said he will continue to push vigorously for the PolyMet copper-nickel mining project near Hoyt Lakes. The copper-nickel mining project will add minerals vital to home construction and high-tech production. Oberstar noted that the PolyMet project will create up to 1,000 jobs and play a key role in the diversity, stability, and sustainability of northern Minnesota’s mining industry. “We are […]
Lions and Lionesses relax and review at steak fry
After the hustle and bustle of Fisherman’s Picnic and the Cook County Fair, the Grand Marais Lions and Lioness Clubs finally take some time to relax during their annual steak fry at Gunflint Hills Golf Course in Grand Marais. On Aug. 24, the Lions played a round of golf and enjoyed a steak dinner prepared by the Lions Club Master […]
EDA financial struggles continue
At its August meeting, the Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) tackled a number of difficult financial issues and heard a report from the UMD Center for Economic Development that reiterated its financial pressures. Levy advance needed for continued operation In July, the EDA agreed to approach the Cook County board of commissioners to request for a […]
BWCAW permits down
Permits to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area are down slightly from last year, said Jonathon Benson, United States Forest Service (USFS) East Zone Manager. “From May 15 to Aug. 20 we are 900 permits behind 2009,” said Benson. These permits include the entry points from the Ely area as well as Cook County. However, noted Benson, those figures […]
Mid-Gunflint seeks solution for traffic, speeding
Representatives of the Poplar Lake Area Association (PLAA) and the Mid-Trail Property Owners Association and three resorts from the mid-Gunflint Trail met Thursday, August 26 with Cook County Highway Engineer David Betts to discuss their long-standing concerns about excessive speed and other safety issues along an approximately 3.5 mile stretch of the Gunflint Trail. The congested stretch currently has signs […]
Sheriff again partners with state Crime Stoppers
The Cook County Sheriff ’s Department is beginning another year of partnership with Crime Stoppers of Minnesota to increase the ways that citizens can anonymously pass on information to help solve crimes. Through this partnership, the Cook County Sheriff ’s Department continues to support the use of awareness and systems available through Crime Stoppers to collect information about crimes. Citizens […]
Broadband projects needed for Blandin grant
Wanted: Internet-related projects needing funding in Cook County. While the county waits to hear the outcome of two federal stimulus grant applications that would bring fiber optic Internet speed (“broadband”) to almost every doorstep, a smaller but still significant grant is waiting for takers who could use broadband to enhance our community. The Blandin Foundation has designated $100,000 out of […]
Wilderness Canoe guides push physical limits on portage
How far can one person portage a canoe without putting it down or resting? A couple hundred yards? One mile? Two miles? How about 8½ miles up and down rugged trails? Four canoe guides at Wilderness Canoe Base spent Tuesday, July 27, doing exactly that. In doing so they learned something about themselves. Theyalso accomplished something maybe no one has […]
Fireside gallery chat with Sandi Pillsbury Gredzens
Sandi Pillsbury Gredzens will be the featured speaker Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Northwoods Pioneer Gallery and Gifts, 2821 Highway 61 in Castle Danger. Sandi will have a demo and a talk from 1 to 3 p.m. about her recent experiences with plein air painting (painting outdoors). A “make and take” session of “direct observation drawing” in various drawing media […]