A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news
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Struggling financially and facing declining enrollments, the Carlton and Wrenshall schools agreed to bring together all junior high and high school sports earlier this week. The move to combine sports gained approval from both school boards, with only one dissenting vote among the two boards. “We need to give this opportunity to our athletes,” Wrenshall board member Ben Johnson said, explaining there are seasons in which, going alone, the schools would not have enough players to field teams. “We... Full story
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 Pine Valley recreation area and the city’s adjacent indoor hockey rinks, the Barn and Northwoods Credit Union Arena. But early and absentee voters, like the reader, Dan Unulock of Cloquet, have noticed the ballot doesn’t restrict the sales tax increase to one question. Instead, it’s split into two quest... Full story
Local and regional developers have until the end of November to submit proposals that will determine the future of the condemned Hotel Solem building. Located in downtown Cloquet, the 103-year-old building was condemned earlier this year and taken over by the city. The city issued its request for proposals earlier this week, and already it's received attention, with community development director Holly Hansen lining up the first tour of what she hopes will be many more. "(Monday), I outreached...
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 installed years ago. The history of the Native American tribes who lived here — some long before any European explorers arrived — is conspicuously absent. City officials hope to change that with help from a diverse group of area residents and the guidance of a consultant, thanks to a $50,000 grant from th...
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 Education group and had a successful turnout for the group’s first attempt at a candidate forum. The Esko school theater was nearly filled with parents, teachers and community members. The incumbent candidates, Margaret Sunnarborg and Todd Rengo, along with the five other candidates seeking election... Full story
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Natural Resources and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa announced an enforcement action this week against Enbridge Energy for water quality violations during Line 3 pipeline construction. Those include accidental releases of drilling mud at a dozen locations, and two other aquifer breaches at LaSalle Creek in Hubbard County and near the Fond du Lac Reservation. They also include discharges of stormwater from construction... 
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Former MCCU board of directors members Tim Caroline and Gerald "Jerry" Telker were recently honored by the Minnesota Credit Union Network with CU Builder awards, honoring an individual's dedication to the success, growth, and vitality of the not-for-profit financial movement in Minnesota. Pictured, from left, are Andrea Molnau, of MnCUN; Jerry Telker; Tim Caroline; MCCU board chair Doris Dahl and MCCU president/CEO Steve Ewers. Serving in the roles of associate director, director, secretary,... Full story
It has been a spectacular autumn in northern Minnesota, filled with bright yellows, oranges and reds, often made even more spectacular by neighboring evergreen trees. Whether it is 70 degrees and sunny or cold enough to snow, the fall colors can be breathtaking. The strong winds of recent days have sent many of those leaves tumbling to the ground, but we still have the golden tamaracks to relish, and then winter white will take her turn. We put out a call on Facebook for readers to send their... Full story
For 50 years, I have been vegetable gardening on the same plot. My grandfather had brought Danish practices and preferences to his garden. Long widowed from my grandmother’s ovarian cancer, he was delighted to have my help. He patiently answered my questions. We cooked together. Years later, after he and my uncle died, my cousin Martha Markusen asked me if I would buy the house, small barn and 7 acres from them. Her father had unpaid medical expenses, and my contract for deed would enable t... 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 her speaking skills into a campaign for U.S. Senate. She was the first woman to run for a national seat with a major party endorsement. As a Democrat, she faced great odds in unseating the incumbent, Republican Frank Kellogg. But because of her oratory skill, she rose up in the Democratic ranks and...
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 Radosevich. Over his many years as a local resident, he’s stepped up time and again to rally for changes, support (and operate) local businesses, raise a family, and work hard to make the place we live a little better for us all. When I heard he was running for office, I thought: It’s about time. As an atto...
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 should just let slide because that is, unfortunately, how politics works. Last week, the Pine Knot News published a letter that really ticked me off. It suggested that my son did not have strong ties to the Kettle River area. That is just not true. Dotseths have lived at his current Kettle River...
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 burned to the ground in Minneapolis. Who was running the show when small businesses owned by hard-working families were lost during those riots? Who was running the show when big-box stores remained open and small businesses owned by families were forced to shut down. Who is running the show on the fed...
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 voting at all. This group of people is key to the upcoming election. The rock-solid Democrats and the hardcore Republicans consistently vote their party line. Approximately equal in number, they more or less cancel each others’ votes. The group in the middle, the independents, are vital to the upcom...
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 the people in the district. He didn’t promise what he couldn’t deliver. He might sometimes have to compromise in order to find a solution to an issue that will meet the needs of most of the people in the district. That was an honest answer. Second, I tried to find out what his opponent stands for....
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 is part owner of the Pine Knot and a candidate for the House of Representatives District 11A. Vote Jeff Dotseth. Tony Sheda, Wrenshall...
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 community, and she has become an extremely important leader in the Carlton County judicial system. I steadfastly support Sheriff Lake as she is a great leader, respected and the right person for the job as our sheriff. Bottom line: she has done a very good job and earned the privilege to be reelected. I...
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 involving waste, fraud and abuse in government programs. Ryan will be an auditor who restores accountability and transparency of government finance. LeRoy Bergstrom, Cloquet...
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 and public safety systems. The sheriff is responsible for operating and maintaining 911 services within the county so our fire, EMS, and law enforcement officers have the ability to communicate while responding to all types of emergencies. Another facet of the sheriff’s responsibilities includes p...
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 your loved ones the most. Is it taxes, the economy, gas and grocery prices, crime, education? I urge everyone to research the candidates on the ballot. Which candidate aligns with your values? A vote for Jeff Dotseth for Minnesota House of Representative, District 11A, is a vote for a brighter, b...
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 dedication to the people in his ward. He would represent all the people in Cloquet in the same capacity as our mayor. Don Unulock, Cloquet...
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 and St. Louis counties. Jeff works hard in his district with integrity and a simple grass roots campaign. He shows up joyfully and tirelessly everywhere there are people to meet. Jeff has endeared himself to young and old because he listens and is committed to action. He is endorsed by trade unions 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 would benefit our work team. Jeff Dotseth is seeking the “job” of representing the people of House District 11A. During the last election cycle I called both candidates requesting an interview. Jeff came to my home and spent nearly an hour sharing our concerns. In spite of my asking many questions he...
Assigned by the local diocese's bishop to Queen of Peace Catholic Church 15 months ago, the Rev. Nick Nelson praised his fortune. "For me, who thinks beauty, who thinks the physical appearance of the church, especially inside, is so important, I was really grateful to be here," Father Nelson said. "I would struggle at some of the more modern churches, to be honest. They're less sacred." Inside Queen of Peace's ornate nave, where parishioners gather for worship, a person can feel small... Full story
