Data included is taken from the Minnesota Department of Health Daily reports. Because all data is preliminary, the change in number of cumulative positive cases and deaths from one day to the next may not equal the newly reported cases or deaths.
Covid-19 Coverage Newsletter
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Thursday evening brought on a mask-free sigh of relief throughout Minnesota as Gov. Tim Walz announced an important milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic: the end of the state’s mask mandate.
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Thursday evening brought on a mask-free sigh of relief throughout Minnesota as Gov. Tim Walz announced an important milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic: the end of the state’s mask mandate.
spotlight
Thursday evening brought on a mask-free sigh of relief throughout Minnesota as Gov. Tim Walz announced an important milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic: the end of the state’s mask mandate.
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Businesses are open, and customers are at their doors, but in many places, a shortage of workers is limiting service and production.
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Businesses are open, and customers are at their doors, but in many places, a shortage of workers is limiting service and production.
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For those who organize major events in southern Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz's loosening of COVID-19 restrictions announced last week was the green light and glimmer of hope they had been waiting for to move forward with their 2021 plans.
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For those who organize major events in southern Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz's loosening of COVID-19 restrictions announced last week was the green light and glimmer of hope they had been waiting for to move forward with their 2021 plans.
spotlight
For those who organize major events in southern Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz’s loosening of COVID-19 restrictions announced last week was the green light and glimmer of hope they had been waiting for to move forward with their 2021 plans.
spotlight
For those who organize major events in southern Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz's loosening of COVID-19 restrictions announced last week was the green light and glimmer of hope they had been waiting for to move forward with their 2021 plans.
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With the end of the school year and summer events/activities in mind, Minnesotans are waiting for life to return to “normal.”
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Since the January reopening of El Agave, Eber Noe Juarez has had trouble finding enough workers to operate his Mexican restaurants in St. Peter and Fairmont.
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Since the January reopening of El Agave, Eber Noe Juarez has had trouble finding enough workers to operate his Mexican restaurants in St. Peter and Fairmont.
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Aid and assistance for those who have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be coming in from all areas – grants for small businesses, stimulus checks, unemployment perks, and even rent and utility assistance.
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Aid and assistance for those who have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be coming in from all areas – grants for small businesses, stimulus checks, unemployment perks, and even rent and utility assistance.
With COVID-19 case counts receding and vaccinations …
It is one of those businesses that many people take …
The Le Sueur-Henderson baseball team will not be com…
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Just over a year ago, the abrupt onset of the COVID-19 pandemic left some travelers stranded far from home and in a panic. Among them was Khadjia Ali, a local woman who traveled to Kenya for an incredibly unique reason.
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Just over a year ago, the abrupt onset of the COVID-19 pandemic left some travelers stranded far from home and in a panic. Among them was Khadjia Ali, a local woman who traveled to Kenya for an incredibly unique reason.
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When Shattuck-St. Mary’s School sent students home at the start of the coronavirus pandemic last spring, then-junior Gwen Eichfeld activated her inner scientist.
Rolling up her sleeves, Natasha Anderson maintained …
Rolling up her sleeves, Natasha Anderson maintained …
After a year of virtual services and limited in-pers…
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After a year of virtual services and limited in-person attendance, success in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine locally helped to bring Christians back into area churches just in time for Easter.
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After a year of virtual services and limited in-person attendance, success in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine locally helped to bring Christians back into area churches just in time for Easter.
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It has been a long, abnormal year for the Owatonna Public Library. Though people may believe that a librarian would welcome the opportunity to be alone with the books, the director of the local library said it has felt like being trapped in “bizarro world.”
It’s not a surprise that an entertainment venue like…
Northfield High School is planning an outdoor gradua…
Vaccination rates have reached a new high in Minneso…
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There’s no doubt that many struggled with food insecurity before the pandemic, and since the pandemic began that need has increased.
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Three weeks before the big show, Tri-City United students were memorizing their lines, practicing their pitch and working on their choreography in preparation for 2020’s upcoming fall performance of High School Musical. But suddenly, COVID-19 case rates spiked, students were back to distance…
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Three weeks before the big show, Tri-City United students were memorizing their lines, practicing their pitch and working on their choreography in preparation for 2020’s upcoming fall performance of High School Musical. But suddenly, COVID-19 case rates spiked, students were back to distance…
Not all heroes wear capes – some wear scrubs.
Despite the challenges pork producers have faced in …
Despite the challenges pork producers have faced in …
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Despite the challenges pork producers have faced in the last year, with processing plants facing temporary closures and decreased production due to COVID-19, one thing that Dave Preisler says has remained constant was the production of an affordable and safe source of protein for customers, …
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Owatonna Hospital Emergency Department nurse Trisha Foster-Erickson has found strengths in communication and teamwork throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
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If you’ve felt pressure to follow all the different safety protocols during this pandemic, imagine what it’s been like for the people setting those protocols.
Local leaders grabbed their shovels and planted them…
In the middle of the night, alone in the guest bedro…
In the middle of the night, alone in the guest bedro…
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After a long year, things are looking brighter for Central Health Care in Le Center. The nursing home is undergoing a transformation with new services as well as celebrating the 40-year careers of two employees with the nursing home.
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After an incredibly difficult year, COVID-19 vaccines have finally shed some light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Yet the optimism felt by many local business workers and health officials is still very tempered and cautious.
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After an incredibly difficult year, COVID-19 vaccines have finally shed some light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Yet the optimism felt by many local business workers and health officials is still very tempered and cautious.
It was one year ago when our community and our world…
It was one year ago when our community and our world…
A Department of Health and Human Services employee h…
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With the weather teasing spring earlier this month, the same question has been on every Steele Countian’s mind: Will there be a fair?
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According to a recent survey of Faribault Public Schools families, 62% of parents and 52% of students were either neutral or satisfied with distance learning this school year.
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Steele County is moving forward with hiring a new emergency management director and bumping the position up to full time.
After COVID-19 led to the first hiatus since 1947, R…
Two weeks ago, Gov. Tim Walz vowed that any Minnesot…
Though Cathy Rossow didn't start giving blood until …
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Though Cathy Rossow didn’t start giving blood until she was 40, she knows firsthand how important it is that there is blood available for those in need.
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Nicollet County Health and Human Services expects to pass 2,000 residents vaccinated for COVID-19 this week, and the team is quickly making its way through the over 65 population. After that, it’s essential workers.
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After COVID-19 led to the first hiatus since 1947, Rice County Fair Manager John Dvorak is optimistic that the fair can and will make a strong comeback in 2021.
After COVID-19 led to the first hiatus since 1947, R…
When Kristi Larson first saw the Zamboni building in…
Thirty-seven Waseca County businesses have received …
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After a year of moving from distance learning to hybrid learning a couple times over, Faribault secondary students will return to the classroom after Spring Break.
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The Waseca County Public Health Department has begun hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics for residents older than 65.
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Educators, police officers and health care workers walked into the Le Sueur County Courthouse one by one on Thursday to get their dose of protection against the coronavirus.
Two weeks after moving to full in-person learning, T…
Two weeks after moving to full in-person learning, T…
Expect Faribault Public Schools to transition middle…
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While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a crushing impact on Minnesota’s healthcare system, one silver lining is perhaps the long overdue expansion of telemedicine.
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While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a crushing impact on Minnesota’s healthcare system, one silver lining is perhaps the long overdue expansion of telemedicine.
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While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a crushing impact on Minnesota’s healthcare system, one silver lining is perhaps the long overdue expansion of telemedicine.
Of the $216 million in economic relief state legisla…
Some changes are afoot at Mayo Clinic Health System Waseca.
For the second year in a row, the second largest eve…
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The Waseca County Board has approved repairs and improvements to a 101-year-old county ditch.
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When enough doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are available to non-priority groups in Goodhue County, local residents approved to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may not have to drive too far.
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Kool & the Gang probably didn’t have vaccinations in mind when they released “Celebration” in 1980, but a crew of local musicians sure did when they performed a parody to the popular party song.
Kool & the Gang probably didn’t have vaccination…
Thursday’s COVID-19 data offers reasons to remain en…
Waseca Junior Senior High School’s Snow Week coronat…
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The St. Peter City Council Feb. 8 took action to make development a little easier for at least one project in town.
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Wednesday’s COVID-19 data continues to offer Minnesotans reasons to be encouraged and frustrated.
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Minnesota’s COVID-19 numbers have settled into a good news, bad news groove. While Tuesday’s data shows the disease trends continuing to brighten, the state is still struggling for traction on the pace of vaccinations.
In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo people shelter in t…
The Tri-City United One Act season may have ended ea…
The Tri-City United One Act season may have ended ea…
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Women in crisis situations have turned to Ruth’s House of Hope for shelter and resources, and with COVID-19 adding insult to injury, the nonprofit has accrued extra expenses to support its residents.
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Minnesota’s latest COVID-19 data continues to show the state generally on the right track, with key metrics staying relatively steady. After an early-week stumble, vaccination counts are rising again, although they’re still not matching levels from last week.
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Over the last two decades, things have continued to evolve and change on the south side of town where Community Pathways of Steele County calls home.
Though people are feeling optimistic about a possibl…
Customers are starting to return to the Boat House G…
In an era when stage performances are far and few be…
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In an era when stage performances are far and few between, the Benson Family Singers can be found singing where it all began — in the kitchen.
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The effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota and Le Sueur County is continuing to ramp up as the state recently announced 35,000 new doses of vaccine this week for people ages 65 and up. Locally, Le Sueur County has expanded vaccinations for law enforcement and school staff.
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Though they couldn’t be all together like in years past, the spirit of Owatonna was alive and well during the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism annual meeting Friday night.
State health officials say they’re prepared to distr…
Minnesota’s COVID-19 trend lines remain encouraging …
There wasn’t the usual mingling, speeches and comedi…
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Minnesota’s COVID-19 trend lines continue to be mostly encouraging, and the pace of vaccinations is accelerating after a flat start.
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St. Peter and Cleveland public schools are beginning in-person and hybrid learning this month after a stretch of distance-only learning before winter break, but the COVID-19 response of the community will determine if students can stay in school.
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Art instructor Kate Langlais has gotten the hang of teaching painting and drawing classes virtually.
January’s COVID-19 data continues to offer Minnesota…
Tri-City United, Le Sueur-Henderson and Cleveland Pu…
The number of Minnesotans who’ve received at least t…
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Art instructor Kate Langlais has gotten the hang of teaching painting and drawing classes virtually.
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January’s COVID-19 data continues to offer Minnesota hope heading into the last workweek of the month.
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Tri-City United, Le Sueur-Henderson and Cleveland Public Schools are beginning in-person and hybrid learning this month after a stint of distance learning before winter break, but the COVID-19 response of the community determines if students can stay in school.
The number of Minnesotans who’ve received at least t…
Waseca and Janesville have reopened their city facil…
Thursday’s COVID-19 data offered a mix of hopeful ne…
Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, as their children Ashley and Hunter watch.(AP Photo/Andrew Harni…
spotlight
The city of St. Peter gave another boost to local small businesses with two new programs in December and January, giving out hundreds of thousands in loans and grants.
Nicollet County Public Health has gotten started on …
January’s COVID-19 data continues to show Minnesota …
Waseca Public Health has been fielding calls from re…
In this March 30, 2020 file photo, My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell speaks as President Donald Trump listens during a briefing about the coronavirus in the Rose Garden of the White House, in Washington. Lindell, an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, who has continued to push the notion of e…
spotlight
A U.S. magistrate is recommending that the lawsuit over COVID-19 in Waseca’s federal prison be denied.
spotlight
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 numbers show the state holding steady on a relatively positive path. Key metrics, including new case growth and hospitalizations, continue to improve.
Starting Thursday, a new vaccine pilot program will …
Starting Thursday, a new vaccine pilot program will …
Starting Thursday, a new vaccine pilot program will …
spotlight
It has been almost a year since Wagner’s Lunch and Pool Hall in downtown Owatonna has seen a customer walk through the doors and owner Dan Kubista is missing it.
spotlight
Minnesota is launching a new pilot program to expedite COVID-19 vaccinations of people age 65 and older at community vaccination sites across the state. The program also includes plans to distribute a share of limited vaccines for child care and school staff.
spotlight
After working out a few remaining details at a Tuesday Board of Commissioners meeting, Rice County released application forms for its latest round of business assistance on Friday. The county received about $1.3 million to distribute.
After working out a few remaining details at a Tuesd…
After working out a few remaining details at a Tuesd…
As Minnesota sees a loosening of COVID-19 restrictio…
spotlight
As Minnesota sees a loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in bars, restaurants and gyms, a number of local districts have been transitioning into in-person and hybrid learning.
spotlight
As Minnesota sees a loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in bars, restaurants and gyms, a number of local districts have been transitioning into in-person and hybrid learning.
spotlight
Tri-City United Schools have begun in-person and hybrid learning this month after a stint of distance learning before winter break, but the COVID-19 response of the community determines if students can stay in school.
Minnesota continues to show relatively positive tren…
Despite a pandemic limiting gathering opportunities,…
The beginning of the calendar year marks the middle …
spotlight
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 data shows the state staying steady on a path of relatively moderate growth in new cases as hospital admissions recede. State officials, though, still believe another surge is likely in the coming weeks following the year-end holidays.
spotlight
Waseca Public Schools returned to hybrid learning Jan. 11 for kindergarten through 12th grade students.
spotlight
Local governments have plenty to think about beyond an ongoing pandemic in 2021, with street and public work projects, sustainability and diversity initiatives, and broadband programs all at the top of priority lists.
For Muna Hersi, a former refugee and an Owatonna par…
For Muna Hersi, a former refugee and an Owatonna par…
Tuesday’s COVID-19 data continues to show relatively…
spotlight
Art instructor Kate Langlais has gotten the hang of teaching painting and drawing classes virtually.
spotlight
January’s COVID-19 data continues to offer Minnesota hope heading into the last workweek of the month.
spotlight
Tri-City United, Le Sueur-Henderson and Cleveland Public Schools are beginning in-person and hybrid learning this month after a stint of distance learning before winter break, but the COVID-19 response of the community determines if students can stay in school.
The number of Minnesotans who’ve received at least t…
Waseca and Janesville have reopened their city facil…
Thursday’s COVID-19 data offered a mix of hopeful ne…
Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, as their children Ashley and Hunter watch.(AP Photo/Andrew Harni…
spotlight
The city of St. Peter gave another boost to local small businesses with two new programs in December and January, giving out hundreds of thousands in loans and grants.
Nicollet County Public Health has gotten started on …
January’s COVID-19 data continues to show Minnesota …
Waseca Public Health has been fielding calls from re…
In this March 30, 2020 file photo, My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell speaks as President Donald Trump listens during a briefing about the coronavirus in the Rose Garden of the White House, in Washington. Lindell, an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, who has continued to push the notion of e…
spotlight
A U.S. magistrate is recommending that the lawsuit over COVID-19 in Waseca’s federal prison be denied.
spotlight
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 numbers show the state holding steady on a relatively positive path. Key metrics, including new case growth and hospitalizations, continue to improve.
Starting Thursday, a new vaccine pilot program will …
Starting Thursday, a new vaccine pilot program will …
Starting Thursday, a new vaccine pilot program will …
spotlight
It has been almost a year since Wagner’s Lunch and Pool Hall in downtown Owatonna has seen a customer walk through the doors and owner Dan Kubista is missing it.
spotlight
Minnesota is launching a new pilot program to expedite COVID-19 vaccinations of people age 65 and older at community vaccination sites across the state. The program also includes plans to distribute a share of limited vaccines for child care and school staff.
spotlight
After working out a few remaining details at a Tuesday Board of Commissioners meeting, Rice County released application forms for its latest round of business assistance on Friday. The county received about $1.3 million to distribute.
After working out a few remaining details at a Tuesd…
After working out a few remaining details at a Tuesd…
As Minnesota sees a loosening of COVID-19 restrictio…
spotlight
As Minnesota sees a loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in bars, restaurants and gyms, a number of local districts have been transitioning into in-person and hybrid learning.
spotlight
As Minnesota sees a loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in bars, restaurants and gyms, a number of local districts have been transitioning into in-person and hybrid learning.
spotlight
Tri-City United Schools have begun in-person and hybrid learning this month after a stint of distance learning before winter break, but the COVID-19 response of the community determines if students can stay in school.
Minnesota continues to show relatively positive tren…
Despite a pandemic limiting gathering opportunities,…
The beginning of the calendar year marks the middle …
spotlight
Minnesota’s newest COVID-19 data shows the state staying steady on a path of relatively moderate growth in new cases as hospital admissions recede. State officials, though, still believe another surge is likely in the coming weeks following the year-end holidays.
spotlight
Waseca Public Schools returned to hybrid learning Jan. 11 for kindergarten through 12th grade students.
spotlight
Local governments have plenty to think about beyond an ongoing pandemic in 2021, with street and public work projects, sustainability and diversity initiatives, and broadband programs all at the top of priority lists.
For Muna Hersi, a former refugee and an Owatonna par…
For Muna Hersi, a former refugee and an Owatonna par…
Tuesday’s COVID-19 data continues to show relatively…