Appreciates mowing of hunter-hiker trails



This summer, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) resumed mowing the hunter-hiker trails in the U.S. Forest Service’s Grouse Management Areas. This mowing allows grouse hunters, cross-country skiers, hikers, snowshoers and mountain bikers to access trails once nearly completely grown over with brush. In addition, the Forest Service has begun replacing older gates that protect the areas for these […]

Reckless Health Care Changes



President Obama continues to pitch his reckless and unrealistic health care initiative to the public. “Big Brother” Obama wants Congress to pass a bill quickly before Congress and the public understand the plan. A proposed government imposed health care program will cost U.S. taxpayers about $1 trillion over 10 years, and the Medicare system will suffer cuts of $500 billion. […]

1% tax is a great gift



I grew up on the North Shore and have operated a business in Cook County for 30 years. I guess you could say that I am a local. And I have made a strong commitment to be a part of our community’s bright future. I know that we all love it here, local and new resident alike, and for the […]

Did the EDA get a bailout?



Did I read that right? Did our Cook County commissioners just give the EDA a bailout? Sounds like the Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) has a lot of excuses for bad decisions it has made. Are we as a country getting too used to asking for money if we make poor decisions? General Motors got one, […]

Franken promotes cleaning products labeling



In homes across Minnesota, entire families are pitching in on household cleaning chores. Every day, they’re doing laundry, washing floors, and cleaning windows together. It’s an effort intended to keep everyone healthy by cutting down on germs, bacteria, and mold. But unfortunately, many of the ingredients in commonly used cleaning products may be dangerous themselves. Right now, the law requires […]

Better your management skills



The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation has a new Small Business Education Scholarship. Eligible candidates are small business owners and non-profits, family members and key employees who have been in business for six months and who may potentially employ at least three full-time equivalent employees. Financial need is not a factor. Financial assistance will cover 80 percent tuition reimbursement for […]

Oil spill response in Grand Portage



On Tuesday and Wednesday, September 15-16, members of the US and Canadian Coast Guard, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Cook County Sheriff ’s Response Unit responded to an emergency in Grand Portage Bay. Fortunately, the oil spill that raised the concern was an interagency drill, practice for a real event. During the exercise, an approximately 1,000-foot boom was […]

Weekly Weather



Curtis seeks new trial



On September 15, 2009, Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell and Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson were notified that the Minnesota Court of Appeals had “reversed and remanded” the conviction of James Lee Curtis of Grand Marais. In January 2008, Curtis was sentenced to 153 months at the Minnesota State correctional facility in St. Cloud for attempted murder in the second […]

Cummins challenges Oberstar



Staff reports Michael Cummins of Brook Park will challenge Congressman James Oberstar in the 8th District of Minnesota. The district spans most of eastern and all of northeastern Minnesota including Duluth, the entire Iron Range, International Falls and Brainerd. Cummins said, “It is clear from our unmet needs that Oberstar is once again ignoring the people of the 8th District […]