Macklin Caruso, Forum Communications Journalist Profile

Articles

Carlton selects interim superintendent

2 weeks ago | pinejournal.com | Macklin Caruso

CARLTON — Following the sudden resignation of Carlton School District superintendent Donita Stepan, the Carlton School Board selected Jeff Pesta, the interim superintendent from Wrenshall, to serve as its interim superintendent. After a conversation with Pesta during a special meeting Tuesday, April 29, the board unanimously voted to contract with Pesta through June 30.
Community rallies for Wrenshall family who lost home in fire

2 weeks ago | pinejournal.com | Macklin Caruso

WRENSHALL — Support and resources have been pouring in for Jennifer Barron and her family, who lost their home in a fire over the weekend. “We don't even know what we're trying to do with it, just give her some emergency funds,” said Andrea Elden, a friend and co-worker of Barron’s who organized a fundraiser for the family. As of Wednesday afternoon, Elden’s fundraiser on the website GoFundMe had raised $8,510 out of its $10,000 goal with 92 donations.
Cloquet schools slash budget by $1.9M

2 weeks ago | pinejournal.com | Macklin Caruso

CLOQUET — Facing declining enrollment and the unexpected loss of federal and state funding, the Cloquet School Board voted to slash the district’s budget by an estimated $1.9 million. On Monday, the board voted on a series of proposed budget cuts for the 2025-2026 school year. The cuts include eliminating the equivalent of over 30 positions. “This is something that we never want to have to do. It's always extremely hard to do,” Superintendent Michael Cary told the board.
Cloquet School District officials propose cutting 25 to 30 jobs

2 weeks ago | pinejournal.com | Macklin Caruso

CLOQUET — The Cloquet School District anticipates eliminating between 25 and 30 staff positions in preparation for an estimated $2 million in budget cuts, according to Superintendent Michael Cary. After crafting a plan with the district’s principals and meeting with staff affected by the proposed cuts earlier this week, Cary presented the proposal during a Friday Cloquet School Board committee-of-the-whole meeting. The board will vote on the proposal during its regular meeting on Monday, April 28.
Prairie Rose Farm and Floral offers homegrown floral subscriptions

2 weeks ago | pinejournal.com | Macklin Caruso

MAHTOWA — Despite limitations to the growing climate in northern Minnesota, farmers Heidi Wanzek and Em Klein of Prairie Rose Farm and Floral in Mahtowa are pushing its limits to produce the widest possible variety of locally grown flowers. “There's options here to get something growing right where you live that's healthier, it's more environmentally friendly, it's sustainable, and the product is just going to be more exuberant, higher quality,” Wanzek said.
Carlton Public Schools superintendent resigns

3 weeks ago | pinejournal.com | Macklin Caruso

CARLTON — Carlton Public Schools Superintendent Donita Stepan resigned during Monday’s school board meeting. The board voted to accept Stepan’s resignation following a board investigation into a complaint against Stepan. School Board Chair Laura Nilsen would not confirm to the Pine Journal whether Stepan’s resignation was related to the investigation. The nature of the complaint was not publicly disclosed.
CSA keeps Food Farm’s vegetables varied and organic

3 weeks ago | pinejournal.com | Macklin Caruso

WRENSHALL — For Food Farm’s first 20 years growing produce, it struggled to turn a profit. Despite adopting several direct-to-consumer models, like selling at farmers' markets and offering pick-your-own, the farm struggled to break even.
Cloquet Police Department seeks K-9 unit

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Macklin Caruso

Apr. 17—CLOQUET — After years without a K-9 unit, the Cloquet Police Department hopes to bring a dog back to the department. Cloquet Police Chief Derek Randall made his case before the Cloquet City Council on Tuesday, April 15, why his department needed a dog. The presentation was strictly informative, and the matter was not brought to a vote. "It increases our capabilities. It allows us to do essentially more with less," Randall said.
Cloquet Police Department seeks K-9 unit

3 weeks ago | pinejournal.com | Macklin Caruso

CLOQUET — After years without a K-9 unit, the Cloquet Police Department hopes to bring a dog back to the department. Cloquet Police Chief Derek Randall made his case before the Cloquet City Council on Tuesday, April 15, why his department needed a dog. The presentation was strictly informative, and the matter was not brought to a vote. “It increases our capabilities. It allows us to do essentially more with less,” Randall said. The department is understaffed, according to Randall.
Churchill Elementary hires new principal

3 weeks ago | pinejournal.com | Macklin Caruso

CLOQUET — After working as a principal in Minnesota’s eighth-largest school district, Jenny Holm wanted to work in a smaller and more community-focused district. As the new principal of Churchill Elementary School, she believes Cloquet will be just that. “I wanted to be in a smaller district, to be honest,” she said.