As I feel the shock of the sticker price of broadband I realize why we probably were not awarded a stimulus grant — $20 million to $54 million is a lot of pork. Our commissioners didn’t do their homework. Commissioner Martinson asks if [the] 1 percent [sales tax] can pad customer bills. Not an intelligent question at this stage of […]
Well-done rescue
I have had the pleasure of regularly visiting and enjoying the Grand Marais and Gunflint Trail area for nearly 30 years. On January 20 while skiing on the beautiful trails between Bearskin Lodge, where my friends and I have often stayed, and Golden Eagle Lodge, I had an unfortunate fall resulting in a serious hip injury. I want to express […]
Supporting colleagues’ decision on tennis program
This is a letter of explanation, apology and encouragement regarding the [ISD 166] school board’s decision to support tennis as a varsity sport this next school year. I voted “nay” because I was concerned that public perception would have a negative impact on the upcoming referendum. Also, I believed a oneyear delay for this varsity status would have minimal negative […]
Joyful Dogma?
“A satisfying and amazing life to be free from dogma” is Lou Jenson’s “joy in life.” As I understand this subject, the dogma and doctrines of Atheism deny the existence of any god or supernatural activities since there is no full evidence supporting these claims by Christians. Using this same standard, neither have Atheists proved that God does not exist. […]
Judges speak out on possible courtroom closures
The possibility of having to travel out of the county for court proceedings continues to loom on Cook County’s horizon as the state faces a budget crisis and shrinkage of the workforce as Baby Boomers retire. Two years ago, the Minnesota Judicial Council, the administrative policy-making authority for the Minnesota Judicial Branch, set up a committee to research what could […]
CORRECTION:
In the March 20 article entitled Museum meeting at Grand Portage Log Community Building, readers “interested in the future of the Grand Portage Log Community Building” were encouraged to attend a March 24 meeting to discuss the development of a new museum in Grand Portage. An email from Vicky Raske and Bob Swanson pointed out that the log building is […]
Grand Portage Post 2009 recognized for growing membership
Grand Portage American Legion Post 2009 recently received recognition for its great success in recruiting new members. The post, established in 2009, started with 20 members. It now has 45 members, the largest growth in American Legion membership in the entire northeastern district. Post Commander Arvid Dahl received a letter from Wayne Gilbertson, membership director, congratulating the Grand Portage membership […]
Bayou Boogie cancelled for 2010
Cajun friends won’t make trip up Highway 61Themany people who have enjoyed Cajun cuisine and boogying to Zydeco music over Labor Day weekend for the last 17 years will be disappointed to hear that the Bayou Boogie will not be held in 2010. The Grand Portage Lodge & Casino announced this month that the Bayou Boogie has been cancelled. The Bayou Boogie was introduced to the North […]
Cook County Schools adding tennis program – at no cost
According to a November 29, 2009 article by Jason Brown in USTA.com, more than 30 million Americans play tennis, nearly equal to the population of Canada (33.5 million) and more than the combined populations of Austria, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. If tennis players were a state, the article states, they would be the second-largest in the nation, trailing only California.What would people think if ISD 166 added a new sport during a budget crisis? Perhaps they would think it was a good idea if they knew the Cook County Tennis Association would be funding it. The Cook County Tennis Association has made a commitment to fund and run a varsity tennis program at no cost to the district other […]
Ours Resort zoning to remain resort-commercial
A multi-year debate over the zoning classification of the Ours Resort in Lutsen seems to have been put to rest. Neighbors of the 5.13-acre parcel on Lake Superior have been trying to convince the county to change it from its resort commercial/residential classification to its former residential status. The Minneapolis Meat Cutter’s Union has owned the property since 1978 and […]