Cook County commissioners have been struggling with how to handle the increasing desire of property owners to use recreational vehicles (RV) as housing. In June the issue became a bit more complicated, as a request for RVs for temporary housing for employees at Trail Center Resort on the Gunflint Trail was considered—and ultimately approved because the trailers are in a […]
River water allocation increased for Lutsen Mountains snowmaking
All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. That’s one thing King Solomon, the biblical ruler known for his wisdom, had to say about the way nature tends to keep itself balanced. It’s too bad we can’t ask him how much we should worry about extracting water from the Poplar River just before it empties into […]
What will happen if the state government shuts down?
What is the most likely scenario if the state government shuts down on July 1? Well, state parks will be closed, road construction and bridge building on state roads will cease, driver tests will not be given, highway rest stops will be closed, most DNR employees will be laid off, and money for school districts will not be sent, but […]
Scouts bring muscle to trails
A collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service, the Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) and the Boy Scout Order of the Arrow June 18 – 26 went very well, despite a smaller number of Scouts taking part than anticipated. The Forest Service originally thought over 500 Scouts would be taking part in a Scouting event, “ArrowPower 2011,” but the final numbers were […]
Bluefin Bay staffer arrested after crashing into building
Cook County Law Enforcement received two calls reporting a vehicle crash at Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior on Wednesday, June 22. The first call was from Como Oil & Propane at 10:04 p.m. asking law enforcement for assistance in case Highway 61 needed to be shut down because a propane tank had been hit. A second call followed shortly after, […]
Rally round the flag
Once again, I am compelled to address the desecration of our flag by those who do not comprehend the meaning of the U.S. flag. Our flag is the symbol of freedom and democracy in this country and around the world. It epitomizes what our military personnel defend and rally around. It is sacred and must not be desecrated. Unfortunately, the […]
Better use of 1 percent tax
The proposed Community Center isn’t being built for the people of Grand Portage. They already have an excellent community center. Unfortunately, it is often a “ghost town” in the building. They’ll be paying for Grand Marais’ community center whenever they buy something in town. There is nothing wrong with our 20-year-old Community Center. I have attended several events there and […]
Money is like water
I know that those serving on the [community center] steering committee are acting with the best interests of our community at heart. However, I see a couple of problems with the project so far. First is the “something for everybody” approach. I understand politics and consensus-building, but this has created an out-ofcontrol monster. Maybe everybody doesn’t need to get “something” […]
Clarification
In the June 25, 2011 article Curriculum costs—and finding funding, Richard Struck was referred to as a retired philanthropist. The correct title should have been certified fund raising executive. Struck explained the former is actually when an individual gives large sums away to various charities while the latter is a professional fund raising position. Although Struck supports selected nonprofits like […]
