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I've always wondered why there are cyclists on certain stretches of Highway 61, after all, isn’t there a perfectly good bike path right along the way? Two weeks ago, I learned why. I joined Mr. Jacobs’ 5th grade class from William Kelley School as they rode their bikes on the Gitchi-Gami trail from Silver Bay to Split Rock Lighthouse where they met up with DNR Naturalist Kurt Mead and Assistant Park Manager Ashley Huinker. Mr. Jacobs provided bicycles and helmets to students that didn’t have them, which was made possible by a grant that the Gitchi Gami Trail Association applied for from the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. They were awarded $1,000 to purchase three bicycles and four helmets from Continental Bike and Ski in Duluth. They have also added to the William Kelley bike fleet from a bike donation from Alice Tibbetts, owner of North Shore Adventure Park, and bikes that Mr. Jacobs has fixed up himself. Along the way we were cheered on by Michelle Pierson with the GGTA, who met with us during almost every pit stop to provide encouragement and take photos of this enthusiastic group of young cyclists. She was also able to provide some excellent information on all the GGTA has done to contribute to this iconic landmark of the north shore, and the biking field trip that they have supported since 2019. The Trail Association was formed in 1997, when the trail was just an idea! People wanted to see a trail connect the North Shore. The first mile of trail was built in 2000. Right now, we have 36 miles of an eventual 86+ or so miles. The stretch connecting Silver Bay to Beaver Bay and the falls on the Beaver River, and then on to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, crossing several more rivers, connecting to the new Lake County Shipwreck Creek mountain bike system, and continuing on the mouth of the Split Rock River and to Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area, and then navigating over the Gooseberry River and ending up near the mouth of the Gooseberry Ri

I'm a dying breed who still believes Haunted by American dreams -Neko Case AP Carter traveled throughout central Appalachia collecting folk songs from local residents, which would eventually be recorded by The Carter Family. And author and paranormal investigator, Chad Lewis travels the United States and beyond, documenting people’s stories of the unusual.

Have you ever heard a young child sing a familiar song as they play? Or break out in a dance upon hearing a catchy tune? Just last week, one of my preschool students sang the chorus to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” for 20 minutes straight while swinging as high as he could fly. We are naturally receptive to rhythm and music, starting even before birth. Music is an important aspect of early childhood development and learning, and often where there is music, there is movement. Put the two together and you have a fun and powerful learning tool for children.

My husband and I went to a friend's house for a full moon fire. It appears that Random Strangers has become something bigger than me.

Pizza Casserole This is a tasty dish to serve to your family or bring to a potluck. A crowd pleaser for sure! - 7 oz.

Fear Not October is the month where everyone tries to scare me. They plant ghosts and goblins and witches and skeletons in their front yard.

Discussed at Tuesday’s Lake County board meeting was the new Minnesota law regarding legalized marijuana or THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol–the primary intoxicant of the cannabis plant) products. The new law essentially modifies Minnesota’s list of controlled substances to exclude “industrial hemp” products but include edible and drinkable products containing no more than five milligrams of THC per serving and no more than 50 milligrams of THC per package. The law does not distinguish between specific types of THC. Currently THC product sales are sold with qualifications around packaging, marketing to minors, and resemblance to food products. It is possible for cities and counties to create ordinances structuring licensing and sales. Currently THC products are regulated under the same zoning regulations that regulate other products. Some Minnesota cities and counties are creating ordinances around zoning retail sales relating to transient or pop-up sales and delivery. County Administrator Matt Huddleston brought this information to the Board to raise awareness, not to suggest that anything needs to be done. Board members have not been hearing concerns from residents about the new Minnesota law, which took effect on July 1, 2022. In other business, the Board discussed the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Harbors Resort Project and determined that a full Environmental Impact Study would not be necessary. The EAW considered stormwater runoff and utilizing pervious pavement to promote filtration and defined the required wetland replacement. Shoreline restoration has already occurred at the site which has significantly improved the erosion that was already happening. Over 100 native trees have also been spade and replanted to initiate revegetation; wildlife impact, while “unavoidable,” is not predicted to affect any endangered species. Any public concerns raised regarding a proposed expansion of the Resort will be addressed when the Planning Commi