Bessler, “took a good turn, was just released and is now recovering at…

Minnesota House Passes $330 Million COVID-19 Aid Bill

March 26, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature was poised Thursday to pass a $330 million financial aid package to help soften the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic that has sickened more than 300 people and claimed two lives in the state. The Minnesota Department of Health said Thursday that the state’s second COVID-19 death was a patient from Ramsey County…

Second COVID-19 Death Reported in Minnesota, Hospitalizations Continue to Rise

March 26, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed a second death due to COVID-19 as the number of people hospitalized in the state continues to rise. As of Thursday morning, the MDH reported 41 hospitalizations up from 26 the day before. At this time 31 people remain hospitalized. There are 36 counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases in…

LIVE: Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hold Joint News Conference

March 26, 2020

Site Staff,

Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Minnesota Supreme Court Agrees to Hear PolyMet Permit Appeal

March 26, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court has agreed to hear PolyMet Mining Inc.’s appeal of a ruling that canceled three permits needed for its proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. In January, the Minnesota Court of Appeals gave environmentalists a major victory by rejecting some of the most important permits for the planned…

Duluth Police Officers Shave Beards For Safe Fit With N95 Masks

March 25, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken has temporarily amended the department’s grooming policy to not allow facial hair so officers can safely wear N95 masks if needed during the coronavirus outbreak. Tusken says having a smooth skin helps properly seal the mask to the face and keep the virus’ particles from getting past the seal and into…

UMD Professor Stresses Importance of Long Clinical Trials for Any Potential COVID-19 Drugs

Without long trials before testing on humans, severe harm can arise.

March 25, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- With discussions around the country about a potential vaccine or drug being developed to treat COVID-19, local experts are speaking out about the reality of treating the virus so soon. While President Trump has touched on different drugs that scientists have said might be helpful in fighting Coronavirus, UMD Applied Human Sciences Professor Jessica Hanson said testing them…

With Third Coronavirus Case in St. Louis County, Officials Urge No Travel

The third case in the county is linked to domestic travel.

March 25, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order came at the heels of St. Louis County announcing the discovery of its third case of Coronavirus on Wednesday. The woman is in her late 30s, and like the other cases, contracted the virus through domestic travel. Now county leaders are taking a stronger stance on limiting people coming and out of the…

Gov. Tim Walz Issues Two-Week Stay-at-Home Order

March 25, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued a two-week-stay-at-home order during his Wednesday afternoon press conference. The order will take effect Friday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. and will be in place until Friday, April 10. It directs Minnesotans to stay at home and limit their movements outside of home. Gov. Walz says this action will slow the…

Bulldog Pizza Sells Pizza Kits During Global Pandemic

The pizza shop is offering curbside and delivery for all pizza kit orders.

March 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local businesses are getting more creative during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Bulldog Pizza in Duluth is now selling pizza kits for families to make their own pies at home. Each kit comes with all the fixings including four mini dough balls, cheese, marinara sauce, and a full list of directions. The co-owner says the kits were an idea…

Jefferson Lines Running Bus Routes During Pandemic

Jefferson Lines offers multiple routes including daily trips to Minneapolis-St. Paul.

March 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Jefferson Lines in Duluth is still running bus routes during the pandemic, but they have made a few adjustments to follow along with federal and state mandates. The bus line will be limiting the number of passengers on their fleet to allow for social distancing. Crews are also sanitizing bus interiors regularly. “It’s reassuring that folks know…

St. Luke’s Hospital Issues Layoffs And Temporarily Cuts Hours

Essentia has yet to cut jobs.

March 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth has announced they have laid off seven employees in positions that… leadership says are not essential during the pandemic. They are also temporarily cutting hours for workers in some areas. The hospital would not comment on what positions are being cut or reduced. This comes after Governor Walz ordered to cease all…

Multiple Essential Businesses Are On The Hunt For Employees

Some people are collecting unemployment and that may not be enough," said Stepping Stone for Living President Stephanie Ericksen.

March 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

NORTHLAND – Many businesses in various industries are hoping to fill openings and give workers some relief during this pandemic. Across the Northland, non-essential businesses have closed up shop. Many were forced to lay off employees as a result of Covid-19. But essential businesses like health care facilities and grocery stores are still in need of help. Stepping Stones for…

Minnesota Price-Gouging Complaint Form

March 25, 2020

Dan Hanger

Essentia Health Opens Drop-Off Site for Community Donations

March 25, 2020

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Essentia Health) DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has opened a drop-off site for community donations at its Miller Hill Health Plaza. Essentia says they are seeking donations of: Medical-grade N95 masks Unopened medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) – masks, gowns, eye protection, and gloves Face shields Handmade masks The drop-off site will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00…

LIVE: Gov. Walz Gives Update on COVID-19

March 25, 2020

Site Staff,

Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Gov. Tim Walz to Announce New Restrictions in Statewide Coronavirus Response

March 25, 2020

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (Fox 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce new statewide restrictions during his 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday that will be aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus. The new restrictions will go further than the school and business closures that Walz announced last week and plan to extend beyond Friday. As…

Third COVID-19 Case Confirmed in St. Louis County

March 25, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported Wednesday morning that there are now 287 cases of confirmed coronavirus in the state. According to the MDH one of the new cases is in St. Louis County, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the county to three. The MDH says the third confirmed individual is a…

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Will Extend Coronavirus Business Shutdown Past Friday

March 25, 2020

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz says he will extend an order forcing thousands of Minnesota businesses to close beyond its original end date of Friday as the coronavirus spreads across the state. Walz told reporters on a conference call Tuesday that he was not prepared to set a new date. But he refuted President Donald Trump’s stated desire of…

Timberwolves’ Towns says mother hospitalized with COVID-19

March 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns says his mother is hospitalized and in a medically-induced coma after contracting the new coronavirus. Towns talked about his mother’s condition Wednesday on his Instagram page and urged his followers to take COVID-19 seriously and practice social distancing. Towns says both his parents went to the hospital recently and were tested for…

Minnesota Lawmakers Will Reconvene to Bolster COVID-19 Fight

March 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are preparing to return to the Capitol to beef up the state’s fight against COVID-19 and help residents cope with the economic disruptions. House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka notified legislators late Tuesday they will reconvene Thursday. The House meets at noon while the Senate gathers at 2…

Veterinary Clinics Open Amid COVID-19 Concerns, New Protocols In Place

Local Vet Clinics Are Using Curbside Services to Continue Seeing Clients' Pets

March 25, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – With several business owners closing their doors, Northland veterinary clinics are also seeing the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19). This reality is because more people are choosing to keep their pets home instead of receiving nonessential care. At Duluth Veterinary Hospital, they have protocols in place for a curbside service, where staff comes out to retrieve the pet…

Essential Businesses Currently Hiring in the Northland During the Pandemic

March 25, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

Many workers in the Northland have been laid off from jobs due to the response to the coronavirus pandemic. If you are currently looking for work, there are businesses still hiring in our region. If you are a business looking to hire workers during the coronavirus pandemic and would like to be added to this list, email news@fox21online.com with the…

SuperOne Helps Social Distancing with New Plastic Barriers at Check-Out

Barriers installed at all 41 stores across three states, at over 270 stations.

March 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As SuperOne grocery stores across the Northland remain packed with people shopping for essentials, the store has installed acrylic barriers at cashier stations to limit the spread of Coronavirus. At the end of Tuesday, the new barriers were outfitted at all 41 grocery and liquor store locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Products scan and carts screech by…

“Bear Hunt” Helps Entertain Families in Proctor As Pandemic Continues

Its just kind of a nice community feeling of warmth at a distance," said Proctor resident Colleen Barriere.

March 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Folks in Proctor have found a fun way to help entertain youngsters in the neighborhood during the extended school closures. The neighborhood has set up a “bear hunt.” Participating residents and business owners have been putting different types of teddy bears in their windows. It’s creating a fun game for kids and families while they are out…

A Local Fabric Shop Works With The Community To Make Fabric Masks For Healthcare Workers

Hundreds of masks have been donated to local hospitals and nursing facilities.

March 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Face masks are an essential item for healthcare workers across the globe. As the shortage of masks impacts the Northland, a community effort to create fabric masks is one way to help minimize the need. Janet Anelli, owner of Hannah Johnson’s Fabrics in Duluth, was prepared to close up the shop and work from home like the…

City Closes Duluth Playgrounds, Issues New Guidelines for Parks and Trails

March 24, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has closed 38 city playgrounds and released new guidelines for city parks and trails amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In a Tuesday afternoon press release, the city announced that the 38 playgrounds will close effective immediately. The City will also be removing all portable toilets. “At this unusual moment, there is no acceptable safe…

Minnesota now has 262 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

March 24, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Fox 9) – According to new numbers from the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota now has 262 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Health officials say the actual number of cases is higher due to a lack of testing. The MDH website says there have been 5,812 tests submitted to the MDH Public Health Lab so far. A total…

New COVID-19 Cases in St. Louis, Douglas Counties

Experts say while it's not confirmed, they are sure there is community spread.

March 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

The cases of Coronavirus continue to climb in the Northland. A second case has been discovered in St. Louis County, along with three others in Douglas County, bringing the total there to four–with one case in Superior. There remains one confirmed case in Bayfield County The newest case in St. Louis County is a woman in her early 60s who…

As Coronavirus Impacts Grocery Stores, Duluth City Councilors Postpone Plastic Bag Fee

March 23, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Councilors took action Monday to help ease extra anxiety on grocery store workers during the COVID-19 outbreak by postponing the implementation of the 5-cent plastic bag fee. Councilors voted unanimously to wait until January of 2021 to enforce the new law that will charge customers 5 cents for each plastic bag used. Councilor Barb Russ was absent…

U-Haul Rental Services Busy as College Students Head Home

With online classes and nowhere to go, students head home.

March 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- With colleges and universities across the Northland moving all classes online for the rest of the year and asking students to leave dorms, many are heading to their nearest U-Hauls to pack up and head home. The only truck that Complete Auto Repair Service (CARS) has left is a cardboard model that sits on their front desk. Their…

Knowing Your Neighbors: GeaCom

Since last week, GeaCom put 400 units of their Phrazer/Kitsune devices into service and started developing another 1500 units.

March 23, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – One Duluth-based company has found a way to help with the screening process of the COVID-19 outbreak in the hopes of flattening the curve. “Can you imagine having 100 new patients arrive that you would not normally see and not having a way to communicate directly with those patients because you don’t have masks, you can’t stay…

Gov. Walz Issues Executive Order to Create Small Business Emergency Loan Program

March 23, 2020

Site Staff,

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP)ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a series of executive orders Monday to help curb COVID-19’s spread through the state and mitigate its effects on the economy. One of those orders authorized the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to create a small business emergency loan program for those who have…

The Global Pandemic is Causing Growing Concerns For The Safety Of Domestic Violence Victims

"Isolation is a tactic an abuser uses," said Community Engagement Coordinator Jill Hinners.

March 23, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Coronavirus is causing families to spend more time at home and now many domestic violence agencies in the nation are concerned about what this could mean for victims of abuse. Some organizations in the U.S. have seen a significant increase in the number of phone calls from victims looking to escape their situation. The Center Against…

St. Louis County Board Approves Transfer of Emergency Administration Funds

March 23, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board approved multiple measures on Monday to help combat the spread of coronavirus. This includes a resolution that will transfer $1 million from the emergency administration fund to support efforts to fight the spread of the virus. The money will allow government organizations to have cash on hand in case of emergencies. It…

MN Department of Health Confirms Second Case of COVID-19 in St. Louis County

March 23, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed a second presumptive case of COVID-19 in St. Louis County. The individual is a woman in her early 60’s and is currently recovering at home. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the woman was tested on March 19 and her infection is linked to domestic travel It is…

Minnesota Court of Appeals Sends PolyMet Permit Back to MPCA

March 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals sent an air-emissions permit for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine back to state regulators for further review on Monday, giving another victory to environmental groups who oppose the project. The appeals court found that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did not adequately evaluate whether the air permit requested by PolyMet was…