Carlton County Watch is an independent, citizen-driven online newspaper committed to exposing government waste, corruption, and incompetence across Carlton County, Minnesota. Our mission is to shine a bright and unrelenting light on local institutions and officials who betray the public trust. Through investigative reporting, public records research, and fearless truth-telling, we empower residents to hold their leaders accountable, demand transparency, and reclaim their community. We serve no special interests — only the public interest.
Affordable to Whom?
Barnum’s Five-Home Project Uses Public Land and State Housing Aid — But the Affordability Math and Public Protections Remain Unclear
What Are Carlton County Commissioners Really Paid?
Carlton County commissioners receive a 2026 base salary of $28,273 — but that is only part of the compensation structure. Commissioners may also receive per diems of as much as $180 per day, employer-paid benefits, travel reimbursements, and other taxpayer-funded payments. Carlton County Watch has requested the individual records needed to determine what each commissioner actually receives.
When the Prosecutor Came from the Defense Firm
Assistant Carlton County Attorney Amy Voss was identified as the prosecutor in the dismissal of the criminal case against Leonard Simich. Voss previously worked as an associate attorney for Marsh Halberg at Halberg Criminal Defense — Voss’ former boss and the firm representing Simich — and a preserved 2026 Halberg webpage continued to identify her as one of the firm’s attorneys. These facts do not, by themselves, prove corruption. But they raise serious questions about conflicts of interest, prosecutorial independence, and whether Carlton County took appropriate steps to protect the integrity of the case.
“I’m Going to Bury You”: Carlton County Deputy Received Written Reprimand After Corroborated Off-Duty Threats
Internal Sheriff’s Office records describe repeated threatening statements, fear of law-enforcement retaliation, alcohol-impaired memory, and allegations of previous misconduct. The documented discipline was a written reprimand.
One Law for Citizens, Another for Insiders?
Cloquet City Attorney Declines MGDPA Charge Against Kettle River Administrator Kathryn Lake - Raising Questions About Conflicts, Referrals, and Equal Accountability
Courthouse Roof Project Faces Another $237,701 Change Order
Carlton County commissioners will consider a $237,701.50 change order for the ongoing Carlton County Courthouse roof-replacement project.
Carlton County Proposes Rules for ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence
Carlton County commissioners are being asked to approve a revised technology policy that expressly regulates employee use of artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT, Claude, Bing, Gemini, Copilot, and similar systems.
Carlton County Board Asked to Enter the Enbridge Property-Tax Fight
One of the most politically significant items before the Carlton County Board on July 27 is a request that the County endorse an op-ed concerning Enbridge Energy’s ongoing pipeline-property-tax litigation.
Before the Vote: What Carlton County Commissioners Will Consider on July 27
The Carlton County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet Monday, July 27, 2026, beginning with departmental budget presentations at 3:00 p.m. and an adjourned Board session afterward at the Carlton County Transportation Building.
When Transparency Becomes a Crime: Why Precision in Minnesota’s Data Practices Law Matters
In recent months, a criminal case arising from a government data request in Kettle River has drawn attention across Carlton County. What began as a dispute over access to emails and text messages under Minnesota’s Government Data Practices Act ultimately resulted in a misdemeanor charge and a stay of adjudication for an elected city council member. Beyond the personalities involved, the case raises broader questions about how Minnesota’s transparency law is interpreted and enforced -- questions that affect every resident who relies on open government.