North Shore News Hour

For the 17th year, “Thunder Bay Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids” is heading south of the border to Grand Portage, attracting snowmobilers from across northwestern Ontario and Minnesota to enjoy some of the finest groomed trails in northern Minnesota.
 
Thanks to generous donors and events like Snowarama, Easter Seals Ontario provides programs and services that help kids with physical disabilities get essential mobility and accessibility equipment and opportunities to attend Easter Seals fully accessible summer camps.
 
On Saturday, February 8,  Snowarama participants will enjoy a complimentary dinner and live Saturday night entertainment, featuring Blue Collar Cocktail. 
 
Organizers and sponsors—Easter Seals Ontario, the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, the Grand Portage Trail Riders and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior—invite community members to this truly family event.
 
Participants can enjoy the trails, a bonfire and prizes throughout the weekend.
 
Over the past 16 years, the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Snowarama has raised over $495,000 for children and youth with physical disabilities. Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids would not be a success without the support of the local snowmobiling community.
 
Easter Seals Senior Development Officer Rhonda Harrison said, “Together we are helping kids be kids.”
 
Harrison encouraged anyone with questions to visit:  Snowarama.org.
 
“This is the 17th year of the Grand Portage Snowarama, and we feel very privileged to have such dedicated support from Grand Portage Lodge and Casino along with all of the other local sponsors and riders who make this event a big success year after year,” says Kevin Collins, President and CEO, Easter Seals Ontario.
 

The Cook County Highway Department is working hard to get roads cleared from the snowstorm that dumped 12-18 inches on the county. It is challenging to say the least. As of 2 p.m., the snow had lessened significantly, but the winter storm warning is still in place until 9 p.m. tonight.

The Cook County Highway Department itself encountered problems while clearing the Mink Road Ranch in Lutsen. A plow truck slid off the side of the road at around 9 a.m., slowing down snow removal on the west end of the county.

The highway department also issued a travel alert, advising that the Gunflint Trail is not suitable for casual travel. Multiple trucks are taking care of the road but they are not able to keep up with the continued snowfall. The side roads will not receive maintenance until the snow stops.

If you need to travel for emergency situations, please use caution and remain at a speed at which you can control your vehicle.

If you must travel anywhere, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.
 

Snow continues to a fall across the Northland this morning. A winter storm warning is in place until 9 p.m. tonight. Although the National Weather Service predicts the snow will gradually decrease through the day into the evening, another four to eight inches of snow is expected.

We will likely see gusty west to northwest winds through the day with gusts up to 25 mph.

The Cook County Highway Department has issued a travel alert, advising that the Gunflint Trail is not suitable for casual travel. The highway department has multiple trucks taking care of the road but they are not able to keep up with the continued snowfall. The side roads will not receive maintenance until the snow stops.

If you need to travel for emergency situations, please use caution and remain at a speed at which you can control your vehicle.
 
If you must travel anywhere, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Road conditions can also be found at 511mn.org for Minnesota or 511wi.gov for Wisconsin.
 

 It’s been a great January for outdoor enthusiasts. Area trails have an abundance of snow. However, in addition to snow, a lot of behind-the-scenes work is needed for trail users to have the best experience. And that takes funding, which has fallen for cross-country skiers in recent years. WTIP's Rhonda Silence checks in with local Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Mary Manning to get her thoughts from the trail. 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources informed the ski clubs in November 2019 that due to the uncertainties in revenue from cross-country ski passes, grant funding for grooming may not be available until mid-February.

John Waters, state trails and snowmobile program consultant for the DNR in the St. Paul office, told the media that this is the first time the DNR had to delay its payments to the ski clubs.

The state uses revenue in the Cross-Country Ski GIA (grant-in-aid) Program that comes from the sale of the “Great Minnesota Ski Pass.”

 Revenue from the ski pass is deposited into the cross-country ski pass dedicated account and this money supports some of the costs associated with grooming ski trails at state parks.

Anyone age 16 or older must have a ski pass. Ski passes are required to ski on grant-in-aid, as well as state park ski trails, including many trails here in Cook County.

The GIA Program is budgeted about $285,000 each year and another $75,000 is allocated to grooming ski trails in state parks, the DNR reported.

Waters said the state has been seeing a decline in people buying ski passes for the past several years. Since 2016, on average there had been about 9,180 passes sold per year. Prior to 2016, there were closer to 12,500 ski passes sold.

With the decline in ski passes sold, the cross-country ski dedicated account balance has dwindled and, as of the end of last season, there was a balance of $100,000.

If the number of ski passes continues to decrease, the account is anticipated to be operating in the red starting in fiscal year 2021 — which would be the funding during the 2020-21 winter season.

In an attempt to make up for the decline, the 2019 Legislature increased the cost of the Great Minnesota Ski Pass, with daily passes increasing from $6 to $10.

The state helps fund grooming of about 1,100 miles of trails for the ski program throughout the state.

The reason for the reduced purchase of ski passes sold may be due to a number of factors, such as fewer people skiing on state park and GIA trails, lower compliance in the purchase of ski passes and people skiing at other systems not covered by the state ski pass, the DNR stated.

Where and how to purchase your Great Minnesota Ski Pass”

• Online go to the Minnesota DNR website.  
• Call 1-888-665-4236 or 1-888-MN-LICENSE.
• Go to any of the 1,750 locations around the state that sell DNR permits and licenses. Click here to find a location. 
• From the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul.
• At the front desk in most Minnesota state parks. State parks only sell daily passes.

Ski pass rates

• Daily: $10.
• One-year: $25.
• Three-year: $70.
• Duplicate passes: $2.50.

 The Cook County Sheriff’s Office shared a brief report of calls made to the Cook County Law Enforcement Center from December 23 – January 6. WTIP requested more information on a number of the incidents logged by law enforcement dispatchers.

December 24
1:59 p.m. A message came into the Cook County Sheriff’s Office from Grand Portage Lodge security about a snowmobiler stranded at Speckled Trout Road in Grand Portage. The party was not injured but was having snowmobile problems. A DNR Conservation Officer responded and went to assist the man.
2:23 p.m. A party called from Tofte looking for the phone number for the hospital to let them know she was ill and coming into the hospital by private vehicle.
4:51 p.m. Cook County was asked to assist in locating a man who was wanted for 3rd-degree assault of an off-duty conservation officer in Grand Rapids. The man has a seasonal residence in Cook County. The sheriff’s office checked the residence and there was no sign of new vehicle traffic. Another party advised that the man planned to leave the country for Jamaica after Christmas. Deputies checked the airport and found no sign of the party.

December 26
7:39 a.m. Cook County received a request to notify a landlord that a property he owns was evacuated because of high CO levels. It was determined the caller needed to contact Pine County.
12:03 p.m. Law enforcement dispatch received a very broken 9-1-1 call and could only understand “moose” and something about being stuck in snowmobile tracks.
A search located two vehicles at 1:52 p.m. on Moosehorn Road. One of the vehicles had antifreeze issues. Parties were locked out of the other vehicle, with one of the people wearing just a bathrobe and leggings. While waiting, the party broke the window to get out of the elements.
First Responders and an ambulance were called as a precaution.
.A tow was arranged and meanwhile, one vehicle began backing out of the road. The tow was canceled, parties got out of the road, and medical attention was declined.

December 27
12:04 a.m. Lake County called to report an attempt to locate a possibly suicidal woman in the area. Deputies patrolled Highway 61 and wayside rests. No sign of the woman, but Cook County will continue to be on the lookout.
10:33 a.m. A party found a pair of glasses on the sidewalk. They were lost in a medical call the night before. Cook County contacted the party and glasses were returned.
11:24 a.m. A party reported a small brown dog running around on 6^th Avenue West. While on the phone with law enforcement, the dog ran to the backyard. Party said it appears that is where the dog lives. 
11:31 a.m. A caller reported that their young, gray, Great Dane named Finn had run off. He is very friendly and looks full-grown, but is still a puppy. Party called back at 11:48 a.m., Finn was found.
2:51 p.m. A party in Grand Marais reported a loud boom in the area. It felt like it was on top of her house. Cook County advised that a deputy had just seen fighter jets from 148^th Fighter Wing in Duluth fly over a few minutes ago.

December 28
7:16 a.m. A party reported a dead wolf on West County Road 7. The party pulled it out of the roadway by a mailbox. Cook County notified the state dispatch to let the DNR know.
10:03 a.m. A party was washing clothes at the laundromat before Thanksgiving and observed a young male party prowling vehicles at the Cook County courthouse and along the side of the street. The party didn’t think anything of it, but after hearing about vehicle break-ins, wanted to share the information.
10:37 a.m. A party called to let the county know that she would be parking just off the highway overnight because she didn’t think she could make it out of her driveway if the expected ice/rain storm happened. Law Enforcement dispatch notified the highway department.
1:48 p.m.  A party called to report that a family member might be having a stroke and needed directions to the hospital. The party refused the ambulance. They will take the person to the ambulance by private vehicle.
2:53 p.m. A caller reported an extremely icy Forest Service road in the Tofte area. He said there are many people skiing there and there could be an accident. Cook County contacted the US Forest Service which said a contractor was responsible for the road. The county attempted to find the contractor to see if he could sand.
4:39 p.m. There was a report of two children sledding down a hill onto east Highway 61. The deputy found the kids who stated they never went into the road. The deputy walked them to their house and parents said the kids were not supposed to go back to the end of their yard. The parents told the kids they were to be inside for the rest of the night.  
7:48 p.m. A party reported hearing yelping between Caribou Highlands and Eagle Ridge around Bridge Run. A deputy checked the area but did not observe anything unusual.
11:49 p.m. A structure fire destroyed a family home in Grand Portage. More details are available in this WTIP report.

December 29
10:47 a.m. A party reported two separate vehicles in the ditch on West Highway 61 about 100 feet apart—a silver station wagon and a gray sedan. They didn’t hit each other, but assistance was needed.
2:06 p.m. A local conservation officer requested assistance with a felon in possession of firearms. The party shared formal paperwork reinstating his gun-carrying rights. No further action was taken.
4:56 p.m. A party called to report that the tire had fallen off their ’98 Jeep Cherokee. They asked for a tow. Cook County Towing said it would respond once it was done pulling a plow truck out of a ditch.
5:38 p.m. A party whose daughter was overdue at home called to see if there had been any accidents on the Gunflint Trail. Party drove partway down the Gunflint and did not see her. Party called back at 5:55 p.m. to say the daughter had been located.

December 31
12:06 a.m. There was a report of a vehicle skidding sideways into the ditch on east Highway 61 in Hovland. Parties refused an ambulance and were given a ride home by a friend. Deputies checked the car and found two tall beer cans and the vehicle reeked of booze. The party admitted to driving and was tested. An arrest was made for 4^th degree DUI.
10:44 a.m. A party reported going into the ditch on West Highway 61. The vehicle, a 2017 black Jeep Grand Cherokee was well off the road and a tow has been arranged. Cook County Towing was asked to inform the sheriff’s office when on the scene so assistance can be given with lights while being pulled out.
12:11 p.m. Cook County provided snowmobiler information to the Forest Service conservation officer.
12:19 p.m. The hospital asked for a welfare check for a patient who was a no show for an appointment and who was not answering phone calls. The road to the patient’s house was unplowed, so the US Forest Service assisted with a snowmobile to reach the house. The party was found home safe. He does not have a phone, so he couldn’t let the hospital know he was missing the appointment because of the unplowed road. He will reschedule when he gets his road plowed.
 12:31 p.m. A party found an envelope of cash on Ski Hill Road. The envelope was put in a safe for someone to claim.
12:54 p.m. A party reported a short-haired dog with a pink collar running around South Caribou Trail that wouldn’t go to anyone. Cook County will keep a record of the report in case the owner calls.
5:32 p.m. A party reported that people who do not live in the area had dumped trash in the dumpster. The reporting party gave information and parties. They were found and advised to handle their garbage differently.

January 1
12:30 a.m. A party reported a disturbance Papa Charlie’s at Ski Hill Road. Law Enforcement dispatch contacted the establishment and the bartender said there was no disturbance, but it might be helpful if deputies swung through to help clear people out.
12:47 a.m. A party on Ski Hill Road reported a power outage. Dispatchers called the front desk and general manager with no response. Security was contacted and they will assist the party.
2:46 a.m. A call of an unwanted person came in from Grand Portage. A man was outside the caller’s home yelling about his car being stuck. Deputies arrived and attempted to get the man in a squad car. He was uncooperative and was arrested.
4:25 a.m. A caller in Grand Portage reported a party yelling and throwing beer bottles. Deputies responded and a man was arrested.
9:29 a.m. A caller reported a deer in the ditch in Lutsen, apparently with broken back legs. Dispatchers received two more calls reporting the deer trying to get up and unable to do so. A deputy responded and put the deer down.
10:47 a.m. A party found a brand new pair of snowshoes on Highway 61 by the Holiday station. Party will keep them, but left his phone number in case someone calls looking for them.
11:55 a.m. A monthly test of the countywide ARMER system was conducted.
12:10 p.m. A car reported having a snowmobile hit the side of his car as he was traveling down Clearwater Road. There were no injuries, but there was damage to the car, a 2000 Trailblazer. The snowmobiler told the sheriff’s office that there was no stop sign on the trail as it crosses the road. US Forest Service law enforcement will contact the snowmobile club to replace the trail stop sign.
7:33 p.m. The Grand Portage Lodge called for help with an unwanted person in a hotel room. The person is not a registered guest. The party left before sheriff deputies arrived. Deputies advised the lodge to call again if the person came back.
10:46 p.m. A caller reported a dark-colored pickup truck doing donuts in the Community Center parking lot. The vehicle was located and followed. A warning was issued for failure to stop at a stop sign and exhibition driving.
11:05 p.m. A party called reporting that they had slid into the ditch on West Highway 61 in a Mini Cooper. No injuries, but a tow was needed. North Coast Towing responded.

January 2
10:58 a.m. A party’s utility trailer blew a tire while heading toward Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail. They had to park the trailer on the side of the road, but are going to get supplies to fix the tire.
11:04 a.m. A party reported that a semi routinely travels 1^st Avenue East toward the school and it was just seen about three minutes ago, heading toward the school. Cook County advised the driver to not drive up or down 1^st Avenue.
5:13 p.m. Cook County assisted with drug testing for probation.  
11:51 p.m. Lake County asked Cook County to be on the lookout for a possibly suicidal 33-year-old male. The man was known to vacation on the North Shore and might be on the North Shore. Deputies checked the casino, state park, rest stops and motels along Highway 61 and the Ski Hill Road. No sign of the man.

January 3
9:01 a.m. A party reported a credit card scam that led to the loss of about $1,500. The credit card company is not holding her liable but wanted to let law enforcement know.
10:14 a.m. A caller reported that the avenue between the post office and the bank is very slippery. Cook County contacted Grand Marais City Hall. The street department will put some gravel down soon.
10:46 a.m. A party hit a deer on Highway 61 and Lupin Drive.
4:19 p.m. An alleged missing person called the sheriff’s office. He said he was visiting someone in Ohio and was kicked out. He returned to Grand Marais and was told he is a missing person in Cleveland. Cook County confirmed that he is listed as a missing person. The party came into the law enforcement center to show that he is okay. Cook County attempted to contact the person who filed the missing person report. They were unable to reach them, but left a message that the supposed missing person is fine.
6:10 p.m. An abandoned tent was found near the Fall River waterfall. It is a very nice, new-looking tent. A deputy investigated and confirmed that the tent seemed to have been abandoned. It was frozen to the ground. However, there was no indication of any foul play.
6:49 p.m. A party reported hitting a deer earlier on West Highway 61.  
January 4
1:33 p.m. A party reported a large, white, school bus with blacked-out windows heading east on Highway 61. Party wondered if this could be someone involved in sex trafficking.
3:51 p.m. A sheriff deputy encountered a man in the Cedar Grove Business Park walking his dog off leash. The man had been told in the past that the city ordinance requires that dogs be on the leash. The man became argumentative and told the deputy to go enforce some real laws, to get drugs off the streets. The party was advised to go to the dog park where the dog can be off leash. A citation was issued for not having his dog on a leash.
4:49 p.m. The man cited earlier for a dog off leash reported that a sheriff’s office squad car parked in violation of the city’s calendar parking ordinance.
6:55 p.m. A party in Grand Portage called in an alleged assault. The party did not want a law enforcement response, but just wanted the incident on record.
8:36 p.m. Eagle Ridge called reporting a drunk party at the pool. Party is not combative, but they would like him to leave the pool area. When the deputy arrived, the party was leaving the building. As the deputy spoke with him, he was swaying and slurring his words. He was advised to not return to the pool. The female party with him recorded the conversation on her cell phone. 

January 5
12:18 a.m. Papa Charlie’s called to report two groups of men fighting outside the building and it is more than security can handle. The bar manager called back at 12:25 and said the men are leaving. The men were in their 30s-40s and were probably staying at Eagle Ridge. Deputies were directed to where they were staying and they were obviously intoxicated and communicating in loud voices. They were advised to quiet down.
4:47 a.m. A party called from Grand Portage frightened that someone was outside the house where she was staying. Deputies arrived and spoke with the woman and her brother, who had been sleeping when she called. He had checked the area and found no one. The deputy confirmed there was no one outside.
11:01 a.m. A party called 9-1-1 for help contacting the hospital to let them know they were bringing in a child with an injured arm.
12:27 p.m. Security at Grand Portage Lodge reported finding a substance they believe is crack in a room. It was placed in a safe. A deputy arrived and tested the suspected drugs. It was not a known narcotic.
12:56 p.m. A party called from out of town to report that he had a video of people trespassing on his driveway in Colvill. The sheriff’s office located the parties walking on the road. They said they are looking at a property for sale. Their realtor said there is an easement to access the property. Cook County said the people should contact the realtor to confirm the easement.
1:19 p.m. A snowmobiler called for help. She had gotten her snowmobile stuck and was walking, but didn’t know where she was. Cook County got a possible location from her 9-1-1- call. Forest Service law enforcement responded by snowmobile. They were on their way back to Grand Marais at 2:33 p.m. and were back where she started at 4:25 p.m.
2:47 p.m. U.S. Customs reported an intoxicated person at the border. The party thought they were on the way back into Canada, not going southbound into the United States. A man from Ottawa, Canada was arrested and his truck and snowmobile trailer impounded.
6:00 p.m. Cook County assisted probation with testing.
6:02 p.m. A 9-1-1 call came in that was meant for Ramsey County.
10:44 p.m. A mother called asking for a welfare check on her daughter in Grand Portage. She is unsure if her daughter is under the influence of alcohol or substance. Law Enforcement located the daughter at her brother’s house and she was cooperative and polite and seemed of sound mind.

January 6
7:10 a.m. A party reported hitting a deer on West Highway 61. The hood on her car was damaged but was drivable. The deer seems salvageable and Cook County contacted people who might want it.
8:20 a.m. A tree is down, partially blocking Clearwater Road. The highway department was notified.
11:41 a.m. Three watercraft permits were applied for, and approved, for upcoming Cook County RidgeRiders Snowmobile Drag Races.
12:36 p.m. A party in court needed help with bail.
1:36 p.m. A motorist reported a propane tank in the middle of the roadway east of Lutsen. Cook County made two passes through Lutsen and was unable to find anything.

Miscellaneous calls
During this time period, the sheriff’s office conducted 61 traffic stops and issued 15 warnings, 31 reprimands, and 15 citations. Sheriff deputies checked 35 businesses and residences.
There were 21 medical calls.
The law enforcement center issued 18 burn permits and one permit-to-carry. Dispatchers handled 25 crank or misdialed 9-1-1 calls.

If you need to contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, call 218-387-3040. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
 

A “community connection” in the unused space between the Grand Marais Recreation Park and North House Folk School has been in the works for many years. Community feedback during the Recreation Park’s 2013 master plan process raised the idea of an entryway of sorts to the campground, marina, waterfront area. That community connection may be coming to fruition as the Highway 61 road construction gets underway. And it may include a unique piece of public art in recognition of the late George Morrison.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence sat down with two of the people that have been involved in this planning process, Dave Tersteeg, Grand Marais Parks and Recreation Manager, and Mary Somnis, executive director Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority.

Somnis is also a member of the Creative Economy Collaborative (CEC), which has been tasked by the City of Grand Marais to advise on public art projects.

This project has received support from George Morrison’s family—musician Briand Morrison and his mother, artist Hazel Belvo.

There have also been numerous letters of support from community businesses, organizations and individuals, such as the Cook County Historical Society and the Grand Marais Art Colony and more.  

The price of the project is not yet known, as it will include excavation and landscaping, a stone retaining wall and steps, as well as the Morrison-inspired arbor. The price will not be known until bids have been let, but some funding has already been secured.

The CEC, through the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority, has received a $50,000 streetscape improvement grant from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). The remainder of the funding will come from the city’s Parks Department, which has money earmarked for this project.

Here’s more on the project.

Click on photo to see slideshow with more architectural drawings of the proposed arbor. 
 
 
 

Devastating wildfires continue to burn in Australia and an international effort is underway to support overtaxed Australian firefighting agencies. Joining the effort is Mike Crook of Grand Marais. Mike is a forestry tech, working in the Superior National Forest Gunflint Ranger District. His area of expertise is fire behavior analysis.
 
Mike left for Australia for New South Wales on December 22 and will be returning late January.

He has been providing fire behavior analysis on two wildfires, the Gospers Mountain Fire, which has burned 1.2 million acres and the Dunns Road Fire near Victoria, Australia, which has scorched almost another million acres.

By using on-the-ground visits, studying flame heights, fire-spotting distances, vegetation and weather data, Mike advises fire crews. His information helps fire agencies determine how fires could be attacked and helps predict areas that may need evacuation.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence contacted Mike in Australia to learn more about this international fire suppression effort and his work there.
 

Attorney Nora Huxtable has joined Tyson and Scott Smith at Smith Law in Grand Marais. But she also works for the State of Minnesota as a public defender.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence sat down with Huxtable to talk about her work and creative outlets on the North Shore.