Riding lawn mower accident on Maple Hill



A riding lawn mower rollover pinned an elderly man under the machine down a steep ravine at a home on Wahlstrom Road in Grand Marais at 3:24 p.m. on Monday, July 30. Patrick Lee LeBlanc, 75, was apparently mowing on a hill that was steep and brushy when he got too close to the edge and went over, with the […]

Road crash clean-up explained



Who is responsible for cleaning up the streets and highways after a crash, especially the vehicle debris? According to the Minnesota State Patrol, if there is a tow truck called to a crash scene, then they are generally responsible for cleaning up the debris. If they inadvertently (or otherwise) leave it, or if there was a crash where no tow […]

Proper pull-over etiquette



Have you ever wondered what you’re supposed to do if you get pulled over by a law enforcement officer? The Minnesota State Patrol says that first of all, you should be paying attention to your surroundings, especially looking in your rear view mirror every three to five seconds so you can be aware of any emergency vehicles approaching. At first […]

Nuisance bears disturb campers in Grand Marais



Nuisance bears—bruins that wander into people’s yards, getting into garbage cans, knocking down bird feeders and munching apples from trees—are not that unusual in Cook County. However, this year there seems to be an increase in bear encounters right inside the city of Grand Marais. Cook County Law Enforcement received several “bear problem” calls from the Grand Marais Rec. Park […]

Highway Department to investigate Gunflint Trail sinking near Sea Gull Lake



The Gunflint Trail is sinking. At least one part of it that runs through a swampy area near Sea Gull Lake. “Up by Sea Gull Lake there has been an area of considerable settlement,” County Engineer David Betts told the county board on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. “It’s pretty bad. Actually, it’s really bad.” A section of road about 100 […]

Schroeder Township park area refurbished



Jim Norvell shared his excitement about the refurbishing of the Schroeder Township park and the upcoming re-dedication of Father Baraga’s Cross adjacent to it with Schroeder Township supervisors at their July 10, 2012 meeting. He read an update on the work that was being done to spruce up the area, which is on the shore of Lake Superior: “The summer’s […]

Lioness of the Year is “always there” with a smile



At the Grand Marais Lions and Lioness Charter Dinner on May 22 at the Harbor Light Supper Club, Michelle Korst was named Lioness of the Year. Typically, it was a big surprise to Michelle, who would insist that she was only doing her part; doing what anyone would do. Lioness has historically been a hard-working and cheerful group of women, […]

The summer road trip now and then



My son-in-law backs the mini-van down the driveway. My daughter and grandchildren wave good-bye as the car moves quickly down the driveway. Their annual summer visit is at an end. The van’s top carrier is filled with “child-management equipment”— a double stroller and two pak’n plays. The van’s interior is filled with “child entertainment” items. Some books but mostly electronic […]

Father Baraga’s cross a sight worth beholding



How many travelers passing through Schroeder have seen a sign marking the turnoff to Father Baraga’s Cross and wondered who Father Baraga was and why a cross on the shoreline of Lake Superior bears his name? A group of about 70 people gathered by the sparkling waters where Cross River meets Lake Superior on Sunday, August 5, 2012 to remember […]

12th Annual Gitchi-Gami bike ride is Aug. 18



The 12th Annual Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA) North Shore Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, Aug. 18. The family-friendly, recreational bike ride will once again begin and end in Gooseberry Falls State Park, located between Two Harbors and Silver Bay on scenic U.S. Hwy. 61. A 28-mile ride option is entirely on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail (GGST) from Gooseberry […]