Northern Wilds March 2023

2 0 2 3 m a r k s t h e 3 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y o f t h e N o r t h S h o r e H e a l t h C a r e F o u n d a t i o n . T h r e e d e c a d e s o f c a r e f u l , s t e a d y g r o w t h a n d b e i n g a l i g h t f o r h e a l t h c a r e a n d e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s i n C o o k C o u n t y .

W e a r e p r o u d t o c o n t i n u e t h i s m i s s i o n a n d d o m o r e t h a n e v e r t h i s y e a r , b u t w e n e e d y o u r h e l p !

T h e F o u n d a t i o n c h a m p i o n s s o l u t i o n s t h r o u g h f u n d i n g , e d u c a t i o n a n d a d v o c a c y S o l u t i o n s f o r t h e c r i t i c a l h e a l t h c a r e w o r k f o r c e s h o r t a g e a n d p r o t e c t i n g o u r f u n d a m e n t a l h e a l t h c a r e s e r v i c e s , i n c l u d i n g o u r a m b u l a n c e s e r v i c e a n d t h e C a r e C e n t e r a t N o r t h S h o r e H e a l t h H o s p i t a l , w i l l t a k e p r e c e d e n c e f o r t h e i m m e d i a t e f u t u r e W i t h o u t t h e s e v i t a l h e a l t h s e r v i c e s , e v e r y o n e w h o l i v e s a n d v i s i t s o u r c o m m u n i t i e s i s a t r i s k T h e F o u n d a t i o n i s l e a d i n g a c o l l a b o r a t i v e i n i t i a t i v e w i t h l o c a l h e a l t h p a r t n e r s t o :

I n c r e a s e a c c r e d i t e d e d u c a t i o n a n d t r a i n i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s r i g h t h e r e a t h o m e ,

B r i n g i n s t a t e - o f - t h e - a r t t r a i n i n g t e c h n o l o g y t o c o n f i d e n t l y p r e p a r e F i r s t R e s p o n d e r s a n d h e a l t h c a r e p r o f e s s i o n a l s , a n d R e m o v e b a r r i e r s f o r p e o p l e w h o w a n t t o s t e p u p a n d f u l f i l l c r i t i c a l h e a l t h c a r e r o l e s i n o u r c o m m u n i t y

I f h a v i n g h e a l t h s e r v i c e s a v a i l a b l e i n C o o k C o u n t y i s i m p o r t a n t t o y o u , c o n s i d e r a c h a r i t a b l e d o n a t i o n . O n e g i f t t o t h e H e a l t h C a r e F o u n d a t i o n , h e l p s m a n y h e a l t h p r o g r a m s , a g e n c i e s a n d o u r e m e r g e n c y s e r v i c e s .

T o m a k e a c h a r i t a b l e c o n t r i b u t i o n , s c a n t h e Q R c o d e o r g o t o : N o r t h S h o r e H e a l t h C a r e F o u n d a t i o n o r g / F r i e n d s

“The

I’ve ever worked with in my life.”

-Tim K.

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Sliding into March

According to the calendar, the first official day of spring is Monday, March 20. However, around here, March is still considered wintertime and it’s probably the best month of the season. The sun rises earlier and sets later each day, with Daylight Saving beginning on Sunday, March 12, giving us an extra hour of sun to enjoy after work. It’s a great time to be outdoors. While snowy days and below-zero temperatures are sure to make an appearance, it’s also likely we’ll have many days well above zero. And as we make our way towards spring, the days will only get warmer.

Within every issue of Northern Wilds we have a theme, sprinkled throughout the pages, while also providing you with a plethora of unrelated stories. This month, we decided to return to the evergreen topic of home, starting with an Along the Shore story on one couple’s journey to bring an off-grid cabin “on-grid.” When it comes to your own house, Eric Weicht reminds us to stay on top of spring maintenance, taking care of small issues before they become big problems, like mold and flooding basements. In her first feature story, Kalli Hawkins interviewed quite a few people living in non-typical housing situations, covering everything from living in a small canvas tent, and building a tiny home, to living in an apartment above a garage. Last but certainly not least, our Strange Tales columnist Elle Andra-Warner reached out to Judy Lynne Cryer and Marlo Shann, both self-proclaimed hereditary witches and the faces behind Ghost Hunting Witches in Thunder Bay. In the movies, the call goes out to the Ghostbusters to deal with paranormal activities, but in real life, you call these two women.

Since it’s still wintertime on the North Shore, it’s not too late to see some winter waterfowl on Lake Superior.

According to Joe Shead and his sources, birders are likely to see common species such as mallards, buffleheads, common goldeneyes, hooded mergansers and common mergansers. Less common are black ducks, Barrow’s goldeneyes, and red-breasted mergansers. If you’re really lucky, you might see a sea duck species without traveling to the sea, like long-tailed ducks, some scoter varieties, and the rare harlequin duck.

Speaking of birds, Northern Trails columnist Gord Ellis gives us some great advice on how to get started in the wild turkey game. Rather go fishing than turkey hunting?

Joe Shead covers Rice Lake in Cook County in his Lake of the Month column. Staying outdoors, Chris Pascone talks with the Duluth Parks and Recreation department, which offers over 150 public programs, many of them free. In her latest column, our favorite musher Erin Altemus recounts her hectic evening as chief handler for her husband Matt during the Beargrease Marathon. Congratulations Sawtooth Racing for placing fourth and good luck on your upcoming races.

North Shore Dish columnist Virginia George brings us to Thunder Bay, covering a steak house, authentic Greek cuisine, and of course, the history and mystery of the Persian pastry—a staple found only in Thunder Bay. Also in the dining section, Michelle Miller writes about Russ Kendall’s Smokehouse in Knife River, a family business that’s been around for over 115 years.

Mother Nature is fickle this time of year, but before we know it, spring will be here to stay. So, get outdoors and take advantage of these last few winter days.—Breana Johnson

Photo by Andy Kunz

MARCH

VOLUME

SERVING

PUBLISHER

Amber Pratt

EDITORIAL

Breana Johnson, Editor breana@northernwilds.com

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Destry Winant, Sales Representative ads@northernwilds.com

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Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Laura Brown, Gord Ellis, Virginia George, Kalli Hawkins, Michelle Miller, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Chris Pascone, Joe Shead, Eric Weicht, Sam Zimmerman

Copyright 2023 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc.

Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers.

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Where

March 13

One couple’s journey to bring an off-grid cabin “on-grid”

GUNFLINT TRAIL—After nearly 30 years of tent camping while visiting the Gunflint Trail, Joan and Douglas Levergood decided it was time to find a proper roof to put over their heads.

The Levergoods, who reside in Chicago, Ill., first visited the Gunflint Trail on a camping trip in the early 1990s. Joan and Douglas were camping in central Minnesota when Joan looked at a map and said to her husband, “Look at this campsite up by the Canadian border. Let’s camp there.” The Levergoods then packed the car and road-tripped to the end of the Gunflint Trail. They secured campsite #19 at Trails End Campground and, unbeknownst to them at the time, initiated a 30-year tradition of camping at the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Throughout the decades, the couple strategically rearranged their work schedules in Chicago to return to the Gunflint Trail to camp between May and September. Joan’s occupation as a spiritual healer allowed her to work remotely at times, while her husband, a traveling freelance double bass musician, did not have the same flexibility. Despite their occasional conflicting schedules, they made time to pack the vehicle and make the 629-mile trek to the Gunflint Trail.

In recent years, Joan and her husband pondered purchasing property on the trail and having a place to call their own. They actively kept their eyes on property listings on the off chance there was something that fit their budget.

“I would look at listings and drive around and look too,” Joan added. She said they were open to purchasing a vacant lot, a cabin, or simply “something with a roof over our

heads, a wood-burning stove, and walls.” She added, “it would be an improvement over a canvas tent and a propane heater at the Trails End Campground.”

After years of searching, the Levergoods stumbled on a real estate listing in August 2022 of a rustic log cabin built by Dennis Johnson on 11.5 acres near mid-trail that piqued their interest. “I was like, wow, that’s kind of perfect,” Joan said.

The first few sentences of the real estate description shed light on the extensive work the Levergoods would have in front of them if they decided to purchase the property. The listing stated, “Hand-hewn small log cabin needs love and care (and some cash too!) to bring it back to its glory.” The listing went on to say the cabin did not have plumbing, a well, a septic system, or electricity. However, despite the call for ‘home project lovers,’ it had large windows to provide lots of natural light, a loft, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace to curl up next to. Joan and Douglas immediately put an offer on the property.

The real estate world moves fast in Cook County, even more so with property on the Gunflint Trail. The Levergoods closed on the property a month later, in September. The couple spent one week enjoying the cabin before winterizing the property and driving back to Chicago. “It’s kind of like a dream come true. It was really fast, very suddenly. So unexpected,” Joan said.

While the time spent enjoying the rustic off-grid cabin was short-lived, the work to convert it to ‘on-grid’ will be lengthy and challenging. Joan said the winter months have been a busy time contacting well and septic contractors and electricians to line up

work once the snow eventually recedes this spring. She has also reached out to Arrowhead Cooperative, an electric cooperative that provides electricity and broadband services to Cook County, to schedule the construction and installation of services. Joan said a few steps remain before construction is scheduled. First, Arrowhead Cooperative must conduct a site visit on the property and have an electrician set a meter socket in the staked location.

In addition to adding electricity, wi-fi, plumbing, and running water, Joan said the improvement projects are far from finished. The rustic cabin also needs a new roof and a new wood stove. She said there is a long list of projects to bring the off-grid cabin into the 21st century and on-grid. “We knew going into it there were things that needed to be fixed,” she said. “I’d like to keep a small footprint but still be in modern times.”

While she’s optimistic that she can check off numerous projects on the to-do list this year, she is aware that only some things will be completed and may take many more years. “The only concern I have is of having

trouble finding somebody to do the work,” Joan said.

And she is not alone in having that concern. Many new homeowners in Cook County would agree. The booming real estate market along the North Shore, particularly in Cook County, has created tremendous demand for local contractors.

While the Levergoods intend to reside in Chicago and use the cabin seasonally, they are happy to have a place on the Gunflint Trail to escape and call home. Joan said the Gunflint Trail region is “the closest to a wilderness we have here in the Midwest.” She added, “There’s something really magical about that. And there’s something really comforting about being at a place like that.”

The road ahead to transition the off-grid rustic log cabin is lengthy. However, the Levergoods seem up for the challenge. They are excited to start a new tradition of returning to the Gunflint Trail to stay at their cabin and sleep somewhere with a roof over their head, even if it needs to be replaced someday.

—Kalli Hawkins

After 30 years of tent camping while visiting the Gunflint Trail, Joan and Douglas Levergood decided to purchase an off-grid rustic log cabin near mid-trail. | JOAN LEVERGOOD

The work needed to convert this off-grid cabin to “on-grid” will be lengthy and difficult, but the Levergoods are up to the challenge. | SUBMITTED

DURABILITY

As a youngster, I loved Holling C. Holling’s story beginning with a tiny birchbark canoe set free in the waters of Lake Superior—A Paddle to the Sea—which I experienced metaphorically, in reverse. Aside relatives working the Gary Indiana steel mills, I came from Chicago through St. Paul to Duluth where, after schooling and the rigors of early practice and partnership, I established my architectural design firm, CF design. Over more than 30 years I have conceived buildings on sand and rock, open to gales or protected by woodland, and designed for incomparable individuals and in the name of family legacies. Every project has a unique site and distinct story that have been my pleasure to discover and merge through my design practice. Lake Superior offers a rich and textural landscape, crisply defined by the light off water and ice—a kind of light that I’ve seen nowhere else but here. A light that is symbolic of self-determination.

My journey practicing in the northern great lake’s region started in 1991, opening a branch office of a Minneapolis firm, in Duluth. Grasping the parochial nature and small-town character of the place, I founded a new and “local” partnership in 1993. It takes generations to be able to say one is “from” Duluth, but one can be born here easily with curiosity, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the willingness to grow into the place. After designing the Gooseberry Falls Visitor Center in 1996 and with the experience of many regional projects, I started my own design firm in 1998. Years teaching at the U of MN School of Architecture—which I still do occasionally now in the College of Design—helped me to recognize and support young people who were passionate about design, and I have persuaded many talents to my doors, to both begin and carry their careers forward as architects in new locations. The combination of an affordable storefront in an economically depressed area of downtown Duluth and a hopeful determination, set my enterprise for the next 25 years.

CF design settled happily at 230 East Superior Street for 25 years, through two building owners and without a lease…an oversight, perhaps, but it never felt necessary. In 2021, re-investing significantly in a downtown neighborhood now activated by restaurants, breweries, hotels and specialty shops was my pleasure and my principal activity, when I completely remodeled my office. I had also added an office in Bayfield, Wisc. in 2009 and I felt a steady business pulse. Even through the challenges of Covid, my talented staff and I continued to design residential projects at a wide variety of scales, from cabins and cottages to family compounds. Our projects are fit to a specific site and are designed for specific people and their stories. Our office downtown was now in the highly active and newly commissioned Duluth Arts and Theater District. Until recently, my patience regarding my place most certainly paid off, but 2022 became, without warning, an arduous, almost incomprehensible year. Despite the ageless bass timbre of the Edwin Gott ore carrier as she passed under the lift bridge and the agitated and balletic flight of peregrines from the roof of the Greysolon Plaza as it replayed daily… Some things, inevitably, do change.

I lost both my two studios in 2022. My office in Bayfield—the first floor of a simple clapboard house—burned just after Easter as the casualty of an adjacent house fire. The contents were almost a total loss. Not much in the office was new, so it had little value. Even a 6-year-old computer is a relic, so I now understand. Bayfield is a small town, with few available rental spaces, so I employed a creative opportunity to rent both a new space and a sublet to share it. After a significant build out, with space made for the non-profit Landmark Land Trust, we are now two businesses fully present in Bayfield. The stretch of my finances and my time was worth the resulting triumph.

In mid-September, the building my recently remodeled Duluth office occupied was sold to a developer. My last day in the

studio was October 31. If state of mind is borne of circumstance setting a stage for how one thinks, I am still bewildered, dazed, and disoriented…but also, mindful as possible. I am conscious and aware of consequences. I have departed daily practices and customs, to focus on new context, revolution, and opportunity.

If I were to be trapped, frozen, or locked in a single interpretation, if I were mindless and heedless, I might be comfortable in a position of current American attitude—comfortable, in other words, in the culture of assertion and certainty. In the absence of supporting evidence, I might believe that I am a victim wronged, and that something rightfully mine has been taken and must be restored through the costs of others.

But it is the uncertainty of my situation which keeps me in the here and now. Uncertainty has a power to promote positive change and drive ambition. Chasing a state of mind that is hope compels a kind of purpose and a process that leaves no room for hate. So, my state of mind is HOPE; that I may withstand and grow from the changes of 2022.

There is a saying in Tibetan: “Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength. No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose hope, that’s our real disaster,” said by the 14th Dalai Lama.

CF design opens a new architectural studio at 310 East Superior Street on March 15, 2023. In addition, LUM studios, a specialty residential lighting and iconic modern furniture showroom and consultancy opens adjacent to CF design May 15, 2023. Recovery is hard work. Business begets business and just when it seemed unlikely, life goes on better and more enriched than imagined.

Come visit and discuss your project. We are happy to be back and we would be delighted to discuss your project, your site, and your home.

Stay on top of spring maintenance

NORTH SHORE—Spring can be a hard time for homeowners on the North Shore.

As the snow melts, the lakes thaw, and the waterfalls roar, all of that moisture has a tendency to find its way into unwanted places. On top of that, winter is often destructive, damaging roofs, walls and foundations in a way that makes them even more susceptible to encroaching spring moisture.

The key to spring maintenance is to be vigilant and to stay on top of small issues before they have a chance to become worse. It’s always best to reach out to local professionals for inspections and preventative maintenance rather than letting it get to the point where the problem has turned into an emergency.

To help prepare for the coming spring season, here are a few common maintenance issues to be on the lookout for.

BASEMENT FLOODING

Basements are a part of the home that is

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particularly prone to water damage, especially in the spring.

Even in older homes, there are ways to prepare and protect your basement from moisture. A functioning sump pump is essential for removing standing water from your basement in the event of a flood, but things like waterproof wallcoverings, vapor barriers, waterproof subfloors, and dehumidifiers can be just as important in keeping your basement livable.

If you have concerns about water damage in your basement, hiring a local contractor that specializes in basement waterproofing and foundation work is not a bad way to go. They will be able to accurately assess the underlying cause of the issue—whether it’s musty smells, damp walls, or spring flooding—and provide estimates for possible solutions.

DBS is a company based out of Duluth that specializes, among other things, in keeping basements “drier, brighter, and more com-

fortable.” Their website is easy to navigate, and on it you will find a list of solutions that they use to solve wet basement issues.

MOLD

Mold is a common problem in homes, but it can be a challenging problem to resolve on your own. It is also a problem that you do not want to ignore—not only is mold bad for your home, exposure to mold and mold spores can be hazardous to your health.

It is important when dealing with mold to start by addressing the source of the problem. Before getting rid of the mold, make sure that you know how moisture is getting into your home, i.e., what caused the mold in the first place. Was it a ventilation issue? Was it seeping in from the outside? Was it the result of a plumbing issue?

The solution could be as simple as running a dehumidifier, or making sure gutters and downspouts are clear so that water can properly drain away from your home’s foun-

dation. Regardless, if the underlying issue isn’t resolved when you remove the mold, it will likely reappear.

Removing mold can often be done by scrubbing with a simple detergent and water, or by using a specific mold cleaner with mold-killing properties. If the surface is too porous to scrub away the mold, you may need to consider replacing the contaminated material. Always use proper protective equipment like a mask and gloves when working closely with mold.

As always, there are contractors and professionals who specialize in mold prevention and remediation. Dryco Restoration Services is a business that offers mold remediation along the North Shore, and would be a solid resource if you have concerns about mold in your home.

ICE DAMS

According to the University of Minnesota’s digital resource page on “Dealing with and Preventing Ice Dams,” an ice dam is “a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof.”

Ice dams are problematic because water that is unable to properly drain off of a roof is likely to find its way inside the home, causing all sorts of damage to areas of the home that are meant to stay dry.

They are most often caused by insulation issues—i.e., heat escaping and melting snow on one part of the roof that flows to a cooler part of the roof where it then re-freezes into an ice dam—so long-term solutions involve making sure that the ceiling is sealed and that there is enough insulation between the roof and warm interior.

An immediate, simple solution, however, would be to keep your roof clear of snow. If there is no snow on the roof to melt and re-freeze, you might be able to prevent the dam from forming in the first place. However, always use caution when removing snow from a roof, both for your own safety and to prevent unnecessary damage to the roof.

BE DILIGENT!

Lastly, as the snow melts and exposes portions of your home that have been covered all winter long, it is a good idea to walk around and inspect each part of your home looking for signs of damage. It is much easier to repaint siding or reseal a deck than it is to replace rotting wood.

Use your senses to make sure everything looks as it should, and if something seems out of place or not as it should be, don’t hesitate to ask a professional.—Eric Weicht

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Duluth Parks and Recreation: Breaking barriers

DULUTH—Open the Duluth Parks and Recreation program catalog online, and get ready for a shock: Ice Fishing 101? Ninja Skills? Painting in the Parks? The city’s range of program offerings is extensive, and they’re all yours to explore.

There are over 150 public programs offered by Duluth Parks and Recreation over the course of the year, many of them free. The city’s programming had 22,500 participants in 2022, and events varied from Women Hike Duluth to tabletop role playing programs for kids and adults.

Alicia Watts, assistant manager of Duluth Parks and Recreation, says all of these diverse programs have one thing in common: “Our goal is to break down barriers and give people access to different programs.” To that end, the Parks and Recreation department offers a fee assistance policy. The fee assistance is up to $300 per participant for qualifying programs, such as city summer camps outdoors. For Watts, “The policy is really generous. It’s meant for people to be able to try new things and enjoy our programs.”

Watts credits Duluth Mayor Emily Larson with having the vision to make parks programming low cost and low barrier. According to Watts, “Back in 2018, the mayor wanted to increase programming within the community.” Watts was hired in 2018, and was able to add two additional recreation specialists in 2019 to increase programming. Today, Watts has a staff of five full-time rec specialists.

“Everyone recognizes that parks are good for quality of life,” says Watts. To get people more involved in their public green spaces, the city uses a cost recovery model for its programming.

“It’s a city council approved cost recovery model, but the ‘community benefit pro-

grams’ are no cost recovery. The idea is we have these programs for people to be able to learn and build relationships with others,” says Watts.

Learning is one of the key tenets of all Duluth Parks and Recreation programming. Watts explains it by saying, “We’re here to

help people break down that barrier, learn that new skill, and ask ‘where can I go and do this?’ Then we introduce people to those places.”

One example is the Parks and Rec’s partnership with the Duluth-Superior Sailing Association to teach beginning sailing. The Parks and Rec department offers the intro to sailing classes, but the Sailing Association provides the instructors. The classes have been well attended.

“Yes, you can go to the Sailing Association and just go sailing with them, but sometimes people are a little uneasy about just showing up from scratch,” explains Watts. “We had their instructors, whom we contracted, and we had them do the program. People got that intro of what the Duluth Sailing Association does, and then they can go back and be more involved.”

Duluth’s huge parks system is intimidating. According to the city’s Parks Master Plan, there are 169 parks in Duluth. There are a number of sports groups in the city, such as DXC (Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club), or COGGS (Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores), with their own programming, but these groups can be intimidating to access for newcomers, thus enter the Parks and Rec department.

“We work with the city’s established groups who are very successful. We’re here to help people get started. If you’re new to the community and don’t know anyone, then joining a club like that may feel intimidating,”

Learning is one of the key tenets of all Duluth Parks and Recreation programming. | CHRIS PASCONE

says Watts. “We’re here for the people who feel ‘I’m not there yet.’”

One of the department’s signature events is the Cold Front celebration of winter cold and outdoor fun. That’s right—the Parks and Rec department takes on Duluth’s wicked winter weather, and wins. The large-scale event, which takes place in Bayfront Park every February, offers a variety of introductory outdoor snow and ice activities for city residents and visitors.

Duluth Parks and Recreation and Parks Maintenance staff put in a tremendous amount of prep work developing a luge run, backyard curling, a groomed cross-country ski track, a fat biking course, and quinzhee building at Bayfront. The event has a DJ, outdoor fires, tractor rides, a skating rink, a snowshoe kickball field, and dog sledding. Everything is free to all. This is the Duluth approach to parks programming—make it accessible and give people the chance to try new things.

Duluth resident Lizzy Luoma came to Cold Front last month with her husband and two sons. While her older son did incredible tricks at the snowboard demo sponsored by Damage Boardshop, Luoma got to check out the fat bike demos offered by Continental Ski and Bike.

“It was beautifully put together,” says Luoma. “They had a huge variety

of activities for everybody. They had kick sleds and I got to take a fat bike ride. They really included the community, and it was a great place to meet up with friends.”

The partnerships between Duluth Parks and Recreation and city businesses offering free gear demos help make Cold Front a huge winter success. The Parks and Rec’s above-mentioned cooperation with community sports organizations promotes growth in skills and awareness. But the city’s cooperation with local institutions doesn’t end there. The Parks also cooperate with local colleges, like the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Watts sees these partnerships as yet another way to get people going in new activities.

“UMD and the city partner for an outdoor education day. Students who are in the outdoor ed program come and teach at one of our parks, and the city helps transport youth-serving agency kids to the park to rotate through and do different outdoor ed topics,” says Watts. “We find ways that we can work together and share equipment. We want to be able to utilize expertise and resources from others in ways that we can serve everyone.”

This all-inclusive approach is something Watts takes pride in, and other parks associations around the state

of Minnesota—and the country—are noticing.

Duluth Parks and Rec started offering “Sled Sheds” in five different locations across the city a couple years ago—people can just show up and borrow a sled for some quick fun runs while they’re taking a walk in the park. No questions asked, no sign ups, no forms. Just return the sled on the honors system. The sheds have been so successful, Watts has been inundated by copy-cats.

“I’ve had so many calls from other agencies in the Metro, or even out of state, asking us ‘How did you do that? Tell me all about that. We want to do that in our community,’” says Watts. There are plenty of programming options to choose from in Duluth city parks, never mind the 48km of groomed city cross-country ski trails, the lift-served alpine skiing at Chester Park, the city golf course, or the mountain bike and hiking trails that can last a person a lifetime.

Looking ahead, May 13 is Parks Day in Duluth, so go take advantage of life-changing programming. To see a full list of offerings, go online (duluthmn.gov/parks) and check the Programs and Events page, where a constantly updated catalog is available.—Chris

Pascone

WPI journalism fellowship program comes to Grand Marais

GRAND MARAIS—The World Press Institute (WPI) will hold its 58th annual journalism fellowship program this month and has invited 10 journalists from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Turkey to participate in the program. The program will begin on March 3 and conclude on May 6, spending March 12-15 in Grand Marais.

The fellows will spend nine weeks examining the free press and media innovations and learning about America’s social and cultural diversity and its political system. They will spend the first three weeks in Minnesota, based at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, visit Grand Marais March 12-15, and then visit farming communities in the southern part of the state. The fellows will then travel around the U.S. for five weeks, meeting with journalists, policy experts, and political, business and community leaders. They will visit New York City, Washington D.C., Miami, Austin (Texas), Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles before returning to Minnesota for the final week of the program.

When in Grand Marais, participants will stay with host families. Their itinerary, organized with the help of Marja Erickson, president of the Cook County Historical Society (CCHS), includes visiting with various businesses and individuals, including the CCHS, North House Folk School, Steve Rob -

ertsen with the U.S. Forest Service, Kent Anderson of Hedstrom Lumber Mill, Anna Deschampe with the Grand Portage National Monument, Golden Eagle Lodge and more. The public is invited to a Q&A forum with WPI participants at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts on Monday, March 13 from 7-8:30 p.m.

The themes that the fellows of the program will investigate include issues of U.S. democracy (elections/institutions/political divide), climate change (including energy and food security), cutting edge journalistic technology, and new business models for journalism in the digital age.

For more information on WPI, visit: worldpressinstitute.org.

The public is invited to a Q&A forum with WPI participants at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais on Monday, March 13. | SUBMITTED

inter is a great time for birding in the Northern Wilds. Snowy owls dip down from Canada in search of food. Birders “flock” to places such as the Sax-Zim Bog to observe boreal species, such as boreal chickadees at the southern extent of their range. And the forests are alive with the hammering of common and not-so-common woodpecker varieties. However, one winter treat is watching hardy waterfowl brave sub-zero temperatures on Lake Superior.

Depending on ice conditions, the inland sea sometimes harbors waterfowl all winter long. Birders are likely to see common species such as mallards, buffleheads, common goldeneyes, hooded mergansers and common mergansers. Less common are black ducks, Barrow’s goldeneyes, eiders, and red-breasted mergansers. If you’re especially lucky, you may

observe a sea duck species without traveling to the sea. A number of sea ducks overwinter on the Great Lakes. Spotting gorgeous long-tailed ducks is a real possibility if you put in some time. You may also see some of the scoter varieties and on rare occasions, one of the most beautiful of North America’s waterfowl species: the harlequin duck.

“It’s certainly a good spot for some of the oddball species; things like scoters, harlequin ducks and longtails,” said Steve Cordts, Minnesota DNR waterfowl staff specialist.

Cordts said these species are well adapted for frigid winter conditions.

“They’re pretty well insulated,” he said. “They’re pretty well adapted. If there’s water for them, they seem to do just fine.”

Most of the waterfowl species you see on Lake Superior in winter, with the possible exception of mallards and common goldeneyes, probably traveled great distances to reach the lake in late fall or early winter.

“We do have a pretty good number of goldeneyes that nest in Minnesota,” Cordts said. “Some are probably local birds. Most of the others nest further north in Canada.”

Part of the appeal for sea duck species, besides the open water, is the food found in Lake Superior.

“Most of the sea ducks tend to eat things like clams and snails,” Cordts said. He added that invasive zebra mussels probably serve as a food source for these birds. Other species, particularly mergansers, feed primarily on small fish.

Cordts said sea ducks may move around throughout the day.

“They spend part of the day out in deeper water roosting,” he said. “In mornings and evenings, they’ll fly toward shallower water to feed.”

Of course, Lake Superior drops off quickly, so birds generally don’t have to travel far to reach deep water. Long-tailed ducks are the deepest divers among all ducks; they have been known to dive down 200 feet while feeding. They are probably the most common sea duck species on Lake Superior. You’ll know an adult male when you see it in winter: as the name implies, drakes sport a pair of long sprigs. These fully-primed winter males also have white-and-black coloration, amber eyes and a pink ring on their bill. When calling, longtails make a cry that sounds like laughter.

Canal Park in Duluth often harbors mallards and black ducks. These closely related species do interbreed. Canal Park is also a good place to see goldeneyes. A few years ago, a tufted duck—a Eurasian species that closely resembles our local ring-necked duck—was sighted in the area.

Park Point and the Superior Entry are good places to see goldeneyes. They’re almost always common goldeneyes, but if you’re lucky, you may see a Barrow’s goldeneye mixed in. Males of this western spe-

If you’re lucky, you might spot a red-breasted merganser this winter.

Canal Park in Duluth often harbors mallards and black ducks. These closely related species do interbreed.

cies have a darker upper body and a white crescent on their face, whereas common goldeneyes have white circles on their faces.

Prior to freeze-up, the sheltered waters of Allouez Bay on the Superior side harbored a wide variety of diving and dabbling ducks. Many years ago, a smew—a Eurasian merganser species—was spotted in Allouez Bay.

Mallards frequent the waters in front of the Lester River any time in winter when there’s no ice. You can sometimes spot long-tailed ducks there or from the adjacent Brighton Beach as well.

Moving up the shore, Stony Point and the beach next to the Knife River Marina are good places to observe sea ducks. White-winged scoters, harlequin ducks and longtails have all been observed around Knife Island.

Agate Bay in Two Harbors often has waterfowl if it’s not frozen. Walking out on the breakwall could put you within spotting distance of longtails and a pair of hen harlequin ducks spent the winter there

just a few years back. The harbor also frequently holds mallards, goldeneyes and buffleheads as well. Canada geese are abundant all summer long and during spring and fall migration, an occasional snow goose mixes in with the resident birds.

Birds are where you find them, making ebird.org a great resource for birders. You can also post your observations to this site and learn about other birds observed in your area. Another great resource for North Shore birders is the Duluth Audubon Duluth/

Superior birding map, which lists a number of places to spot birds and the species you may encounter in each location. Check it out at: duluthaudubon.org.

Observing birds is always a treat and we have the unique opportunity to watch some birds usually associated with coastal environments right in our own back yard. Make this the year you add some sea duck species to your birding life list.

Park Point and the Superior Entry are good places to see common goldeneyes.

A number of sea ducks overwinter on the Great Lakes, including long-tailed ducks. When calling, longtails make a cry that sounds like laughter.

Common mergansers are among the more common species that birders are likely to see.

From Duluth to the Canadian Border A Look at Non-typical Housing Situations

By Kalli Hawkins

Whether by personal choice or driven by socioeconomic factors, the North Shore of Minnesota is home to a wide variety of unconventional housing situations.

For some individuals who reside along the North Shore, living a simplified tiny home lifestyle or renting a converted basement of a community member’s home is a dream come true. However, for many others, it is the only option that exists. In recent years, the housing market in northeastern Minnesota, particularly Cook County, has experienced monumental growth. While housing in Cook County has always been a struggle, the flexibility in remote work following the pandemic, paired with a booming short-term rental industry, has transformed the long-term rental character of the county, and many young individuals have found creative ways to adapt.

“Cook County has always struggled with rentals my entire life. So, there’s nothing that’s really changed there,” Virginia Palmer, the owner of Coldwell Banker, a family real estate business in Grand Marais, said. “People have always been adapting.”

Adjusting to changes in the long-term rental market comes in many forms in the

remote northland. From Duluth to the Canadian border, young individuals have settled into living in apartments above garages, converted basements, tiny homes, yurts, co-living with strangers from international countries, and living in a canvas tent with only a bed and wood stove.

The freedom to travel and save money is why Joey Pederson, a Cook County resident, chose to live the tiny home lifestyle. Five years ago, he built a 20-by-8-foot tiny home on a trailer using recycled materials from construction sites. He then purchased 10 acres of land near Hovland and equipped the home with a wood-burning stove, a propane stove, and off-grid capabilities.

Pederson shared that there have been numerous benefits to living the simplified tiny home lifestyle throughout the past five years. One of his biggest joys with a smaller footprint is “cleaning only takes five minutes.” With less time spent cleaning, Pederson and his partner, Twyla, who recently moved in, have more time to enjoy the outdoors. “My favorite thing is that it makes you naturally be outside more,” he said.

In addition to minimal interior house chores, outdoor chores such as chopping

The freedom to travel and save money is why Cook County resident Joey Pederson decided to live the tiny home lifestyle. Five years ago, he built a 20-by-8-foot tiny home on a trailer using recycled materials from construction sites. |

firewood require less work. It can often feel like a full-time job for homeowners who cut and split their firewood. Fortunately, Pederson said, that’s not the case when you live in a tiny home. He cheerfully explained one birch tree was all he needed to heat his 400-square-foot home throughout the winter.

Although Pederson said he dreams of building a house in the foreseeable future, for right now, the simplified tiny home lifestyle suits him.

From the real estate perspective, Palmer says she has noticed a trend in individuals finding more alternative housing styles in Cook County, including an uptick in tiny homes and yurts. As a result, the trend indicates that more renters are willing to sacrifice conveniences such as running water and sewer to secure a place to live. “Without the YMCA, I don’t think some of those options would be as viable,” Palmer added.

For Brittany Kubes, a membership at the Duluth YMCA was incredibly beneficial while she lived in a small canvas tent north of Duluth. She would frequent the YMCA to bathe and use the amenities similar to many remote renters in Cook County.

While housing options are more abundant in the Duluth area, Kubes said she chose to live in a canvas tent on a friend’s property for 10 months to save money to pay off her law school student loans.

Kubes says living in a small canvas tent that fits a twin bed and wood stove may not be for everybody. “It really takes a lot of resilience. Everything is just a little bit harder.” However, she adds that while her unique living situation was challenging at times, she has fond memories of living in the canvas tent. “Some of it can be beautiful too because it feels like there’s more of a connection to your surroundings and dayto-day life.”

Kubes left her cozy tent living situation six years ago to accept a job farther up the North Shore in Grand Marais. Her decision to live in a non-typical housing situation was no longer a choice but became a necessity. After labored efforts to find housing, she finally landed a small rental near Hovland without running water. Throughout the past six years, she has experienced various living situations within the community, including renting a house in the off-season months, before it transitioned to a short-term rental.

SUBMITTED

James Hall says his decision to live in an apartment above a garage stemmed from his passion for fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation. | JAMES HALL

Non-typical living situations are a delicate balance between comfortability and functional living. For Alex Blust of Cook County, her openness and comfortability to live in a converted basement of a three-bedroom home led to a “lovely friendship.”

Blust, an intern at the North House Folk School in 2021, decided she wanted to stay in Grand Marais after her internship and started searching for housing. One of the joys of living in a small town is that word spreads fast. Blust said she attended a singing group at the First Congregational Church and shared with a few individuals she was seeking long-term housing. The following week, Vicki Biggs-Anderson attended the singing group to offer her a place to live.

Biggs-Anderson was recovering from a broken leg and arm and seeking a renter to help with chores around the house. Blust agreed to the living arrangement and paid a reduced price on rent in exchange for assistance with tasks such as shoveling, running errands, or taking care of the chickens.

“It’s worked out really great,” Blust said. “I’m really happy there. I want to stay there as long as I can.”

Blust says she had never lived alone or in a conventional living situation, so living in a converted basement that required additional responsibilities felt comfortable.

“I think I was looking for housing that included some sense of community and shared responsibility,” she said. “Those kinds of unconventional living situations appealed to me. Even more so than a single-family home. So, I was definitely very open to it.”

In addition to the added responsibility, Blust enjoys spending time with Biggs-Anderson and catching up after a day at work. Although Blust and Biggs-Anderson have separate spaces and entries, they often open the spiral staircase between the two levels. Blust says she occasionally hears a ‘yoo-hoo’ from the upper level and sees a basket of eggs or pound cake lowered down the staircase. The kindness flows both ways, as Blust often brings prepared meals to Biggs-Anderson to share. The unique living arrangement

has allowed two individuals from different generations to form a meaningful relationship while supporting a fellow community member.

Another unconventional housing trend in Cook County is local businesses purchasing single-family homes to house multiple employees. That means that business owners, in addition to running a business and managing employees, also take on the role of a landlord. It can be challenging for not only the employer but for the employee.

“You really have to think about it before you agree. I got really lucky with an amazing owner, a wonderful house with all the amenities and a great location,” Victoria Lindquist, a seasonal worker in Grand Marais, said. Lindquist resides in St. Cloud, Minn.,

Another unconventional housing trend is local businesses purchasing single-family homes to house multiple employees. Grand Marais seasonal worker Victoria Lindquist rents a room with three roommates from Turkey.

but has been working during the busy summer season for a family-owned business in Grand Marais for the past two years.

In 2022, Lindquist rented a house with three roommates from Turkey who were part of the J-1 Visa or Exchange Visitor Visa program. “I was extremely nervous. I had never lived with strangers alone before, nor had I lived on my own,” she said. But, despite her initial nervousness, she explained it was an exciting adventure and pushed her to step outside her comfort zone.

While Lindquist shared there were a lot of challenges, particularly language and cultural barriers, there were some definite advantages.

“The benefit was meeting new people with crazy life stories and backgrounds.

It was awesome trying to learn new languages and foods, showing them around the North Shore, up to Canada and down to Duluth, and learning about their lives in their countries.”

Farther down the shore, between Two Harbors and Duluth, James Hall, a charter captain on Lake Superior, shared his decision to live in an apartment above a garage stemmed from his passion for fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation. Hall says his current living situation works great “because there’s a lot of garage space downstairs. And I have a lot of toys.”

Hall owns five acres of land, encompassing a garage with an apartment above. He said the living situation is “what I have envisioned as kind of my dream home.” The small footprint in the apartment allows Hall to keep things minimal and simple, “it’s a smaller space, but it’s exactly the size that I require for my needs.”

With easy access to nearby inland lakes, hunting grounds, and the big lake, Hall’s property northeast of Duluth is the perfect balance of an active yet simplified lifestyle.

Although the motivation and reasoning for residing in a non-typical housing situation will vary per individual, the lack of housing inventory experienced nationwide and certainly in small communities along the North Shore has fostered a trend of young individuals living in unique situations. Thankfully, as many of us know, the North Shore community is full of creative, generous and supportive individuals looking to lend a hand or a converted basement.

| SUBMITTED

While housing options are more abundant in Duluth, Brittany Kubes said she chose to live in a canvas tent on a friend’s property for 10 months to save money to pay off her law school student loans. | BRITTANY KUBES

By Breana

Johnson

The Group of Stephen

Three years ago, 12 artists and their mentor, renowned artist Stephen Krasemann, were set to begin their 13th year of annual painting together at the Confederation College in Thunder Bay. Then, Covid struck and everything was shut down—until now. The 13 artists will display their oil paintings at the Thunder

Art Gallery from March 31 to April 23.

Bay

“Birches in Snow,” is an oil painting by Anne Winkworth.

| ANNE WINKWORTH

This oil painting by Nicole Sutherland is titled “Birches.”

| NICOLE SUTHERLAND

Lauren McKinnon painted this piece, titled “Bay and Algoma.”

| LAUREN MCKINNON

This caribou oil painting by Stephen Krasemann is titled “Autumn Voyagers.” | STEPHEN KRASEMANN

“October Blues,” oil painting by Brenda Hurley. There will be an opening reception with the artists present on Friday, March 31 from 7-9 p.m.

| BRENDA HURLEY

This painting, titled “Last Light,” was created by Theresa Russell. | THERESA RUSSELL

“Skimming the North Atlantic,” is an oil on canvas piece by David Legge.

Rachel Rae Klesser

Creating Since Age 5

CREATIVE SPACE: By Eric Weicht

There are many reasons to love life on the North Shore, but for Cook County artist Rachel Rae Klesser, the magic of life by the Big Lake lies in its persistent beauty; in the simple joy that it brings day-to-day.

“What I appreciate most about life on the North Shore,” says Klesser, “is the ride down the hill from my place [to Grand Marais], seeing the lake and the sunrise. It’s always breathtaking and inspiring.”

Klesser moved to Grand Marais from Ely with her husband Matt in the summer of 2019 for “family, jobs, and art.” She has since become an active member of Cook County’s artist community, working as the general manager at Joy & Company in Grand Marais, helping organize the biannual Hovland Art Fair, and continuing to pursue her career as an artist.

Klesser describes herself as the “chief operations officer” at Joy & Co., which— according to Klesser—is the largest independent art supply company between Winnipeg, ON and the Twin Cities. COO is an apt title given her many roles with the business.

According to the Joy & Co. “meet our team” page on their website, Klesser is “the face” and “general manager of all we survey,” as well the “interwebs mechanic, digital overlord and chief soap maker, graphic designer, floor mechanic, and [does] community outreach.”

In addition to her roles with Joy & Co. and the Hovland Art fair, Klesser is active in crafting her own works of art, creating some 16 paintings a year that she sells through 47 Degrees in Knife River, Joy & Co., and, of course, at the Hovland Art Fair.

“I like to think of my work as impressionistic,” says Klesser. “I have a loose, markbased style and work in large formats of over 20-by-20 inches.”

“Most of my subject matter is that of the animals of the Northwoods,” continues Klesser, “and typically my works feature ravens. That being said, I also look up into the night sky for inspiration, and am currently working on an Arrowhead Regional Arts Grant depicting myths and legends of the Aurora Borealis.”

Klesser’s journey as an artist began at the age of 5, when she started drawing as a way to entertain herself.

“Practice is the most important element of becoming good at anything,” says Klesser, “art is no different.”

“I have degrees in jewelry design, business, and fine art,” continues Klesser, “but I continue to learn a lot from peers, both online and in person through clubs and various art groups.”

Klesser describes her art as “2D mixed-media painting” and she uses watercolors, oil paints, and pencil drawings to bring her canvases to life.

“My favorite media is acrylic,” says Klesser, “because of all of the different mediums you can use for textures.”

“That being said, most of my images are pulled right out of the canvas,” continues Klesser, “as I study its marks and try to see shapes and figures appear. I usually let the canvas lead the way until I get a firm idea of what I see.”

Currently, Klesser is working on putting together Joy & Co.’s annual Earth Day show, of which she is the featured artist this year.

“At this year’s show,” says Klesser, “I will be showing my paintings of the northern lights and legends.”

“This show will run for a week starting April 22,” continues Klesser, “and my plan is to have people of—specifically but not limited to—Northern European descent come share their myths and stories, especially as it pertains to the night, aurora or constellations.”

Moving forward, Klesser also has plans to teach herself “hand-lettering and illuminated text,” something she hopes to pursue with the help of a grant similar to the one that energized her work on Northern Lights Legends.

“Grants are important,” says Klesser, “because they allow me to take time off from my full-time job and concentrate on art, something made possible thanks to the support of the underwriters, my spouse, and my employer at Joy & Co., Jill Terrill.”

Klesser’s artwork can be found at Joy & Company, 47 Degrees in Knife River, and in July and November at the Hovland Arts Fair. Examples of her work can also be found online on the Joy & Co. website and Facebook page, as well as her own Facebook: @rachelraesart.

In addition to her roles with Joy and Co. and the Hovland Art Fair, Rachel Rae Klesser is active in crafting her own works of art, creating some 16 paintings a year that she sells through Joy and Co., 47 Degrees, and the Hovland Arts Fair. | SUBMITTED

Klesser’s journey as an artist began at the age of 5, when she started drawing as a way to entertain herself. | SUBMITTED

Quilting

Behind the Craft:

Quilts are one of those “hiding in plain sight” kind of things. We are all familiar with them, many of us grow up with them in our homes, but do we really see them? In the last 10 years or so, a movement has emerged in the fields of art and history to finally see quilts: to study them, preserve them, learn about their makers, and acknowledge the creativity and resourcefulness used by countless (mostly) women throughout history.

One of the main sources of information and inspiration through my residency at North House Folk School in Grand Marais has been a book called Old Swedish Quilts by Åsa Wettre. It is the result of her visits to various museums and homes in Sweden, photographing quilts and collecting stories, and was an early response to this issue of quilts going unnoticed and unrecorded because they were mostly made by women, at home, to be useful.

One thing I have noticed through many hours spent browsing this book is the use of light and dark fabrics in many of the quilts. A lot of the quilts, made by various people, are composed of a central patchwork framed by a wide dark border. These centers feature lighter fabrics in the very center and darker fabrics framing them, creating overall shapes like crosses or diamonds.

When I start a new project or series of work, I set up parameters for myself—rules that are made to be used, pushed against, and modified as I go. The parameters for the quilts I am currently working on

By Laura Brown

When she starts a new project or series of work, Brown sets up parameters. The parameters for the quilts she’s currently working on are inspired by light/dark Swedish quilts from the book Old Swedish Quilts by Åsa Wettre.

| LAURA BROWN

With

| LAURA

are inspired by these light/dark Swedish quilts—each one has a strong light and dark component, with the light fabrics being more or less at the center of the quilt. Each quilt contains some kind of log cabin square or variation of it, as well as a wide dark border around the lighter center. I am also only using fabrics I already own—no buying new fabrics.

Within these parameters, I can play with other aspects of making; some quilts come

together very slowly over time and some I challenge myself to make more quickly, piecing a top in one day. These contrasts in speed, color, size and technique keep me interested as I move between each project.

As I write this in January, several quilts are in various stages of progress in my studio. By the time you read this, most of them will be finished—if all goes as planned. I will likely have more in progress by that time, because starting to make a new quilt

is a way of keeping an idea in front of me. Making things is like having a conversation between me and the quilt I am working on, and between the quilts themselves. With all the color, prints and ideas, the studio is like a little party.

For her latest quilting project, Laura Brown is only using fabrics she already owns. | LAURA BROWN

all the color, prints and ideas, Brown says her studio is like a little party.

BROWN

Laura Brown is a fiber artist in the Artisan Development program at North House Folk School, where traditional craft is taught on the shore of Lake Superior.

Eating Disorders: When Food Becomes Foe

By Hartley Newell-Acero

Eating disorders are dangerous, but treatable, mental and physical illnesses. They change the ways that a person thinks and behaves in relation to food, eating, and how they feel about their body.

Anorexia Nervosa is most often recognized by its dramatic weight loss and intense fear of weight gain or being fat. People may severely limit the foods they eat, believe they are much bigger than they really are, and worry a great deal about that belief. They may not understand or accept the seriousness of their illness.

Bulimia Nervosa is diagnosed when someone frequently binges (eating large amounts of food in a short period of time) and then purges (making themselves vomit, taking laxatives or diuretics). They often will try to “cancel out” the food they binge by fasting or exercising excessively. While someone is binging, they feel a loss of control over their eating.

Binge Eating Disorder is when someone frequently binges, but doesn’t follow that with purging. They feel a loss of control, guilt and distress. This is the most common eating disorder in the United States.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) means that someone avoids foods because they’re not interested in eating or interested in food (because they dislike the way it looks, smells or feels), or because they’re worried that eating will be somehow unpleasant. This disorder is not fueled by fear of gaining weight or distress about body shape or size. Children with ARFID don’t consume enough calories to grow and develop properly, and adults can’t maintain basic bodily functions.

Orthorexia is not clinically recognized as an eating disorder, but awareness about its dangers is growing. A person with orthorexia is fixated on consuming only food that they believe to be “healthy,” “clean,” or “pure.” Their concern is so extreme that they unnecessarily eliminate foods or food groups, become very upset if “safe” foods aren’t available, or spend hours a day worrying about what foods they or others might be serving or eating.

Myths and Misconceptions

Because eating disorders are so complex, it’s easy for myths and misconceptions to form around them. Let’s clear up a few:

MYTH: All eating disorders lead to being very underweight.

FACT: Some eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, are characterized by severe weight loss, but some are not. You can’t tell if someone has an eating disorder by what they weigh or the size of their body.

MYTH: People with eating disorders just need to eat larger amounts of food or quit being picky and eat more kinds of food.

FACT: Getting to a healthy weight is part of the recovery process, but reaching that goal doesn’t mean that someone has fully recovered. The medical, social and psychological impacts of recovery go far beyond the numbers on the scale. Additionally, eating disorders aren’t just about being a “picky eater.” The interplay between food, eating, and self is complex and can make it difficult to increase the variety of foods that are eaten.

MYTH: Young, straight, white women are the only ones affected by eating disorders.

FACT: Eating disorders affect all races and ethnicities, and people from every demographic are impacted at similar rates. Untrue stereotypes about who is or isn’t impacted lead to fewer people receiving the care they need. People of color, men and boys, people at mid-life and beyond, and LGBTQ+ identified people are all affected by eating disorders.

MYTH: Eating disorders aren’t that serious.

FACT: They are the most fatal of all psychiatric illnesses. It’s estimated that one in 10 people with an eating disorder will die prematurely, either from medical complications brought about by the disorder itself or by suicide.

Eating disorders are not just about food, eating, weight or body image. They are the result of a complex interaction between biological, social and psychological factors. The threats they can pose are equally com-

plicated. Without treatment, these disorders can cause permanent organ damage, impair brain functioning, and cause metabolic and digestive problems. They can lead to emotional struggles, social isolation, substance abuse, and an increased risk of suicide. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one, please reach out. The earlier that eating disorders are detected and treated, the better chance a person has of making a full recovery. For more information, visit: nationaleatingdisorders.org.

This is a condensed version of Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s “Topic of the Month” newsletter. To read the full version (with information about eating disorders warning signs), visit our website: sawtoothmountainclinic.org. There you can also listen to the audio adaptation, access all the informational resources, and explore past issues.

NORTHWESTERN FUR TRAPPERS CONVENTION

March 3-4 The annual Northwestern Fur Trappers Convention is back and will take place at the CLE Heritage building in Thunder Bay. There will be vendors, fur handling, demonstrations, competitions, exhibits, raffles, and live and silent auctions. The convention will take place from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Friday and from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. Also on Friday is the trapper membership meeting and rendezvous, held from 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m. at the CLE Coliseum. You can also take part in a smorgasbord, dance and silent auction on Saturday, held from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Slovak Legion. Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for kids ages 4 to 9; kids under 4 are free. nwfta.ca

SLEEPING GIANT LOPPET

March 4, Saturday Held in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Thunder Bay, the 44th Annual Sleeping Giant Loppet is a mass participation ski festival that offers fun for the whole family and challenges competitive athletes. It features multiple events with distances for skiers of all levels and abilities. The 8km mini-loppet is perfect for fami-

lies, children and rookies. If you’re ready to increase your distance or work on your speed, then try the rolling 20km Marie Louise Lake loop. The popular 35km tour is a relaxed event that takes in the scenic vistas and challenging terrain of the storied Burma Trail. For the ultimate challenge, register for the Loppet’s flagship event, the 50km classic, free or skiathlon distance. Skiing not your thing? You can always register for the Sleeping Giant Fat Bike Loppet on Sunday, March 5. Course lengths are 8km, 20km and 50km. sleepinggiantloppet.ca

NIPIGON ICE FEST

March 4, Saturday Ontario’s longest running premiere ice climbing festival, held in Nipigon, will feature ice climbing clinics for beginners and intermediates, as well as a mixed climbing clinic. There will also be presentations by Dave Rone and Stas Beskin from 7-9 p.m., a gear swap and raffle, held March 4-12, and live music at 7 p.m. at the Nipigon Legion Club Room on Friday, March 3. All proceeds from the Nipigon Ice Fest go to next year’s Ice Fest. Event registration required. outdoorskillsandthrills.com

EATS FUNDRAISER

March 9, Thursday The Cook County School District #166 Education Foundation (CCSDEF) presents Eats: Enriching Academics Through Sustenance. Held from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Cook County Middle/ High School in Grand Marais, there will be a wide variety of tasty food to sample from local restaurants and food vendors. There will also be live music and a silent auction with items donated by local businesses and individuals. Tickets are $30 and only 150 tickets will be sold. Tickets are available at Subway, the PK-12 office at school, or from any CCSDEF board member. Contact a board member for more info.

DOG DAYS OF WINTER

March 12, Sunday Head to Trail Center Lodge on the Gunflint Trail for the annual Dog Days of Winter, featuring sled dog derbies, freestyle skijoring races, and a bonfire with s’mores, hot dogs, and hot chocolate. Sled dog derbies include an eight-dog, 14-mile race; six-dog, 3.8-mile race, and a four-dog, 2-mile race. Registration for the sled dog derbies will begin at 8 a.m. and

races start at 11 a.m. Registration for the skijoring races begins at 10 a.m. and is open to all experience levels with a two-dog max per skier. Skijoring races start at 2 p.m. on Poplar Lake and kick sleds are welcome. Spectators are welcome to join the fun, but remember to leave your own pets at home. dogdaysofwinter.net

CABIN FEVER RELIEVER

March 12, Sunday Two Harbors Community Radio will host its 8th Annual Cabin Fever Reliever music and entertainment extravaganza at the Two Harbors High School Auditorium. Doors open at 3 p.m. and Cedar Coffee Company will be selling gourmet coffee and treats before the show and at intermission. In addition to sampling free treats, guests can check out radio-themed merchandise and learn about KTWH. There is also an opportunity for kids of all ages to record a legal station ID for use on KTWH broadcasts. The Two Harbors Ukulele Group will hold a pre-show performance at 3:30 p.m. and the show will start at 4 p.m. This year’s show will be emceed by

The Sleeping Giant Loppet offers distances for skiers of all levels and abilities. | SUBMITTED

This year’s Cabin Fever Reliever host is Steve Solkela. | SUBMITTED

The Nipigon Ice Fest will take place Saturday, March 4. | SUBMITTED

Dog Days of Winter on the Gunflint Trail is Sunday, March 12 this year. | SUBMITTED

Steve Solkela, the one-man band dubbed the Prince of Palo, along with flutist and KTWH Beat Farm host Lesli Black. Other performers include Michael Anderson, Skarlett Woods, Jeremy Lepak, Babie Eyes, New Salty Dog, Oshkii Giizhik Singers, Edward “Eddie” Ojard and more. Tickets can be purchased in advance from participating businesses, or at the door. Kids under the age of 5 are free. ktwh.org

The Broadway Comedy Smash Hit

HAND to GOD

by Robert Askins

March 9th - 25th

#@&%ingIt’sagreatshow!

for ckets: magnustheatre.com or 807.345.5552

*this play is rated R for Rude, Raunchy and Riotously Fu y!

S. URHO’S DAY FINLAND CELEBRATION

WOOD WEEK

March 13-20 Chips, shavings and sawdust will be in abundance during this annual favorite at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais. Choose from 10 courses in a variety of areas: figure carving, turning, spoon carving, and more. This year’s Wood Week will feature two guest instructors—Kenneth Kortemier and Barn “the Spoon” Carder—as well as a host of talented North House regulars. Kortemier will offer a multi-day course on tramp art, a uniquely American folk art that catches the eye and sparks the imagination. He’ll also give a presentation on the art form. Carder is a legend in the world of green wood carving and he’ll teach two courses and give a public lecture, titled “How craft can change the world,” during the Carvers’ Conference. Held on Friday, March 17, the Carvers’ Conference is a day full of demonstrations, workshops, skill shares and community gatherings. Registration for courses is required. northhouse.org

March 17-19

Join the town of Finland for a weekend filled with family-friendly fun. This year marks the 48th Annual St. Urho’s Celebration and the theme is “St. Urho— ’23 and Me.” Festivities will include the Miss Helmi Talent and Beauty Contest on Friday, a parade at noon on Saturday, and a raffle drawing on Sunday. Raffle tickets can be purchased from various area businesses. There will also be live music, facepainting, food, snow sculptures, kids activities and more. facebook.com/sturho

ARROWHEAD HOME & BUILDERS SHOW

March 30-April 2 The Arrowhead region’s largest annual spring event for building, remodeling, and home and garden products will take place at the Decc in Duluth. There will be exhibitors with the newest products and technology, informative seminars, a fully furnished model home you can tour, and more. HGTV’s Renegade Gardner will present seminars daily. Professional organizer Melissa Klug will help you declutter your home. “Grillologists” Mad Dog and Merrill will provide you with grilling tips and techniques. Bring the kids and stop by Builder Bob for free face painting and balloon animals. And be sure to visit the colorful parakeet landing. Tickets are $10 for ages 18 and older; $6 for ages 6-17; age 5 and under are free. arrowheadhomeshow.com

This year marks the 48th Annual St. Urho’s Celebration in Finland and the theme is ’23 and Me. | SUBMITTED

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Thru March 5

A Doll’s House: Part 2 Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Thru March 13

Susan Hensel: Bending Toward Beauty Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru March 18

Distant Context Joseph Nease Gallery, Duluth, josephneasegallery.com

Thru March 19

NWO, NOW Juried Exhibition Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Jason Baerg: A Path or Gap Among the Trees Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Waabigwanii-we-Aadizookewinan: Legends of the Flowers Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru March 26

Laura Manney: Midwest Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru March 31

Aanjitoon: Anishinaabe Art Through a Contemporary Lens Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth, aicho.org

Thru Spring 2023

2023 Emerging Photographers Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru May 21

Duluth Fiber Guild Exhibition Tweed Museum of Art, Duluth, tweed.d.umn.edu

March 1-5

Little Women 7:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. Sun.) Cambrian Players, Thunder Bay, cambrianplayers.com

March 3, Friday

Friday Night Reels: A Song Without a Name 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Singing with the Stars 6 p.m. NorShor Theatre, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

TBSO: Hilldale Classics: Bridging the Distance 7:30 p.m. Hilldale Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

March 3-4

Northwestern Fur Trappers Annual Convention 11 a.m. (9:30 a.m. Sat.) CLE Heritage Building, Thunder Bay, nwfta.ca

Silent Sky 7:30 p.m.

UMD: Dudley Experimental Theatre, Duluth, tickets.umn.edu

March 3-5

Wawa Ice Fishing Derby Wawa, Ontario, wawaicefishingderby.com

March 3-31

Artist of the Month: Terri Huro (Reception March 3 at 7 p.m.) Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, mndnr.gov/tettegouche

March 4, Saturday

Sleeping Giant Loppet Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, sleepinggiantloppet.ca

Nipigon Ice Fest Nipigon, outdoorskillsandthrills.com

Trout Derby 9 a.m. Gunflint Lake, Gunflint Trail, facebook.com/cookcountyridgeriders

Kid Powered Event Noon, The Hub Bazaar, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

March 5, Sunday

Sleeping Giant Fat Bike Loppet 10 a.m. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Thunder Bay, blacksheepmtb.com

Ice Racing Noon, Chippewa Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbayautosportclub.com

March 5-10

Winter Plein Air Retreat Camp Menogyn, Gunflint Trail, outdoorpaintersofminnesota.org

March 8-11

Little Women 7:30 p.m. Cambrian Players, Thunder Bay, cambrianplayers.com

March 9, Thursday

Call of the Wild Poetry Night 6 p.m. Northern Grounds, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

E.A.T.S. Fundraiser 6 p.m. Cook County Middle/High School, Grand Marais

Historical Duluth Architecture with Tony Dierckins 6:30 p.m. Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Duluth, lsrm.org

March 9-25

Hand of God Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

March 10, Friday

Friday Night Reels: Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. 6 p.m. Grand Marais Public Library, grandmaraislibrary.org

Rock & Roll Heaven Masquerade Ball

7 p.m. Greysolon by Black Woods, Duluth, facebook.com/choiceunlimited

TBSO at the Movies: Back to the Future

7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbso.ca

March 10-April 2

Winter Plein Air Exhibit (Reception March 10 at 5 p.m.) Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

March 11, Saturday

Virtual Writers’ Café 9:30 a.m. lakesuperiorwriters.org

Nice Girls of the North Marketplace 10 a.m. Spirit of the Lake Community School, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com

Poplar Haus Drag Races 11 a.m. Poplar Haus, Gunflint Trail, facebook.com/cookcountyridgeriders

Book Launch & Author Talk: Timothy Cochrane 6 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, drurylanebooks.com

Billy Johnson 7:30 p.m. GunFlint Tavern, Grand Marais, gunflinttavern.com

Derelicte 13: A Fashion Odyssey 8 p.m. Black Pirates Pub, Thunder Bay, blackpiratespub.com

March 11-12

Glitterati’s Spring Craft & Vendor Show 10 a.m. (9 a.m. Sun.) Clyde Malting Building, Duluth, facebook.com/glitteratievents

Minnesota Ballet: Sleeping Beauty 7 p.m. (3 p.m. Sun.) Decc: Symphony Hall, Duluth, facebook.com/minnesotaballet

March 12, Sunday

Daylight Saving Time Starts

Dog Days of Winter 11 a.m. Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail, dogdaysofwinter.net

KTWH Cabin Fever Reliever Radio Variety Show 4 p.m. Two Harbors High School, facebook.com/ktwh.org

March 13, Monday

Public Forum with WPI Journalists 7 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, worldpressinstitute.org

March 13-19

Silent Sky 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.)

UMD: Dudley Experimental Theatre, Duluth, tickets.umn.edu

March 13-20

Wood Week North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

March 15-Oct. 31

Now That Summer Has Ended: An Exhibit About Winter Activities During the Fur Trade Era Grand Portage National Monument, visitcookcounty.com/events

March 17, Friday

St. Patrick’s Day

March 17-19

St. Urho’s Day Celebration Finland, facebook.com/sturho

March 17-April 2

Into the Woods Norshor Theatre, Duluth, duluthplayhouse.org

March 18, Saturday

Cross Quetico Lakes Tour 7:30 a.m. Quetico Provincial Park, Atikokan, traveltheheart.org

Treasures of the Earth: Green Goods Craft & Art Fair 10 a.m. Peace Church, Duluth, wendyupnorth.com

Makers’ Market & Mixer 2 p.m. Ely Folk School, Ely, elyfolkschool.org

DSSO: Masterworks 5: Gershwin & Rachmaninoff 7 p.m. Decc: Symphony Hall, Duluth, dsso.com

Snowed In Comedy Tour 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Consortium Aurora Borealis: The Captivating Flute 8 p.m. St. Paul’s United Church, Thunder Bay, consortiumab.org

March 18-19

Motorhead Madness 10 a.m. Decc, Duluth, motorheadmadnessmn.com

March 19, Sunday

The Great Duluth Sweat Together 3 p.m. Endion Station Inn, Duluth, duluthsweat.com

March 22, Wednesday

Virtual Speaker: Shakil Choudhury Noon, Diversity Thunder Bay, diversitythunderbay.ca

The Price is Right Live 7:30 p.m. Decc: Symphony Hall, Duluth, priceisrightlive.com

March 23, Thursday

TBSO: Masterworks: Journeys 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbso.ca

March 23-April 1

Little Shop of Horrors 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sun.) Vermilion Fine Arts Theatre, Ely, northernlakesarts.org

March 24, Friday

Orkestar Bez Ime: Balkan and Romany Music 7 p.m. Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais, northshoremusicassociation.com

March 25, Saturday

Spring Market 11 a.m. Moose Hall, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

Family Fun Night 6 p.m. Lutsen Mountains, lutsen.com

Blues House Party 4 6:30 p.m. Port Arthur Polish Hall, Thunder Bay, thunderbaybluessociety.ca

March 25-26

Dances of Life with the Minnesota Ballet 7:30 p.m. (3 p.m. Sun.) First Lutheran Church, Duluth, arrowheadchorale.com

March 29, Wednesday

Matt Andersen & the Big Bottle of Joy 8 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

March 30-April 2

Arrowhead Home & Builders Show Decc, Duluth, arrowheadhomeshow.com

March 31, Friday

Culture Crawl 5 p.m. Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

March 31-April 1

TBSO: An Evening with Matt Sellick 7:30 p.m. Da Vinci Centre, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

March 31-April 2

Spring Home & Garden Show 10 a.m. Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/ springhomeandgardenshowtbay

April 1, Saturday

Thunder Bay Polar Bear Plunge Thunder Bay Marina, thunderbaypolarbearplunge.ca

WEEKLY EVENTS

Tuesdays

Locals Night with Live Music 4:30 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Zen Meditation Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. First Congregational Church UCC, Grand Marais, grandmaraisucc.org

Wednesdays

Thunder Bay Country Market 3:30 p.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca

Thursdays

Craft ‘n’ Chat 2 p.m. Two Harbors Public Library, twoharborspubliclibrary.com

Thursday Night Art 4 p.m. Joy & Company, Grand Marais, facebook.com/joyandcompanymn

Women’s Night Fat Biking and/or Nordic Skiing 6 p.m. Lester-Amity Chalet, Duluth, skihut.com/events

Date Night at the Winery 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Saturdays

Thunder Bay Country Market 8 a.m. CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca

Saturday Fiber Circle 10 a.m. Dappled Fern Fibers, Grand Marais, dappledfernfibers.com

Timmy Haus 9 p.m. Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, lutsen.com

Sundays

Winter FunDays (Thru March 19) 2 p.m. Marina Park, Thunder Bay, thunderbay.ca

621 1st

218.269.1105

Cook County School District #166 Education Foundation presents 2023

Thursday, March 9 • 6 - 7:30 p.m. Cook Count y M iddle/H igh School

Only

▶ Par take in a delec table array of tasty samples from Cook County restaurants and food vendors

125tickets willbesold! $30each

▶ Bid on quality silent auc tion items donated by our local businesses and individuals

▶ Enjoy performances featuring the North Shore Swing Band, the ISD 166 Choir, and Ben Obinger with fellow supporters of the foundation.

* The Cook County School District ISD 166 Education Foundation awards grants for projects and activities that enhance the curriculum. A total of $204,731 in grants has been provided by this foundation.

PK-12 o ce Subway

any

Myron Bursheim

Bobbie Collins

Silviya Duclos

Gail Gieske

Ruthanne Hedstrom Vos

Autumn Hood

Marcie McIntire

John Oberholtzer

Nancy Seaton

Mark Shackleton

Emma Spoon

Ann Sullivan

Destry Winant

board member: Checks can be written

2023”

The North Shore Dish Eat Your Way ‘Round Thunder Bay

By Virginia George

Like much of the North Shore, Thunder Bay was originally occupied by the Ojibwe, who have steadily populated the area for thousands of years. When Europeans first made contact in the 17th century, the Thunder Bay area was a bustling center of trade. The city is located at the mouth of the Kaministiquia River, which winds inland, giving travelers ready access to the land, resources and inhabitants that reside therein.

Thunder Bay as we know it was founded in 1970 by amalgamating the cities of Port Arthur and Fort William, along with the neighboring townships of Neebing and McIntyre, and it is still a bustling center of trade. As Europeans settled, and rail lines reached across the land, Thunder Bay became home to one of the largest Finnish populations outside of Finland. With such a longstanding population in a major trade hub on the Great Lakes, it’s no surprise that Thunder Bay has a rich history and diversity.

History and population aren’t the only interesting and diverse characteristics of Thunder Bay. The food scene is too. With no shortage of homegrown coffee shops, traditional steakhouses, brewpubs, vegan cafés, and handcrafted desserts, the uniting factor of the food community is a passion for quality, good eats and community. This is certainly the case for Prospector’s Steak House, Naxos Restaurant, and the Persian Man, each with its own rich history and unique contributions to the Thunder Bay food scene.

Prospector’s Steak House and Brewing

Prospector’s Steak House is located in the old Montreal Bank building on the corner of Cumberland Street and Park Avenue. In 1909, when the lot was originally purchased by the Molson Company, it was purchased for $35,000, equal to about $2.5 million today. At the time, this was the most expensive lot in all of Ontario.

Still boasting the stone exterior of the Bank of Montreal, Prospector’s Steak House and Brewing is a true steak house, and has been voted to have the best prime rib in Thunder Bay. Before your famous prime rib arrives, you can kick off your meal with an order of escargot or barbecue braised beef poutine. If prime rib isn’t your thing, the menu also includes steak, burgers, seafood,

and more. Prospector’s also has a kids’ menu for the tiny humans in your life.

In addition to delicious food, Prospector’s Steak House and Brewing offers house crafted beers, live music and facility rental. Prospector’s brews their Padre Luchador, Blueberry Wheat, and Founders Amber Ales onsite, which pair nicely with their food offerings. Along with your brew or one of the many cocktails they offer, Prospector’s Steak House provides live music from time to time. Additionally, they offer private event space for whatever celebration or gathering you have in mind, but don’t want to clean up after.

Naxos Grill and Bar

Penny Kahramanos’ father was born on the Greek island of Naxos in the Aegean Sea. That island is the namesake for the Naxos Grill and Bar, which Kahramanos opened in 2007 and has been operating ever since. Naxos Grill is beloved for their blend of Canadian and authentic Greek cuisine. Their Greek menu includes family recipes from Greece.

Naxos offers a full menu, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast includes the classics: eggs, pancakes and omelettes. If you like dessert for breakfast, you may

want to try the cinnamon French toast or a Belgian waffle piled high with strawberries, whipped cream, and an orange garnish.

The lunch menu at Naxos Grill leans more heavily into the owner’s Greek heritage with gyros, spanakopita, and pitas. For the less adventurous, they also offer melt sandwiches like a Frisco melt, Reuben, or Sicilian melt, and burgers, from a basic hamburger to a Naxos burger with tzatziki and crumbled feta.

The Naxos dinner menu is an authentic Greek dining experience. Appetizers include calamari, feta with olives and fresh bread, spanakopita, and of course, chicken fingers. There are pasta choices, seafood like salmon, walleye and shrimp, steak, liver and onions, and of course, some Greek specialties. The Naxos Grill serves lamb and gyros, and even an authentic souvlaki served over rice pilaf. The family friendly atmosphere also provides a dinner menu for the littles in your life, which includes an ice cream dessert.

The Persian Man

If we are going to talk about the beauty and history of Thunder Bay, it seems necessary to include the Persian Man. Now, I’m a Minnesotan, so please, Canadians, forgive me if I don’t relay the history and mystery of the Persian properly.

Firstly, a Persian is a pastry, and has nothing to do with the geographical area of Persia. Now that we have that clear, my understanding of the story is that the Persian was invented in the 1940s, and named for an American general who visited Art Bennett’s bakery while he was rolling out the dough. The Persian has been described to be something akin to a cinnamon roll, but a little different, and the magic comes from the pink icing.

Always a Thunder Bay treat, the Persian has become an icon, probably because it hasn’t changed. The current owner has left the recipe as it was when he inherited it in 1962, so the magic and mystery of the Persian is caught in time. No one really knows what the ingredients in the icing are that make it pink—some debate strawberry, others swear it’s raspberry. Either way, it seems the consensus is that it’s delicious. The mystery of the frosting lives on in the minds and hearts of all who visit, and that probably makes it worth it for me to make the drive.

Thunder Bay is a lovely city with incredible food, and even better people. The history is rich, complicated, diverse, and in the end has created a lakeside town that is as unique as the people who live there. The next time you need to eat your way around Thunder Bay, I hope you’ll try Prospector’s Steak House and Brewing, Naxos Grill and Bar, and the Persian Man. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Always a Thunder Bay treat, the Persian has become an icon and can be found at the Persian Man.

| THE PERSIAN MAN

Naxos Grill and Bar is known for their blend of Canadian and authentic Greek cuisine. Their Greek menu includes family recipes from Greece.

| NAXOS GRILL AND BAR

The Soul of our Communities

Nonprofit organizations contribute greatly to our quality of life in the Northern Wilds. But they can’t do their work without our support. Please consider these organizations for your charitable contributions.

North House Folk School

NorthHouse.org

WTIP North Shore Community Radio

WTIP.org

WTIP tells the stories of the North Shore through local news, eclectic music and more. Your truly local station—celebrating 25 years of community-focused radio in 2023! Please join our Born in 1998 membership drive March 29 to April 3.

Cook County Care Partners CarePartnersofCookCounty.org

We provide volunteer-based services and vital support including senior rides, chore assistance, care coordination, caregiver coaching, community education and advocacy. We journey with older adults to help them achieve their vision of aging well in this beautiful community.

North House Folk School enriches lives and builds community by teaching traditional crafts on the harbor in Grand Marais. Donor support fuels unique events, local school programs, scholarships, and so much more! Become a member and get involved.

Cook County Local Energy Project

CookCountyLocalEnergy.org

CCLEP facilitates energy efficiency, clean energy, workforce development, and community education programs in Cook County. We strive to address climate justice by guiding an equitable and sustainable transition toward locally-controlled, resilient, lowcarbon energy production in Cook County.

Friends of the Finland Community FriendsofFinland.org

Our mission is to help make Finland and the surrounding area an inviting and vibrant place. We provide space for youth, elders, community groups, events, rentals, small business support and incubation, a farmers’ market, community education, community recreation, free internet, public computers, and trail maps and information, all in one location!

Ely Folk School

ElyFolkSchool.org

SUMMER IS A PERFECT TIME TO KEEP LEARNING.

Ely Folk School has in-person and virtual classes, a ceramics studio membership program, and special events throughout the year. March offerings include beginning blacksmithing, ethnic foods, Ojibwe storytelling, and more. Check them out and register online or call 218235-0138.

Between ropes courses, animal-tracking and canoeing, you’ll learn something new every time you open your eyes.

Oddz & Endz

Find out more at wolf-ridge.org.

Facebook.com/OddzAndEndz.

GrandMarais

Cook County Historical Society

CookCountyHistory.org

Historic Cook County manages five historic sites dedicated to sharing our local history, culture, and art. Visit our website to learn about our blacksmith shop, history museum, Chippewa Church, fish house, and historical art gallery. Become a supporting member today!

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning CenterWolf-Ridge.org

Wolf Ridge inspires environmental learners and leaders through immersion, adventure, and field study. Our mission is to develop a citizenry that has the knowledge, skills, motivation, and commitment to work together for a quality environment.

Oddz & Endz provides an environmentally conscious, economically friendly, community enhancing opportunity for donated clean, usable, resaleable household goods, including furniture, to continue to serve the people of Cook County. Items are kept from landfills, sold at accessible prices, and profits are redistributed to local non-profits. At Oddz & Endz, everyone wins.

North Shore Health Care Foundation

NorthShoreHealthCare Foundation.org

Our Vision: A Healthy Community for All in Cook County. We are an independent nonprofit benefiting health care and emergency services in Cook County. We proactively identify opportunities to expand equitable health care and healthy living and champion solutions through funding, education and advocacy. Supporting us means supporting a variety of programs which assist children, families and seniors, local health care agencies, EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement and Search & Rescue, our schools and CCMN Restorative Justice. Make your dollar go farthest and make a positive impact on thousands of lives in a single donation by giving to the Health Care Foundation.

Duluth Area Family YMCA

DuluthYMCA.org/Give

Each year, the YMCA provides scholarships and community support to families and individuals in our region. Your gift ensures that everyone in the community has access to vital programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Gunflint Trail Historical Society

GunflintHistory.org

The GTHS serves to preserve the cultural history of the Gunflint Trail, to acknowledge the significance of the natural environment and its influence on Indigenous people to recent inhabitants, and to provide opportunities for exploration and education at Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. A membership to the GTHS is a key part of the success of Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center.

Russ Kendall’s Smokehouse: A century of tradition

North Shore Area Partners

NSAPartners.org

The Living At Home Program of the Beaver Bay, Finland, Isabella, Little Marais, Silver Bay and surrounding area, works to support citizens age 60 and older who wish to remain independent in their own homes.

Grand Marais Playhouse

GrandMaraisPlayhouse.com

The Grand Marais Playhouse has been building community through theater since 1971! Our local community theater provides high quality productions and educational opportunities with and for Cook County and its visitors.

By Michelle Miller

Family traditions are a large part of what makes a home a home, and this idea holds true for one particular family living in the small community of Knife River, just 20 minutes up the North Shore from Duluth. Russ Kendall’s Smokehouse has been carrying on the family’s business for over 115 years, continuing to produce the original smoked fish recipe that has been an icon of the area since the beginning.

The founding patriarch of the fish business, William Kendall, was a lead mechanic with the railroad in the early 1900s; a time when the logging industry was a vibrant fixture throughout the North Shore. However, William could foresee the eventual end of logging as it was already slowly beginning to dry up. So, he decided to branch out to other opportunities the area had at its natural disposal. He would gather fish from local fisherman and sell them wholesale up and down the shore.

According to Russ Kendall’s Smokehouse co-owner Gordy Olson and his wife and business partner Christy Kendall, the granddaughter of William, having a permanent building as a retail shop began by accident. William was on his way to Duluth with a load of fresh fish to sell at market when his Wheel Speed Wagon, the vehicle of the era, broke down and he was stranded. He set up shop along the road and that was the beginning of Kendall’s Fish Stand. The current Smokehouse is still located near the original site on old scenic drive, welcoming visitors to Knife River as they head north.

William’s son, Russ, eventually took over operations, keeping his father’s philosophy intact—“always remember your basics.” He built the business and grew a strong customer base by peddling his goods throughout the state and remained an active contributor to the business right up until he passed in 2007. Now, along with Olson and Christy, their son Cody has joined the team,

becoming the fourth generation at the Smokehouse.

Although the family has expanded their retail to offering locally produced cheeses, sausage, syrup and wild rice, the focus remains on making the best smoked fish they can. Olson explains the process has not changed over the years, something he feels creates a high-quality product that “new cutting-edge technology just can’t do.” The smoking process stays true to its roots, using natural wood that lends to the taste, texture and color that is tough to duplicate with a machine. All the fish are purchased locally from licensed commercial fisherman and the inventory varies from season to season, as well as availability. Some of the standards are lake trout, sugar-cured salmon and whitefish; ask any of the staff or customers which kind is the “best one” and the answer will vary, as everyone has their favorite. The production facility is located on site with a modest retail shop in the front of the building. A framed photo of Russ Kendall hangs proudly behind the counter.

The Smokehouse is not only a tradition for the Kendall family, but also for customers. It has become a destination for those who have passed the tradition of stopping at the Smokehouse down generation to generation. For fans of the one-ofa-kind smoked fish unable to make the trip, shipping to other states is available from November through March.

Russ Kendall’s Smokehouse is open all year from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays). The Smokehouse does have a Facebook page, but managing social media takes time away from production, so Olson recommends calling with any questions: 218-834-5995.

Located in Knife River, Russ Kendall’s Smokehouse has been going strong for 115 years. | MICHELLE MILLER

Northern Trails

Getting Started in the Wild Turkey Game

By Gord Ellis

It was about 45 minutes into the first hour of the turkey hunt when I spotted the bird. It was a gobbler, slinking along the edge of the field. It stopped and loudly gobbled, but was about 100 yards away, well out of range of my shotgun. Then another bird appeared, a jake (young gobbler) with a shorter beard. Behind them were some hens who were tagging along.

I was in a ground blind and could not see very well to my right or left. There was a jake and hen turkey decoy placed in front of me at about 20 yards. I clucked like a hen with my box call, but the gobbler and his friends kept moving away. I got out the binoculars to watch them. As this was happening, I suddenly noticed movement to the right. A jake appeared, briskly walking toward the decoy. Then another jake appeared, followed by a third. I always prefer to shoot mature gobblers, but I also like to eat wild turkey—a jake was going to be just fine. All three were clustered around the decoy, trying to beat it up. I laid the bead on the closest jake, and as the other two moved away, I pulled the trigger. The bird went down and the other jakes ran off. After a short pause of thanks, I collected my turkey. It was a nice bird of about 17 pounds and would make great eating. It had been a memorable morning.

Wild turkey hunting is not available in northwestern Ontario. However, northeastern Ontario, particularly around Sault Ste. Marie, now has a huntable population of wild turkey thanks to an introduction by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. There are also tens of thousands of wild turkeys in southern Ontario, which is where the majority of northern Ontario hunters travel. You can also turkey hunt in southern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, but you will need to look at the regulations and understand the licensing and hunting validation systems each state uses.

If you are new to turkey hunting or want to get into it, I have some basic advice to offer.

Get Good Camouflage Clothing

Don’t scrimp here. Get a camouflage suit that matches your surroundings, is quiet when you walk and is waterproof. You will need pants, a jacket, a face mask and gloves, minimum. You cannot have any colour on your cap or clothing, especially no red or

blue. This is for safety reasons, as gobblers have these colours on their head. Buy waterproof camo boots that you can walk and sit in. I prefer knee high rubber boots as many fields are wet in the spring. Also, invest in a Thermacell as ticks and other biting bugs can be bad in the turkey woods.

Get a Turkey Call and Practice

I don’t care whether you want to mouth call, box call or use a slate; just take the time to learn how to call a turkey before you get in the field. A few hours listening to callers on YouTube will help immensely. Also, I’d highly recommend investing in a high-quality hen or jake decoy, or both. Get the most realistic one you can afford—it will make a difference.

Shoot Your Gun

Make sure you have a good tight pattern when you shoot your shotgun. Use a turkey head target and shoot at 10, 20 and 30 yards. Buy a good quality turkey load and stick with it.

Be Patient

Turkey hunting demands patience. It also requires the hunter to be still, especially when sitting on the ground. There are no tree stands allowed in turkey hunting. Most hunters sit in the open along a field line at the base of a large tree. This often means three or four hours on a thin cushion, mov-

ing as little as possible. That’s not so difficult on the first day of the hunt. Give it a few days, however, and your backside starts to feel raw. Consider carefully where you place your bum, as discomfort can take many forms. I have become very fond of hunting turkeys in ground blinds; they will keep you out of the wind and rain and allow you to sit on an actual seat. You can also move a bit more than you can on the ground, but not much. You will not fool a gobbler if he sees anything amiss; he will turn and run. With that in mind…

Keep the Phone in Your Pocket

If you are sitting on the ground, in camouflage, trying to be still, using your phone will be a problem. A frequent turkey hunting partner of mine was very good at ignoring his phone; he was usually focused when he was turkey hunting. Yet on the last day of a long hunt, my friend slipped up.

It started when he made a long trek around a hardwood to intercept a gobbler. He was super eager to fill at least one turkey tag. He circled around the bush and sure enough, a gobbler was coming his way. He set up and waited. Yet the plan was foiled when the gobbler snuck up behind him and caught movement. There was some flapping of wings and that was it. Dejected and sweating, my friend put down his shotgun and began to text me his unlucky story. As he typed out the tale, he noticed movement. Another gobbler had snuck in and seen him move—he’d been busted yet again. My friend did not fill that turkey tag. His last text said, “I feel ill.”

A smartphone is handy, but keep it in your pocket more than in your hand.

Keep your movements small and your wits sharp, and you could bag a wild turkey this spring.

Wild turkey hunting is not available in northwestern Ontario. However, northeastern Ontario now has a huntable population of wild turkey. There are also tens of thousands of wild turkeys in southern Ontario. | GORD ELLIS

James Smedley of Wawa, Ontario, with a mature gobbler. | GORD ELLIS

Gidaanikeshkaagonaanig Gidaanikoobijiganinaan

Following the Ancestor’s Steps

Biboonikeonini and the Bizhiw Wintermaker and the Lynx

By: Zhaawanoogiizhik / Sam Zimmerman

Last biboon (winter) I saw what I thought were ma’iingan (wolf) tracks in the goon (snow). After taking a picture and showing my niitaawis (cousin), a different niitaawis (cousin) told me they were bizhiw (lynx) tracks and they had been spotted along that trail. Bizhiw (lynx) are such wonderfully miikawaadad manidog (beautiful spirits).

In thinking about biboon (winter) and the season of storytelling, I wanted to capture this bizhiw (lynx) walking through the goon (snow) with the Biboonikeonini (Wintermaker) constellation (Orion’s Belt makes up part of it) in the ozhaawashkonaagwad anagoog (blue stars). There are 355 total anagoog (stars) in this piece, one for each day of the gikinoonowin (year) until December 21—the biboon (winter) solstice—which brings the season of cold, snow, darkness and storytelling.

A Handler’s Tale

BY ERIN ALTEMUS

As the forecast firmed up to be solidly cold and blustery, I felt no lesser for being chief handler of Matt’s Beargrease marathon team. Matt appeared unprovoked by the impending cold he would face, stating “it really doesn’t look that bad.”

Our Beargrease team consisted of eight Beargrease veterans and four 2-year-olds. Coming off our Mail Run wins a few weeks previous, I knew Matt felt ambitious, yet in every Beargrease we have run, something has gone awry–one year Matt had to turn back to the last checkpoint and drop two dogs, dropping him a few places in the rankings; one year I lost my team; one year I finished with two dogs in my sled bag. It’s a very long race with seven legs. We tried to hold our ambitions in check.

The handling team has several jobs: be at the checkpoint to lead the team to the truck when they arrive (a seemingly easy job, but I can remember getting to Finland with no handler in sight one year); feed the dogs; bed them on straw; keep the musher hydrated and encourage them to eat; walk dogs after a rest to make sure they are limber and then get them to eat again; hitch up the team and run them to the start line of the next leg. In certain races that are “unassisted,” all these jobs fall to the musher, leading the musher to become more and more sleep deprived.

The race start was smooth and soon the teams were flying down the trail towards Two Harbors. The handling crew and family entourage stopped to eat lunch and by the time we arrived at the Two Harbors checkpoint, we had to take the only parking spot available. The water we hauled to the checkpoint had leaked on the floor, so I sent Erick back to town for more. In minutes, Matt arrived with the team.

We towed the camper again this year and with the help of our mechanically-inclined handler Zeus, the camper was soon warm and toasty for our musher. Erick arrived

with water and the dogs ate and mostly rested. The 2-year-olds did not yet understand the importance of rest.

Two hours later, Matt and the team resumed running. The handling crew jumped ahead and waited in Finland. Matt soon passed the only team ahead of him on the trail and we anticipated him first into Finland. However, another team arrived. I looked at the GPS tracker and saw his icon veering north, well off the trail. It almost looked like he was heading up Highway 1. I pointed this out to one of the judges, but no one seemed too concerned. Finally, Matt’s icon was back on the trail. When he arrived, he confirmed he had taken a wrong turn. His spirits were low, but the dogs knew no different.

After four hours of rest, they were back on the trail to Sawbill, an unassisted checkpoint. All appeared well, and since the handlers were in separate vehicles, and it was after midnight, I sent them on their way. It was probably 15 below at this time and the truck wouldn’t start. I frantically called Erick and had him come back to help me. Three battery packs later, we started the truck. I drove the hour home and then couldn’t make it up my driveway. After several tries, I was stuck forward and back. I loaded up the sled with things that would freeze, leashed our 13th dog Ginger who didn’t get to race, and walked up the hill. Just after 2 a.m., I was in bed and three hours later I was wide awake.

At one point before the race started, I had mistakenly thought it was fortuitous to be so close to home during the race. As I attempted in vain to get Sylvia to school and did the dog chores at home, I soon realized being close to home was not helping me. By the time I dropped off Sylvia at school, purchased a new battery for the camper, and gassed up the truck, we realized we needed to beeline to Trail Center. Arriving 15 minutes before Matt, we had just enough time to grab a bail of straw and set out the lines before he arrived.

The next few checkpoints were a blur— we sent Matt off from Trail Center with 12 dogs. I continued to overestimate the time it would take Matt to complete the legs. We took a nap before his arrival at Skyport and awoke to a “get up, he’s on the lake!” We sent him off from Skyport minus Chicken, as she had a sore wrist. I took another nap and I turned off my alarm. When I awoke and looked at my watch, I realized he might beat us to Mineral Center. “Everybody up,” I chortled, stumbling out of my room.

At Mineral Center we had to drop four dogs, which left Matt with only seven to get to the finish. He passed one team having leader problems and came in fourth place. Marathon is an accurate description of the

race. There is nothing better than seeing a dog that we raised rise to the challenge and exceed our expectations. Temper led the whole race from start to finish, for the third time. Pinto, a dog Matt questioned taking at all, left every checkpoint screaming to go: his third finish. Itsy, Temper’s sister, led from Trail Center to her second finish. Twoyear-old Lorna, one of the last to make the team at all, finished strong. “She is a little monster,” Matt says. Taco and Georgia finished their second marathon and Bruce for the first time.

From here, we go to races in the UP and Maine. I will jump on the runners behind one heck of a race team, hanging on for the ride.

Chicken cleans out multiple bowls at the Trail Center checkpoint. She is happy and hungry. | ERIN ALTEMUS

BY JOE SHEAD

WHY GO: Rice Lake has good fishing for walleyes, smallmouth bass and yellow perch, with an outside chance at a big pike. The lake is somewhat hard to reach, but for the ambitious, you can actually launch a small motorboat on this scenic, undeveloped lake.

ACCESS: There are a couple ways to access Rice Lake. From Lutsen, travel 8.2 miles up the Caribou Trail (Cook County Hwy. 4). Turn left onto Clara Lake Road (Forest Road 339) and proceed about 13 miles to the intersection with Rice Lake Road and the Clara Lake public boat access. Turn left onto Rice Lake Road, then almost immediately, turn right onto a small, undeveloped road. This road is pretty rough in places and isn’t ideal for trailers, especially large ones, although there is a small turnaround at the end. Follow the road roughly a mile to the south shore of Rice Lake. Alternatively, from the intersection with Rice Lake Road and the Clara Lake public access, continue north on Clara Lake Road (FR 339) about two-thirds of a mile. On your left is a parking lot. At the west end of the lot you’ll see a small sign indicating an 80-rod portage to Rice Lake. If you follow the portage straight, you’ll end up on interconnected Silver Lake. If you catch

NORTHERN SKY

MARCH 2023 By

Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

March always brings passages—winter to spring, ice to slush, sun to Northern Hemisphere. This year, the month begins with an uncommon passage as the two brightest planets sweep by each other above the southwest horizon.

On Wednesday, the 1st, Jupiter passes within a moon width of brilliant Venus. The gap between them quickly widens as Jupiter falls into the sun’s afterglow. On Wednesday, the 22nd, a thin crescent moon appears above Jupiter about 40 minutes after sunset. The next night, the moon hangs below Venus.

East of the planetary pair, Mars rides high at nightfall as the bright winter stars stream past it. In mid-month, Mars glides between Betelgeuse, the giant red star at Orion’s right shoulder, and brilliant Capella, in Auriga, the charioteer. At month’s end, the red planet will be heading into Gemini. Enjoy this feast of stars and Mars now, before the winter constellations also slip into the sunset.

March’s full moon arrives at 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday, the 7th, after crossing the night sky below the spring constellation Leo, the lion.

The moon sets in the west shortly after, so plan accordingly.

Spring begins with the vernal equinox at 4:24 p.m. Monday, the 20th. At that moment the sun crosses the equator heading north, and Earth will be lighted from pole to pole. From then until the September equinox, the day length increases as we travel north. Also, the day length increases most rapidly near the spring equinox because the sun is then moving most rapidly northward.

If you’re out at the end of evening twilight between the 10th and the 22nd, look for a faint, broad cone of light extending up from the western horizon along the sun’s path. This is the elusive zodiacal light, the result of sunlight reflecting off dust in the plane of the solar system. Recent evidence has suggested a Martian origin for the dust.

The University of Minnesota’s public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses have been curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information, visit: d.umn.edu/planet

the subtle left turn about three-quarters of the way down the portage trail, you’ll end up on Rice Lake. You can easily paddle the short distance between these two entry points. The portage trail to Rice Lake is a fairly popular shore fishing spot.

VITALS: Rice Lake spans 222 acres with a maximum depth of 10 feet. You’ll find a rustic campsite just around the corner from the main access on the south shore. A much nicer campsite is found on the lake’s largest island.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and yellow perch.

WALLEYE: “It’s historically been a pretty good walleye lake,” said Matthew Weberg, assistant area fisheries supervisor in Grand Marais. “We’ve seen walleye abundance decline since around 2000, but it’s all-natural reproduction. The potential change to walleye abundance is the introduction of smallmouth bass on the Poplar River system and Crescent Lake.” Weberg said anglers should expect to find good numbers of eater-sized walleyes on this shallow lake. The oldest walleye he has ever personally aged was a 26-year-old fish from Rice Lake, although this ancient fish measured less than 25 inches.

down the Poplar River into Rice Lake. They are now established in the lake and grow to quality size. An 18-inch bass isn’t out of the question. Look for smallies around the large, rocky island.

YELLOW PERCH: Currently, perch numbers are good in Rice Lake, with some decent-sized fish available. About one-third of the perch caught in gill nets in the 2021 survey measured 8 inches or larger, with the largest perch topping 11 inches.

BONUS MUSKIES: Once in a while, a muskie shows up in Rice Lake, but not often. “The Shoepack strain of muskies was introduced into Crescent Lake in the 1970s,” Weberg said. “They did fairly well for themselves. Occasionally, we have picked up a muskie in Rice.”

View all our Fishing Hole Maps at: northernwilds.com/fishingholemaps

Making the Carry

The Lives of John and Tchi-Ki-Wis Linklater

By Timothy Cochrane

University of Minnesota Press, 2023, $24.95

John Linklater, of Anishinaabeg, Cree and Scottish ancestry, and his wife, TchiKi-Wis, of the Lac La Croix First Nation, lived in the canoe and border country of Ontario and Minnesota from the 1870s until the 1930s. During that time, the couple experienced radical upheavals in the Quetico-Superior region, including the creation of Indian reserves/reservations and conservation areas, the cutting of white and red pine forests, and the rise of towns, tourism and mining. With broad geographical sweep, historical significance and biographical depth, Making the Carry tells their story, which has been overlooked for far too long. This fascinating biography also includes rarely seen photographs, maps, and the Linklater family tree, giving the reader a deeper look at the lives and time of the Linklaters and their place in history.

—Breana Johnson

A Darker Reality

An Elena Standish Novel

By Anne Perry Ballantine Books, 2022, $23 CDN

The novel takes place in Washington, DC where British M16 agent Elena Standish is on vacation from England, visiting her wealthy American grandparents she has not seen in decades. The year is 1934 and the dark shadow of Hitler and Nazism is already rising in the world. Her grandparents are hosting a posh celebration at their mansion for their 60th wedding anniversary, attended by their well-connected affluent friends. Security is extremely tight as U.S. President Roosevelt and the First Lady are also on site. Elena, a photographer, circulates among the guests, taking their photos with permissions. But then, things go horribly wrong. A woman guest who happens to be a secret M16 agent is murdered in the parking lot, run over by a car. Elena’s grandfather is arrested for the murder and she sets off to clear him. Will her photos reveal any clues? Did her grandfather belong to the secret Freedom America movement? Did they set him up? Who is passing secrets to the Germans? Best-selling author Anne Perry has written another page-turner of a historical mystery thriller.—Elle

Andra-Warner

Lucky (Love Again Series, #6)

By Heather Grace Stewart

Graceland

Publications, 2022, $19.99 CDN

This romantic comedy novel by award-winning Canadian author Heather Grace Stewart is an entertaining, delightful read—it’s a well-crafted page turner with laugh-out-loud scenes inspired by true events. It takes place in a small town where Dylan Douglas has lost her job at Starry Night Café, considers herself unlucky and accident-prone, and wants to be an actor but struggles to get a movie audition. When she finally gets an audition, while driving there, her car tailspins to avoid a piglet that has leapt off a transport truck. Then, crashing into her car is a BMW driven by the famous movie star Mason Ellis. Together, they bring the injured piglet they’ve named Lucky to a veterinarian who happens to be Mason’s sister. Lucky survives; Dylan lands a role in Mason’s Hollywood movie; and things go topsy-turvy in their off-limits relationship.

—Elle Andra-Warner

Strange Tales Spirits & Haunted Houses: Who Do You Call?

By Elle AndraWarner

Ever wondered if there is a spirit that might be in your home? In the movies the call goes out to “Ghostbusters,” but in real life, who do you call?

Recently I met up with two women in Thunder Bay—the Ghost Hunting Witches Judy Lynne Cryer and Marlo Shann—who answer the calls to check out paranormal activities that might be going on. They’ve investigated numerous sites, from private homes, public places and businesses to ships, museums and parks.

Globally, there’s renewed interest about, and respect for, the world of witches and Wiccan. Centuries ago, it was dangerous to be known as a witch, but times are changing.

Journalist Kerry Ward wrote in her article

“FYI: There are Many Types of Witches” in Cosmopolitan magazine (August 26, 2022), “The mid-20th century saw a positive revival of the term ‘witch’ through the Wiccan movement in the US and UK which spread into many feminist and ‘goddess consciousness’ movements. Today, many people from many different spiritual traditions and cultures are reclaiming the word ‘witch.’” Later in the article, she writes, “Witches are here to stay, ppl [people], and maybe you’re among their growing number already” and then goes on to describe 18 types of witches.

So, how to best describe the Ghost Hunting Witches of Thunder Bay? I was glad to spend a couple of hours with Judy and Marlo at a local coffee house a few weeks ago to find out.

“We are both hereditary witches. Family history goes way back for both of us,” said Judy. “We both practice grey witchcraft and have been working together for six to seven years.” While they have connected with other paranormal groups in the past and enjoyed their input, the Ghost Hunting Witches prefer to work on their own.

Judy and Marlo met at a location where Marlo was doing tarot readings. They quickly connected up and became friends after Marlo approached Judy and said, “Hey, you’re a witch.”

“Our gifts are similar but each of us have different abilities,” said Judy. “Marlo is a witch with ESP (extra sensory perception) who works with all energies. She uses her abilities to make a living by divination (tarot and oracle cards), where I work more with the Wiccan ways and gods. My pen-

| GHOST HUNTING

dulum and witch wands are my favourite divination tools.”

Together they have investigated many homes in the city and at almost every one they have found paranormal activity. Outdoors they’ve detected lots of activity while

walking along McVicar’s Creek and relaxing at Lorne Allard Fisherman’s Park. Paranormal activity was also “very active” on the museum ship Alexander Henry when they toured in October. “We look forward to returning to the ship and site to investigate further,” said Marlo.

“Marlo and I have helped many people in the past years, all in need of some witchy help. Most are just loved ones who have passed, coming by for a visit, but it does scare the family at times,” said Judy.

But just what are some signs that a home is being visited by spirits? Well, some have unusual happenings in the house, like seeing shadows or having feelings of being watched. Other happenings include hearing noises or slamming doors; cold spots or a cold chill passing by; unexplained whiffs of smells; objects moving or falling; lights flickering or the TV turning on suddenly—the list goes on.

When Judy and Marlo are invited to investigate a home, they start by walking through the place, getting a feel for the house. They learn the history of a house, like

who has lived there and what has happened in the past. Besides their gifts and abilities of mediumship, their tools include but are not limited to Marlo’s EMF meter to detect energies and Judy’s copper “witches wand” (divining rod) which will point towards a spirit. They call out, “Anybody here? Can you connect with us, make a noise?” Sometimes they see a shadow or form; sometimes they feel dark energies which they both know how to deal with.

Recently, the Ghost Hunting Witches worked with a family who had an attached dark entity. It was a loved one who had passed on but now had become toxic to the family member. A house cleansing was completed, but more will be done.

Last year, the Ghost Hunting Witches were contacted by another paranormal group to do a house cleansing of a different home.

“There were some unexplainable happenings, doors opened and closed, dark orbs could be seen, as well as unsettling feelings. During the investigation our camera did capture images of two spirits,” said Judy. Marlo added that knowing the history of the home was a big help. “We’re happy to say the house no longer has paranormal activity.”

“Our lives may sound different to most, and some of course are non-believers, but we look at it as a normal day for us,” said Judy. “We embrace our differences and are ready and willing to help those in need.”

Need to call the Ghost Hunting Witches? You can connect with them via their Facebook page.

Thunder Bay’s Ghost Hunting Witches, Judy Lynne Cryer and Marlo Shann, are both hereditary witches who answer calls to check out paranormal activities that might be going on.

WITCHES

Judy and Marlo have investigated numerous Thunder Bay sites, from private homes and businesses to ships, parks and museums.

| ELLE ANDRA-WARNER

LAKE

WATERFRONT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

Beautiful waterfront commercial property in downtown district of Grand Marais, which includes 2 apartments overlooking Lake Superior, and a retail/rental business. MLS#6103262 $2,000,000

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

HOMES & CABINS

2 HOMES & AN APARTMENT – LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS

Unique property consists of TWO wellmaintained houses with road frontage on the Croftville loop, spacious decks & Lake Superior views. Houses share a well & a compliant septic system, but have separate driveways off of Hwy 61. Main house (1804) is equipped w/ wheelchair ramps & a stair lift. In addition to 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths upstairs, there is a 1 bed, 1 bath apartment in the basement w/separate entrance for a renter. It has been rented out for the past 3 years & could continue to provide extra living space for long/short term rental. The second house (1810) was built in 1935 and has a nostalgic North Shore feel to it with vaulted ceilings & square timber posts. Includes 3 bedrooms & 2 baths, all on one level. This would make a nice VRBO or an extended family compound, just 3 miles east of Grand Marais. Property is walking distance from pebble beaches on Lake Superior, the vast Superior Hiking Trail, or fly fishing on Devil Track River. MLS#6105848 $1,250,000

SALE PENDING

HIDDEN GEM IN DOWNTOWN LUTSEN

COMMERCIAL

ISLAND LIVING – WILDERNESS LAKE

Large island in Greenwood Lake offers isolation, wilderness views and wildlife. Comfortable small home is set up for your retreat lifestyle, large shop building has upstairs guest quarters. Owners lived on the island for over 15 years. Off grid solar and generator power, new peat-moss septic system, lake water and satellite provide the comforts you desire. Air boat, pontoon and fishing boats included, and provide access with a protective cove and docks for easy landing and loading. One-of-a-kind property. Over 2000 feet of shoreline with 6.82 acres.

MLS#6104980 $595,000

Breathtaking year round views of Lake Superior & Peek-A-Boo view of Lutsen. Scandinavian designed home is cozy & efficient with southern exposure that brings extra warmth in the winter combined with an efficient designed fireplace to heat the home & save on utility bills. Warm inviting home with maple hardwood floors, pine vaulted ceilings & versatile rooms. Main living area offers year round panoramic lake views. Kitchen is updated & efficient with access to others in the dining/ living area & windows directly to the deck. Upper level can be an extra living space with ½ bath & walk in closet with spectacular Lake Superior. Office space can accommodate work from home with built in desk & shelving. Lower level has a cozy refurbished "fire place room" that walks out to the paver patio. Oversized garage has attic. Insulated bunkhouse with kitchen & 1/4 bath. Seller is a Licensed Real Estate Agent.

MLS#6106675 $648,000

NEW! PEACEFUL HAVEN

Enjoy a peaceful haven only 20 minutes from Grand Marais with all the comforts of home.

HUGE PINES, PRISTINE VIEWS, GUNFLINT LAKE

This large, densely wooded lot has 171 feet of shoreline on big water Gunflint Lake. Direct BWCA access, huge white pines, classic wilderness boulder shore and vast views of Canada across the lake. Nice building site with easy access to the water. Good year-round road access with power and Broadband at the parcel. Build your dream lake home on this outstanding lake lot. MLS#6099440 $284,900

Stay in and enjoy the park-like setting with Myhr Creek lazing its way along the north and east side of the acreage. Within 3 miles of the home are the Brule River, Judge CR Magney State Park and the historical Naniboujou Lodge. Venture farther up the highway for a view of the high falls at the Pigeon River or an evening at Grand Portage. 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a heated garage. High quality broadband, vaulted beamed ceilings, open floor plan with main level master suite MLS#6106674 $374,900

MULTI-USE PROPERTY HOVLAND

This 2.3 acre property has a great home site with lake views, great well and septic, and an existing structure used as a local store and food business. Building had a new patio in 2008 and new addition in 2010. Many options exist here from residential, rental, cottage industry, retail shop or continue its present use. Perfect set up for a move-to-the-Shore life change. Live and run a business in this peaceful location. Bring your idea and start the dream from here.

MLS#6103739 $339,000

LUTSEN

COMMERCIAL SITE

Lutsen "downtown" location.

Hwy 61 frontage-road access, 3.3 acres and 389 feet of frontage overlooking the highway, with some limited Lake Superior views.

Nice creek borders the east property line, mature evergreen forest.

Great location for retail, restaurant or art gallery with great visibility off the North Shore Scenic Highway. LTGC zone district (Lutsen Town Center General Commercial) allows many options. Three separate lots could be split. Located just minutes from Lutsen Mountains Ski Area, Superior National Golf Course, many lodges and recreational opportunities.

MLS#6105204 $220,000

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

CASCADE RIVER FRONTAGE LOT

This is a rare opportunity to purchase one of the very few privately owned lots on the scenic Cascade River! Over 440 feet of private river frontage offers peaceful calm and gives rise to creative dreaming. Build an off-grid compound with rustic cabins or a custom log home, or keep it wild for camping. There's plenty of space here to spread out with 26.6 acres, and seemingly endless public land to the south and west for hiking, hunting and other north woods enthusiasm.

MLS#6105797 $350,000

MONS CREEK AND VIEWS

1000 ft of Mons Creek frontage & a great view from a high build site. Easy road access, but lots of privacy.

40 acre property w/ private deeded access to Lost Lake, a short drive away. Private lake w/ limited use, a true wilderness feel. Perfect cabin retreat location w/ added bonus of private wilderness lake access. Homeowners association stocks lake w/ brook trout. Walk-in landing provides easy access for canoe or small boat. Roads are gated for security & privacy. Lost Lake Retreats is a truly secluded & private wilderness escape. MLS#6089090 $60,000

T H E R E A L E S TAT E S A L E S L E A DE R

I N C O OK C O U N T Y F OR 2 0 2 2 !

40 ACRES – STONES THROW TO TOM LAKE

DEEP WOODS, MONS CREEK.

Nice “40” with good tree cover and creek frontage, where you could launch your canoe. There's a great building site overlooking Mons Creek from a high point. Good road access, but private and secluded. The property has private deeded access to Lost Lake, which is a short walk away. Wilderness feel. New trail cut into the property so you can see the potential!

MLS#6089091 $52,900

ROLLING TERRAIN & POND

Deep woods and private access to Lost Lake. Good road access and many building site options. Beautiful beaver pond and creek split the 20 acre property. Lost Lake is a tucked-away gem with limited private property and no public access. Good trout fishing and moose sightings. This is a remote retreat property with the added bonus of lake access on a pristine wilderness lake. MLS#6098652 $41,900

LAND/BUILDING SITES

LARGE, REMOTE ACREAGE –PRIVATE LAKE RIGHTS

This over 80-acre tract has some high ground with views of the hills to the south. Good road access. Some young planted pine trees. It adjoins a Private Conservation Easement area. The property is part of a private association with lake rights to Lost Lake, a limited access lake with shared carry-in landing from which you can launch your canoe or kayak. A unique opportunity.

MLS#6103975 $74,900

40 acres with an easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Year-round road to within 1000 feet, power is possible here. Driveway easement granted to build shared access. Many great building sites. Easy access to trails and other lakes. MLS#6095114 $60,000

WOODED 64 ACRES –ACCESS TO PRIVATE LAKE

This large wooded retreat property is within walking distance to a shared landing on Lost Lake - a private access lake. Good road access and many nice places to build a cabin. Privacy on top of restricted private road access makes this a unique opportunity for wilderness seclusion. MLS#6103974 $59,900

PEACEFUL TAIT LAKE PINES

You'll appreciate the private & peaceful 1.93 acre location in Lutsen, MN, complete with its own hiking trails, outstanding views, finely maintained roads, yearround accessibility, access to power, a calm overall vibe and deeded lake access to Tait Lake! One of the most gorgeous drives one can find, up the Caribou Trail and around Tait Lake. Close to the Superior Hiking Trail, inland lakes, including BWCAW access & trails, Lutsen Ski Resort, Superior National Golf Course and access to food/ beverage. MLS#6106368 $55,000

TAIT LAKE PINE LOT

Welcome to Tait Lake Pines!

You'll appreciate the private & peaceful location in Lutsen, MN, complete with its own hiking trails, outstanding views/ settings, finely maintained roads, year-round accessibility, access to power, a calm and serene overall vibe AND deeded lake access to Tait Lake!! It'll keep you close to the Superior Hiking Trail, many more inland lakes and trails, Lutsen Ski Resort, Superior National Golf Course & access to food/beverage.

MLS#6098276 $54,900

REMOTE ACREAGE, ADJOINING FOREST LANDS-PRIVATE LAKE RIGHTS

This 43 acre tract has adjoining federal land and state park within walking distance. Good road access, with an old "logging road" into the property. The property is part of a private association with lake rights to Lost Lake, a limited access lake with shared carry-in landing from which you can launch your canoe or kayak. A unique opportunity.

MLS#6103979 $46,900

REMOTE 43 ACRES –LOST LAKE ACCESS

This secluded 43 acres adjoins federal land and is located on a private gated road. There's a seasonal pond, existing "logging" road into the property for immediate use of the land. The property comes with shared private access to Lost Lake, a lake with no public access. Plenty of privacy! MLS#6103978 $46,900

BRULE VALLEY LOTS

These remote, off-grid parcels with deeded access to the Brule River could be your own seasonal retreat; whether you're looking for a place to pitch a tent for a few nights, or if you want to build your dream cabin, there is a good canvas here for your creation!

Lot B (40ac) MLS#6102969 $43,000; Lot C (42.82ac) MLS#6102971 $46,000;

Lot D (43.82ac) MLS#6102970 $44,000

GREAT LOCATION HOME SITE.

Just minutes from Grand Marais on black top County Rd 7, a 5+ acre lot with easy access to power and Broadband. Good building sites.

MLS#6094099 $45,900

GREAT LOCATION FOR HOME OR

CABIN

Just minutes west of Grand Marais on a black-top county road with power at the site, Broadband nearby. Five acre parcel with southern exposure. Potential Lake Superior views. Very affordable building site!

MLS#6096700 $45,900

REMOTE PEACE & QUIET

Hide away in this beautiful dense forest, with remote trails and private lake access to Lost Lake, a limited private property lake with no public access, and trout! Twenty acres of rolling topography and nice building sites for your cabin retreat. Lot B

MLS#6098653 $39,900

REMOTE WOODED HIDE-A-WAY

This 20 acre parcel is remote and has nice southerly exposure. Deeded access to Lost Lake gives you a place to fish and listen to the loons. It’s a lake with limited private property and no public access. Great area for ATV’s and miles of roads to explore. Lot C.

MLS#6098654 $38,900

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

SALE PENDING

NEW! PEREGRINE AERIE AT RAVENCLIFF ON LAKE SUPERIOR!

A talented architect sensed the qualities of this place and he brought his vision of a getaway, a place of respite, a polished agate of a log home, to life. With two bedrooms, one bath and a living room with commanding views over all that cool fresh water. A den downstairs that walks out to the shore and a billiards room featuring a table hand-crafted by the architect. There’s more, The log workshop/studio is inspiring and it even has a one stall garage. Move to the east along the trellised walkway to arrive at the log sauna. Wander the land and see why the architect and peregrines enjoy it. From corner to corner there is 450+ feet of frontage along the big lake. Charming Schroeder is nearby, about a half mile to Sugarloaf Cove Interpretive Center, skiing and golf at Lutsen 15 minutes. Though, staying put is the mode of this place: cribbage, fires in the gorgeous wood stoves, billiards tournament, a sauna. Arriving here feels like stepping into a dream, into a childhood vision – an archetype of Gitche Gummi Getaway.

MLS#6106795

$1,250,000

SOLD

MLS#6106391 $749,000

areas most up and coming resort full of updates! The Condo has new kitchen, updated bath and bedroom on the main level and overflow loft space for guests, including a bedroom with half bath upstairs. Cozy fireplace, and vaulted ceilings in the great room area make this an efficient space for Fun! Lakeshore access via a staircase, the views of the Big Lake are astounding from the lovely deck. A must see Condo!

MLS#6106176

$239,900

NEW!! DREAMY UP NORTH CABIN ON 53 AC IN THE HEART OF LUTSEN!

Lutsen Mountains Ski Hill is your back drop, see the snowmakers at night! Walk to Fika Coffee at Clearview, grab those eggs…so convenient a location NEVER comes with a well maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath cabin, and 53 acres! Enjoy raised bed gardening, greenhouse, hoop house, and a man cave garage perfect to store the toys and tinker your days away!

MLS# 6106751

$495,000

SALE PENDING

NEW!! BEAUTIFUL NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME IN GRAND MARAIS!

Enjoy everything Grand Marais has to offer in this NEW home! Welcoming interior, bright and sunny with tons of windows! Open living room lined with large windows and patio door allowing for lots of natural light to flow through the room. Open concept design, the kitchen island anchors the space and the gorgeous stone fireplace is a beautiful focal point to the Kitchen and Living spaces. Bright Kitchen, awesome pantry, and coffee counter, you’ll love the kitchen! Main level has 2 bedrooms convenient to hallway bath with custom shower and double sink, as well as an office/craftsroom. Upper level is a large owners en suite with skylights! PROPERTY IS OWNED BY A LICENSED

REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

MLS# 6106877 $579,000

SOLD

OLD TIME CHARM IN GRAND MARAIS!

MLS#6106504 $255,000

SALE PENDING

NORWAY PINE LOG HOME IN GRAND MARAIS!

Terrific Log Home on a peaceful corner in Grand Marais. 3 Bedroom, 3 bath, 2500+ square feet. Classic, Norway Pine logs bring warmth and a timeless quality to the home. Light streams in through the many windows, with views to a well-forested lot providing a sense of being in the woods. Yet, all that Grand Marais has to offer is within walking distance. Walk inside and enjoy the natural light flowing from the Family Room into the open Kitchen, start a fire in the woodstove to take away the fall/winter chills. Lower Level features a large Rec Room and a great office space. Guest bedrooms on lower and main levels. Head up a log stairway for the ages to the primary bedroom that snoozes under a lofted ceiling – private and away from it all with plenty of space to relax. The attached bath up there is incredible. Top it all off with an oversized 2 car garage! Just across the road is a handy access point to the snowmobile trail system. That’s life in one of America’s Coolest Small Towns! All that is missing is you!

MLS#6105152 $499,000

SALE PENDING

NEW! RAVEN’S RIDGE!

Nestled on a rocky hillside high above Gitchi Gumee and tucked below LeVeaux Mountain, here is a place of respite with long views over the Big Lake. A forested environment of outcrops and sylvan tranquility where calm predominates. Inside all is cozy, Design and embellishment were the prevailing focus as this class act home was finished off. Plenty of space here, three bedroom, two bath. The great room is for gathering, under cathedral paneled ceilings and warm wood floors. Access the sprawling deck from numerous glass doors where the Northwood’s Breeze introduces itself and you invite it in - a cheerful and loquacious guest. The kitchen is spacious, fully equipped and high end. The tastefully designed detached workshop awaits your inspiration and includes a spacious lean-to for additional exterior storage. At nearly 3 acres, there is plenty of elbow room to explore the granite outcrops, boreal woods, get a fire going, share space with the furry neighbors! Lutsen Mts and Superior National Golf Course are about 5 minutes away!

MLS#6106476 $675,000

Spring is Near! Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day Up North, the Snow Won’t last Forever!

CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE!

SILVER BAY TO SCHROEDER AREAS

SCHROEDER PARCEL UP THE CRAMER ROAD!

This is a rare opportunity to be able to put some sweat equity into clearing this lot and building your dream home or cabin getaway. Nicely wooded parcel will make a great homesite. You can enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities from this great location just a few miles up Cramer Rd like the Superior Hiking trails, ATV trails, snowmobile trails and many inland lakes.

MLS#6105228 $39,900

TOFTE AREA

LAKE VIEWS IN TOFTE! Enjoy the views of Lake Superior from this beautiful parcel at Birch Cliff, located between Lutsen and Tofte so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Dine at Bluefin Bay or Ski the day away at Lutsen Mountains. Great build site with Lake Superior views and of Carlton Peak in the distance and LeVeaux Mountain to the North. The property extends across the road to the North and has a potential build area, talk about potential! Bordering the Superior National Forest to the East you have plenty of room to wander and explore right from your yard! Perfect for your yearround home or North Shore Getaway! Close to many Hiking and Biking Trails and just a hop skip and jump from Lake Superior. The options for fun times and recreation are endless. Visit today!

MLS#6105249 $114,900

BRING YOUR DREAMS OF A NORTH SHORE GETAWAY TO LIFE ON THIS NICE TOFTE LOT IN WILDWOOD ACRES!

Located just a little ways up the Sawbill Trail you will be close to all your favorite outdoor activities like Hiking the Superior Hiking Trails or Snowmobiling. Year round road access via a simple association, electric at the road and a driveway in place means you can start building as soon as you’re ready! Visit today and start making your dream of owning a North Shore getaway come to life!

MLS#6102865 $30,000

LUTSEN AREA

NEW! SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF LAKE SUPERIOR! Rugged terrain leading to Gorgeous Vistas overlooking Lake Superior! Enjoy the wilderness nicely tucked below the highway, with easy access to the North Shore bike Trail for you to enjoy walking or biking to your hearts content. Year round access, electric at the street and views up and down the shoreline all day long! minutes from Lutsen Mountains, Superior National Golf Course in the heart of Tofte!

MLS#6106770 $99,000 SALE

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST DREAM20 ACRES IN LUTSEN!

This is the perfect location to create your own homestead with direct access to Cross Country Ski and Snowmobile Trails and the Superior Hiking Trail Or use the space to build your own trails! This is a rear parcel surrounded by Federal land on three sides, the only neighbors you will have are the wildlife that enjoy the woods. Ideal spot for building a rustic cabin for an adventure home-base. There are multiple building sites with great solar power potential. Enjoy the beautiful forest with a great mixture of maples, evergreens, pine trees, and birch. Great potential to establish your outdoor permanent campsite or build your Up North off grid getaway and enjoy the North Woods.

MLS#6105389 $135,000

BEAUTIFUL OLD PINES AND VIEWS OF TAIT LAKE, THE SURROUNDING FOREST, AND ALL THE WAY TO EAGLE MOUNTAIN!

This 5+ acre lot is a Northwoods gem. A diversity of tree species creates a lovely sylvan vibe with plenty of elbow room. The lot comes with deeded access to Tait Lake at two landings: one peaceful and just right for a canoe or kayak or a developed ramp for a bit of evening cruising in a motor boat. Select a building site along the south line of the lot to maximize the views. Not far from Lutsen, about a half hour to Grand Marais, yet a feeling of being deep in the woods. Come have a look, do a walkabout and fall in love with your own acreage Up North!

MLS#6103685 $79,000

LUTSEN AREA

NICE PARCEL IN THE HEART OF LUTSEN!

Great place to build your dream cabin or permanent home, with plenty of space to enjoy the quiet woods atmosphere. Close to all Lutsen has to offer and many inland lakes in the area which are a quick drive away. There is year round accessibility via association road. Visit today and start planning your dream getaway!

MLS#6102890 $94,900

LUTSEN BUILD SITES WITH SHARED SEPTIC AND WELL JUST WAITING FOR YOUR LITTLE CABIN IDEAS! Looking for a site to build without spending an arm and a leg? These sites are it! Well and Septic in place, just Build and Enjoy!

MLS#2309328 $39,000 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK ABOUT MINK RANCH!

GRAND MARAIS AREA

BEAUTIFUL 15 ACRES NEAR GRAND MARAIS! Bordering National Forest to the south you will have plenty of space to explore! Parcel has been surveyed and corners are flagged. Dreamy building spot near a group of pine trees, even a bubbly creek to create a magical setting!

MLS#6103293 $129,000

ENJOY BIG VIEWS OF LAKE SUPERIOR FROM THIS GORGEOUS PARCEL, JUST MINUTES WEST OF GRAND MARAIS!

5+ acres gives you room to build your dream getaway but close enough Grand Marais to enjoy everything town has to offer!

MLS#6103292 $129,000

Jonvick Creek Sites

5 lots from 1.5 - 4.8 acres

In the heart of Lutsen, just off the Caribou Trail. Maples, Pines, and cedars in varied arrangements will make a great back-drop for your home or cabin. Sites adjoin public land. $44,900 - $56,900

1142

170+ acres of heavily forested land that has been replanted with many beautiful pine trees, poplar & cedar trees. Features gravel pit and pond and abutting State land. Seller is licensed real estate agent in MN.

MLS 6102798 $149,900

1315 E Highway 61

Incredible commercial opportunity at City Limits! Current use includes a 3BR rental unit, professional office, and huge home! Cathedral ceilings, partially finished second floor, beautiful custom designed kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite and private patio access. Bring your idea and make your dream come true!

MLS 6104280

$1,500,000

1X Brandon Lane

Beautiful lot just outside Grand Marais. Fall River runs through this property. Dramatic frontage!

MLS 609581 3 $62,000

49XX North Road

TBD Cedar Grove Lane

Grow your commercial enterprise on this 1.44A lot. Paved road, city water & sewer, electric, driveway and partial building pad. Establish your business and even your personal residence. Lake Superior view.

MLS 6105145 $69,900

NEW 183 Linnell Rd

Wonderful 5 acre lot on a quiet county maintained road with drilled well and partial driveway in place. Perfect distance from town for some country living yet close to all Grand Marais has to offer.

Potential lake views!

MLS 6106867 $99,900

Nicely wooded 5 acre lot at the end of a cul-de-sac with views of Lake Superior! Great location--just minutes from Grand Marais

MLS 6102645 $129,900

XXX Reason Road

If you’re looking for a remote property with access to recreation, this is the one for you! 120 acres of mature trees, varied topography, and wildlife. Make trails to explore the area and let your adventure begin.

MLS 6103087 $119,900

40 wooded acres on a well-maintained county road can be yours to build your dream house, your hunting cabin, or pitch your tent. Here is a great base from which to explore the Arrowhead Region or just hike your acreage. Make it your own wildlife refuge.

MLS 6103079 $169,900

4XX East 5th St.

Here is an affordable place to build a home or a vacation getaway right in Grand Marais. City water & sewer and a paved street make it convenient and cost effective.

MLS 6105272 $64,900

Camp 20 Rd

X13 Murphy Mountain Trail

2580 Highway 61 E

175’ of Lake Superior accessible beach with a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home! Enough said? There is more. Only 7 miles from Grand Marais this property is well maintained with a paved driveway, a new 30’ by 50’ garage in addition to a 2-stall attached garage, and a shop or studio building. This piece of paradise won’t last long. Call today!

MLS 6105811

$899,500

2962 W Highway 61

Large 4 bedroom, 2 bath home tucked into a wooded lot with magnificent Lake Superior ledgerock! Charming and spacious in one package! The views will mesmerize you—look for the Sawtooth Mountains to the West! Easy flowing living room, dining, and kitchen out to the patios, paths, and accessible shore. This home beautifully weaves comfort, nature, and lake together. Partial basement with exterior access houses mechanics. Detached shed for storage of outdoor items.

MLS 6106192

$899,900

sold

1100 Old Shore Road

A rare Lake Superior find, this exquisite 3+ bedroom home has beautiful beach, great privacy, and is conveniently located on the edge of the Grand Marais city limits. 194 feet of accessible private beach fronts this 1 acre property. A large garage with a heated shop space completes this golden opportunity. Call today!

MLS 6103709

$1,395,000

team of real estate professionals on the North Shore – helping buyers and sellers with luxury homes, commercial properties and everything in between.

And when it comes to your client experience, Coldwell Banker North Shore’s customer service-focused team is here to serve.

When you’re ready to buy or sell a new home or commercial property, contact us to discuss the current conditions and how it impacts your bottom line. Give us a call, email or even drop in. We can’t wait to be of service!

HERE IS WHAT LUTSEN REAL ESTATE GROUP AGENTS SAY YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Limited inventory continues to support strong pricing Mortgage rates have fallen a full percentage point since their high last October Cash sales rose to 28% when compared to 23% the year before

Volatility in the stock market continues to drive buyers to real estate

The North Shore continues to be a very special area

WHEW!

FREE MARKET ANALYSIS

Give one of our “Awesome Agents” a call today to learn more about why it remains a good time to sell. Our team of experts will provide you with a FREE Market Analysis on your home and/or property and outline why Lutsen Real Estate Group is your BEST CHOICE when considering listing your home for sale.

Looking to buy a property for a vacation rental? Through our sister company, Cascade Vacation Rentals, we have gained incredible knowledge about what North Shore visitors are looking for. We are happy to use that information to help guide you in purchasing a property that is not only a good fit for you, but will also increase your chances of high rental income.

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

Pine MartEn

A couple years ago we had a pine marten passing through our yard about once a week, eating suet and chasing the red squirrels. A red squirrel had just been at the bird feeder and the marten came around the corner of the garage. It stood up to get a better view of where the squirrel went and I was able to get this photo, taken out of the window of our house.

—Paul Sundberg