Tradition and tears at 2009 graduation



Commencement exercises for the Cook County High School graduating class of 2009 began on Saturday, June 6, 2009 with the traditional Pomp and Circumstance performed by the award-winning Cook County Band. Principal John Engelking welcomed the parents, grandparents, and community members to the ceremony in the high school gym. Engelking said he had just been interviewed for the Viking yearbook […]

Questions for Grand Portage candidates



Dean Deschampe and Geraldine Kozlowski received the most votes in the special primary election for the Reservation Tribal Council of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in April 2009. The candidates will now face each other in the general election on June 16, 2009. The polls at the Old Log School will be open from 8:00 a.m. to […]

Angler found dead on Cascade River



On June 7, 2009 Victor “Vic” Carl Torrel, 20, of Virginia, Minnesota was found deceased in Cook County after being missing overnight. Cook County Law Enforcement issued a page at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, requesting that the Cook County Sheriff Response Unit (SRU) assist with a search for a missing fisherman. Torrel’s friends were camping with him […]

City attorney resigns



City Attorney Don Davison unexpectedly resigned his position Wednesday, June 10, when he presented a letter to Grand Marais city councilors announcing his decision. Davison offered no reason or explanation during the meeting, but said he would offer his assistance during the transition process, until a replacement is found. Council voted unanimously to accept the resignation, which is effective July […]

Correction



In the June 6, 2009 article Honoring “Fish,” a family member of Larry “Fish” Deschampe was incorrectly identified. In the photo was Rosie (Deschampe) Novitsky. Apologies from a former schoolmate (editor Rhonda Silence) who forgot that Rosie’s name has been different since 1974!

Lodging income down as Events & Visitors’ Bureau completes first year



Several members of the Cook County Events & Visitors’ Bureau presented an annual report to the Cook County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at the conclusion of its first year as a special taxing district. Income so far for FY 2008-09, which ends June 30, has been $15,000 from Grand Portage, $17,121 from the Gunflint Trail Association, $25,898 […]

Photo



A snowman in June? Yes, believe it or not, this tiny Frosty appeared in the flower bed at Trail Center Lodge on the Gunflint Trail on June 5, 2009!

County’s spring clean-up a no-go



Some people may remember past years when they could dispose of appliances and tires for free at the Gunflint Transfer Station during an annual clean-up event sponsored by Cook County. This year, the county will not be hosting the event. Because of budget constraints and the fact that the county no longer owns the transfer station after its sale to […]

Article



Steve Kelley, former Minnesota State Senator and a declared DFL candidate for Minnesota governor in 2010, visited Grand Marais last week. Kelley met with North Shore residents in Tofte and Grand Marais to hear about local concerns. Kelley ran for the DFL nomination for governor in 2006, losing a close convention fight to Mike Hatch.

New equipment in Taconite Harbor reducing emissions



Minnesota Power in Taconite Harbor is working hard to eliminate negative environmental impacts as it generates power for Cook County and beyond. Minnesota Power Chief Operating Officer Alan Hodnik and Taconite Harbor Plant Manager Dave Rannetsberger updated the Cook County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, May 26, 2009 on plant operations in Cook County. Hodnik thanked the board for its support […]