A Light shines in the darkness



Like everyone I know, all I can think to ask is … why? Why would a quiet and intelligent young man walk into an elementary school and murder 20 first graders? Why would he turn his gun on six more adults before taking his own life? What is it about our culture that this happens over and over and over […]

Lutsen board discusses new town hall



Work is almost completed on Lutsen’s firehall/townhall addition, but the town board discussed a few problems that need to be resolved before signing off on the job at its December 18 meeting. The building needs to be cleaned and some small projects need to be finished, which shouldn’t take General Contractor Max Wahlers much time, said Fire Chief Paul Goettl. […]

Commissioners recognized for years of service



“Best job I ever had!” That’s how County Commissioner Jim Johnson described his experience on the county board as county employees and community members recognized him and Commissioner Fritz Sobanja for their years of service to the county at a reception at the courthouse December 18. Johnson encouraged other community members to run for commissioner, saying it’s not as hard […]

Citizens ask county attorney to step down



Although Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell maintains that the circumstances that led to the filing of a harassment restraining order against him on December 4, 2012 in no way affect his job as the county’s lead prosecuting attorney and legal advisor to the Cook County commissioners, there are a number of citizens who disagree. People unhappy with 47-year-old Scannell’s admitted […]

Historical Reflections



Down Memory Lane



10 Years AgoDec. 20, 2002 Minnesota Power representative Jim Atkinson attended the Dec. 10 Schroeder town meeting to present a rezoning plan to the town supervisors for nearly 3,000 acres of land owned by Minnesota Power. The plan includes a variety of development including cluster residential housing, commercial and retail establishments, and a proposed centrally located equestrian center. Atkinson displayed […]

County board considers EDA levy



The county board is thinking long and hard about how much taxation Cook County property owners can bear. On December 11, the board discussed the Cook County/ Grand Marais Economic Development Agency’s proposed 2013 budget and levy. They considered two proposals from the EDA, one that included a fulltime director at $60,000 a year plus benefits (a total of $77,700) […]

County board considers dissolving Hovland SSD before it starts



The Hovland residents who recently petitioned successfully for the creation of a subordinate service district (SSD) that would provide snowplowing services on portions of several roads west of the Arrowhead Trail may not be too happy to find out that the county board is already looking into the possibility of dissolving it. The proposed district includes portions of the Irish […]

Presents from Heaven, proof of God’s presence



Every day of my life I look for presents from Heaven. They are a daily reminder to me of God’s loving presence in my life. This last week was no exception. As many of you know my brother Gary died unexpectedly last April. Our family was rocked by his sudden loss. We knew so little of the last several months […]

Some Christmas reading



If you are looking for a last minute Christmas gift, the Cook County News-Herald reminds readers that books always make wonderful gifts. The Grand Marais Library provided the following mini-reviews. All of these books, by local authors or with a connection to the North Shore, are available at local stores and gift shops. . Hawk Ridge: Minnesota’s Birds of Prey […]