The cost of capturing rainwater from the courthouse parking lot will be higher than expected. An engineer’s estimate of $6,831 was quite a bit lower than Crawford Excavating’s bid of $15,264. Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District Director Rebecca Wiinanen and Conservation Technician Tristan Beaster discussed the cost at a Soil & Water board meeting Thursday, September 3, 2009. […]
Thompson Performance rezoning request granted
After significant public input and in the midst of court action, the property owned by Bradley Thompson of Thompson Performance will be rezoned. On Tuesday, September 8, 2009, the county board followed the recommendation of the Cook County Planning Commission by voting to rezone Thompson’s three Grand Marais lots on the south side of East Highway 61. The property will […]
Referendum ballot coming to a mailbox near you
On Tuesday, September 8, 2009, the Cook County Board of Commissioners authorized a special election to take place by mail this fall. Registered voters throughout the county can expect a mail-in ballot sometime after the mail goes out Tuesday, October 13, 2009. On the ballot will be two questions: One asks if Cook County should impose a 1% sales tax […]
Governmental entities discuss sharing facilities
Sharing maintenance and community center facilities was discussed at some length at a quarterly meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, City of Grand Marais, Cook County Schools, and Grand Portage Reservation Thursday, August 27, 2009 at City Hall in Grand Marias. Commissioner Fritz Sobanja reported that a study is being conducted on the feasibility of a maintenance facility […]
Fire hazard assessments nearly finished countywide
On Sept. 26, 2009, the Cook County Firewise program will have completed its Countywide Wildland Hazard Assessment Project. Since 2004, the Cook County Firewise Committee has worked to assess all properties in the county and educate property owners on what they can do to their property to increase the survival of their home in the event of a wildland fire. […]
Lutsen celebrates cemetery expansion
An unusual celebration was held on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. About 35 Lutsen community members met at the Lutsen cemetery for a trout feed/potluck to celebrate the collaborative effort that resulted in the enlarged and enhanced town cemetery. Lutsen Cemetery Association board member Dick Nelson reported that the celebration was held to recognize the generosity of donors who brought the […]
City directs park board to reduce pool deficit
The Grand Marais Municipal Pool brought in more revenue in the month of August than any August in the 15 years records have been kept. June, July, and August revenue was 20% higher than those months last year, and year-to-date pool revenue is up 5½% over last year. “I’d say we’ve had a pretty good summer,” said Head Lifeguard Charles […]
County health insurance increase less than expected
Cook County Personnel Director Janet Simonen brought good news to the county board Tuesday, September 8, 2009. The county budgeted for a $100,000 increase for its health insurance (what would have been about a 10% increase), but the actual increase will be only $3,000, an increase of only .3 of 1%. County employees will see no increase in their deductibles […]
Lutsen pancakes a fall tradition
For 14 years, the Lutsen Volunteer Fire Department has been sponsoring a Fall Pancake Breakfast. This year’s event will be held at the Fire Hall on Sunday, September 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Visitors can expect a hearty breakfast of pancakes made with former firefighter/ chef Sonja Helland’s delicious recipe, real maple syrup from local maple syrup producers, […]
