Historical society seeks grant to purchase Bally Blacksmith Shop



The county’s support for the Cook County Historical Society’s application for a grant to purchase the Bally Blacksmith Shop in downtown Grand Marais almost stalled out on February 26 over the possibility of testing for environmental contaminants on the historic property. A small crowd of historical society members sat behind Museum Director Carrie McHugh and President Gene Erickson as they […]

Reconfiguring and re-bidding for community center project



The Cook County Community Center Steering Committee spent five hours on February 25 deliberating over recommendations for the county board regarding design and bidding for Phase IV of the Cook County Family YMCA construction project. County Commissioner Sue Hakes reported on consultation with Ken Donovan of Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith, & Frederick, P.A., an attorney with a specialty in construction, regarding […]

School board approves new superintendent contract



By a 4-1 vote the School District166 school board approved a three-year contract for Superintendent Beth Schwarz at its February 20 meeting. The meeting was packed with elementary, middle school and high school teachers. The contract also reinstated days she lost in last year’s one-year contract due to budget cutbacks. Her new contract calls for her to be paid $102,916 […]

County ponders assessments for Schroeder survey



Some property owners with smaller parcels in Sections 7, 8, 9, 17, and 18 of Schroeder Township that were surveyed last year may be unhappy to find out that the county may assess them more than the $500 they expected to pay. They will have a chance to speak to the county board about it, however, at a public hearing […]

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Life is good on the ice




I am not the world’s biggest ice fishing fan. I prefer fishing in the summer—relaxing under sunny blue skies, listening to the waves lapping against the side of the boat and the wind rustling through the trees. When I’m out on the water, I don’t really care if I catch a fish or not. I enjoy casting and reeling the […]

Grateful to those speaking out



Sincere and heartfelt thanks to our community for the overwhelming support we’ve received as our family deals with the challenges that have come our way. From phone calls to hugs to letters and emails, we are humbled by the thoughtfulness of so many, and pleasantly reminded of what a special place this is we call home. We are forever grateful […]

New pool should be warmer



If the new pool is heated to only 80 degrees, you are discriminating against many of us arthritic people who now use the existing pool for exercise. Also, many families with toddlers won’t be able to use the pool as they need it much warmer, and the adult pool in the shallow end is still too deep, unless you plan […]

Issue could have been resolved quietly with attorney’s cooperation



In regards to Ann Mershon’s February 16 letter to the editor which stated that if it weren’t for the media having blown the situation regarding County Attorney Tim Scannell out of proportion, it would have been “resolved quietly without so much harm to the girl, Tim, and their families.” Did you forget, Ann, that in the court-issued harassment restraining order, […]