Down Memory Lane



10 Years AgoOct. 25, 2002 Because of a change in zoning agreed upon by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, the Grand Marais State Bank will be able to go forward with its plans to build a new bank in Tofte. The land was classified in the Single Family Residential Zone (R-1). After agreeing with the recommendation of the Cook […]

New countywide chamber launched at meeting with legislators



“We are excited to announce the launching of the Cook County Chamber of Commerce,” said Howard Hedstrom, a member of the organizing committee and president of Hedstrom Lumber in Grand Marais. “The new chamber will create a single voice representing all county businesses from all sectors.” “This is a collaborative effort to move the business community beyond traditional business and […]

Bakk and Dill answer many questions from county board



State Sen. Tom Bakk and state Rep. David Dill met with the Cook County board on October 23, answering questions, responding to requests, and talking about the state of Minnesota’s finances. They were aware of all the issues the commissioners raised but did not promise what they could not deliver. Veterans’ services Commissioner Bruce Martinson asked about reinstating veterans’ services […]

Life is too short to be anything but happy



Fall is a time of year that is both beautiful and noisy. We have politicians on one side and leaf blowers on the other sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference. I turned off the television and relaxed with a book. In it was a chapter about being happy. The first thing I read said that we could choose to […]

Cook County veterans join Northland Honor Flight



The four Cook County men who participated in the October 9, 2012 Northland Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. didn’t get a chance to visit much on the trip. The veterans were too busy seeing the sights. So it was fun for them to see one another back home in Grand Marais where this reporter had the honor of speaking with […]

Panetti completes basic military training



Air Force Airman Hunter C. Panetti graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science […]

You are invited to the Haunting on Third Street



The first Haunted House on Third Street in 2011 was very successful with over 300 brave souls venturing into the dark abyss filled with ghosts and ghouls. There were excited visitors ranging from infancy to 90 years old. The second annual event promises to be even spookier! Haunted House creators saved some of the scary stuff from last year and […]

Stunning performance at Magnus Theatre in Thunder Bay



Are you looking for something really worthwhile to do this week? Go up to Thunder Bay and see Freedom 85! at the Magnus Theatre. The story is captivating and the acting is incredible. Starring in the play are its playwright, Debra Hale, and Andrea Risk, both experienced professionals. Between the two of them, they play at least 10 different people. […]

Higher Ed offers QuickBooks course



A day-long QuickBooks course will be offered at Cook County Higher Ed on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Instructor is Jennifer Pontinen of the UMD Center for Economic Development Small Business Development Center in Virginia, MN. The class will cover the basic functions of this best-selling business accounting software for small businesses. This is the same class at the same cost as […]

Violence Prevention Center to community— it’s your turn



The Violence Prevention Center is inviting residents of Cook County—parents, singles, elders, youth—to participate in Phase Three of the center’s community needs assessment. It’s up to you to share your ideas of what the community needs to positively impact the lives of residents and how to provide services for those affected by violence. You are a vital part of this […]