ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Minnesota small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced last week. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Pre-paredness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act…

By Anna Jauhola The City of Lancaster has declared an emergency ahead of any coronavirus diagnoses in Kittson County. During an emergency meeting on Wednesday, March 18, the council gathered in Lancaster City Hall at tables and spread out at least 6 feet from each other. The declaration acknowledges that should the virus break out…

By Anna Jauhola The City of Hallock declared a state of emergency in an emergency meeting on Friday, March 20. The city council met at the city hall in the basement and spaced more than 6 feet from each other. Councilor Kevin Waller attended and voted by phone, which is allowed in emergency instances. City…

In accordance with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health, we have adjusted our services, events and operations to protect Minnesotans and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Our public lands remain open but we have closed some buildings. We have canceled or postponed many public events and meetings including elk input meetings in northwest Minnesota.…

  [ST. PAUL, MN] – To slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state, Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-20 directing Minnesotans to stay at home and limit movements outside of their home beyond essential needs. This order takes effect at 11:59pm on Friday, March 27 and ends at 5:00pm on Friday, April…

Because officials have urged everyone to limit contact with other people, the Karlstad Area Ministerium has canceled upcoming rehearsals and the annual Palm Sunday cantata performance. Many vocalists have been rehearsing for several weeks to prepare the cantata, “Lift High the Cross” by Lloyd Larson so it is a disappointment to them and director, Kathy…

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement regarding her husband John: “I have news that many Americans are facing right now: my husband John has the coronavirus. We just got the test results at 7 a.m. this morning. While I cannot see him and he is of course cut off…

By Anna Jauhola The City of Hallock declared a state of emergency in an emergency meeting on Friday, March 20. The city council met at the city hall in the basement and spaced more than 6 feet from each other. Councilor Kevin Waller attended and voted by phone, which is allowed in emergency instances. City…

By Anna Jauhola The Kittson County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency at an emergency meeting on Friday, March 20 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The commissioners called into the meeting via a digital service called GoToMeeting, which is allowed for public meetings during an emergency. Alongside the emergency declaration, the commission…

Area businesses and entities are affected just as much as the rest of the state as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. This list will be updated as we receive information on whether certain businesses are open, closed, changing hours, offering delivery or curbside pickup, etc.  Please be sure to check back here for updates or call…

Minnesota State Parks and Trails remain open to the public. We are closely monitoring the situation related to COVID-19 and adjusting our operations as conditions change. We recognize the importance of nature in helping to relieve stress during this time and are committed to providing a safe environment for our visitors to enjoy, while ensuring…

As the COVID-19 virus unfolds in Minnesota, there are several resources that individuals can use to stay up to date on the latest information:   MDH’s COVID-19 page: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html   MDH’s COVID-19 prevention tips: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/prevention.html   MDH’s COVID-19 Situation Update: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/situation.html   Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 page: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20479963   CDC COVID-19 page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html   CDC COVID-19…

Commission sets instructions for employees during COVID-19 By Anna Jauhola The Kittson County Board of Commissioners is erring on the side of safety and made a strong decision Tuesday, March 17 to keep two county employees at home, with pay. This was the main decision of the board’s initial discussions regarding pandemic planning.  The two employees…

By Anna Jauhola Both nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Kittson County are now closed to visitors due to the coronavirus outbreak reaching Minnesota and nearby states. Kittson Healthcare announced restricted visitation to its residents’ families Thursday, March 12. Cindy Urbaniak, nursing home administrator, said as the coronavirus – known as COVID-19 – has reached…