Citizens bring proposal for pool renovation to county board
Use of the county’s 1 percent Recreation and Infrastructure Sales Tax is a regular discussion item on the county commissioners’ agenda. At the Tuesday, November 8, 2011 county board meeting, a group of citizens brought up the 1 percent tax during the public comment period at the start of the meeting. Hal Greenwood of Grand Marais was the group’s spokesperson […]
Changes for county maintenance agreement on private roads
For years, Cook County has provided services such as plowing and grading for a number of private roadways as “subordinate governmental service districts.” Under these agreements, the county contracts with local road contractors for maintenance on the roads and property owners along the roadways are then assessed by the county for the work done. An unexpected increase in the maintenance […]
Land Trust backs off request to eliminate parking lot near harbor
City representatives met with Minnesota Land Trust Executive Director Kris Larson in October to discuss the status of the gravel parking lot across Broadway from Sydney’s in downtown Grand Marais. Grand Marais Rec Park Manager Dave Tersteeg told the Grand Marais Park Board on November 1, 2011 that the meeting, which he attended with Mayor Larry “Bear” Carlson, City Councilor/park […]
Respectful traditions, new and old
It is traditional for military Veterans Day ceremonies to be held on the 11th hour of the 11th day of 11th month, in remembrance of the signing of the Armistice in 1918 that ended World War I. Sadly, that “war to end all wars” was not the end and our military men and women have continued to be in harm’s […]
Trying to be patient with the “perspective-challenged”
Thanks, Rhonda, for your November 5 Unorganized Territory describing the “perspective-challenged.” I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut when my wife is driving but sometimes it drives me up the wall. I will be more forgiving after reading your explanation. Carl Fritsch Lutsen and Edina
Dog owners should know how to release traps
Trapping season is under way and with the pleasant fall weather many people are in the woods with their dogs: hunters, mushers, hikers, casual dog walkers, etc. Because there is no requirement for trappers to post a notice of the presence of traps, someone’s dog may accidentally get caught in a trap— leg hold or conibear—and this may damage or […]
Government handouts and wolves
I’ve some questions I wish people would think about: The Lutsen fire truck was a “good deal for taxpayers because they received FEMA money.” Question — Where does FEMA money come from? Somebody’s taxes! Everybody wants to spend the 1 percent sales tax money right now. Question — Isn’t spending “projected tax” risky since “projected” doesn’t always pan out? A […]
Independent pharmacies threatened by largest merger in history
With the era of mandatory mail-order and chain pharmacy takeovers, it has been the goal of my wife Laura and I to keep independent pharmacies alive in rural and out-state Minnesota. Like Dr. Nate Chandler here in Grand Marais, we have several junior partners and young pharmacists preparing to become future independent owners when they are ready. However, these dreams […]