Cook County census participation rate low



How well did Cook County do with its participation in the 2010 census? Not too well, compared to the national participation rate, and really not well compared to the rest of Minnesota. Forty-one percent of Cook County households sent in their survey forms, compared to 74 percent nationally and 81percent statewide. The Minnesota Chippewa participation rate was 50 percent. Here […]

Dinna Madsen: Saganaga pioneer remembered



Dinna Madsen passed away October 27, 2010 at her home on Red Pine Island on Lake Saganaga on the border of U.S. and Canada. At her memorial service on November 8, 2010, many people shared their memories of this caring and courageous woman. One of the most eloquent was John Bouchard, who was stationed as a conservation officer on Lake […]

School auditor gives account of ISD 166 finances



Certified Public Accountant Carl Nordquist presented the school board with the bottom line on its financial situation at the November 17, 2010 ISD 166 school board meeting. Total revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 was $7,358,904. Expenses were $8,038,904, leaving the school with $680,000 less in net assets than it started with. Assets exceeded liabilities by $2,515,728. […]

City budget conservative and forward-thinking



The City of Grand Marais’ water budget is “doing great” compared to its condition over the last 10 years, City Administrator Mike Roth told the Public Utilities Commission on November 17, 2010. “It’s come from a terrible place to something that’s manageable now,” he said. Thewater budget was negative for most of the years he’s been city administrator, Roth said. […]

New Arrowhead Electric manager ready for challenges



On an exceptionally busy Monday at the Arrowhead Electric Cooperative Inc. (AECI) headquarters in Lutsen, newly appointed General Manager Jeanne Muntean took a few minutes to talk to the Cook County News-Herald about her new role at the cooperative. Still in the office she has worked in for three years as assistant manager, Muntean reflected on the path to her […]

Healthy worksites mean business



Cook County is known throughout the state and region as a destination for natural beauty, outdoor activity, culture and the arts, and clean air and water. Our front-line service staff and businesses play an important role in promoting that “healthy” face of Cook County to both locals and visitors. But did you know that there are many competitive economic advantages […]

Biomass feasibility discussion Dec. 9



The Cook County Board of Commissioners in conjunction with the Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP) has authorized a project to explore the feasibility of communitybased biomass energy production. The emphasis of the project will be on understanding the short- and long-term environmental, social, and economic impacts of utilizing woody biomass in northeastern Minnesota. A public meeting on the project […]

Cook County Law Enforcement briefs



It is the policy of the Cook County News-Herald to withhold the identities of individuals in Cook County Law Enforcement briefs. When court proceedings are complete, the Cook County News-Herald publishes a complete accounting of names and penalties in its Matters of Record. Monday, Nov. 22 8:27 a.m., Grand Portage: Vandalism reported to a vehicle parked at the national monument. […]

Keep going, Cheyenne



What a refreshing and interesting Coach’s Corner in the November 20 edition. Ms. Sorlie surely demonstrates what determination and willpower can do. Thank you, Coach, for sharing the great accomplishment with the readers. Keep on going Cheyenne! Bernie Maday St. Paul

Clean up Cook County’s junk



I recently contacted my county commissioner to express my thoughts on the never-ending always growing “junk everywhere” problem here in Cook County. I was told that this problem has been going on for decades. Duh? I was also told that it would be brought up at a future meeting. The state law is clear, they as a board can enforce […]