Staff reports Sometimes situations come up such as unexpected medical bills, reduced work hours, or even unemployment. The Cook County Food Shelf is there to help out in these situations. If you are facing an unexpected budgetary crisis, the Food Shelf can supply a box that supplies three nutritious meals for three days. However, the Food Shelf is not intended […]
County board debates alternative work site for department head
The county board continues to consider an “Alternative Work Site” (AWS) agreement with Public Health & Human Services Director Sue Futterer, who was given permission in October to spend part of her workweek at her home office in Virginia, MN, where her husband has taken a school superintendent position. Thearrangement is in a three-month trial period extending mid-November to mid-February. […]
Tofte divvies Rescue Squad expense 50/50
Once again the cost of Tofte Rescue Squad operations was a topic of much discussion at a Tofte meeting. On Thursday, January 14, Supervisor Paul James reported on the meeting with Schroeder representatives regarding rescue squad expenses and how they could be shared between the neighboring towns. “We looked at everything from soup to nuts,” said James. “We came up […]
Tofte harbor may see fireworks again
After the unexpected misfire of a round and subsequent explosion at the 2009 Independence Day fireworks display in Tofte, there was doubt as to whether the pyrotechnics event could take place in 2010. At the January 14 town meeting, Supervisor Paul James said he may have good news for community members who enjoy fireworks at the Tofte Park each year. […]
School board votes to start making big budget cuts next fall
The ISD 166 school board began its first regular meeting of 2010 on Wednesday, January 20 by taking care of some organizational details. Bill Huggins was voted in as board chair for a second year, with Leonard Sobanja, secretary and Eric Kemp, treasurer. With “Expenditure Reduction Goal(s)” later on the agenda, the board discussed its own compensation. Last year, each […]
County supporting and applying for numerous grants
Grants, from the government as well as the private sector, seem to be a major source of income for numerous initiatives around Cook County. On January 19 and 26, 2010, Cook County commissioners approved county participation or support for a number of grants. Poplar River Cook County Soil & Water Conservation District Technician Tristan Beaster asked for the board’s support […]
Federal grants aid local housing program
Staff reports Two federal agencies are awarding over $2.2 million in federal grants to combat poverty and homelessness in northeast Minnesota, Congressman Jim Oberstar has announced. The funding will support a range of programs, which supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage and utility assistance for lowincome people. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is awarding $18.2 million to 141 […]
AEOA receives Stimulus funds to weatherize homes
Staff reports The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) will receive $8.7 million in federal Stimulus funds for weatherization work on the homes of qualified residents. Approximately 1,210 homes will receive weatherization services in the form of furnace repair/replacement, attic, wall and foundation insulation, and safety inspections — all with the goal of reducing home fuel costs an average of 20 […]
Student Council sponsors food drive
Staff reports The Cook County Middle School Student Council will be hosting a food drive contest for sixth through eighth grades starting January 27. Theclass with the most items after two weeks wins a pizza party! Middle school students can drop off any canned or boxed food item in boxes for their class. The boxes are located in the Cook […]
Music and hospitality warm a snowy night at Michael Monroe’s log cabin
You drive through the woods on a starry night until you find a log home spilling light onto the snow outside. You are greeted warmly at the door and follow your host up the stairs where you see a few people you know, a few you don’t, conversing over crackers and cheese, homemade bread, olives, chocolates, and their beverages of […]