Pine Knot News - A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news

Cloquet High School is partnering with the United Way of Carlton County this month to collect new or gently used coats, hats and mittens. If you wish to participate feel free to drop off your items in the CHS Main office.... Full story

Thanks to a reader, we’ve got a deeper understanding of Cloquet’s sales tax ballot question. Or, questions, rather. The city of Cloquet is seeking a half-percent increase to its sales tax in order to fund roughly $8 million worth of projects at Pin... Full story

While historical markers dot the heart of Cloquet, replete with photos and historical narratives of places such as the old city hall, the train depot and Pinehurst Park, a large part of the area’s history was overlooked when those markers were instal...

The seven candidates running to fill three open Esko school board seats in the Nov. 8 midterm election spoke directly to community members at a candidate forum event earlier this month. The Oct. 11 event was hosted and moderated by Esko’s Parents in... Full story

It is quite likely that 100 years ago today, Anna Dickie Olesen was on the road, in some city in Minnesota far-flung from her permanent residence in Cloquet. Olesen, known here as a strong advocate toward compensation for 1918 fire victims, parlayed...

In my decade-or-so as a Cloquet city council member, a few people stand out in my mind as highly-engaged citizens — outspoken, positive, and passionate about our community. They’re absolutely tenacious. One of those tenacious people is Pete Rad...

I am writing to urge my fellow neighbors to support my son, Jeff Dotseth, in his quest to be our next representative in District 11A. When Jeff decided to run for office, he warned me that people who supported his opponent would say things that I...

Every campaign letter I read tells me that XYZ candidate is “dedicated to working families and solving the complicated problems of our state and country.” People of Minnesota, ask yourself: Who was running the show when the police precinct was bur...

If you’re a rock-solid Democrat or a hardcore Republican, this letter is not for you. This letter is intended for those people who care about our country and who are independently minded — sometimes voting red, sometimes blue, and sometimes not vot...

I’m writing in support of Pete Radosevich for state representative in Minnesota House District 11A. In deciding to support him I did two things. First, I talked to Pete and asked questions. What stood out most was that he promises to represent all t...

On Sept. 22, 2022, Pete Radosevich, a lawyer, was a defendant in a civil case of fraud involving a 104-year-old woman (Myrtle Olsen). The case number is 09-CV-19-1442, Carlton County District Court. He agreed to a settlement. Full disclosure. Pete R...

Sheriff Kelly Lake is the consummate law enforcement professional. Having been appointed sheriff in 2005, she has continuously and successfully held that office being reelected four times. During her tenure she has earned the respect of the...

We have a choice. Join me in voting for Ryan Wilson for Minnesota state auditor. Ryan is head and shoulders above our current auditor, given his education, work background and integrity. As a voter and taxpayer I am tired of the rash of scandals...

This November, we have important choices to make while completing our ballot. One of our choices is to decide who the sheriff of Carlton County will be. The office of sheriff has many responsibilities in a wide variety of areas within our justice...

We owe it to ourselves and future generations to cast a well-informed, educated vote on Nov. 8. There are many who vote only based on the letter (D or R) behind the candidate’s name on the ballot. Please think about the issues that impact you and y...

I have been a resident of Cloquet for 49 years. Seventeen of those have had Dave Bjerkness as my ward council member. He has listened well to any concerns I had. His leadership led to positive action and through his follow-up he showed me his...

A representative is a person chosen or appointed to act or speak for others. How will you choose? Jeff Dotseth is a local resident, family man, farmer, and Moose Lake businessman in District 11A, which was expanded to include areas in Carlton, Pine a...

As a manager in my manufacturing and education career I have had the opportunity to vet and hire many employees. Through the application and interview process I sought to learn and understand as much as possible about the applicant and how they...