Tribal Chair Norman Deschampe retains RTC position
Recount requested for committeeman seatThe Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa held its 2012 primary election on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 for Reservation Tribal Council chair and committeeman. When the polls closed and the votes had been counted, Tribal Chair Norman Deschampe had once again retained his council seat. However, none of the candidates running for the committeeman seat had a majority of […]
City OKs new fire truck, street sweeper purchase
Grand Marais City Council okayed the purchase of a new fire truck and street sweeper at its March 28 meeting. Chief Ben Silence and Aaron Mielke of the city’s fire department appeared before council to say that they were recently notified by FEMA that the city has been awarded a $209,950 FEMA grant to be used toward the purchase of […]
Tofte girl has close encounter with wolves
A 17-year-old girl had a frightening encounter with two wolves in her yard at 7101 West Highway 61 in Tofte on Monday, March 26. Jana Sanders was pruning some rose bushes near the deck on her family’s home at about 1:30 p.m. when she heard a growl behind her. “I stood up and turned around,” said Sanders told the Cook […]
IRRRB listening session includes mining questions, concerns
Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) Commissioner Tony Sertich started the Wednesday, March 28 “listening session” with a bit of self-deprecating humor. He told the audience of about 40 people in the Cook County courthouse commissioner’s room that he had a combined major from Hamlin University of theater and political science. “That truly means I’m not good for much […]
Deficit budget not a confidence builder
Even with an annual shortfall of $150,000, YMCA leadership is “confident we can make it [the unwanted new community center] work.” Since when is operating a deficit budget a confidence builder? Part of the Y’s confidence is the assumption of county support. The county has made it clear there can be no increase in its costs to operate or support […]
Community support grows community foundation
On behalf of the Cook County Community Foundation, I am writing to express our gratitude to area residents for your support of our work through 2011. Last year we added $73,683 to our endowment, including a wonderful and inspiring single gift of $50,000 from an anonymous donor. These gifts made possible the awarding of grants of up to $2,500 to […]
Hospital lab goes the extra mile
Sometimes I forget how rare it is to have really wonderful medical care in a really small community. I was reminded when my nine-year-old son and I recently visited the lab at the Cook County hospital. Our little guy has had far too many “pokes” in his nine years… mostly from I.V. blood draws…and he’s pretty well traveled for his […]
Voices past speak for natural resources
At a time of considerable debate over jobs, living wages and big money from proposed precious-metals mining in Minnesota’s fabled northeastern region, it seems fitting to consider comments from individuals long ago concerned with the future of our natural resources. “In front of the majesty of the mountains we are pushed to establish a more respectful relationship with nature…At the […]