North Shore News Hour

Each week the Cook County Sheriff’s Office provides a brief report of calls made to the Cook County Law Enforcement Center. WTIP requested more information on the following incidents. This report provides more details on calls logged by law enforcement dispatchers from July 23 – July 28.

A party called to let the sheriff’s office know they were leaving a flat bed trailer on the side of Highway 61 near Fall River Road in Grand Marais July 23. The trailer has a bent frame and bad tire. The reporting party is trying to get it moved.

A party reported a two-vehicle accident July 23; a van rear-ended a car on West Highway 61. The Tofte and Schroeder Fire and First Responders were paged and responded. North Shore Ambulance responded as well, but there was no medical transport.

A woman flagged down a sheriff deputy just before 3 p.m. July 23 reporting a missing 5-year-old child. The child had been missing for 30-40 minutes. A few minutes later the child was found at the home.

 On July 23, there was a report of a disturbance due to a party struggling with dementia.

Just after 9 p.m., a domestic disturbance call was reported at the Holiday gas station on West Highway 61. A male party was chasing a female. Both parties are in their early 20s. They were separated.

At 1:43 a.m., a party in the campground called with concern about another party in a small Winnebago camper whose generator was running. Caller was concerned about carbon monoxide affecting the neighboring campers. A deputy arrived at the campsite at about 2:30 a.m. The generator was off and parties were okay.

At 6:24 a.m. July 24, a party called to report that a blue Ford Explorer had swerved into his lane on Highway 61 in the Hovland area. Just a few minutes later, a report of a possible drunk driver was reported on West Highway 61. A blue Ford Focus had swerved into the other lane near Cascade River.

 A party called the Sheriff’s Office July 24, seeking information on a possible murder back in the 1970s. Party said two young men traveled from the Twin Cities to Grand Marais with two older men and went missing and were possibly murdered. Party was informed that the sheriff’s office does not have records that far back. Party understood and said he would keep looking into the matter.

On July 24, Arrowhead Electric Cooperative reported that when a lineworker attempted to disconnect power at a residence on East Highway 61, a female party threatened the lineworkers with bodily harm and said she was going to get a gun. Arrowhead said there was a miscommunication and the customer had provided payment and should not have been threatened with disconnection. However Arrowhead noted that the lineworkers were just doing their job and asked the sheriff’s office to let the female know that behavior is not okay.

Cook County law enforcement received a call at 4:20 p.m. July 24 reporting a sedan hung up on the edge of a ditch. Reporting party said person could possibly drive out, but motorist was unable to do so. North Coast Towing removed the car from the ditch. 

A disturbance call came in at 5:43 p.m. One neighbor complained about another neighbor playing loud music.

The U.S. Forest Survey asked for a possible welfare check on an employee conducting a bat survey on The Grade and Ritchie Lake Road July 24. The supervisor expected the party back by 11 p.m. Party returned safe and sound.

The Law Enforcement Center received a report of a lost Keeshound puppy named Teddy at 9:23 p.m. July 24. The puppy was described as six weeks old; gray, black and white; curly and fuzzy. At 9:30 p.m., the party called back. Teddy had been located.

At 6:46 a.m. July 25, a local propane company called to let the sheriff’s office know that they would be burning off a propane tank behind My Sister’s Place restaurant.

On July 25, some construction workers asked for a welfare check for a female walking on the road who seemed to be in distress.

 A party asked the sheriff’s office to hold onto a couple of handguns for safekeeping while they visited Canada. The sheriff’s office ran a query on both firearms and found that they were both “clear.” Firearms were placed in a temporary holding area.

 At 1:20 p.m. July 25, a woman from Brainerd reported that her Golden Doodle puppy, Nelly, had run off in Grand Marais. She was camping at Judge Magney Park overnight. Deputies responded and helped look for the dog. Just before 11 p.m., the woman found Nellie, wet and tired. The family asked the dispatcher to pass on “big thanks” to the deputies who helped find Nellie.

A complaint of a black Suburban-type vehicle weaving all over the road on East Highway 61 was called in July 25. The vehicle was heading toward town from east Highway 61. Sheriff’s deputies were unable to locate the car.

At 3:30 p.m. July 25, a U.S. Forest Service reported a suspicious party on Trapper Lake Road looking for a ride to Isabella.

On July 25, the North Shore Federal Credit Union reported the theft of a picnic table overnight. The table had been used during the credit union’s customer appreciation barbecue the day before. Table disappeared sometime between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m.

A caller reported an injured golden eagle along Highway 61 on east Highway 61. Deputies located and checked on the eagle, which did not appear to be injured.

A party reported a theft of a purple hoodie from a stroller while dining at Dairy Queen July 25. Security video was checked and shows that the purple hoodie was not on the stroller when the party arrived at the restaurant.

A parent called the sheriff’s office July 25 to report that another parent had confronted her child. A sheriff deputy talked to parents involved and told them to talk to one another in the future, not each other’s children.

A party arrived at their reserved campsite at Cascade River State Park at 9 p.m. to find someone in the site in just a pickup with a tarp. They were nervous about confronting the person. Cook County was unable to reach park staff, so told the party to camp at a nearby site and work it out with park personnel in the morning.

At about 9:30 p.m., the law enforcement center received two calls asking the sheriff’s office to check on the welfare of an elderly man walking on Highway 61 carrying what appeared to be a gas can. Deputies were unable to locate the man.

Just after 10 p.m. July 25, a caller on the Cramer Road in Schroeder reported that their male lab/setter mix took off, afraid of the storm. They posted the missing dog to Grand Marais Sell & Swap online.

There was a call reporting an intoxicated driver in Grand Portage at 11:30 p.m. July 25.

Just after 11 p.m. July 25, a party brought a cat in to the law enforcement center that was trying to get into her house. The cat is a female with short gray/brown hair. Deputies took the cat to the shelter and gave it food, water and treats. They will contact Animal Advocates in the morning.

Just before midnight July 25, a party called to report a truck running in the parking lot next to Como Oil. Deputies talked to the trucker who said he had stayed in the lot many times and did not know he could not leave his truck running. He shut it off and will leave it off until getting on the road again at 6 a.m.

A traffic stop in Grand Portage at 9:54 a.m. July 26 led to an arrest on a warrant.

On July 26, a party called with questions about a woman walking around Lake Superior to bring awareness to the need to protect Lake Superior. The woman needs assistance to get back to Georgia. Party wondered if they should give the woman money for her trip. The caller wondered if others had been asked for money. The sheriff’s office said they will let the party know if they hear from anyone else with this question.

A party in Grand Marais said a motorcycle had been parked in front of her house for several days on July 26. Just wondered why. The sheriff’s office ran plate, it belongs to a local resident. No further action needed.

 A party called at 2:55 p.m. July 26, concerned about a Toyota Tundra with windows barely open and a dog inside. Deputies checked and said dog was doing well. Windows were open and the dog had water.

There was a report of a stray dog on the Gunflint Trail heading toward the water tower. Dog is light brown and white with long hair. Deputies, assisted by the public, were unable to catch the dog and it left the area.

There was a suspicious activity call July 26. Caller said there was possibly non-permitted camping on her land. Deputies found no sign of campers. There is a well-used hiking trail in the vicinity.

Another suspicious activity call came in a little while later July 26 on West Highway 61, reporting two men heading toward the fenced area of the Taconite Harbor Energy Center. Cook County contacted a North Shore Mining representative and informed him. He will check it out and call if he finds any suspicious activity at the closed power plant.

On July 26, a party called reporting what they thought might be a sex trafficking situation.

Another party called July 26 with concerns about a young family member in a shared custody arrangement.

At 10:30 p.m., a party called to say he had possibly seen the two men who are on the run in Canada for crimes at the Marathon Gas Station. Photos were obtained from Marathon and it does not appear they are the men in question.

At about 1 a.m. July 27, there was a call about a domestic disturbance in Grand Marais. A party came home intoxicated and was yelling and threatening. Deputies gave the person a ride to another location. The intoxicated party then began calling the reporting party. Cook County told the reporting party to stop answering the phone.

A party called for help at 11:30 a.m. July 27 to locate a woman bike-packing in the area who had not been in touch with the reporting party as anticipated. As Cook County was gathering information on her possible route, which could have been in Lake County, the reporting party called back. The woman was in Grand Marais, safe and sound.

A Hovland man hit a deer in the Five Mile Rock area of Grand Marais at 11:30 a.m. July 27. The deer came through the window of the Pontiac Grand Prix, striking the man in the head. His wife made a call to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, asking for help for her injured husband.

The Colvill and Hovland Fire Departments and First Responders and Cook County Ambulance were paged, however, when the Cook County Ambulance arrived, the man refused transport.

There was a minor collision between a vehicle and a moped July 27. Drivers were instructed to exchange insurance information.
 A party reported a truck pulling a trailer with three canoes that looked like the trailer was bent in half on July 26. Party said the trailer is a hazard. Deputies located the trailer, now parked on the side of the road.

The sheriff’s office received a call of a tree across U.S. Forest Service Road #170, blocking most of the road. The Tofte Ranger Station was notified and they will look into it.

A party called July 27 to report a domestic disturbance that occurred in September 2018.

 A disturbance was reported on West Highway 61 July 27. There was a report of an irate man punching a dog and screaming at people to fight with him. The party took off on a bike.

On July 27, a party came in to report they had recently lost their black cat with red highlighting on its chest. The cat’s name is Pepper.

A party staying at a place on Evergreen Road, off the Caribou Trail, reported the sounds of shots fired at 4:45 p.m. July 27. They wanted to drive to Grand Marais to get pizza, but were concerned about driving past anyone shooting. Cook County told them that people sometimes target practice in the gravel pit nearby and they should go ahead and drive to town. Deputies checked out the gravel pit and there were two parties there target practicing. They were shooting facing away from the Caribou Trail.

A reporting party called for help locating her father with dementia July 27. The man was found at Beth’s Fudge.

 A party needing to contact a towing company because her car was overheating called law enforcement for help in making the call July 27. She couldn’t get adequate signal from her location on Lindskog Road to reach AAA. Cook County was able to reach Cook County Towing who said they could respond in 30 minutes. Cook County shared that information with the woman.

At approximately 10 p.m. July 27, a party contact the sheriff’s office to report that they had seen two male parties that reminded them of the people on the run from Canada at the campground area of McFarland Lake in Hovland. Their clothing seemed to match the descriptions given and they were acting suspicious. A deputy visited the campground and did not see any sign of two men. Other campers in the area had not seen the pair.

A single-vehicle accident was reported at 3:33 a.m. July 28 on West Highway 61. A red truck crashed into the guard rails, just north of Lutsen. Sheriff deputies, Lutsen firefighters and First Responders were paged and arrived, to find a male party on the ground. He did not appear to be injured, but was disoriented and seemed intoxicated. He was taken to North Shore Health for mental health evaluation.

A party called at 10:20 a.m. July 28 to let the sheriff’s office know that he had to leave his vehicle at the McFarland Lake campground because it wouldn’t start. He had a tow scheduled for the vehicle, a black Chevy Silverado.

On July 28, a party called to report that they had found a black and brown male dog, of medium size. Dog was taken to the pound and Animal Advocates was contacted. The owner was found and picked up the dog. 

A hazard tree was reported on the Cramer Road July 28. Cook County Highway Department was contacted.

A party called from Lutsen July 28 to see if phones were working on the Gunflint Trail.

A party called at about 5 p.m. July 28, telling the sheriff’s office that a couple of kids were riding motorcyles, possibly dirt bikes, on the Gunflint Trail. They look like teenagers. Both are wearing helmets, but they are riding back and forth. Caller is concerned that they will get run over.

 Another dog was found, a brown and white Australian shepherd at 4:09 p.m. July 28. Dog and owner were reunited by 4:18 p.m.

On July 28, the North Shore Health asked for assistance for a patient.

The sheriff’s office received a report of a missing hiker on the Kekakabic Trail at 5:32 p.m. July 28. The report was secondhand from some hikers who were told by another party that the man was missing. At 5:52, law enforcement was told the man made it out of the woods and was back with his party.

The sheriff’s office was called to the U.S.- Canadian border to assist with an arrest at 7:12 p.m. July 28. Two vehicles, following each other, had made a wrong turn and were arrested for drug possession.

At 7:30 p.m. July 28, a party reported another possible sighting of the two fugitives from Canada on McFarland Lake in Hovland. Deputies responded and searched the area but were unable to find anyone matching the description of the two men.

Lost and Found reports
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office received a number of calls regarding items lost and found in this report. On July 23, a party found a checkbook. The sheriff’s office called the number on the checks to contact the party, who will come by the Law Enforcement Center next week to pick up the checkbook.

Also on July 23, a party found a purple bag with copper-rimmed prescription glasses on a trail near Loon Lake on the Gunflint Trail.
On July 24, a party dropped off keys that had been found at Security State Bank in Grand Marais. Keys placed in the lost and found cabinet at the law enforcement center.

 A Minnesota license plate, BCX707, was found and turned in to the law enforcement center July 25.

A party called on July 25 to say he had lost his laptop. He used a locator app and it says it is in front of the Grand Marais Liquor Store. Later party said it could be located at East Bay Suites. Deputies and staffers at those locations were unable to find the laptop.

On July 26, a party called the law enforcement center to report a lost wallet. Wallet is a black credit card holder with cards and cash. Card was last used at Trail Center and they don’t have it.

A party mowing grass in Grand Marais found a pair of glasses July 26. The glasses are pink and blue.

A cell phone was found on the Gunflint Trail above the hospital on July 27. Owner came in to the law enforcement center to pick up.

Reports of fraud and scams
There were a number of reports of fraud calls. On July 23, a party called from Barker Lake Road saying that they had received a call supposedly about their grandson who had been involved in an accident. When the party said they must have reached a wrong number, the caller started swearing at her. No action necessary, caller just wanted law enforcement to know about the scam.

On July 24, a caller reported a possible attempt at fraud. The party had ordered a new/rebuilt engine. The engine receive was one that was painted to look new.

On July 24, a party reported a scam email supposedly from Boreal.org saying if she didn’t make some sort of payment her computer would be hacked. Party was advised to contact Boreal and reminded to not give any personal or financial information out in situations like this.

Another caller reported numerous fraud calls daily from someone stating that there is something wrong with her social security number. She did not give any personal information, but wants law enforcement to be aware of the scam calls.

During this law enforcement reporting period, there were 25 traffic stops during which motorists received reprimand.  There were five traffic stops which resulted in citations. There were 21 business or residence checks and 14 medical calls. Cook County dispatchers handled 15 crank or misdialed calls.

If you have an emergency, contact Cook County Law Enforcement at 9-1-1.
For non-emergency calls, dial 218-387-3040.
 

Back in May, WTIP talked to two women with a novel North Shore idea. Roseanne Cooley and Brandee Wenzel wanted to start a roller derby league in Cook County. Listen to that interview here.

Roseanne and Brandee weren’t sure how it would be received, but were determined to give it a try. Apparently, roller league is something that many people want to try.  The Lake Superior Roller League is up and running -- or should we say rolling?

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence visited the roller league at their latest practice – as they were revealing their fun and funky roller derby names. The Lake Superior Roller League members were decorating vests to wear in the  Fisherman’s Picnic parade.  Click the slideshow to see some of the delightful derby names.

For more information, visit Lake Superior Roller League on Facebook or email [email protected].

Click below to here's Rhonda's report of her time with the roller league.

Several new laws are in effect as of August 1, and some impact motorists.

​There is a law that makes it illegal to hold your cell phone either to make calls or text while driving. Phone conversations are allowed for drivers over 18 years old, but only on hands-free phone systems. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to legally talk on the phone while driving, whether it is over a Bluetooth system or not. 

Another law that does not affect North Shore residents unless they head to Duluth or the Twin Cities, is what has been dubbed the "Slowpoke Law." On a divided highway, slower drivers must keep to the right. If a motorist goes into the left lane to pass another vehicle, he or she must return to the right lane as soon as possible--especially if there are cars behind them. 

A new law regarding traffic violations in construction zones also goes into effect on August 1. Drivers who violate signs or instructions in a work zone can now be ticketed even if a peace officer does not see the violation. Construction workers can call in the motorist and vehicle information when they see a violation and that driver can be ticketed later. 

WTIP's Rhonda Silence sat down with Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen to talk about these new laws. They also talked about the busy summer season. Here's their conversation. 

The School District 166 school board met on Thursday, July 25 in the Jane Mianowski conference room at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. WTIP caught up with Superintendent Dr. Bill Crandall after the meeting to get his thoughts on actions at the meeting.

There were a number of personnel matters, ranging from the resignation of the Cook County Vikings football coach [:41] to the hiring of a special education intervention specialist [2:02] and an English as a Second Language instructor [3:16].

Dr. Crandall talks about the school district’s facilities maintenance plan, with the assurance that the strategies to be implemented will not impact the school levy [8:21].

Part of the school district’s facilities maintenance plan is care of the Arrowhead Center for the Arts and Crandall speaks about the new roof on the Arts Center. Crandall also noted that the lease agreement for use of the ACA by the Grand Marais Playhouse is still pending [11:19].

Finally, WTIP learns about a new vehicle [12:43] purchased by the school district for small group trips, such as to Knowledge Bowl or Robotics events.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence learned about all of these things in this interview.
 

Grand Portage community members and friends boarded the Grand Portage-Isle Royale ferry boat, the Sea Hunter, on a brilliant summer morning on July 23 to head to Isle Royale for a unique celebration. Isle Royale—or Minong—has received “Traditional Cultural Property” status, a federal designation that recognizes that Isle Royale is the ancestral home of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. 

Click to see a photo album of photos of the celebration.

The skies smiled on the Sea Hunter passengers, as there was first a stop at the Little Cedar Spirit Tree for an offering of tobacco.
Entering Washington Harbor on Isle Royale, Captain Don Szczech made a brief stop at the sunken Steamship America. Weather conditions were perfect to view the historic, submerged vessel.

A large contingent of National Park Service staffers were on hand at the Windigo dock to welcome the Grand Portage group and all gathered in the pavilion for a celebration. Grand Portage Tribal Councilman Rick Anderson greeted everyone and the Stonebridge Singers offered a drum song, followed by a blessing by Grand Portage Tribal Councilman John Morrin.

Councilman Anderson then spoke of the significance of the day and thanked all who had worked to make this recognition of Grand Portage’s ties to Isle Royale happen. Anderson said it was the work of two people—the late Tribal Chair Norman Deschampe and Tim Cochrane, a retired National Park Service superintendent. Anderson said the Traditional Cultural Property designation would not have happened if it were not for Cochrane’s research work.

Anderson invited Cochrane to speak, and he did so, recalling his colleague and friend, Norman Deschampe. He said he was honored to have been trusted to move the nomination for the Traditional Cultural Property designation forward.

Next, Duane “Butch” Deschampe came forward with two Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa flags to present to Isle Royale National Park Superintendent Phyllis Green. Deschampe, an Army veteran, said he hoped to see the Grand Portage flag flying at the Windigo dock “forever and ever.”

Finally, Tribal Chair Beth Drost gave a gift to Superintendent Green from the Grand Portage people. Councilman Morrin explained the significance of the gift, which included sweet grass, sage, tobacco and wild rice. Superintendent Green expressed appreciation for the gift and said she looks forward to a continued, strengthened relationship with the Grand Portage Band.

Green also said the National Park Service had a gift of food. Some of her staff had caught and prepared some Isle Royale lake trout for the gathering. At that, Councilman Anderson happily announced that it was time for the feast.

The Stonebridge Singers offered another drum song and all in attendance—elders first, of course—gathered for the feast of wild rice and berries, fish cooked in several styles, and blueberry bannock.

The Stonebridge Singers ate and then went back to the drum to sing several more songs, the sound of the drum echoing across the waters of Minong.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence was honored to be part of this special celebration and she shares this report.

From a young age, John Schaefers, of Tofte and Annandale, Minn., has found comfort in taking pictures.

A Navy veteran, Schaefers knows many veterans, as well as law enforcement personnel, firefighters and emergency medical service workers, struggle with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.  He would like to help.

Schaefers says he has learned that being in nature can bring a sense of peace for many PTSD sufferers. But he also knows not everyone can spend time in the wilderness or among wild animals. For that reason, he has compiled a collection of photographs specifically designed to bring those natural images to mind. 

He has created a full-color, 70-page booklet, that includes rivers and lakes; butterflies and bears; trees and flowers and more. In addition to the book, which can be ordered online, anyone interested can download a copy of the book to be viewed on any device at any time. 

For more information on the PTSD booklet or John Schaefers' work, visit his website PTSDgethelp.com. 

WTIP Community Radio was on hand at the 2019 Gunflint Trail Canoe Races on Wednesday, July 17.

Rhonda Silence and CJ Heithoff, supported by WTIP Executive Director Matthew Brown and Engineer Jeff Nemitz shared some of the results of the races, as well as some great interviews with folks on the Gunflint Trail. 

If you missed it or just want to hear more, here's a report from the scene. 

Be sure to click the slideshow to see more photos of the fun! 

The Grand Portage community is experiencing intermittent technical issues with its phone system. Community members make phone calls, but the ability to receive calls is intermittent.
 
At the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, limited phone lines are currently working. Please call 800-543-1384 to reach the Lodge, but please be patient.
 
Lodge and Casino Manager Todd Ford says they expect to have these issues corrected soon. As a backup, guests can direct messages to the lodge through the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino Facebook page with their phone number, and the front desk will call them directly as soon as they are able.=.
 
For calls to other Grand Portage businesses and organizations, call the main line at the Grand Portage Tribal office – 218-475-2277.