Are you troubled by someone’s drinking?



Twenty questions developed by Al-Anon Family Groups can help family members identify whether they have been affected by a loved one’s drinking, according to Nicolette Stephens, Information Analyst for Al-Anon. “While it is easy to see what alcohol does to the drinker, it may be difficult to see its effects on those who care about the drinker,” Stephens said. The […]

Gunflint Trail Fire Department announces expansion, donations



As summer came to an end, the Gunflint Trail Fire Department started seeing activity on its fire hall expansion projects. Fire Department spokesperson Michael Valentini said, “It’s been a very long wait and a frustrating journey through red tape, regulations and delays.” However, Valentini added there is great news. He said, “Our patience however has been rewarded with some very […]

New Fire Chief for Maple Hill Community Fire Department



The Maple Hill Community Fire Department held its annual meeting on Wednesday, September 12 at the Fire Hall at 1392 Gunflint Trail. Maple Hill and Devil Track Lake residents showed their appreciation for the firefighters with a potluck dinner. After enjoying the dinner and lots of socializing, Fire Chief Ed Hedstrom announced that he was passing the reins to Kent […]

Nelson Act passes Senate, awaits president’s signature



Six Minnesota Chippewa tribes will soon know when they will receive a $28 million settlement from the U.S. government first awarded 13 years ago. Last March U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack and U.S. Representative Colin Peterson testified before the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaskan Native Affairs and asked that the money be released to the tribes. After two weeks of discussion […]

Former Grand Marais man sentenced for assault



An assault case taken to trial by jury ended with a guilty verdict on July 27, 2012. The jury found Brian Christopher Fairbanks, 29, Deer River, MN, guilty on three counts—felony assault in the 3rd degree; misdemeanor domestic assault and obstructing the legal process. Fairbanks was sentenced on September 18, 2012. Imposition of felony assault charges resulting from an August […]

Grand Portage man charged as sexual predator



Joel Ray Allard, 36, Grand Portage has been charged with two counts of felony criminal sexual predatory conduct, two counts of felony criminal sexual conduct, two counts of felony false imprisonment and two counts of gross misdemeanor criminal sexual conduct. He is charged with an additional count of furnishing alcohol to a person under 21. Allard was charged September 6, […]

Petition filed to stop wolf hunt



The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been informed that a petition for review has been filed with the Minnesota Court of Appeals in an attempt to stop the state’s upcoming wolf hunting and trapping season. The agency and the Office of the Attorney General have not been served with or reviewed the petition and have no comment on […]

Historical Reflections



Down Memory Lane



10 Years AgoSept. 27, 2002 The Tofte Town Board met Sept. 19 in a continuation of their Sept. 12 meeting to discuss a resolution from the Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association regarding the collection of the county lodging tax. In his presentation, LTTA vice president Jim Vick emphasized that the LTTA is continuing to meet and make progress with Cook County […]

Community Center Steering Committee supports wood floor in refurbished gym



At its September 6 meeting, the Cook County Community Center Steering Committee voted to support wood flooring over a multipurpose surface in the proposed community center gym. The decision was not made easily. The vote was split 11-7. At the September 21 meeting, the decision was affirmed, with Steering Committee Chair Paul Sporn reiterating how difficult the decision was. “I […]