Gunflint Trail celebrates Plein Air artists



The Gunflint Trail has historically been a favorite haunt of artists. The Pines, the view from Honeymoon Bluff, interesting cabins and boat houses, and of course rivers and streams, have been immortalized on canvas for decades. However this summer there is a new incentive for artists and art lovers to head up the Trail—a Plein Air Celebration and Show. Like […]

New “Head and Butt Fund” to underwrite car seat clinic



Many parents, grandparents, and babysitters put the children they love into car seats when they take them places, thinking that they are safe. In many instances, however, car seats are installed incorrectly, leaving children in danger of severe injury in the event of a car accident. Hoping to prevent such disasters, a car seat clinic will be held during the […]

Are you going to Cook County Fair… parsley, sage, rosemary & thyme…



Cook County Fair organizers are still looking for musicians who would like to perform at this year’s event. On Friday evening the Flute Reed River Band will be playing from 5- 7 p.m. and the kids’ inflatables will also be open from noon to 7 p.m. On Saturday evening, Oversized Load is playing from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Inflatables will […]

Violence Prevention Center seeks new logo



The Violence Prevention Center is holding a unique art contest in honor of its 25 years of service to the Cook County area—a new logo needs to be designed to encompass what has been accomplished during those 25 years of aid as well as the years to come. There will be a cash prize for eyecatching design that encompasses the […]

Art Colony lists August classes



The Grand Marais Art Colony is pleased to offer a great variety of classes next month. Ranging from pottery to glass and printmaking to visual arts, there is something to inspire everyone. Highlights include: • Past and Present Encaustic Painting Lecture by Jeff Hirst on Aug. 6; Encaustic Painting and Collage by Jeff Hirst on Aug. 6-8 (three days). • […]

Food Shelf helps kids in summer



We have some of the best and the brightest children here. To paraphrase Garrison Keillor, the children of Cook County are goodlooking, strong and above average. But many are also hungry. Thissummer our local Food Shelf has provided meals for over 100 children in the area. In the summer months there are no hot school lunches to take up some […]

Canoe Races a true North Woods get-together



July 21 was a perfect summer day: sunshine, a few clouds, moderate breeze and temperatures in the 70s, ideal for the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races. Theevening event was again a winner with proceeds of $14,000 going to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department to outfit their new tanker tender and to help fund bathrooms for the three Trail fire stations. […]

Speak up for the great outdoors



At the end of a perfect day of fishing on one of Minnesota’s lakes, I was reminded of the rich natural heritage of our state. Our lakes and rivers are the envy of the country. We Minnesotans have a history of protecting the water that is so dear to us. Countless local efforts have recently been boosted by a statewide […]

Higher taxes will hurt senior citizens the most



I was shocked at the number of candidates who thought that we could all afford higher property taxes. One mentioned their mom pays $6,000 elsewhere. Mine lives in Grand Marais off Social Security, approximately $6,000 a year, and pays Medicare out of that. It’s not just about the rich, it’s the poor and elderly too. That’s the reality a commissioner […]

Does faith exist?



In response to Geri Jensen’s July 24 letter. Your letter is supposedly in response to my July 17 letter. However, it seems to lack a response to the questions in my last paragraph—unless it is that you are an “Atheistic Authority.” Okay, since you are an authority, please indicate which sentences in my letter are “poignant and emotional”? Your argument […]