North Shore News Hour

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The North Shore News Hour includes up-to-the minute weather, North Shore happenings in local news, sports and entertainment, as well as a variety of features from WTIP staff and volunteers. If you miss the North Shore News Hour at noon, tune in for a replay Monday through Thursday beginning at 5:00 p.m.

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Sheriff Pat Eliasen presents Dispatcher Darcy Ziller with her "Stork" pin for helping deliver a baby boy. Submitted photo.

Darcy Ziller: one of Cook County's calm voices on 9-1-1

Rhonda Silence-

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, first recognized in 1981 in Costa County in California, has become a national effort. It is a week set aside to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the men and women more commonly known as 9-1-1 dispatchers. These are the people who are considered the Thin Gold Line, working to protect the public behind that line, along with law enforcement and fire services.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is the second week of April each year, so it is April 12-18 in 2020.

The entire month of April is actually special for public safety telecommunicators. In 2008, the U.S. Congress named the month of April as 9-1-1 Education Month, a time for the country to think about our national 9-1-1 system. It is a time to teach young children how to access emergency services.

With that in mind, it seemed like a good time to learn more about life as a public safety telecommunicator, better known in Cook County as a dispatcher/jailer at the Law Enforcement Center. To do that, WTIP reached out to local Dispatcher/Jailer Darcy Ziller who has more than 22 years on the job at the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence talked with Darcy about the difficult, but rewarding job.

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Cook County-Grand Marais Economic Development Authority - WTIP file photo

EDA announces "Project Backstop," relief funds for Cook County's small businesses

Rhonda Silence-

The Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) met electronically on Tuesday, April 14. This will be the first meeting for the EDA since Governor Tim Walz’s “Stay Home Minnesota” order and it was conducted electronically. On the agenda were the usual EDA matters—consideration of a business development fund grant, review of the Superior National at Lutsen golf course budget, and more. However, the highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a new business assistance program geared specifically for Cook County’s small businesses—“Project Backstop Relief Grant Fund.”

An anonymous “funding partner” foundation reached out to Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux, saying it wanted to help provide relief for small businesses in Cook County struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $80,000 fund is designed to be used for immediate needs. Mayor Arrowsmith DeCoux directed the foundation to the EDA as it seemed to be best equipped to facilitate this program. EDA Executive Director Mary Somnis happily took on that task.

Project Backstop was introduced at the April 15 EDA meeting, which was also the opening date for applications for the program. Grants are available up to $2,500 for existing small businesses with six full-time employees or less. The purpose of the fund is to prevent permanent closures of small businesses during or after the pandemic.

It is hoped that any businesses that are able to do so will repay the funds and this could be an ongoing effort to assist local businesses. However, the primary purpose is to immediately help local businesses.

There are three rounds of funding. Apply NOW for funds to be distributed April 20. The second round is April 17 for funds to be distributed April 24.

The date of a third round of funding will be announced, contingent on the availability of funds.

More information can be found on the Cook County EDA website, by calling EDA Director Mary Somnis at 218-387-3112 or emailing [email protected]. Pat Campanaro of the Small Business Development Center can also be of assistance at [email protected].

In other business, the EDA approved a grant of $5,000 to Betsy Bowen for repairs to the roof of the old church building that houses Betsy Bowen Studio, other artist studios, and a bakery. Bowen had requested a grant of $15,000, but the EDA felt it needed to preserve its business development funds as it is so unknown about what is ahead.

The EDA board also considered the budget for the EDA-owned Superior National at Lutsen golf course. The golf course, like so many other businesses is feeling the pinch of the COVID-19 pandemic “Stay Home MN” order.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence talked about all of this with EDA President Howard Hedstrom. Click and listen to learn more the EDA’s work in Cook County.

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Speaking with Rosemary Lamson, polio virus survivor

Rhonda Silence-

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, some are looking to the past for answers on how to get through this time of uncertainty. WTIP’s Rhonda Silence reached out to a former community member, Rosemary Lamson, who had a childhood experience with another virus--polio.

Rosemary overcame the devastating disease and graduated from Cook County High School in 1955. She attended the College of St. Scholastica, earning her nursing degree (Certified Public Health Nurse) from the University of Minnesota in 1959. She later earned a master’s degree in Psychology in Aging from the College of St. Scholastica in 1991.

During her career, Rosemary worked at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Ill., the Cook County North Shore Hospital in Grand Marais, and as director of the Cook County Health Department and Public Health Nursing in Grand Marais for 26 years, retiring in 1997.

She didn’t really retire though, she then served as the parish nurse at Bethlehem Lutheran Church for many years. She was also very active in the Grand Marais Lions Club.

Rosemary now lives at Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors, where Rhonda Silence reached her.

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County using COVID-19 downtime to repair YMCA pool

Rhonda Silence-

Maintenance of the swimming pool at the Cook County Community YMCA falls under the jurisdiction of the Cook County Maintenance Department. Every two years, the pool at the YMCA is drained, inspected and cleaned. That work is being done earlier this year, as the YMCA is closed under the COVID-19 “Stay at Home MN” order.

When the pool was drained this month, small holes that had been becoming apparent were inspected and it was determined that intensive repairs needed to be made. According to Interim County Administrator Rena Rogers, apparently when the pool was first constructed, it was not sealed and painted.

The heated water and chlorine in the natatorium created weak spots in the skim coating on the bottom and sides of the pool.

The county maintenance department and local contractors completed the work, grinding down the corroded spots, refilling them, sealing and painting the pool. The sealer and paint to keep the pool cleaner and to prevent further erosion cost the county approximately $3,100.

That expense is balanced, said Rogers, by the county’s decision not to refill the 110,000-gallon pool while the YMCA is closed. Not paying water and utility costs results in a county savings of approximately $5,000 a month.

Noting that the swimming pool is just seven years old, WTIP asked Rogers if the county had any sort of warranty, especially because the pool had not been sealed properly. Rogers said unfortunately not. She said contracts had been finalized and the company that served as the county’s owner representative had no further liability.

Rogers stressed that those problems are in the past and that the county is working to strengthen its relationship with all of the partners in the operation of the YMCA—the county, the City of Grand Marais, School District 166 and the Duluth Area YMCA.

For a more in-depth discussion of the swimming pool repairs, WTIP’s Rhonda Silence spoke with Rogers. Here is their conversation.

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Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence - WTIP file photo

Grand Marais fire chief updates WTIP as fire mop-up continues in downtown Grand Marais

Rhonda Silence-

A fire broke out in downtown Grand Marais at approximately 1:30 p.m. today, 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 were paged for mutual aid as high winds fueled the fire, driving it into the adjacent buildings—Picnic & Pine to the west and White Pine North to the east. Despite the efforts of the four fire departments with multiple fire engines, the fire quickly destroyed those buildings as well.

Firefighters focused on keeping the fire from spreading to Sven & Ole’s Pizza, just a short alley away from White Pine North.

Shortly after 4 p.m. the Grand Marais Fire Department called for assistance from someone with an excavator to help knock down the burnt walls of the buildings. Cook County Highway Department responded and a large excavator knocked down walls and moved the piles of debris around as firefighters continued to saturate the burning remains.

At about 5 p.m., the fire was deemed under control and firefighters entered the “mop-up” phase, continuing to drench the hot materials. Firefighters will remain on scene until it is certain the fire is out. However, Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence told residents, the debris may smolder and smoke will linger through the night. He said that is not a cause for alarm; the fire department will not leave the scene until they are certain it is out.

No injuries have been reported, either at the start of the fire, or of any personnel fighting the fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. The State Fire Marshal has arrived at the scene and an investigation will take place.
As so much water has been needed throughout the day to fight the fire, the City of Grand Marais is asking Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission customers to refrain from using water as much as possible until 10 p.m. tonight.

WTIP had a quick conversation with Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence as the fire was being mopped up.

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Bluefin Bay Resorts are very quiet at this time. Photo by Kelli Koob, Flickr.com

Local businesses assist North Shore Health in COVID-19 preparation, beds stockpiled

Rhonda Silence-

In March, a message went out to local businesses from the Cook County Chamber—North Shore Health needed help to prepare for a possible influx of COVID-19 pandemic patients. According to Chamber Director Jim Boyd, the hospital had been asked how many patient beds it could provide if it used all available areas of the hospital. Director Boyd asked lodging establishments if they could help provide 100 twin beds.

The answer from the local hospitality industry was swift—very few hotels or lodges use twin beds these days. However, one business owner, Dennis Rysdahl, president of Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior said he could help by finding beds through his supply sources.

As his resort units were shuttered, Rysdahl researched and found two roll-away bed styles. After approval from North Shore Health Administrator Kimber Wraalstad, Rysdahl had 30 of each style shipped to Cook County. If the beds are needed, the hospital will determine which style works best and more can be ordered.

The beds are stockpiled in a storage facility owned by Jack Stone of Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply.

In addition to helping the hospital in finding appropriate beds for use at the hospital, Rysdahl said many of the condo owners at Bluefin Bay Resort had offered to open their units for use for people on the North Shore needing a safe place to quarantine. Bluefin Bay is also available for anyone needing shelter in a domestic violence situation.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence spoke with Bluefin’s Dennis Rysdahl to learn how this all came about.

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A COVID-19 update from Grand Portage Tribal Chair Beth Drost

Rhonda Silence-

The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, like so many other governmental bodies, is adjusting to a new way of doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Grand Portage Lodge and Casino closed its doors on March 31, 2020, leaving many community members without work and the Band without a source of revenue.

Other tribal buildings are closed to the public except for essential workers. The Grand Portage Tribal Council is in daily contact with the State of Minnesota and federal agencies. The Grand Portage Band will be receiving funding to help get through this difficult time.

A number of upcoming projects are up in the air. This summer was to bring some Highway 61 improvements in the Grand Portage area and a new dock and building at Hat Point Marina. The Tribal Council hopes to be able to proceed with this project, however there are concerns about people traveling and possibly bringing the COVID-19 virus to the community.

As WTIP reported earlier, the elections for members of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribal has been delayed due to COVID-19 concerns. The primary election for Tribal Council will now be June 9, 2020.

In related news, on Friday, April 10, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced that it has temporarily closed Grand Portage State Park.

The DNR took the action at the request of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The Band requested that the DNR close the park to the public due to concerns about health risks posed non-essential travel to the Park.

The Park, which included the Minnesota landmark High Falls on the Pigeon River, is located entirely within the territorial boundaries of the Grand Portage Reservation and is situated on land owned by the Band and leased to the State.

Minnesota Laws explicitly established the Park to be a cooperative venture between the DNR and the Band.

Under Governor Tim Walz’s “Stay at Home Order,”the public is advised to recreate close to home. Relatively few people who are not members of the Grand Portage Band live close to Grand Portage State Park, so its closure will not eliminate a significant close-to-home recreational opportunity. Closure of the Park includes closure of the associated rest area and Welcome Center.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence checked in with Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribal Chair Beth Drost to learn more about the Grand Portage response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chair Drost echoed Minnesota Governor Walz’s admonition to please stay home to protect elders and vulnerable community members.

Click below to hear their conversation.

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COVID-19 won't delay Grand Marais Highway 61 reconstruction project

Rhonda Silence-

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reconstruction of Highway 61 through Grand Marais has been in the news for several years now, from planning pedestrian routes and utility replacements to the removal of elm trees in the city of Grand Marais this fall.

In recent months, citizens were becoming resigned to living through highway construction this spring and summer. Local businesses launched a “Project 61” initiative to help keep the public informed of the highway construction
progress.

Then came the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Tim Walz’ “Stay Home Minnesota” order.

Community members now wonder if an extension of the governor’s order will derail the highway work. It appears that is not the case. The construction work, to be completed by KGM Contractors of Angora, Minnesota, will proceed as planned. The start date for the project is May 18, but it could begin sooner if weather allows.

The Highway 61 project is expected to last two years, with work being done from Cutface Creek, through the City of Grand Marais, to just before County Road 14 in Colvill. The cost of the work, which includes removal of contaminated soil, utility and stormwater improvements, and roadside amenities, is $20 million.

For more information, visit the MnDOT website or call City Hall at 218-387-1848.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence reached out to MnDOT to learn more about what happens next for the project and about MnDOT’s efforts regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. She spoke with Public Engagement and Communications Director for MnDOT's district 1 Pippi Mayfield.

For anyone interested in following the Grand Marais Highway 61 project, Mayfield suggests they sign up for an email list. You can sign up on the MnDOT webpage, in the "Connect with Us" section.

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Here is Rhonda Silence with Pippi Mayfield, public engagement and communications director for our region, MnDOT’s District 1.

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Rhonda Silence also reached out to Grand Marais Highway 61 Project Engineer Andrew Demming to get more details on preparation for working under COVID-19 guidelines and about the project itself. Demming also said he would be willing to answer questions from callers. To reach the project engineer, call 218-725-2701.

Here's WTIP's Rhonda Silence with Project Engineer Andrew Demming.

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North Shore News Hour

Oshki Ogimaag School has successful first week of distance learning

Rhonda Silence-

Like other schools in Cook County and around the region, Oshki Ogimaag Charter School began distance learning for its students on Monday, March 31. Oshki Ogimaag is also providing meals for students, thanks to school cook Jeanne Vogel.

WTIP's Rhonda Silence checked in with Oshki Ogimaag School Director Carmen Keyport to learn how the first week went for teachers and students.

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Local Small Business Development Center can help navigate COVID-19 assistance programs

Rhonda Silence-

Over the past few weeks, as the economic impact of COVID-19 becomes clear, a number of state and federal programs have been launched to assist small businesses. WTIP’s Rhonda Silence checked in with Pat Campanaro of the Small Business Development Center based in Grand Marais to learn more.

Anyone with questions or needing help with any of these small business assistance programs is encouraged to contact Small Business Development Center Representative Pat Campanaro.

To reach Pat, call 651-336-2964 or email [email protected].

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