Robotics teams thrive at regional

The three-day throng of tech-inclined high school students called the Duluth Regionals in robotics didn't disappoint last weekend as 111 teams from Minnesota and neighboring states took over the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

There were four Carlton County teams in the competition, from Cloquet, Esko, Barnum and Moose Lake. Esko came away with the biggest honors: a run in the playoffs, a top award for innovation in controlling its robot, and a sure place in the state tournament.

Spectators at the popular event were encouraged to not come because of waning but continuing Covid-19 conce...