Health

Pandemic puts strain on local hospitals as they reach full capacity

"We are having very high case numbers both in the hospital and in the community and we continue to rise exponentially."

FARGO, N.D. – Scenes like medical professionals working to save lives in the middle of a pandemic are happening every day in our community “We are not doing well here in North Dakota. We are having very high case numbers both in the hospital and in the community and we continue to rise exponentially,” Sanford Medical Director for Infection Prevention and…

East Grand Forks High School moved to distance learning

EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. – The East Grand Forks School Board voted 5-1 to move high school students to full time distance learning for two weeks beginning November 23rd. Superintendent Mike Kolness and Polk County Public Health Director Sarah Reese also wanted the middle school to move to distance learning. The school board voted 3-3 on that motion. You can…

Fargo mayor drafting executive order on bar & restaurant capacity

FARGO, N.D. – Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney tells KVRR he expects to release an executive order requiring bars and restaurants to adhere to 25 percent capacity and have customers wear masks either on Thursday, November 12 or Friday November 13. Mahoney says if businesses don’t comply, they risk losing their liquor license for a couple of days. The decision to…

Fargo Fire Chief has Covid-19

FARGO, N.D. – Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney announces Fargo Fire Department Chief Steve Dirksen has been diagnosed with the coronavirus in an interview with KVRR. Mahoney says Dirksen was aware he was Covid-19 positive this week, is isolating and is in good condition. He has not been hospitalized. “We’re just worried every day how he’s going to do. It’s…

Pet Connection: Meet Buxton

It can take big bucks to heal a dog like Buxton.

If you have a pet you already know it’s important to budget for regular veterinary care. But sometimes, medical surprises come up that can be a bit more than you bargained for cost-wise. That happens with dogs that come into rescues, too. And right now, 4 Luv of Dog has two dogs who need pretty expensive medical help to get…

LIVE: Keeping Veterans Safe on Veterans Day

They're one of our most precious resources. Show them you care by keeping them safe while you honor their service.

The North Dakota Census reports that we’ve got more than 50,000 veterans alive in the state this year, but the number is dwindling. That’s in part because they’re an aging population. And local veterans are concerned about about the potential the pandemic could have to diminish their ranks still further. That’s why veterans groups worked overtime this year to make…

Moorhead businesses face greater impact of Covid-19 restrictions

Governor implements further COVID-19 restrictions

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is turning back the dials on bars and restaurants in Minnesota. Starting Friday night, a new curfew of 10:00 has been set for serving food and drinks. Businesses can remain open for takeout only after that time. Indoor capacity will also be limited to 50 percent up to 150 people. The new restrictions…

Sanford Health, Essentia Health address uptick in patients seeking mental health care

Sanford Health says they try to get new patients scheduled for an appointment within 60 days. Essentia Health says their wait is about a month.

FARGO, N.D. — There is greater stress about health, finances and the future during the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, it has also meant spending a lot of time alone. These are all things that can lead mental health to worsen, causing more people to reach out for help. “What is often described in the behavioral health world is this notion…

LIVE: Essentia Health Workers Asking for Public’s Help

Show the people who care for us when we're sick that we care about them in return.

If you’re feeling the strain of this long, long pandemic and the Covid-positive rates that stubbornly refuse to come down in our region, you’re not alone. The folks we rely on to take care of us when we’re sick are also struggling. Essentia Health workers are pulling extra shifts to try to meet the rising numbers of patients arriving daily…