By Beth Jett and photojournalist John Thain, FOX 21 News

CARLTON, Minn. - In about three weeks, the Northland will hear the rumble of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.  It's the talk of the small town of Carlton and the surrounding area.  Residents and business owners aren't sure what to expect from a club with such a controversial reputation.

With the noise of their motorcycles and name of their club preceding them, it's enough to intimidate a small town of just over 800 people.

"I wish they didn't come here because I'm afraid for my little grandkids. I'm gonna watch them close," said Eleera Maki of Cloquet.

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club will converge on Carlton July 29th through August 2nd, for meetings, riding and revelry before heading to Sturgis, South Dakota for a rally.  Area law enforcement is preparing for up to 1,000 visitors, including other affiliated motorcycle clubs joining them for the ride to Sturgis.
Although police and sheriff's departments wouldn't reveal their specific plans, they promise increased presence during the five day event.

The Club's visit to Carlton is all the talk of the town.  Some people are dreading it, others are hoping to profit from it, but most are just hoping it comes and goes without incident.

"Hopefully it turns out ok, they come into town and have fun and get on their way to Sturgis," said Brandon Sell of Carlton.  He owns Third Base Bar in town and hopes the visitors will mean extra business for him.  However, the Club rented out the Lost Isle Bar for the weekend, bringing in their own alcohol, food and wait staff.

Sell said, despite reports of crime and violence towards women in past rallies, his female employees insisted on working.  "All of them said, you know, I wanna work and that's why I have a job here and I wanna work. It'd be nice to have someone here with me so I'm not alone."  Sell plans to be there himself each night, but isn't hiring extra security.

In the meantime, baseball bats crack against balls in a small baseball field in Carlton.  Life continues as normal there, but residents are aware of what's coming.

"I have heard don't be on Willard Munger Trail during the time, don't go out to local bars by yourself," said Stephanie Annala of Carlton.

"I'll probably keep my doors locked at night til their gone," said Pam Koncal who lives outside of Carlton.

"I just really don't believe they're gonna go out exclusively looking for problems unless someone creates them for them," said Adam Bailey.  Bailey is a Carlton City Councilman as well as a firefighter.  He says the fire department is ready for the Club's visit and the city will have extra ambulances on hand in case of need, but he doesn't expect any major problems.  "If I stay outta their way and don't cause problems I don't think they will either," said Bailey.

If you'd like to know more about the Hells Angels' planned visit, there are two public meetings coming up.  The first is on July 14 at Barnum High School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m.  A second one is set for July 15th at Cloquet Middle School Auditorium, also at 6:30 p.m.

FOX 21 reached out by phone and email to the Hells Angels clubs in Minnesota and elsewhere but received no response from them.