North Shore News Hour

Anyone with ties to Grand Marais likely knows that a devasting fire destroyed three buildings in downtown Grand Marais on April 13. 
WTIP Community Radio has been following the cleanup and the planning process for the future of those now-vacant lots downtown. 

The Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority has been working with the business and building owners to look at possibilities for the now-vacant lots on Wisconsin Street. Recently, the EDA announced that it was seeking an individual or company that could work with the different businesses involved...not on sale of the lots, but to help bring together the various ideas that have been brought forward since the fire. 

It is a challenging effort, involving the businesses lost to fire--Picnic and Pine, The Crooked Spoon Cafe and White Pine North, and  other stakeholders. 

The group, with EDA President Howard Hedstrom facilitating, has had some interesting discussions. There are still a lot of unknowns for the property and business owners, but Hedstrom stressed that at this time, none of the lots in question are for sale.

To hear from EDA's Hedstrom about the search for a potential development partner visit that interview on the WTIP website: EDA working with businesses lost to fire on redevelopment plan

WTIP Community Radio also reached out to some of the business owners to learn more. Hear from Sara Hingos, co-owner with her husband, Nathan Hingos, of Crooked Spoon Cafe in this interview: Business owner impacted by Grand Marais fire shares update on plans moving forward

WTIP's Rhonda Silence also spoke with Tyler Dean, who co-owns White Pine North with his wife, Jessica Dean. As with the other business owners, Tyler tells WTIP there are many details to be worked out. Learn what's in the works in this interview: After-fire planning continues for Grand Marais businesses. 

And this interview looks at Picnic and Pine, the gift store operated by Kelsey Kennedy. WTIP's Rhonda Silence spoke with Kennedy, whose plans are perhaps most unknown at this time. 

As WTIP reported earlier this week, School District 166 has made the decision to “pivot” from the hybrid learning model for kindergarten through 3rd grade to distance learning, effective November 30.

The decision was made due to the rising COVID-19 positivity rate in Cook County. It followed the announcement on November 13 that the plan to begin the hybrid learning model for 4th- and 5th-graders had been reversed.

It is hoped that School District 166 can return to the hybrid model, which saw the K-3 students in school Tuesday through Friday, in mid-January.

But, Principal and Acting Superintendent Megan Myers stressed that is subject to change, depending on positivity rates and other criteria for having students in school. As of Nov. 18, Myers said the school district has 21 students and staff members either in isolation or quarantine at that time.

The decision to return to school will be made by the School/Community Incident Command Team (ICT).

At this time, childcare at the school will continue for Tier 1 workers under the program for critical workers, however, families are encouraged to keep their children home if they have the ability to work from home themselves.

All of this and more was discussed at the November 18 school board. Click below to hear WTIP’s Rhonda Silence speaking to Principal Myers about those learning model changes, about the mental health of the students who are not able to be in school, about the COVID-19 impact on school finances, and more.

In related news from the ISD 166 school board meeting:

* Dustin Opatz, of Bergandkdv, gave a presentation on the school’s recently completed audit. A motion passed to accept the audit. Documents from the firm can be seen here. 

* Finance Director Lori Backlund also presented the budget for the 2021-2022 school year, pointing out that $283,000 is earmarked for unknown expenses related to COVID-19. Board Member Sissy Lunde asked if this “what if” allocation would be sufficient. She asked what would happen if it wasn’t. Backlund said there are efforts at the legislature to pass some legislation to hold schools harmless for losses due to the coronavirus.

Lunde, who goes off the board in January expressed concern that many students may have found alternative learning options and they may not come back to ISD 166. Board Member Deb White said she is optimistic that students will return, but encouraged the school administration to find ways for students to be in school in some way, as has been discussed. Principal Myers said that is a goal of the Incident Command Team.

White recalled that years ago the school took part in a snow sculpture contest in which big blocks of snow were brought in and different classes sculpted them. She suggested that someone take the lead on organizing something like that, which would be outside and could be done with social distancing.

White noted that people have been lashing out at the school, but they should try not to. She said if we want to be angry at something, it should be the coronavirus.  
 
* The board heard an update from Safe Routes to School/State Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) coordinator Andrea Orest. Orest noted that things are quite different this year, but the Safe Routes to School Committee (SRTS) continues to work to get students walking or biking to school, if they are attending school in person, or walking “anywhere” if they are not.  She said walking or biking to school is a small way to provide a piece of normalcy in students’ lives during these uncertain times. 

Orest shared information on walking routes and the meeting point by the Cook County Community Center. She also gave information on future events, such as the Bike Rodeo that will hopefully be able to be held.

The board thanked Orest and the Safe Routes to School Committee for their work and approved the Safe Routes to School plan.

* Assistant Principal/Activities Director (AD) Mitch Dorr gave an update on how things went for sports and activities thus far. He noted that sports are now on hold until May. He said regional ADs will be meeting to arrange schedules.

The board approved the hiring of a coach for one sport, that may be able to happen sooner, Alpine skiing. The 2020-2021 coach is John Oberholtzer, who has been involved in the program for a few years.

Dorr said plans are in the works for the One Act Play competition to take place online. He said the JV Knowledge Bowl team, under guidance by teacher David Liechty, has started. The JV team took first place in their first meet.

* The board approved the hiring of a new paraprofessional. The school is in need of several other paraprofessionals, as well as a kitchen helper.

* The school board set its organizational meeting for Thursday, January 7. That is the meeting at which board officers are selected and assignments are made to various committees.
 

School District 166 held its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, November 18, addressing a variety of issues. But as it has been since March, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic was the primary topic of discussion.

Principal and acting superintendent Megan Myers noted that just about a week ago, ISD 166 was preparing to bring 4th- and 5th-graders back to school in the hybrid model. That decision was reversed on November 13 as the COVID-19 positivity rate increased in Cook County and those students remained in the distance learning mode.

Positivity rates have climbed since then. As of Nov. 18, Myers  said the school district has 21 students and staff members either in isolation or quarantine at that time.

For those reasons, Myers said the School/Community Incident Command Team decided to begin distance learning for the kindergarten through 3rd-grade students as well.

Earlier in the day, the School District sent out a letter to families letting them know that as of November 30, the kindergarten through 3rd-grade students who have been on campus in a hybrid learning model will change to distance learning.

The plan is to bring the K-3 students back to school under the hybrid model on January 18.

In the letter, Myers wrote, “This is a preventive measure to help during this difficult time and to cause the least disruption to our learning model.”

Childcare at the school will continue for Tier 1 workers under the program for critical workers, however, families are encouraged to keep their children home if they have the ability to work from home themselves.

There was once again a discussion of the mental health of the students who are not able to attend school. Board Member Sissy Lunde, who is going off the school board in January, said she would like to see the school district find some way to get older students in school for face-to-face interaction with teachers and fellow students. She said the school needs them to have something to look forward to.

Principal Myers said that is something the Incident Command Team will look at during the 14-day break.

School Board Member Rena Rogers, who is part of the Incident Command Team in her role at Cook County and as a board member, said everyone is working to find a balance between what is best for students and what is safest.

In related news, Great Expectations School is changing its learning model, at least temporarily, after the Thanksgiving break. When school for GES students resumes on November 30, it will be in the distance learning model. GES expects to continue in the distance learning model until sometime in January.  

Birch Grove Community School in Tofte has no plans at this time to change to a different learning model.

Oshki Ogimaag in Grand Portage also has no plans to change from its current in-person model for its kindergarten through 6th-grade students.
 
 

Citizens in Minnesota's District 3 - which includes the entire North Shore and the Iron Range - woke up to some surprising news on Wednesday, Nov. 18. 

Despite winning reelection and appearing on the ballot as a Democrat, State Senator Tom Bakk has left the DFL Caucus. In the Nov. 3 election, Cook County voters overwhelmingly cast votes in support of Bakk, though at the time they thought he was running to represent the Minnesota DFL party. 

Bakk made the move with Senator Dave Tomassoni of Chisholm to form a new Minnesota Senate Independent Caucus. This changes the make-up of the Senate caucuses, which will now be 34 seats for Republicans; 31 for the DFL and two Independent.

This raised many, many, questions. Senator Bakk spent nearly a half-hour with WTIP, explaining his decision. Bakk told WTIP he is the same person he has always been, calling himself a "lunch bucket Democrat," whose mission is to represent the trade unions and working people.

He said the change in affiliation should benefit District 3, as it gives him a higher status in the committees on which he serves. One upcoming committee that Bakk said is extremely important is the committee that will oversee redistricting based on the 2020 census. As a representative of the DFL minority party, Bakk said he would not have much of a voice. 

He also talked about his health issues and what sort of legacy he would like to leave for his children and grandchildren. He shared his thoughts on Polymet and Twin Metals, about President Trump, and about the rural versus metro divide in the DFL party. 

Here's Rhonda Silence and now-Independent Caucus Senator Tom Bakk. 

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office shares a brief report of calls made to the Cook County Law Enforcement Center throughout the month with WTIP Community Radio. WTIP requested more information on a number of the incidents logged by law enforcement dispatchers in October 2020.

In addition to the calls recorded here, there were dozens of business and residence checks; traffic stops; medical calls; crank or misdialed 911 calls, and more. Emergency dispatchers handled calls during power outages. Sheriff deputies also participated in Operation Stonegarden, a joint patrol effort with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They also conducted all-terrain vehicle patrols and assisted the U.S. Forest Service and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on calls.

October 1
1:56 a.m. A caller on West Highway 61 reported two bears, first on their porch and then in the dumpster. When a deputy arrived, the bear had moved on to the woods on the east side of the property.
6:24 a.m. A 911 call came in intended for Itasca County. The call was transferred there.
6:55 a.m. The sheriff’s office reached a person who had a welfare check requested in Grand Portage. The person is okay.
9:50 a.m. A party on East Highway 61 called to apologize for an earlier call made when he was drunk. He asked if a deputy could talk to him and arrangements were made to do that.
11:08 a.m. A party checking out of lodging on West Highway 61 reported the alleged theft of an iPad.
12:03 p.m. There was a call of a lost dog, a brown and white springer spaniel with an orange collar. The dog’s name is Oliver. Cook County will be on the lookout.
2:07 p.m. A motorist reported a dead deer on the north side of the highway on West Highway 61. The call was referred to the Minnesota State Patrol.
3:12 p.m. A party in Grand Portage reported stolen fishing poles, a clock and household goods. They believed they knew who took the items. A deputy stopped by the house of the suspect, who allowed the deputy to go through the residence. No items matching those allegedly stolen were found.
3:27 p.m. There was a report of a juvenile sitting on top of the Cook County Community Center. As the call was made, the youth ran away. A deputy located the youth and will have a chat with their father.
5:20 p.m. A party in an RV on Coast Guard Point needs their battery jumped. A deputy was able to assist with a booster pack.
10:50 p.m. A party in Grand Marais called to say a mother bear and two cubs were destroying their yard, going through the garbage. They tried banging pans to scare them off, but it didn’t work. They asked if they could shoot the bears. Cook County advised they should not shoot the bears but should bring their trash indoors. The call was transferred to the Minnesota DNR.

October 2
9:18 a.m. A party called from Grand Marais to report that bears are in their garage. The call was transferred to the Minnesota DNR.
12:07 p.m. A party on East Highway 61 reported that his mailbox has been hit four times now. He thinks it is the same person in a dump truck hitting it. The sheriff’s office investigated and the mailbox is laying on the ground. It appears to be down because of utility work.
2:28 p.m. Cook County Land Services asked the sheriff’s office to check on a complaint of a 5th wheel camper parked on the corner of County Road 69 and the Arrowhead Trail. The trailer is possibly on county land. The sheriff’s office contacted the registered owner who said it was near their own property. They will get it moved as soon as possible.
4:02 p.m. A party called about a possible homeless person hanging around Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Deputies spoke with the person and offered help getting to a Duluth shelter. The party refused and was taken to the law enforcement center to warm up and charge their cell phone. The party wants to go to Canada and was informed that the border is closed. The party left the law enforcement center at 6:23 p.m. but came back at 10:07 p.m. again to warm up.
6:09 p.m. There was a report of three bears by a dumpster on West Highway 61. A deputy helped scare them away the other day and the reporting party asked if they could help again. Contact information for the local conservation officers was shared.
7:25 p.m. A party called from Fall River Road in Grand Marais about seven missing calves.  A deputy spotted the cows but lost sight of them. They could hear them in the trees, but couldn’t see them. The party called back at 8:12 p.m., the calves had all made it back home. They thanked the deputy for assistance.
7:54 p.m.  A party reported a group camping off of East Highway 61 near Durfee Creek. There are signs there that say no camping and the area had just been cleaned up after some illegal campers left. A deputy located the group and told them they need to pack up and move in the morning.

October 3
1:08 a.m. A motorist hit a deer on East Highway 61. The vehicle is drivable and there were no human injuries. The deer is in the ditch alive. A deputy arrived at 1:33 a.m. and dispatched the deer.
1:35 p.m.  A party called to say they were broken down in the parking lot by Cross River Falls in Schroeder. Information for towing companies was given.
2:42 p.m. There was a report of a 2020 Chevy Traverse in a rollover about two miles up the road from Golden Eagle Lodge. Passengers were not injured. A ride for the parties was arranged back to the AmericInn in Tofte.
3:28 p.m. A party reported a mound of dirt with a little kid’s purple boot sitting on top of it at the former Taconite Harbor townsite in Schroeder. This has been reported before and when Cook County checked it out and found it to be an anthill. A deputy will pick up the purple boot this weekend so there are no further reports of a possible freshly dug grave.
5:08 p.m. There was a report of a collision between two ATVs, a Razor and a Trakker, on Tower Road in Hovland around 2 p.m. The reporting party said they were on the right side of the road and the other party came at them at a high rate of speed, locking up brakes and slamming into their ATV. There was significant damage to the reporting party’s ATV. Since all parties were gone from the scene, a deputy will follow up tomorrow.
6:53 p.m. The transient person who visited the law enforcement center was back. Party was advised that they could stay in the lobby for now, but they need to make a long term plan.
7:13 p.m. A party called from West Highway 61 in Grand Marais reporting a bear sow with two cubs in the dumpster by her house. A deputy checked the area and the bears knocked over a dumpster into the driving lane. They were scared off into the woods. The landlord was advised to get a bar to lock the dumpster. The call was also referred to the Minnesota DNR.
7:33 p.m. There was a report of fireworks being set off on Rollins Ridge Road. The reporting party said it is renters at the property. The warning was given to the party shooting off fireworks.
10:05 p.m. A motorist hit a deer between the horse park and the recycling center. There were no human injuries.
11:31 p.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report that their neighbor was playing really loud music. A deputy spoke with the neighbor who said he was watching a movie and it got really loud during the action scenes. He was very apologetic and will turn the sound down.

October 4
7:42 a.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report that a large amount of cash had been stolen from her. It was a summers’ worth of tip money. The alleged suspect is an ex-boyfriend. Lake County stopped the suspect’s vehicle in the Kennedy Landing area. No cash was found in the vehicle, but the party was arrested for possession of meth.
1:29 p.m. A party called from Lutsen to say they were going to pick up a friend to take them to the hospital for a medical emergency, but their car broke down. Lutsen First Responders and Cook County Ambulance responded and the friend was transported to North Shore Health.
1:59 p.m. A motorist in a Ford Taurus rear-ended a Subaru Forester at the stop sign at the bottom of the Caribou Trail in Lutsen. The Taurus driver said they were behind the Subaru, looking left for traffic. When traffic cleared, they moved ahead, not realizing that the Taurus hadn’t moved. They admitted fault in the crash. Vehicles received minor damage and insurance information was exchanged.
2:52 p.m. There was a report of four kayakers paddling from Grand Portage to Isle Royale, but started having issues about six or seven miles from the island.  One party is hypothermic. A National Park Service vessel is on the way to pick them up and requested medical assistance when ashore in Grand Portage. A 4:08 p.m., the National Park Service reported they had all four people and their kayaks on board. They were ashore at 4:37 p.m. Grand Portage Ambulance responded, but no medical transport was needed.
2:57 p.m. Cook County received a call for public assistance meant for the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office.
3:35 p.m. A party in Grand Marais came into the law enforcement center to report a crucifix stolen off their doorframe. The cross was screwed to the wall and has been there since 1977.
 5:48 p.m. A party called asking for help locating her husband, their two children and a friend that were on a Boundary Waters trip. They were supposed to be out of the Boundary Waters today. They rented gear from Sawbill Outfitters and had not returned there yet. Cook County checked with Sawbill Outfitters and while on the phone, the parties arrived. The wife was contacted.
6:23 p.m. A party on East Highway 61 called to report that their Jack Russell terrier, Sparky, had gotten loose again. They are looking for him and Cook County will be on the lookout as well. The party called back at 6:30 p.m. to say Sparky had been found.
7:04 p.m. A party called from Clara Lake Road in Lutsen after their ATV broke down. They asked if they could get a ride as it is getting dark. A deputy gave the parties a ride to their lodging.

October 5
12:18 a.m. A party from Grand Portage called for an ambulance for a party who had been drinking, but seemed to be in distress. The Grand Portage Ambulance responded. It was determined that medical transport was not needed.
8:47 a.m. A party called from West 2nd Street in Grand Marais reporting that there is a mother bear and two cubs in their back yard. One is trapped in a fence. The bear got itself free while the party was on the phone. The call was referred to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
8:59 a.m. There was a report of a large black and tan dog running around town. It looks like a Burmese mountain dog. It is friendly. The sheriff’s office will be on the lookout for the dog.

October 7
5:55 a.m. A caller reported hearing a crash and seeing an SUV go in the ditch by Clearview General Store in Lutsen. The car kept going and drove out of the ditch. A deputy and the uncooperative motorist was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
3:21 p.m. A party reported a ground fire on White Pine Lake. The US Forest Service responded with a fire crew. The fire was approximately 1/10th of an acre and the Forest Service did not need assistance.
3:26 p.m. There was an inquiry about firearm use near private property. The sheriff’s office answered questions and also referred the party to a MN DNR conservation officer.
6:56 p.m. A party near Pincushion Mountain reported seeing a husky or malamute wearing a handkerchief. The dog was barking for several hours. When the party tried to get it to come to him, but the dog ran off. There were no humans around.
8:36 p.m. A motorist reported a bear on the side of the Caribou Trail. The reporting party thinks it is dead but is unsure. A deputy responded and found the bear. It was dead and it was pulled off the roadway.
9:15 p.m. A motorist on East Highway 61 reported hitting a fox. There was no damage to the vehicle and the fox went into the woods, but it was limping. The party wasn’t sure what to do. A deputy responded and found a dead fox. It was moved off the road.

October 8
9:07 a.m. A party going through a divorce is staying with a friend in Grand Portage. The party’s spouse said the friend wants the soon-to-be-ex to leave. The party requested assistance in getting the spouse to leave. The party was advised to go to court to begin eviction proceedings.
9:09 a.m. The Violence Prevention Center called to request that a deputy accompany a party to their residence in Grand Portage to retrieve some items. The sheriff’s office explained that the party needs a court order for a police escort.
11:36 a.m. A complaint came in that some political signs on a Grand Marais street were obstructing the view of oncoming traffic. The sheriff’s office shared the information with the Cook County Highway Department, which will check regulations and talk to the owner of the residence.
5:58 p.m. A resort in Lutsen called to report a broken window at one of their cabins. A deputy responded and with the resort owner found claw marks of a bear.
8:59 p.m. A party called to report that her mother hit a deer on West Highway 61. There was some damage to the car, but it was drivable. But they were not sure if the deer was dead or not. A deputy checked the area but could not find the deer.

October 9
11:44 a.m. The county communications department asked for extra patrols at the Lutsen tower site as maintenance is being done to the towers and equipment will be left unsecured overnight.
1:44 p.m. A party in Lutsen reported being assaulted as he was working on his vehicle. A female suspect was found and arrested.
1:59 p.m. There was a report of an injured hawk on the side of the road on East Highway 61. The call was referred to the Minnesota State Patrol.
2:44 p.m. A 911 call came in reporting a single-vehicle accident on the Gunflint Trail, south of East Bearskin Road.  Gunflint Ambulance responded and a 68-year-old female was transported to North Shore Health.
3:51 p.m. There were two calls from the Lutsen area reporting a black helicopter flying back and forth for about 15 minutes.
5:35 p.m. A party called to report finding a tarp in the woods on East Highway 61, covering clothing and other items. The sheriff’s office checked out the pile and found a name on some items, but was unable to locate the person.

October 10
12:35 p.m. A party from Grand Portage called to see if a conservation officer could assist them. There is a bear cub treed in their backyard. The party called back a few minutes later and said the cub had gotten down and run into the woods.
6:24 p.m. A party called to say he and a companion were lost. They hiked up to take pictures of Carlton Peak and took a different path back down. His cell phone battery is at 1 percent and it is getting dark. They don’t have a flashlight. A sheriff’s deputy located them at 8:05 p.m. and gave them a ride back to their vehicle.
8:22 p.m. A boater called for assistance. They are 10 miles offshore from Grand Portage in a 22-foot Skeeter fishing boat. There are currently one-foot waves and if that continues they will be able to get to shore on their trolling motor. But they are not sure. As Cook County contacted the US Coast Guard, the boater said another vessel was approaching and they may be able to assist. That boat was able to render aid and was towed ashore. They were back safe in the Grand Portage marina at 10:53 p.m.
8:50 p.m. A party called for a welfare check on her adult granddaughter who was hiking the Centennial Trail. She started hiking at 2:30 p.m. and hasn’t been heard from. The party called back at 9:20 p.m. to say her granddaughter had called. She is safe in Grand Marais.
10:57 p.m. A caller in Grand Marais reported that a person in a silver Impala had swerved toward them.

October 11
1:44 p.m. Gunflint Hills Golf Course called to report that someone had driven remote control cars on the golf course. The reporting party said two people in a red Chevy had asked if they could drive the cars, but were told that they needed to stay on the cart paths. The party asked for extra patrols to make sure they didn’t come back.
2:59 p.m. A party from Hungry Jack Lodge called to report that a mother and young child were windbound by the Duncan Portage on West Bearskin Lake. Cook County Search and Rescue responded and the parties were found safe and responders were clear by 4:15 p.m.
7:24 p.m. A party east of Grand Marais reported that someone drove on their property, across the yard overnight. It was a small, dark, car and it also drove across the neighbor’s yards. Extra residence patrols were requested.

October 13
1:03 p.m. A party called from the Lutsen Mountains gondola. They said it was very windy and the gondola had stopped. The party was very panicked. While on the phone the gondola started moving again. The dispatcher stayed on the phone with the party until they were off the gondola.
6:03 p.m. A party called to ask for assistance in getting a person with mental health problems to leave their residence. They asked for advice and then asked if the sheriff’s office could tell the person to leave. Cook County said they could not, but they could be in the vicinity when they asked the person to go. If they refused to leave, they could arrest the person for trespassing. The caller did not like the answer and hung up.
6:48 p.m. A motorist called to report hitting a deer. The vehicle is drivable and there are no human injuries. The deer needed to be dispatched and a party in the area did so. The party called to request a tag to take possession of the deer.
7:31 p.m. Cook County Public Health asked for the sheriff’s office assistance in getting a party a ride to the hospital. Public Health said they did not feel comfortable finding the party a motel room because of the party’s mental health issues. Arrangements were made to transport the party to a Duluth hospital.

October 14
2:15 a.m. A party called to report that they keep getting phone calls at all hours. The phone rings once and then stops. The party believes they know who is making the calls and that it has been going on for five years. Cook County advised the party to contact the phone company to have the calls blocked.
8:06 a.m. A party called to report a bear in the area of School District 166. They are concerned because kids are walking on the sidewalk. A deputy located the bear walking around the Free Church. The bear was not causing any problems.
8:07 a.m. A caller reported that their neighbor’s dog was off its leash and in their yard. The dog’s name is Jack and he is a black and white husky.  The party called back and said the owner was calling the dog.
3:36 p.m. A motorist asked if some kind of signage could be put up advising people that the four-way stop at the hospital intersection had been removed. The party said they were nearly hit when driving north by someone who didn’t stop on 5th Street. Cook County said they would see about signage and will make some sort of media announcement.
6:01 p.m. A party called asking for help contacting his wife and two young girls camping in Cook County. They have been in contact with him every day, but today he is unable to reach them. A deputy started toward the Tettagouche State Park campground, but the party called back to say he had reached his wife.
8:27 p.m. A person from Grand Marais called for advice of what to do for a bloody nose. The party was asked if they needed medical assistance. They said no, they just needed to know whether they are supposed to lean forward or backward. Dispatch shared the advice in the law enforcement emergency medical manual.

October 15
10:37 a.m. A party leaving town for a few months asked if their house could have patrols while they are gone. The residence was added to an extra patrol list.
10:58 a.m. A party in Lutsen reported the theft of an inflatable kayak, an electric lawnmower, and a shovel from their cabin. They last visited in September.
2:42 p.m. A caller reported two males who appeared to be cutting a lock off of a storage unit. A deputy responded and found the owners removing a lock placed by a renter that was not supposed to be there.
2:51 p.m. The parties in Lutsen that earlier reported a theft said they realize more times are missing, such as a boat motor, fat tire mountain bike, and black wheelbarrow.
5:41 p.m. A party in Grand Marais flagged down a deputy to report that his dog, a black New Foundland, had run off. The sheriff’s office will be on the lookout for the dog.
8:13 p.m. There was a report of multiple signs taken from a yard along Highway 61 in Lutsen. The party said this is the second time signs have been stolen from their yard.
10:37 p.m. A party called on West Highway 61 reported a fire at a neighbor’s house about a quarter-mile away. It looks too big to be a campfire. The first responder on the scene reported that it is a pile of brush about 3-feet in diameter. The homeowner was on the scene but did not have the means to put out the fire. The deputy was able to put the fire out and the Tofte and Schroeder fire department page was canceled.

October 16
8:26 a.m. A caller reported a truck in the ditch on Trout Lake Road. It is pretty far in. There were no occupants.
8:48 a.m. A party reported that someone threw a bottle of Jameson through his car window overnight. A party was charged with criminal damage to property.
9:04 a.m. A call came in from West Highway 61 reporting a stolen campaign sign.
10:28 a.m. A party called from the Arrowhead Trail reporting a possible hunting violation, discharging a firearm within 500 feet from a dwelling.
12:25 p.m. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer requested assistance with some parties that are not being cooperative.
12:32 p.m. A party reported a canoe stolen from his party and a bunch of beer cans left behind.
1:19 p.m. There was a report of an attempted break-in at a storage unit in Tofte. The sheriff’s office will conduct periodic checks of the area.
4:55 p.m.  A party involved in the apple orchard on the Law Enforcement Center property invited the sheriff’s office to pick apples before they freeze.
5:15 p.m. A motorist called expressing concern about a person in a wheelchair dangerously close to the road in Grand Marais. A deputy checked and the party was parked in the middle of the median. The deputy suggested the individual move to a safer location, which he did.
6:05 p.m. A party in Hovland called to report a bear cub unattended by their cabin. The caller was advised to make sure garbage and bird seed were put away and to leave the bear alone.
8:14 p.m. A motorist on West Highway 61 reported a dead deer in the middle of the eastbound lane. The caller is worried someone else will hit it.

October 17
12:50 a.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report a 250-300 pound bear at their house, getting into birdseed on the deck. The caller shot to scare the bear off, but it came right back. The party wanted to know if they could shoot the bear. The party was advised that the bear can’t be shot for just being on the deck. The party was also advised to take down the bird feeder and store bird seed in the garage.
6:55 a.m. There was a call reporting people camping at a closed campground on the Sawbill Trail. The Forest Service closed the campground early because the water had to be shut off due to cold weather. The party was advised they had until noon to leave the campground.
10:15 a.m. A party called requesting assistance in finding the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 regulations. The party was referred to Cook County Public Health and Human Services.
12:26 p.m. A caller reported finding a young child walking down the road in Grand Marais. The caller took the child to their house. The parents were located looking for the child and the family was reunited.
1:02 p.m. A caller in Lutsen reported seeing 4 side-by-side ATVs on the non-motorized part of the Gitchi Gami Bike Trail.
4:19 p.m. There was a report of a vehicle in the ditch on Clearwater Road, with another vehicle behind, unable to get around. No injuries were reported, but the caller said a tow would be needed. A deputy arrived at 5:37 p.m. and the vehicles were gone.  The tow was canceled.
6:41 p.m. A party wanting to camp at the Honeymoon Hill area of the Grand Marais Campground said the site she was to stay in was taken. Cook County contacted the Rec Park office and they said the party can pick another spot. They will contact the party.
7:23 p.m. Cook County was asked to assist a party in finding an individual camping in Tofte to give notification of a death.
10:59 p.m. A party called the sheriff’s office to report that they had received a Facebook post from a family member asking for help. The poster said they were not injured, but that they were in trouble In the Brule Lake area. The reporting party said the poster’s plan was to hike to Eagle Mountain. The individual is an experienced hiker, but is not familiar with this area. The party was located just before midnight. They had gone in the ditch. A tow was arranged and the sheriff’s office helped the party find lodging for the night.

October 18
8:58 a.m. A light-colored husky or shepherd dog, with blue eyes was found by Holiday in Grand Marais. Information was posted online and the owner called. The dog was reunited with his owner.
10:36 a.m. Cook County received a 911 call with no one speaking. A deputy was dispatched but Cook County was able to reach the party and all was fine. They were having problems with a new phone. 
10:53 a.m. A motorist reported hitting a deer on West Highway 61. There were no human injuries and the deer ran off. The driver just needed a report for insurance.
11:43 a.m. A party called from Grand Portage to report that his two Trump signs were stolen.
12:08 p.m. There was a report that a truck pulling an RV up a hill on Clearwater Road came to a stop and started to slide backward. It is now blocking the road with part of it in the ditch. Cook County Highway Department was contacted and will send someone up to assist with sand on the road. There are some other vehicles waiting to go up the hill. Sand was taken from the sides of the road and the vehicle was able to get going. All vehicles were clear of the spot by 1:15 p.m.
2:30 p.m. There was a report of a capsized kayak on Devil Track Lake. See WTIP story here. 
6:54 p.m. A caller at the Caribou Falls Wayside Rest said her sister had walked away from her. They are camping at Temperance River State Park and had a verbal argument. Cook County contacted the sister who said she was fine, she just wanted to walk.

October 19
8:30 a.m. A party in Grand Marais found a small dog with a long 15-foot wire attached to it. They will keep the dog at their house. The owner came and picked up the dog.
9:29 a.m. There was a report of a domestic disturbance in Grand Marais. There was a fight between two roommates. One party has a warrant for arrest from Mahnomen County, but that county said they would not enforce it. The party will be moving to Duluth so the parties will no longer be roommates.
10:49 a.m. There was a suspicious activity call in Grand Marais. A caller said a white Chevy with a trailer and a side-by-side were parked on the road for about an hour without anyone getting out or moving. A deputy checked and the driver stated he was a subcontractor for Arrowhead Electric. He was making calls to make sure he was in the right place.

October 20
11:08 a.m. A party came into the Law Enforcement Center seeking a notary. A dispatcher was able to assist.
11:27 a.m. There was a report of a dead deer in the lakeside ditch on West Highway 61. The deer needs to be dispatched.
1:30 p.m. A party called to report a bear at their house on West Highway 61. He said he made a lot of noise, but the bear won’t leave. A deputy arrived and discovered birdseed under the deck. The party was advised to put the birdseed inside and to wait to feed the birds.
1:53 p.m. There was a report of an injury accident in Tofte. A 2006 Mazda Miata is in the ditch on the right side of the road. A male driver was injured when the airbags deployed. Tofte and Schroeder First Responders and a Lake County Ambulance were paged. The party refused medical care. A tow was arranged.
2:24 p.m. A party called to report that six or seven people were on DNR land, shooting AR rifles and having a fire. The party said the group shot off about 30 rounds. The caller was concerned about safety. A deputy located the parties and determined they were sober and shooting with a good backdrop.
6:35 p.m. A call came in from East Highway 61 reporting that a bear cub had been hit. It is in the middle of the road. A deputy responded and moved the bear into the ditch out of sight.
7:55 p.m. A party called from 8th Avenue to report a missing beige Chihuahua named Mia, lost this afternoon. The owner called back at 8:46 p.m. to say Mia had been found hidden under a houseboat at the Grand Marais Rec Park.

October 21
6:43 a.m. A deputy spotted a vehicle in the ditch on the Gunflint Trail, near the area known as Hog’s Bend. The vehicle called the registered owner who had been driving to work at Hedstrom Lumber and hit ice. A tow was been arranged.
8:14 a.m. A party called to report hitting a deer the night before on Highway 61. They had some damage to their grill, headlights, and fender. A Good Samaritan helped move the deer off the roadway. The party just wanted to report it.
10:21 a.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report a stolen bike, an older Black Mountain bike. The sheriff’s office will be on the lookout for the bike.
11:33 a.m. A Forest Service employee saw a vehicle that looked like it hit a tree overnight. There was no one in the vehicle and no tracks around it. The owner was found and said his son had been grouse hunting and swerved to avoid a moose, hitting a tree. There were no injuries and the vehicle is inoperable but will be moved later today.
11:39 a.m. A motorist called to report almost hitting a black pitbull-lab mix dog on the Gunflint Trail below Hedstrom Lumber.
1:44 p.m. A party called to report ATVs driving around in the Tom Lake area late at night. There was also shooting late at night. The party said they were uncomfortable with this and wanted to know what they should do if it happened again. The party was advised to not make contact, but document the vehicles and locations and report it to the sheriff's office.
3:58 p.m. The Forest Service requested contact information for the owner of an RV that is parked halfway on private land and halfway on federal land. A plow needs to get through and it is partially blocking the forest road.
7:09 p.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report that someone threatened their family with a shotgun. The party said there was nothing physical, but they walked in the house with a shotgun. A Grand Marais man was arrested.
8:09 p.m. A party found a husky running on Highway 61 outside of Grand Marais. The dog is named Stella. The party was given the phone number for Arrowhead Animal Rescue.

October 22
7:24 a.m. A party on Irish Creek Road in Hovland reported that their two-tone, brown, Alaskan husky named Anna ran away. The party posted the missing dog on Facebook. The party called back and at 10:44 a.m., the dog was found.
3:13 p.m. The driver of a semi reported hitting a young bald eagle on Highway 61 near Sugar Loaf Road. They were not able to stop to check the bird’s condition. A Forest Service employee located the eagle, which was dead.

October 23
7:59 a.m. A logging truck heading up the Gunflint Trail spun out and can’t get going again. A deputy rode up the Gunflint Trail up to Devil Track Road, the truck was gone.
11:54 a.m. A young, male was riding a bicycle backward while on a cell phone and he crashed into a party’s blue Toyota Yaris in Grand Marais. There is a small dent in the hatchback. The boy offered to pay for the damage. The car owner just wanted it documented at this time.
4:44 p.m. Two people in Grand Marais called to report that someone in the Trump rally group had a pickup truck parked on the bike path. A deputy asked the party to move the truck. The truck was moved.
4:58 p.m. A party from Wisconsin called asking Cook County to help locate her son who may be having mental health issues. He was heading to Grand somewhere. The family is coming to the North Shore to get him. The party was found at the Grand Portage Trading Post. He was transported to North Shore Health. The family was notified that he had been found.
5:58 p.m. A party reported a lost black and white husky named Axl. If anyone finds him, please call Clearwater Lodge.
6:02 p.m. A party called from Hovland reporting a suspicious car driving down the road. It then parked in her neighbor’s driveway. A deputy checked the scene and looking at the tracks in the snow, it looks like they were either retrieving a dog from the property or running their dog up and down the road.
9:01 p.m. There was a report of a Jeep Wrangler in the ditch. No one was around, so a call was made to the owner. They will be getting the vehicle out tomorrow. The Cook County Highway Department was notified of the road conditions.
10:50 p.m. A party from Iowa reported that they have had a rollover accident in a Subaru Outback on Clara Lake Road. There were two people in the car, with no injuries, but they have been walking for an hour. Cook County told the parties to stay put. They were located at 11:13 p.m. A tow was arranged and they and given a ride to their lodging in Tofte.

October 24
11:23 a.m. There was a report of an Impala in the ditch just north of Poplar Haus. A deputy provided lights and traffic control as the car was pulled out.
4:38 p.m. A party reported a possible injured golden eagle. Its wings and legs seem to be working, but it doesn’t go far. The call was transferred to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
6:53 p.m. There was a complaint of barking dogs overnight in Grand Marais. The owner is at work, so deputies will advise them of the complaint tomorrow.
7:25 p.m. A party called to report that the Clearwater Road is really iced up and the Gunflint Trail is also starting to get icy. The sheriff’s office contacted the county highway department.
10:33 p.m. A party in Grand Portage called to report suspicious activity—someone was taking pictures of their house. A deputy responded and spoke with the party, who was taking photos of the moon, not the house. They were able to show the deputy the photos.

October 25
12:43 a.m. A party in Grand Portage called to report that five Trump signs were stolen from their yard. There are no suspects. The party just wants it documented.
1:46 a.m. A caller on West Highway 61 asked for directions to the nearest hospital. Cook County asked if an ambulance was needed and the caller said no. They will drive a party with severe shoulder pain to the ER themselves.
9:21 a.m. A party requested a welfare check for her daughter in Hovland, who may need help with mental health issues. A deputy arrived to find the party very confused and upset. The party was transported to North Shore Health.
2:46 p.m. A party in Grand Portage reported a person driving by their residence, videoing the house. The caller thought it was suspicious.
4:23 p.m. A party on East Highway 61 called, swearing and making racist comments. This person has done this before. There are no medical or self-harm issues. A deputy will talk to the party.

October 26
8:52 a.m. A party called to report a hit and run the night before. They did not notice the damage until today. They believe it happened at the Holiday station in Grand Marais. Some damage to the driver’s side front bumper.
10:26 a.m. Cook County dispatch received a report of an injured eagle. The call was referred to the Minnesota State Patrol.
10:35 a.m. A welfare check was requested for the party that called the night before with racist comments. A deputy visited and the party was taken to North Shore Health. The party was later released.
10:38 a.m. A caller from Grand Portage National Monument reported an unauthorized dirt bike in the picnic area.
12:08 p.m. There was a report of a dark, medium-sized dog running down the road on North Broadway in Grand Marais. A deputy drove around the area and was unable to locate any loose dogs.
3:57 p.m. A party called from West Highway 61 to report that $500 had been stolen from him. While on the phone, the caller found his money.
4:24 p.m. A party on East Highway 61 called to report that his neighbors have been trespassing on his property. They cut some trees on his property. He said he showed them where the property line was and they had agreed to not cross it, but it seems they did. A deputy spoke with the neighbor who said they hadn’t crossed the line since the property owner informed them of the boundaries. The deputy informed the property owner.
5:35 p.m. A gray, brown, shepherd/husky was spotted loose on the Golf Course Road in Grand Marais. The reporting party will post information about the dog on Facebook.
6:20 p.m. A DNR Conservation Officer moved a large trash bag full of insulation off the road onto the shoulder. Cook County Highway Department will pick it up.
9:35 p.m. A party called to report that someone had been staying at the laundry mat. Cook County Public Health was contacted and found the person a room for the night. They will work with the party in the morning.
10:07 p.m. A party called with concern about a cousin in Lutsen who had some sort of disagreement with someone earlier. A deputy spoke with all parties and the cousin is not in harm’s way.
10:42 p.m. A caller reported that a party in Grand Marais has a lockbox full of weed and paraphernalia in their vehicle. The sheriff’s office was unable to locate a vehicle matching the description given.

October 27
1:09 p.m. Cook County Public Health contacted the sheriff’s office for assistance with a report from a party in Grand Marais of an underage female having a sexual relationship.
4:43 p.m. Cook County Public Health called the sheriff’s office for a welfare check on a party in Grand Marais with mental health issues. The sheriff’s office spoke with the individual who seemed fine and claimed there was a misunderstanding. The party is seeing a therapist.

October 28
12:02 p.m. There was a report of a car in the ditch on County Road 6 in Grand Marais. The responding deputy’s squad car slid mid-hill due to ice.  Cook County Towing responded and it slid when it tried to stop. Cook County contacted the highway department. The car was out of the ditch by 12:22 p.m.
2:01 p.m. Cook County Towing called to report there was a vehicle in the ditch on Clearwater Road, by the beaver pond. The vehicle occupants were at Clearwater Lodge. The vehicle was out by 3:50 p.m. Cook County arrived to sand/salt at the scene shortly after.
2:59 p.m. A couple hiking the Superior Hiking Trail from the Otter Lake Road trailhead ended up in the ditch on Rengo Road in Grand Portage. North Coast Towing responded.
4:03 p.m. A party in the Colvill area reported the theft of two boxes of 22 ammo. They believe it is their neighbor. Cook County will investigate.
5:57 p.m. There was a request for a welfare check on a party in Grand Portage who has not been answering the phone. His uncle has had some health problems in the past. A deputy checked on the party who had just gotten a new phone and will call his nephew.
6:35 p.m. A party came into the law enforcement center to report a dog bite in Grand Marais. The party was distributing Joe Biden material door to door. A deputy spoke with the party and it appears the bite is only scrapes, not punctures. As long as the dog had its vaccinations, he is fine and is not seeking medical attention. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the dog was up to date on shots.
8:08 p.m. A party in Grand Portage called to report that a tenant in an apartment building was dropping fireworks out of his window.
8:23 p.m. A caller reported something scurrying in their ceiling tiles, maybe a chinchilla or a flying squirrel. The caller said they had caught the animal and they want to know what they should do with it. Cook County advised to call Arrowhead Animal Rescue or let it go outside. The animal was released outside.
9:35 p.m. There was a report of suspicious activity. A caller on West Highway 61 said a crew cab pickup was parked in their driveway. A woman got out and walked around their house and tried to open the garage and front door. They are not expecting any visitors. The vehicle left after about 30 minutes, heading west.

October 29
9:07 a.m. A party is selling a vehicle. It was parked on the side of the highway in Schroeder. Someone attempted to steal the vehicle.
10:50 a.m. Probation contacted the sheriff’s office with an order for detention for a party. The sheriff’s office located and arrested the party without incident.
1:20 p.m. A property owner in Grand Marais returned to his home to find three cedar planks removed from the side of their storage shed. There are no claw marks so it couldn’t have been done by a bear. A deputy inspected the panels and determined that the damage was likely done by the recent high winds.
2:13 p.m. There was a call of a deer with a broken leg on the east side of Grand Marais. The call was transferred to a conservation officer. The CO was far away, so it will be a while before they can be there. A deputy responded but just before he arrived the deer swam out into Lake Superior. It swam out and then came out down the shore and back into the woods. It was left to let nature take its course.
2:38 p.m. There was a report of suspicious activity near the Grand Marais Liquor Store. A male in a white truck from Montana yelled at someone or something in the back of the vehicle to stay where they were told. The caller thought it could be a human trafficking incident. A deputy located the vehicle at Voyageur Brewing. There was a black dog sitting in the front seat.
3:24 p.m. Cook County Probation requested a COVID-19 test on an inmate.
6:21 p.m. A party reported a male sitting in a white Camaro stuck on a back road in Grand Portage. A deputy arrived on the scene at 7:20 p.m. and the man was confused. A family member was contacted and they are too far away to assist. The man became uncooperative and agitated and was transported to North Shore Health.
6:37 p.m. A motorist called from East Highway 61 to report hitting a deer. They said their car has a damaged headlight, front bumper and left fender is gone. They didn’t need assistance just wanted to report the crash.

October 30
1:50 p.m. A party called from Grand Marais to report a vehicle collision. There are no injuries, but a report needs to be filed.
3:07 p.m. A party called to speak to a deputy about her missing cat.
3:10 p.m. There was a report of a silver car stuck in the middle of the Onion River Road. The vehicle was gone when a deputy arrived.
5:02 p.m. A party called from Texas requesting a welfare check on her brother who is somewhere in Cook County. The missing man was located at Lutsen Resort where he will begin working. The man said he left without telling his family because otherwise, they would not have let him go. He did not seem to be in any distress. He will call his mother to let her know he is okay.
8:33 p.m. A party in Grand Portage flagged down an officer to report that a group of kids threw eggs at her car. The deputy was unable to locate the kids but did see a bunch of broken eggshells on Mile Creek Road.  
9:44 p.m. A party in Grand Portage heard someone yelling threats to someone in the woods. A deputy located the person yelling and they said they were chasing whoever stole their Trump sign. They said it was three people wearing hoodies. The group also threw eggs at the house. The party said he had found his missing sign in the woods by his house.
10:11 p.m. A party in Grand Marais called to report missing items from her apartment. They are leaving for Thanksgiving and is very worried about people being in her house. The deputy said they could surveil her residence and that calmed her down.

October 31
2:18 p.m. There was a report of a tree partially blocking Mayhew Lake Road. Traffic can get through, so it is non-urgent. The Cook County Highway Department was notified.
3:22 p.m. A motorist reported a car/deer accident on West Highway 61. The call was transferred to the MN State Patrol. The deer is dead and off the road. The vehicle is driveable.
4:00 p.m. A black, female, dog came to the scene of the crash above. The dog has a red collar with a tag from a vet clinic in Nebraska. The deputy checked a nearby residence, but the dog was not theirs. A photo of the dog was put online and the owner called. The dog’s name is Frankie and they will be at the law enforcement center in 30 minutes to pick her up.
4:22 p.m. Another dog was found on the Gunflint Trail about five miles north of Hedstrom Lumber. The parties who found the dog brought it to the law enforcement center. The dog owner called looking for the dog, a nine-year-old male named Jack. The owner said they were walking around Elbow Lake and the dog saw something and ran off. Jack and his owner were reunited.
5:37 p.m. There was a report of a large garbage bag in the middle of the southbound lane on West Highway 61. When a deputy arrived, the item had been removed.
 
To contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in a non-emergency, call 218-387-3030. In emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

The Minnesota Department of Health provides daily updates on the number of people who have had COVID-19 positive test results. The Cook County COVID-19 emergency operations center follows up on that with some demographic information, sharing basic information such as gender and age. 

Because of health privacy laws, that is all the information that can be provided, so unless a community member shares their diagnosis, the public doesn't know who has contracted the coronavirus. 

There are some community members who are willing to share their story, such as Treg and Denise Axtell of Hovland, who had cold-like symptoms and were tested to find that they had the virus. Fortunately, they had mild cases. Hear their story here. 

That appears to also be the case for one of the latest COVID-19 positives reported in the county. Just as the Minnesota Department of Health was issuing a warning to Cook County about the recent uptick in COVID positives, Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux learned that he had tested positive for the virus. 

Mayor Arrowsmith DeCoux said he is the "male in his 30s" positive result that was recently reported. 

The mayor did not have any symptoms but had a precautionary test before visiting some relatives. He was surprised to hear that his test was positive, as he had been extremely diligent about following the CDC guidelines about social distancing, masking, and hand washing. 

Arrowsmith DeCoux immediately began the recommended isolation to avoid infecting anyone else. He found a place to stay away from his family and is biding his time until his isolation period is over on November 18. 

WTIP talked to Mayor Arrowsmith DeCoux and noted that this is an important thing to do, but is inconvenient. Arrowsmith DeCoux replied, "It's incredibly inconvenient, but you know, it's even more inconvenient to having someone that you love, get really sick from something that could be avoidable. 

"So I would really, really, encourage people to get tested, to quarantine, if you're contacted by contact tracing and or isolate if you have a positive result because it's  really, really serious."

Here's WTIP's Rhonda Silence with more of the conversation. 

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office has provided more information on a fatal vehicle crash on the 600 Road, west of the Sawbill Trail at 6:03 a.m. on November 7.

According to the sheriff’s office, the incident was reported by a deer hunter.

Responding units arrived to find a damaged Ford truck and a deceased male on the roadway. Through investigation, the deceased male was identified as 55-year-old William Jay Evans, from Litchfield, Minnesota. 

It was determined that Evans was a passenger in the vehicle and the driver, Rodney Arlen Earnest, 36 from Isabella, Minnesota, had left the scene.
 
Investigative collaboration between the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office led deputies to a residence in Lake County where the driver was found and arrested. Earnest is being held in the Cook County Jail on charges of criminal vehicular homicide.
 
This same vehicle was earlier involved in a high-speed pursuit in Lake County overnight. Earnest admitted to consuming alcohol; however, blood alcohol results are not yet available.
 
MN State Patrol, Cook County Search & Rescue, North Shore Health Ambulance, US Forest Service Law Enforcement, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as well as North Coast Towing assisted in the response.
 
This incident is still under investigation and no further information is available at this time. The official cause of death will be confirmed by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office.

This story was updated November 8 with additional information from the Cook County Sheriff's Office.