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Trail leading to the Cloquet River Campground
Recent Features
A haven for nature... and people
"You've got to talk to Mel!"
Winner of a close race
A "high-energy, non-typical nerd"
Bruised, battered & bent- a solution
Let us entertain you
Just "plane" talk
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Happy campers
Cherie Suonvieri |June 18, 2013
Staff Writer
After six years of hard work (and numerous years of just waiting to begin that work) Joe Tasky’s dream of opening a campground is finally becoming a reality.
Located across from the Wayside Corner and Bottle Shop on the intersection of Highway 53, Highway 33 and Highway 47, Cloquet River Campground currently has 30 campsites. Water and electricity run to 11 of them, while the others are rustic sites. Joe intends to add more as time goes on. The current campsites occupy only seven of the forty available acres.
When asked what motivated him, Joe first answered, “Stupidity!” recalling all the work that he’s put in. But after a good chuckle, he then went on to explain where it started.
Joe was drafted into the army in 1969, and when he returned home he had made up his mind that he wanted to build a campground. He was on the lookout for property with potential, when the piece of land went up for sale.
“My wife didn’t want me to buy it,” he said. “But I bought it anyhow.”
It was still a few years before...
For the rest of this story and more, pick up this week's Voyageur Press. |
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Swans at the Rice Lake Wildlife Refuge
Recent Features
"You've got to talk to Mel!"
Winner of a close race
A "high-energy, non-typical nerd"
Bruised, battered & bent- a solution
Let us entertain you
Just "plane" talk
The circle of economic life
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A haven for nature... and people
Dora Potts |June 11, 2013
Staff Writer
This is exactly what Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge has become for wildlife and plants in our area. It also provides outdoor recreational and educational opportunities to local citizens. So, just how did we get such a treasure right here in McGregor? Walt Ford, current refuge manager, told the story.
“Back in the day,” 1935 to be exact, our country was dealing with two major crises. Environmentally, the Dust Bowl had been caused by drought and removal of natural foliage during farming, which led to erosion. Also, financially, we were in the middle of the Great Depression.
These two events combined to prompt national leaders to take action. In 1935, the government established 27 wildlife refuges across the country and Rice Lake NWR was one of them. Then, President Franklin Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-1942), a public work relief program, which was instrumental in...
For the rest of this story and more, pick up this week's Voyageur Press. |
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Mel Johnson
Recent Features
Winner of a close race
A "high-energy, non-typical nerd"
Bruised, battered & bent- a solution
Let us entertain you
Just "plane" talk
The circle of economic life
Serving the public in the hardest of times
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"You've got to talk to Mel!"
Jim Hawley |June 04, 2013
Contributing Writer
As I have been writing stories in and about the Tamarack community, a particular suggestion kept coming up from many I spoke with, “You need to talk to Mel Johnson.” It was said with respect, reverence, and affection for a gentleman who has contributed much to the community over the years.
One morning in early May, Mel reflected on his personal history, and also shared some wisdom and his philosophy on community service.
Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian playwright, said, “A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.” Even though that quote is from a Norwegian, by his actions, a Swedish gentleman named Mel more than embraced that life mission. Community organizer, school board member, county commissioner, township supervisor and clerk, Sandy Lake Watershed District Board – all have been on Mel’s personal resume.
Mel was born east of Tamarack 86 years ago. His father, Elmer Johnson, was a black...
For the rest of this story and more, pick up this week's Voyageur Press.
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