The Lost Isle in Carlton will likely serve as headquarters during the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club 2009 USA Ride at the end of this month, according to the Carlton County Sheriff's Office.
"We have confirmed that the Hells Angels will be using Lost Isle," said Brian Belich, Carlton County Deputy Sheriff. "We've asked for their itinerary, too, but [haven't been] provided with one."
Lost Isle co-owner Christine Rogentine declined to comment on whether the motorcycle club has rented the facility, but the Web site calendar denotes the Lost Isle as "closed for private function," from July 29 to Aug. 2.
With upwards of 1,000 members of the Hells Angels expected in Carlton and St. Louis counties on those dates, law enforcement has been planning for months to ensure the safety of residents.
Area businesses are preparing for the possible onslaught of business as well.
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For the owner of Carlton's Third Base Bar, Brandon Sell, it will be business as usual, with a few minor adjustments.
"Mostly, I'm going to make sure I have male bartenders close every night during that time," he said. "And I plan to be at the bar the entire time, just in case."
Although he is taking some precautions, Sell isn't expecting any issues to arise.
"I welcome in anyone and until someone creates a problem I don't want to stereotype," he said. "I can't predict how much business [the Hells Angels] will give us since people keep saying they plan to travel to Duluth and the North Shore while they're here."
The club's reputation is controversial. While the FBI classifies the group as one of the four biggest outlaw motorcycle gangs in the U. S., the club touts their charity work.
Representatives from the Carlton County Sheriff's Office and Cloquet Police Department are planning to hold community meetings in Barnum and in Cloquet in mid-July to let people know more about what to expect. The meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Barnum High School and at the same time Wednesday, July 15, at Cloquet Middle School in the auditorium.
