North Shore News Hour

As Minnesota and the rest of the nation consider how and when to loosen restrictions on activities, eyes on are on China, and how it has handled the coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic.

WTIP reached out to former Cook County resident, Tony Hegg in February at the height of the health crisis in China. Tony lives with his wife, Jessica Vega, in Shanghai, China. He is a physics post-doctorate researcher at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The couple has lived there for three years. Listen to that first interview here. 

We checked in with Tony in March, as Shanghai was starting to come to life again, with people frequenting markets and parks. However, schools had not resumed and Tony was still working mostly at home. Here's our second conversation. 

Here’s WTIP’s Rhonda Silence with Tony Hegg on April 14 to get the latest on the coronavirus situation in Shanghai.
 

Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday ordered Minnesota schools to stay closed through the rest of the academic year amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Walz, who is a former teacher, calls it “a heartbreaking decision.” The Democratic governor says he feels sorry for all the students who will miss out on graduations, tournaments and end of year celebrations. But Walz says the health and safety of Minnesotans is his top priority, so distance learning will continue through the end of this school year.

“While I recognize distance learning is a challenge for many families, it is critical to social distancing in Minnesota and supports the health of Minnesota’s families. We will continue looking for ways to improve the current system and better support our children,” Walz said in a statement.

The governor closed public and charter schools just over a month ago and directed them to switch to distance learning, affecting nearly 900,000 students and their families. His order had been due to expire next Thursday, but he had said in recent days that he was likely to extend the shutdown through the rest of the school year.

For more on distance learning at ISD 166, click here. 

And click below to hear WTIP's Rhonda Silence speaking with School District 166 Dr. Bill Crandall just before the governor's announcement. Silence and Crandall talked about how distance learning--and distance school board meetings are going; about how school funding is calculated during this time; about the school/Cook County YMCA partnership and more. 

The Grand Marais City Council met on Wednesday, April 15. Because that meeting was announced as a special meeting regarding how it was dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, that was the only topic that could be discussed—despite the devastating fire in downtown Grand Marais on Monday, April 13.

WTIP caught up with Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux after the meeting to talk about the city’s enterprises and how they are impacted by COVID-19 closures. When that conversation ended, the mayor shared some personal thoughts on the fire that destroyed the buildings housing three businesses in the city.

The mayor talked about the reopening of the Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store, reporting that although there was a loss from closing the liquor store for several days, sales at this time are about normal. Mayor Arrowsmith DeCoux noted that the last two days that the liquor store was open, there were record sales, likely because people had an idea the closure was imminent.

The mayor shared an interesting fact from the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission. On the day that Governor Tim Walz issued his “Stay Home MN” order, lodging establishments in the city closed their doors—and the PUC saw a 10 percent decrease in electricity, which means a loss to the city’s utility coffer.

Regarding the Grand Marais Rec Park and campground, Mayor Arrowsmith DeCoux said the opening date at the campground has been left purposely vague as the city awaits more news from the governor regarding campgrounds.

The opening date for Gunflint Hills Golf Course in Grand Marais is also unknown, but the mayor said that is in part because the course, up the Gunflint Trail, is still snow-covered.
 
After covering the conversation at the city council meeting, WTIP asked the mayor for his thoughts on the fire that destroyed the structures housing Picnic and Pine, The Crooked Spoon Café, and White Pine North.

The mayor shared some interesting information on the huge amount of water used to fight the fire. The amount of water needed to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings was so much that it drastically lowered the water in the city’s water reservoir. The fire departments ultimately set up hoses from Lake Superior and drop tanks, which is not ideal for firefighting equipment, but which provided the water needed.

Mayor Arrowsmith DeCoux said it was amazing that the fire departments—Grand Marais, Maple Hill, Colvill and Lutsen—were able to keep the fire from destroying more than one city block

Arrowsmith DeCoux said, “We owe them a debt of gratitude that we will never be able to repay.”

The mayor added that he was proud of how the community came together during the fire, and after, as fundraising efforts have begun. He said a Grand Marais Fire Relief Fund has been established, with donations to be distributed equally to the three businesses whose buildings were destroyed. Click here for more information.

WTIP's Rhonda Silence spoke with the mayor about changes in the city due to COVID-19. 

The mayor also talked to WTIP's Rhonda Silence about the fire that destroyed three buildings in downtown Grand Marais on April 13.

The State of Minnesota leads the way in response to the 2020 census. Overall, 59.2 percent of Minnesota citizens have completed the census form. However, as of April 17, Cook County was dead last among Minnesota’s 87 counties. Only 14.5 percent of the estimated county residents have completed the form.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence spoke with Interim County Administrator Rena Rogers, who is the county’s liaison for the 2020 census, about this lack of participation.

The U.S. Census Bureau halted fieldwork for the 2020 census due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, Rogers notes that should not be a reason for Cook County’s poor participation rate. The entire nation is impacted by the coronavirus in some way.

Rogers said one reason participation is so low is probably because there are so many residents with post office boxes in Cook County.  The U.S. Census Bureau does not send out census forms to PO boxes, as those are sometimes not households, but business residents. Alternatively, part-time residents, counted elsewhere, may have PO boxes here.

In a normal census year, census bureau fieldworkers visit all those properties without mailboxes to deliver forms to complete or with information on how to participate. That is not happening this year, but that does not mean anyone should be left out.
There are two alternative ways to be counted in the 2020 census. You can go online to www.2020census.gov and complete a simple form. Or, you can call and speak to a census bureau representative at 844-330-2020.

WTIP has heard from community members who have used both methods and has heard time and again that it is quick and easy.

Rogers stresses that the 2020 census count is important for Cook County as the number of people in the county as of April 1, 2020 is the number used in determining congressional districts, school funding, support for local medical facilities, transportation dollars, financial support for fire departments and other emergency services and more.

Click and listen to learn more.
 

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office shared a brief report of calls made to the Cook County Law Enforcement Center from March 24 to March 20. WTIP requested more information on a number of the incidents logged by law enforcement dispatchers.

March 24
7:02 a.m. – A gas drive-off of $26.86 was reported from a business in Grand Marais. A deputy drove from Colvill to Grand Marais and did not come across a vehicle matching the vehicle description.
3:36 p.m. – A party found a wallet in the middle of the Gunflint Trail. Cook County called the owner and the parties were able to meet to return the wallet to the owner.
 March 25
7:41 a.m. – A caller reported hitting and killing a deer on Highway 61 near the Outpost Motel. The caller’s 2014 GMC Sierra had a damaged headlight.
8:51 a.m. – A caller reported vandalism to a door handle and fender of a trail groomer on the North Shore  State Trail. The damage happened sometime between Saturday night and Monday morning. It appears to have been taken for a joyride.
2:31 p.m. – A party reported a deer hit on Highway 61 about a mile west of Lutsen. The deer is still alive. The car had some scratches on the side of vehicle. The deer was dispatched.
 2:54 p.m. – A worker at Lutsen Mountains reported a significant amount of money stolen from her room in employee housing.
6:22 p.m. – A motorist called to report that a black poodle keeps running in front of cars at a property on County Road 7. The driver said he has to swerve to avoid it. A sheriff deputy was unable to locate the dog.
7:21 p.m. – A pink camo print wallet was found and the caller wanted a deputy to come get it. No one was available so the sheriff’s office provided information on the wallet owner from North Dakota. They will meet to return it.
March 26
3:53 a.m. – A party called to ask for help because they were fearful of their spouse. The party is not sure why, but something just doesn’t feel right. The party was transported to the hospital to have mental health evaluated.
6:18 a.m. – A black and brown chow/cocker spaniel mix named Child ran off at about 4:30 a.m. in Grand Marais. Party called back, the dog came home.
9:10 a.m. – There was a report of adult abuse in Grand Portage. A party thinks someone helping them has been stealing drugs and other items. An investigation was initiated.
 9:12 a.m. – MnDOT reported what appears to be a telephone line laying across Highway 61 at mile marker 122. CenturyLink was on scene by 9:27 a.m. The line was taken care of by 9:58 a.m.
9:34 a.m. –Grand Portage Human Services reported someone in their lobby claiming to be from Sweden, looking for assistance in getting back to Esko or Hinckley. The matter was referred to Cook County Public Health and Human Services.
10:23 a.m. – Sawtooth Mountain Clinic asked for a welfare check on a patient who missed a phone visit and is now unavailable by phone. A deputy visited the scene spoke with the individual who apparently just woke up. She was advised to call her doctor.
10:47 a.m. – A truck lost its trailer on east Highway 61 at March 26. No injuries and the truck is fine. The party will arrange for their own tow.
 1:09 p.m. – A report of theft was initiated on West Highway 61. No further information is available as this is under investigation.
4:09 p.m. – A party called to report that they had just hit a deer by Temperance River, “really hard.” There was quite a bit of damage to the vehicle.
4:16 p.m. – There was a call of trespass. Four teenaged kids in a yellow Jeep-type vehicle were seen on the property heading toward the building. Citations were issued.
 5:38 p.m. – There was a 9-1-1- call from a residence in Grand Marais. The dispatcher could hear kids shouting in the background. A deputy arrived on scene and spoke with the mother and kids. One of the children had dialed 9-1-1 on an inactive cell phone. The mother did not know that 9-1-1 calls go through even if the cell phone is not active. She will ensure the children don’t call again.
11:43 p.m. – A party called with questions about installing cameras for safety reasons. A deputy checked in with the party who seemed distressed. The deputy said the sheriff’s office cannot help with cameras, but shared resources about domestic violence.
March 27
8:19 a.m. – A party called to see if a family member was in jail in Cook County or if law enforcement had any contact with him. Cook County informed him that the party was not in custody and not been seen. Party asked Cook County to keep looking for the party.
9:32 a.m. – A radio call came in about a Ford Escape stuck at the end of the Arrowhead Trail, by Little John Lake. North Coast Towing will respond.
11:38 a.m. – A party called to report a man lying on top of his dog, yelling at it. Deputy found the party. The dog appears to be in good health and okay.
2:19 p.m. – A pink iPhone was found on Seagull Lake by the Palisades. The person who found it said the owner can contact them to claim the phone.
8:00 p.m. – A black iPhone was lost by the Post Office. The owner gave permission to give out his phone number if someone finds his phone.
8:45 p.m. – A party called to report a gray Buick on his road for an unknown reason. Cook County got a hold of the owner who said she is there visiting someone.
March 28
12:31 a.m. – There was a report of a loud party on County Road 7. A vehicle did a burnout in front of a nearby residence. A deputy visited a home in the area and found intoxicated individuals who said they didn’t know who did the burnout. The property owner where the party was being held was told he is responsible for keeping his guests quiet.
11:31 a.m. – The sheriff’s office assisted with information on an ATV.
3:25 p.m. – A party called from Devil Track Lake saying there were 20-25 people in the middle of the lake, racing snowmobiles. Party was unsure of legalities of this due to the governor’s “stay at home” order. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer checked it out and reported that there were no snowmobilers on the lake at the moment.
March 29
3:58 p.m. – A party in Grand Marais called with questions about a creek blocked by ice flooding her father’s property. She wanted to know who is responsible for caring for it. Cook County said because it is private property, it is the landowner’s responsibility.
March 30
12:57 a.m. – A party called from North Road to report water overflowing on the road. The information was given to the Cook County Highway Department.
6:49 a.m. – A party called from Chicago Bay Road to report parties camping in a hatchback-type car at the Hovland dock. The party said there were people parked all around Hovland and they are concerned about that. A deputy spoke to the people at the Hovland dock. They have a cabin but wanted to wait until daylight to go there. The deputy drove around Hovland and found no other vehicles or campers.
 

There are many questions surrounding the devastating fire that roared to life in downtown Grand Marais destroying three structures on Monday, April 13. Community members have been awaiting news from the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The wait will continue for the exact cause of the fire, however, according to Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence, arson has been ruled out.

Fire Chief Silence said it will take more time for an official ruling from the Fire Marshal's Office on the cause of the fire.

Silence added that unfortunately, it will take some time before clean-up of the fire scene will begin.

Silence said, “I think I can speak for the city when I say, we realize it is an eyesore. But due to the complexity of the incident and the number of businesses—and insurance companies—involved, it will be awhile before cleanup can begin.”

Silence added a reminder to the public to stay away from the remains of the buildings. City maintenance crews have placed fencing around the area. Silence said it is not safe to enter the area. In addition, any unauthorized entry could result in charges of trespass.

The fire that destroyed the buildings housing Picnic & Pine, Crooked Spoon Café, and White Pine North started at approximately 1:19 p.m. on Monday, April 13.

Flames were first seen at the Crooked Spoon Café on Wisconsin Street and when the Grand Marais Fire Department arrived on scene, the upper level of the café was fully engulfed in flames. Visit the WTIP Facebook page for photos and video of the fire scene.

Maple Hill, Colvill and Lutsen Fire Departments also responded, but despite the efforts of the four fire departments with multiple fire engines, the fire quickly destroyed the buildings.

Firefighters focused on keeping the fire from spreading to Sven & Ole’s Pizza and other buildings in the area. The fire was brought under control at about 5 p.m., but firefighters monitored the fire for much longer and were called back during the night.

No injuries have been reported, either at the start of the fire, or of any personnel fighting the fire.  See a related story, an interview with Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence, here. 

Since the fire, community members have set up methods for the public to show support for the businesses. Community member Tina Hegg Raway shared the following with WTIP. 

A GoFundMe account has been set up for all three businesses destroyed by fire, Picnic & Pine, The Crooked Spoon Cafe and White Pine North. If you are able to donate, and feel called to do so, your donation will be split equally between the three businesses.

There are also relief accounts for each of the fire-damaged businesses at the Grand Marais State Bank. If you would like to contribute, you do so to the "Fire Relief Fund" by sending a check to: Grand Marais State Bank, PO Box 100, Grand Marais, MN 55604.  The bank will split donations equally to each of the accounts.