EDA supports Lutsen Mountains plan for pipeline to Lake Superior
At a special meeting of the Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) on December 8, Charles Skinner of Lutsen Mountains Corporation (LMC) approached the EDA board seeking support for the proposal to construct a pipeline to Lake Superior to draw water for snowmaking operations at the ski hill. Lutsen Mountains Corporation asked for the EDA’s help in […]
New appointment to Broadband Commission
Bob Pranis of Grand Marais is the newest member of the Cook County Broadband Commission. Upon the recommendation of Broadband Commissioner Terry Meath, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved his appointment on December 13, 2011. Pranis holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Northwestern University but has worked with computer technology since 1979. He now works as a consultant after […]
School Board discusses superintendent’s contract
ISD 166 school board members met Wednesday morning, December 14, to take a tour of the school facilities and then sat down to discuss Superintendent Beth Schwarz’s upcoming contract. While the board recently voiced support for Schwarz with a 4-1 vote of approval, the Cook County Education Association passed a vote showing a lack of support for Schwarz who is […]
Lessons and laughter at Julefest
For 37 years, Scandinavians—and those who would like to be Scandinavian—have gathered at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais for Julefest. On Saturday, December 10, the fellowship hall was filled once again with the sound of traditional Christmas carols and the scents of the holiday from a table laden with tempting goodies ranging from Kransekaka (Norwegian Wedding Cake) to Sandbakkels […]
Work continues on land exchange with U.S. Forest Service
With plans for the county to exchange its 59 parcels of land in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) with U.S. Forest Service landholdings outside the wilderness, County Assessor/Land Commissioner Mary Black sought approval from the county board on December 13, 2011 to hire the county examiner of titles to prepare a title insurance commitment. A title insurance commitment […]
The Christmas message— flash mob style
I love Christmas, but I think there is something that would make it even more wonderful. It is my Christmas wish to get caught in a holiday “flash mob” event. There may be a few people out there who haven’t heard about this phenomenon, so I’ll try to explain. A flash mob is an impromptu event of some kind, filmed […]
Put the community center project on the ballot
Occupy Grand Marais sounds like an interesting idea, but may I suggest something that might be more effective? Remembering back to the original referendum that approved this mess I recall lots of signs saying “yes to broadband” and “broadband now,” etc. I did not see “yes to new $10,000,000 community center” or anything like it. Remember that the initial “need” […]
Rep. Dill on homestead credit
Last month homeowners, farmers, renters and small businesses across Minnesota received their Truth-in- Taxation statements in the mail that detailed their expected property taxes for next year. Unfortunately, due to the elimination of the Market Value Homestead Credit passed by the Republican majority, your property taxes likely increased. Nearly all of us in Northern Minnesota will feel the effect. Here […]