North Shore News Hour

There was a slow moving parade traveling through Cook County today, May 4. Although it was slow, it was very spirited. Teachers and school staff decorated their cars or donned masks and gloves to join the bus drivers and paraprofessionals that deliver school work and meals to students throughout the county. 

As each bus left for its assigned route, a small segment of the parade followed with teachers honking horns and waving Viking blue pom-poms. The parade continued in waves, off to Grand Portage; out to the West End; up the Gunflint Trail and all around the county to greet students.

Here's a quick look at one of the buses heading out from the Sawtooth Mountain Elementary School parking lot. 

And, Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux recognized the efforts of the teachers at our local schools today with something special, a proclamation that May 4-8 is "Super Teacher Appreciation Week." 

WTIP's Rhonda Silence caught up with the mayor and asked if he would share his proclamation. Click below to hear the spoken words. 

Proclamation

Whereas, the teachers and support staff in our community serve as a community trust investing the young people in our area with knowledge, experience, and perspective to build a future, and
Whereas, the current pandemic situation has forced remarkable shifts in the execution of education, forcing teachers to make innovative adjustments to their curricula to not only support their students, but their parents/guardians who now have a larger role in providing that education, and
Whereas, the increase of parent involvement has made it very clear the expertise, patience, and investment our teachers have for our community's children, and
Whereas, the City of Grand Marais the value, importance, and super-human abilities of our area teachers/support staff, 
Therefore, let it be resolved that the week of May 4th - May 8th, 2020, be known as 
SUPER TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
in the City of Grand Marais

Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux
Mayor
 

March 31
8:35 a.m. – A party called to report a dead deer by West 2nd Street. The Grand Marais Public Utility street crew was asked to remove the deer.
12:16 p.m. – A party called to report a Weimaraner dog running loose on Ski Hill Road, at the golf course and snowmobile trail.
3:37 p.m. – A party has been having problems with their CenturyLink phones.

Apri1 1
9:01 a.m. – Test of the fire department paging system in Grand Portage.
11:41 a.m. – A deer off the side of the road just before West County Road 14 has been hit, but is still alive. A deputy responded, put the deer down and got it off the roadway.
3:16 p.m. – A party reported that someone put a note on her vehicle during the night saying “I sure hope you know what you are doing” and it is signed “the locals.” The party told the sheriff’s office they have owned their residence in Hovland for over 40 years and are here from Plymouth, Minnesota. They said they have been self-isolating and not going anywhere. The sheriff’s office gave advice on installing no trespassing signs.
5:40 p.m. – A party called to report that some kids in an old black cop car nearly hit her child on a scooter. The party said the car is always speeding up and down the road. The motorist was located and told the sheriff’s office that the party threatened to damage their car. The motorist was given a verbal warning for driving conduct and reporting party was advised to not damage the vehicle.
7:45 p.m. – Neighbors in Grand Marais were screaming and yelling. A deputy responded and parties agreed to stay on their side of the property.
 10:57 p.m. – A party called to request a welfare check for a party who came up to self-quarantine at his residence on County Road 7. The party has nine days left of quarantine. The reporting party was concerned because he had not heard from the party. A deputy checked on the party, who was fine, just a little intoxicated. The party had food, shelter, and the medication he needs to take.

April 2
9:36 a.m. – A party emailed to report a transient possibly camping at the Horseshoe Bay boat launch in Hovland. A deputy responded and checked the area and could not find anyone camping.
1:22 p.m. – A Forest Service officer requested information on a vehicle with Wisconsin plates that had been parked on Moose Pond Drive up the Gunflint Trail for about a week. It is believed the party has a cabin on the other side of the lake.
1:32 p.m. – A party asked if the sheriff’s office will let them know if their keys are found. They were lost in January. There is one Subaru key with a remote start fob on the keychain.
4:18 p.m. – A party reported seeing something orange out in the water off the west end of the rec park. There is a seagull sitting on it and it doesn’t seem to be moving. A deputy checked, it is a buoy with a flag.
4:53 p.m. – A party called to say they had witnessed a deer being hit by Hollow Rock cabins. A conservation officer responded, but the deer was not located.
11:52 p.m. – A party called to report that a party was leaving Lutsen to deliver meth and marijuana to Carver County. The party also said there were minors at the Lutsen resident that were likely drinking or doing drugs. When a deputy arrived at the residence, there was an odor of marijuana. A citation was issued to one party for underage consumption and the parent of another underaged person was contacted.

April 3
12:19 p.m. – A road worker killed the battery on a vehicle by leaving flashers on. A sheriff deputy jumped the vehicle.
1:45 p.m. – A party asked for sheriff’s office assistance as they picked up their children from their ex. A sheriff deputy observed the child exchange from a distance, all went well. 
2:20 p.m. – A party asked for assistance retrieving property from a friend in Hovland. The property owner will not allow a family member to go get the belongings. The sheriff’s office advised that the property owner does not have to allow strangers on the property. The party will have to get the items themselves.
4:24 p.m. – The North Shore Health emergency room called for assistance in getting a party who appears to be having a panic attack to the hospital. There is a concern that there is domestic violence in the household.
5:56 p.m. – A party called to check to see if a security pass for Grand Portage Lodge had been found.

April 4
10:24 a.m. – There was a suspicious activity call of some people at the laundromat by NAPA that seemed out of place. They might be two parties named in a recent “be on the lookout” (BOLO). The sheriff’s office obtained and reviewed camera footage and one of the parties was known to the sheriff’s office. They are not a match to the wanted parties.
1:14 p.m. – The North Shore Health emergency room contacted the sheriff’s office about someone who may be having a mental health crisis. Birch Tree Crisis Center was contacted.
4:28 p.m. – A party reported a 2007 Toyota Camry in the ditch on Powers Lake Road. A deputy checked the scene. The vehicle is not blocking the road. The registered owner was contacted. They said their daughters are staying at their property and were leaving to come home tonight.
4:51 p.m. – A party asked if the sheriff’s office could assist as she went to get her belongings from her boyfriend’s house on east Highway 61. Cook County advised they cannot do that without a court order, but party should call immediately if help is needed.
 7:57 p.m. – A sheriff deputy removed a dead deer from the eastbound lane on east Highway 61.
 9:50 p.m. – A party called to report that they heard five shots on County Road 7. A deputy parked in the area of the report. No sounds of additional shots were heard.

April 5
12:41 a.m. – There was a report of a trailer in the middle of the road on the Arrowhead Trail in Hovland. 
10:16 a.m. – The sheriff’s office assisted with an operation lifesaver battery change.
11:14 a.m. – A deputy was flagged down on Ski Hill Road by a hiker seeking assistance as his ride will not be able to pick him up because they got in an accident. The party was given phone numbers and reminded of the governor’s “Stay Home” order. The party said they did not think it meant being outdoors. The deputy advised that being outdoors does not involve travel and multi-day hikes. The party was reprimanded.
 2:13 p.m. – A 9-1-1- call from Minneapolis came in. Cook County advised the caller of the proper number.
6:36 p.m. – A caller said there were about 10 people gathered at the Skate Park at the Community Center. They were concerned about violations of social distancing. Cook County checked cameras at the center and cold only see one vehicle in the parking lot and two figures at the skate park. A deputy arrived and found one child riding a bike down the hill and two children on scooters. They were advised to stay off the Skate Park equipment, but they could ride in the parking lot, observing appropriate physical distances.

April 7
7:27 – There was a report of a 2008 Ford Escape in the ditch on Onion River Road, unoccupied, not damaged and not blocking the road. The registered owner was tracked down and told the sheriff’s office that the vehicle had been sold. The new owner was tracked down and he said there had been mechanical problems. He was working on getting the vehicle out of the ditch and running again.
8:59 a.m. – A deputy heard from a party who said their neighbor’s garage has been open for the past few days. The deputy checked and nothing looks to be disturbed. They closed the door.
5:04 p.m. – A party found a wallet at a trailhead on the Gunflint Trail. The party gave permission for the sheriff’s office to share her contact information. The finder arranged the return of the wallet.
9:49 p.m. – A parent called for assistance because her four-year-old daughter stuck a carrot up her nose and she can’t get it out. Cook County asked if she wanted an ambulance. The party said she could drive her daughter if it is okay to do so. Cook County dispatch connected the party to the emergency room.
10:06 p.m. – A call came in reporting that a yellow bulldog with a limp, named Brutus, was missing. The party called back at 10:34 p.m. Brutus came home.
10:20 p.m. – A party called to report that a family member had been “beat up” earlier today. An adult male was taken into custody. 

April 8
8:19 a.m. – The sheriff’s office checked a social media post that appeared to be threatening to a local business owner.
8:27 a.m. – A party hit a deer in the Silver Bay area and asked for help with obtaining a tow. The call was transferred to the Minnesota State Patrol.
 11:17 a.m. – A party called about a trucker who was not abiding by the governor or Grand Portage’s “stay at home” order. A sheriff deputy visited the party who said they needed to get food for their family. Because they had traveled around the region, they were advised to stay home. The party said someone else in the family will go out for food. The party said people are overreacting to the coronavirus.
 1:47 p.m. – A local school requested a welfare check on a family whose children had not been responding to efforts by the school to reach them. Cook County Public Health made a visit and said things were okay.
2:46 p.m. – A party reported a missing cell phone in Grand Marais. The party called back at 3:22 p.m., the cell phone had been found in a drawer.
4:57 p.m. – A party called to express concern about a car that came up her driveway and then turned around quickly and left. The home is for sale. The party asked if the sheriff’s office could conduct periodic residence checks.
 5:21 p.m. – A party lost a set of car keys on a pink lanyard with small flowers on it. They were lost on a walkout to the lighthouse. The party gave contact information in case the key ring is found.

April 9
2:19 a.m. – A call came in from an apartment dweller, reporting that the person near them had been making a lot of noise – making guttural noises, screaming, and singing loudly. A sheriff deputy spoke to the party making noise. He had headphones on. He was advised to keep things quiet.
10:09 a.m. – A party called to report that his mother had been getting threats from a neighbor. She has reported the person multiple times. The sheriff’s office said most of the complaints were about loud singing and other noises.
10:34 a.m. – Forest Service law enforcement called about the vehicle in the ditch on Onion River Road. Cook County contacted the owner again and he said he is still working on getting it out, but because of COVID-19 has no money for a tow. Cook County will check back with the vehicle owner.
1:22 p.m. – A party reported a white truck driving over the fog line and centerline by the Maple Hill cemetery. Sheriff deputies were unable to locate the vehicle.
1:26 p.m. – A party reported a suspicious vehicle—a black or navy blue Chevy Tahoe in her driveway in Colvill. The party was sent to a property on the road for work and realized it was an incorrect address.

April 10
 11:04 a.m. – A call came in reporting a collapsed culvert and damage to the road on Cascade Beach Road. The reporting party put some flagging by the hole. The call was referred to the Cook County Highway Department.
11:40 a.m. – The sheriff’s office responded to a possible domestic disturbance in Grand Marais.
 3:44 p.m. – A caller reported vandalism to the old warming house by the Pappy Wright ballfield. The windows are broken out and it looks like the vandals had gotten into the electrical panel. Sheriff deputies responded to investigate.
4:13 p.m. – A party attempted to get gas at the Holiday Station in Grand Marais. She accidentally hit “pay inside” and then noticed that the store was closed. The party started to drive off, not realizing the pump was still in the gas tank. The nozzle popped off of the fuel hose. Cook County reached a storeowner by phone. She was inside and was able to go take care of the pump. It is fine.

 April 11
12:42 p.m. – Parties at a campground were advised the campground is closed. They said they were not camping.
12:49 p.m. - A party called stating that someone is water skipping at the east end of Devil Track Lake. They cannot see how many people, but they saw two snowmobiles go by. Cook County advised the party that there is nothing illegal about water skipping.  
 2:33 p.m. – A Forest Service law enforcement officer requested registration information for a watercraft.
7:05 p.m. – A party found a used needle and a balloon at the Taconite Harbor boat launch. A deputy took possession and will dispose of the needle properly.
 7:10 p.m. – Smoke was reported in the County Road 7 area. Smoke is coming from an area with a burn permit.

April 11
8:16 p.m. – A party called to ask that someone talk to a neighbor about their dogs chasing deer. The dog owners were not available, dispatch left a message for them to call the sheriff’s office.

 April 12
12:15 a.m. – A party reported truck noises, revving engines and loud music at a residence on County Road 7. The party said this has been happening a lot and they are sick of it. When the sheriff deputy arrived, the individuals were inside the house and no vehicles were being driven. The parties were advised to stop the revving engines.
2:13 p.m. – A party was just released from the hospital and they cannot find a ride home. A deputy gave the individual a ride home.
4:47 p.m. – A party called to complain that his neighbors are always calling the cops on him. He wants to speak to a deputy to get it to stop. He also wanted to talk about his cat. The deputy will stop by to talk to the individual. A message was also left with Cook County Public Health.
 5:25 p.m. – A yoga instructor called to let the sheriff’s office that her yoga group will be meeting at a few different locations in the county this week. All members will be at least 10 feet apart from each other. The party just wanted to make sure her group is not ticketed if they are reported to law enforcement. The sheriff’s office dispatcher said she will share that information with deputies.
6:27 p.m. – The sheriff’s office received a call of a hiker overdue by three hours. The reporting party got a Facebook call from the party asking to be picked up at the Pike Lake trailhead. The party was not at the trailhead, so their cell phone was checked. The last phone location was at the Blueberry Lake snowmobile trail shelter. A party found the hiker and picked her up.
10:37 p.m. – A party reported hearing gunshots or fireworks on Skyport Lane.

Miscellaneous other calls
During this time there were two traffic stops, with reprimands. There were 45 residence and business checks. Deputies took part in eight shifts with the joint sheriff’s office and Customs and Border Protection patrols.
There were 10 medical calls.
Twenty-five burn permits were issued. There were three permit-to-carry applications. There were nine crank or misdialed 9-1-1 calls.
 

Like so many other businesses and organizations, the Grand Marais Recreation Park campground has been in a holding pattern, awaiting word from Governor Tim Walz regarding when the campground can be opened to visitors. The Grand Marais campground is different than many in the region, in that it offers seasonal rentals. Campers come for the entire summer, staying in their own, self-contained RV.

For that reason, the Grand Marais Campground had already heard from the State of Minnesota that it could open to those seasonal campers soon.

However, it is unlikely that overnight tent camping will be allowed until much later this summer. That will have significant financial implications for the municipal campground—and the city, which relies on campground revenue to fund various projects.

Before the campground is opened to overnight campers, there is work to be done. Grand Marais Parks Manager Dave Tersteeg said there will be changes at the campground to remind visitors of the physical distance requirements.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence checked in with Grand Marais Parks Manager Dave Tersteeg to learn more on all this