January 2023

The Beargrease Cub Run is a must-see for anyone who wants to support the culture and future of dog sledding, and especially for those who aren’t up for a long drive, trek, or wait at one of the Beargrease stations. This year the Cub Run, for mushers ages 14 and under, takes place on Saturday, January 21, at 1:00 p.m. at the Lakeview National Golf Course in Two Harbors. Viewers can get right up to the start and the finish. They can observe the whole preparation process by musher and their handlers (usually family, always parents). Dogs must be harnessed; hoods and helmets must be donned. The whole outfit must move to the start without dogfights or disruptions.

Several months ago Lake County board of commissioners took the step of creating a new paid position for the county, that of director of the county’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). That position has now been filled, with Zach Hallett stepping into the role on November 28. A resident of Duluth, Hallett is originally from Warroad, Minn., where he and his wife raised their two children. Now adults, Hallett’s children both live in Duluth; his daughter as a student at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and his son working as an engineer. Hallett’s wife works at Essentia Health. Prior to his new position with Lake County, Hallett worked as the Sustainable Building director at Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota in Duluth. There he was responsible for affordable ownership opportunities statewide, including land development, construction strategies, and environmental sustainability.

The district spelling bee was held with 24 participants at William Kelley school on January 10 with 5th through 8th grade students. Madison Brandt was declared the winner and is a 6th grader at Two Harbors High School. Ollie Braun was the 2nd place finisher and is an 8th grader from William Kelley High School. Both Madison and Ollie will be representing Lake Superior School District at the regional spelling bee taking place on February 7th North Shore Federal Credit Union provided certificates and prizes to all participants and the 1st and 2nd place finishers each received a Nook tablet.

On January 9 a group led by the Lake County Sex Trafficking Task Force (LCSTTF) gathered in the Lake County Law Enforcement Center to shine a light on the issue of human and sex trafficking, and to “hold hope” for all those suffering in that context.

Reluctant Editor’s note: The fire has been crafted by Wind Fire Lady and the return of the Great March for Community Newspapers is imminent. However, our friend Hal recently returned from his vacation, and he wants a prominent spot in the march so we gave him a few days to recover before the festivities begin

Reconsidering the Uncommon Ones Back in 1975 a booklet was written by the pioneering Minnesota DNR biologist, John B. Moyle, titled “The Uncommon Ones: Animals and Plants Which Merit Special Consideration and Management”.

Super Bowl tourney starts… NOW! The field is now set for the upcoming Super Bowl LVII playoff! The Minnesota Vikings were already in, courtesy of winning the NFC North division, but there was still plenty of business to be settled. Number one on the list was tonight's Sunday Night Football tilt between the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions.

Do you like shopping for clothes? I have a lovehate relationship with finding clothes that fit my needs as a wheelchair user. For me I can not wear long sleeved shirts as pushing my chair either makes the sleeves super dirty or creates holes from the rubbing of the tires.