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Boreal Community Media

Sheriff's Office: Tree cut on Highway 61 near county line

Jun 08, 2020 10:19AM ● By Editor
From Cook County Law Enforcement and Public Safety - June 8, 2020

At 1:52am there was a report of a very large tree that was blocking the highway near the county line. When a deputy responded, he saw that the tree was blocking both lanes of Highway 61 and was intentionally cut for this purpose. MN DOT needed to be called out to remove the tree so the highway could be opened up. 

Through investigation, it is believed that this action was taken in response to the influx of visitors to our area and the concerns of spreading COVID-19 to Cook County.

Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen stated, “This type of action is reckless, dangerous and uncalled for. The commission of this inappropriate act can carry very serious consequences. If there was a medical transport to Duluth which was a life or death matter and the ambulance was unable to continue due to this irresponsible conduct, the cost is far greater than making this type of statement. Not only does this endanger motorists, but there is also a significant cost to the taxpayers for removal of the tree.” 

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate this matter and if anyone has information, please use the contact information listed below.


Contact: 
Sheriff Pat Eliasen
218-387-3030
email: [email protected]

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