social distancing

Governor Burgum addresses hospital strain as capacity limits are reached

"We want to make sure that North Dakotans know that the risk is real."

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A rise in COVID-19 cases has North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum alongside state hospital leaders addressing the increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, hospitals across the state are beginning to see a repeat of last year’s record high hospitalizations. “Let’s take a look back a year ago, COVID has…

Social Distancing: Getting One Last Visit

A tribute to my grandmother, who I was thankfully able to see one last time during the pandemic

  It’s a special one day return of the Social Distancing segment! This segment is a tribute. Last April, in the early days of the pandemic, I told you about my amazing grandmother. She turned 90 in April of 2020. We had a big party planned. The whole family was gonna come down to Wyoming to celebrate with her. But…

Social Distancing: Figuring Out Fishing

Getting Started In Fishing Is A Daunting Task

  Summer fun is here, and I’m still on the lookout for fun things to do away from crowds. So I’ve been getting into fishing. Never did it much before on my own, but I’m enjoying it. And I didn’t realize how easy it is to just head out for a few right here in town. That’s the benefit to…

Social Distancing: State Park Shutdown Looming

Minnesota State Parks Could Be Closed Just 1st If Budget Deal Isn't Reached

  Camping and outdoor activities exploded in popularity during the pandemic. RV’s. Campgrounds. Boats. All are at a premium right now as while we’re still technically in a pandemic. But some of the most beautiful outdoor recreation areas in our region might soon be off limits thanks to some dug-in politicians in St. Paul. Here is one of my favorite…

Social Distancing: NW Angle Still Stranded By The Pandemic

Lake of the Woods Tourism Testifies About Issues To U.S. Senate

  Most of the U.S. is open again as COVID numbers keep dropping. But there are still areas that are suffering financially under COVID restrictions. One of those areas is right here in our region, and now their plight is getting the spotlight on Capitol Hill. Lake of the Woods Tourism Executive Director Joe Henry testified this week in front…

Social Distancing: Gone Fishin’

A Novice Angler's 1st Time Fishing In Minnesota

  It’s fishing season. I spent last week out at the lakes in Otter Tail County, so I thought I’d give angling a try. I hadn’t gone fishing in well over a decade. I never had been fishing in Minnesota, one of the best fishing states in the country. I know, I know. I’ve lived here for years and I’ve…

Social Distancing: Live Cam Postcards

A Travel Activity That Lets You Pose For The World To See

  Here’s a silly thing you can do to make your travels a little more fun in our region. It’s kind of like a scavenger hunt, and makes for a fun photo op for your travels. Find all the places along your journey where there’s a live cam, and pose in front of it. We have a lot of live…

Social Distancing: Renovating The Mississippi Headwaters

The Iconic Mississippi River Headwaters Have A New Look This Spring Thanks To A Restoration Project

  The days of social distancing are probably drawing to a close soon. Mask mandates are gone. Vaccination rates are going up. But I’ll still share ways to have some fun while spacing out when I come across them. Which brings me to one of the most iconic places in our region: Itasca State Park. I camped there over the…

Social Distancing: 3-Year-Old Quarantine Artist

A 3-Year-Old's Painting During The Pandemic Hangs In Minnesota Restaurant

A lot of us picked up new hobbies during the height of the pandemic. I tried cooking more. I got into puzzles for a while. Over the weekend I stumbled upon a fantastic way one person made use of their quarantine. Check out this painting. It’s hanging on the wall at Spanky’s Stone Hearth restaurant, a fancy restaurant next to…

Social Distancing: Keep Your Distance From The People, Not The Animals

Trowbridge Creek Zoo Near Vergas Opened For The Season This Month

  We’ve got some more socially distanced exploring tips you can do now that the weather is warmer. Today we’re heading to a small town zoo that lets you keep your distance from people, but not necessarily the animals. The Trowbridge Creek Zoo has only been around for a handful of years. It’s tucked away near Vergas, Minnesota and just…