WTIP North Shore Community Radio

12/09/2024

ANISHINAABE BIZINDAMOO MAKAK - In this short story Erik Redix talks with Nancy Jones, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nations elder and language teacher. She shares how to identify a “mother cedar tree” and the significance of spirit names for Anishinaabe-Ojibwe people. (Photo by Rhonda Silence)

https://wtip.org/archives/anishinaabe-bizindamoo-makak-nancy-jones-speaks-about-mother-cedar-and-ojibwe-spirit-names/

12/08/2024

LIVE at WTIP: Twin sisters Lauren and Bethany Dahl perform as the duo Fetus Friends
Bethany and Lauren Dahl, identical twin sisters, make up this singer-songwriter team, The sisters began singing together before they could talk. Writing music allows them to explore intricate harmonies and lyrically weave their lived experiences together.

Find the Live at WTIP videos here: https://wtip.org/features/live-at-wtip/

12/07/2024

We finally have significant snowfall on the Gunflint Trial, which is very welcome after last year’s nearly brown winter. The first snow came a couple weeks ago. The big snowflakes floated down from the sky in a gentle diagonal flight patterns. The smallest change of air movement made the snowflake...

12/06/2024

On Nov. 21, National Rural Health Day, the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s Oral Health Task Force received the 2024 Minnesota Rural Health Team award.

The award, given by the Minnesota Department of Health and its partners, recognizes the contributions to improving health in rural areas of Minnesota. Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s Oral Health Task Force received the award for its work in providing access to high-quality, patient-centered oral care to residents of Cook County and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

The Oral Health Task Force program began in 2008 with the North Shore Health Care Foundation, and in 2020, the program was moved to Sawtooth Mountain Clinic. The program provides early preventative care to individuals up to 26 years old, seniors 65 or older, and pregnant women. The program also offers financial assistance.

WTIP’s Mark Abrahamson spoke with Bonnie Dalin about the 2024 Minnesota Rural Health Team award and the history of the Oral Health Task Force.

Listen and read the full article here:

On Nov. 21, National Rural Health Day, the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s Oral Health Task Force received the 2024 Minnesota Rural Health Team award. The award, given by the Minnesota Department of Health and its partners, recognizes the contributions to improving health in rural areas of Minnesota. S...

12/05/2024

Ice safety | Oral Health Task Force's Rural Health Team award | Northern Wilds ownership change | Holiday Harbor Village | Clare Doyle | Doyle Turner

Full newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/wtip.org/wtip-enewsletter-5dec2024

Photo by Kirsten Wisniewski

12/05/2024

As winter weather has come in earnest to Cook County, ice recreation enthusiasts have started hitting the lakes.

North Shore lakes, as well as lakes across the state, are in variable conditions when it comes to ice. According to Nicole Biagi, an ice safety coordinator with the Minnesota DNR, ice conditions can both vary across a body of water and change rapidly. She told WTIP that a good approach is to both consult with someone familiar with that body of water, and to make sure to check ice yourself whenever you are considering going out on a lake or pond.

The MN DNR has a reference chart for those taking part in ice-based recreation, including what thickness is considered safe for an adult to stand on the ice, to drive a snowmobile or ATV on the ice, or to drive a heavier vehicle onto the ice. Biagi said that the MN DNR recommends that those on the ice check thickness frequently, as well as keep an eye out for visual signs that ice may be unsafe. She mentioned cues like being able to see vegetation above the ice and sudden changes in the color or texture of ice as signs of danger.

Biagi also suggested some essential safety gear for those who are out on the ice. She said that because the majority of deaths related to falling through the ice are drowning related, a personal floatation device is important. She suggested a PFD made of foam or another inherently buoyant material, rather than an inflatable one, since the later have been known to malfunction.

Our full report discusses judging ice safety, safety items to bring onto the ice, how to respond in an emergency, and some initial Cook County ice reports.

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with MN DNR Ice Safety Coordinator Nicole Biagi about staying safe on the ice this season.

Listen and read more here at the link to our story:

As winter weather has come in earnest to Cook County, ice recreation enthusiasts have started hitting the lakes. North Shore lakes, as well as lakes across the state, are in variable conditions when it comes to ice. According to Nicole Biagi, an ice safety coordinator with the Minnesota DNR, ice con...

12/05/2024

Power outages: With the high gale winds this evening across Cook County, isolated areas are experiencing power outages. As of 10 p.m. there are power outage reports east of town and on County Road 14.

If you are experiencing a power outage, contact Arrowhead Electric at (800) 864-3744 or 218-663-7239.

Providing safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly utility services.Learn More About Your Co-opMEMBERS TO VOTE ON BYLAW AMENDMENTS AT 2022 ANNUAL MEETING The Arrowhead Board of Directors is asking our members to approve proposed amendments to the Cooperative’s Articles of Incorporation and Byl...

12/04/2024

Since taking over ownership of Clearview General Store in Lutsen in 2020, owner Chris Homyak has expanded the physical footprint and products offered in the business.

“It’s really been a great change for the West End,” Homyak said. “People seem to really enjoy it.”

Clearview General Store, Homyak said, is a “true general store” in that it offers “a little bit of everything.” From groceries to bait and tackle, hunting and fishing licenses, handcrafted goods from local artists, games, books, and gas, Clearview General Store is a one-stop shop for residents and North Shore visitors.

“It’s been fun for us to bring in a lot of new products, things that people may not have seen before, and different things that you might not expect to find,” Homyak said.

As the winter season approaches, the staff at Clearview General Store is eager to see more snowmobilers and cross-country skiers this year, as the previous winter was a bust, given the lack of snow. Last year, Homyak said, was a slower season, with very few visitors traveling to Lutsen or Grand Marais to enjoy traditional outdoor winter activities.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins sat down with Clearview General Store owner Chris Homyak to learn more about his business, what he finds rewarding about being a small business owner, and more about the spring construction plans.

The audio from the interview and the full article are available below.

Since taking over ownership of Clearview General Store in Lutsen in 2020, owner Chris Homyak has expanded the physical footprint and products offered in the business. “It’s really been a great change for the West End,” Homyak said. “People seem to really enjoy it.” Clearview General Store,...

12/03/2024

School Delays for December 4: Due to forecasted dangerous travel conditions tomorrow morning, Cook County Schools will start two hours late on Wednesday, December 4th. School bus pick up times will be two hours after regular pick up times. Once arriving at school, students will have a light breakfast available. Cook County Schools said they will evaluate travel conditions again in the morning so please watch for possible morning messages.

12/02/2024

City passes cannabis ordinance | Truth in Taxation county meeting | S*T bridge closure | Local Business Spotlight: Clearview | Oh Ole Night audio

Full newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/wtip.org/wtip-enewsletter-2dec24

Photo by Jean Brislance

12/02/2024

11/30/2024

BOUNDARY WATERS PODCAST EP. 113 - Traveling with a Toddler in the Boundary Waters. The story of Ronan's first birthday, and seeing the wilderness through new eyes. (Photo courtesy of Signe Hushagen)
Listen to the full episode: https://wtip.org/archives/boundary-waters-podcast-ep-113-traveling-with-a-toddler/

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving! | City and County updates | 2024 deer season numbers | BWCAW use study | Notes from Reservation River - https://mailchi.mp/wtip.org/wtip-enewsletter-28nov2024

Photo by M Baxley

11/28/2024

NOTES FROM RESERVATION RIVER with Jess Koski. In this episode Jess explores Mallard Island on Rainy Lake, where writers from Oberholtzer to Erdrich have gathered inspiration for their work. (Photo by Jess Koski)
Listen in: https://wtip.org/archives/notes-from-reservation-river-going-to-work-with-tom/

11/27/2024

The bridge is expected to be closed for a full trail season.

A trail bridge on the Superior Hiking Trail approximately half a mile west of the Lindskog Rd Trailhead in Grand Marais has been closed following a failed safety inspection. “The bridge was assessed for safety this fall and failed its inspection,” Lisa Luokkala, the Superior Hiking Trail Associa...

11/26/2024

The 2024 firearm deer season came to an end on Sunday, Nov. 24, in the northeast region of Minnesota.

To the surprise of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials and hunters, preliminary harvest data shows an increase in harvests in deer permit areas in the northeast region this year compared to the 2023 season.

The northeast area, known as the Superior Uplands-Arrowhead region, is divided into six deer permit areas (DPAs): 117, 118, 126, 130, 131, and 133.

As a conservative management practice, given declining populations, the DNR designated DPAs 118, 130, 131, and 126 as bucks-only for the 2024 hunting season. DPA 117, which sits predominately inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and generally has low hunter participation, remained designated as a one deer limit: either six and DPA 133, closer to the Lake Superior shore, near Two Harbors, was designated as one deer limit with 25 antlerless lottery permits.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with DNR Conservation Officer Hudson Ledeen about the firearm deer season in the northeast region, snowmobile safety reminders, and more.

Interview and full story with regional statistics available here:

The 2024 firearm deer season came to an end on Sunday, Nov. 24, in the northeast region of Minnesota. To the surprise of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials and hunters, preliminary harvest data shows an increase in harvests in deer permit areas in the northeast region this yea...

11/25/2024

Snow! | Rec Park site reclassifications | Soil & Water EPA 319 funding | Hana Crosby on summer season | Niilá Omma craft work | Toddlers in the BWCA

Full newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/wtip.org/wtip-enewsletter-25nov24

Photo by Jean Brislance