As 11 a.m. neared on Monday, May 27, a diverse crowd gathered around the lawn of the Cook County courthouse in Grand Marais for a Memorial Day service. There were veterans proudly wearing baseball caps designating their branch of service or the conflict in which they served, some leaning on canes or in wheelchairs. There were tearful family members. There […]
Appeals Court upholds DNR rulemaking on wolf season
On May 28, 2013, the Minnesota Court of Appeals denied a challenge by the Center for Biodiversity and Howling for Wolves who argued that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) failed to give ample opportunity for public comment before introducing a wolf season in Minnesota. The higher court did not agree, paving the way for another wolf hunt. In […]
Planning & Zoning discusses proposed septic ordinance
In the midst of changes to the state’s septic rules over the past several years and widespread opposition to some of those changes, Minnesota’s counties have been given until February 4, 2014 to adopt their own septic ordinances in line with—and sometimes different from—the state’s rules. The Cook County Planning & Zoning office has been preparing a draft septic ordinance […]
Input sought on county administrator position
Twenty people gathered at the Cook County Community Center on May 22, 2013 to talk about what a county administrator could contribute to Cook County government. Community member Jim Boyd shared his thoughts on the matter, saying that while additional government doesn’t always save money, it improves both services and efficiencies. “You get more bang for your buck,” he said. […]
Hakes has not proven fiscal responsibility
YMCA Director Chris Frances asked Commissioner Sue Hakes to sit on the Cook County Community Center Planning Board. What a smart political move by Frances as he knows Hakes will vote however he asks her to vote. The fox will be guarding the hen house. In the same May 18th article, Hakes opines on how “fiscally responsible” she will be […]
YMCA raises separation of church and state concerns
What is so important about a name? A name can stir up an array of emotions as witnessed by world events when people pray or kill in the name of various gods. Parents attempt to select meaningful names for offspring or pets. Even boats, trucks, and hunting shacks are named with affection. “Cook County Community Center” was clearly an inclusive […]
Minnesota took a huge step backward
To: Mark Dayton You are proud of what our state government did? Not accomplished – did! To accomplish something is to improve it; this act can only tear down what has stood for centuries. There has always been male and female who mate to produce children to allow the human race to continue. Now we are supposed to learn he, […]
Laws of man change like the wind
Do we want a nation that bases its laws on what man thinks? Think about it, laws of man change like the wind. Like it or not, the laws put on the books by our forefathers were based on God’s law. There are many examples the following is one: As you walk up the steps to the building which houses […]
Parting thoughts for parents
In the past, I’ve written a special column for the parents of graduating seniors. I didn’t last year, but this year I’ve talked to a number of harried parents who I think could use a little sympathy in Unorganized Territory. I do wish the very best for the Class of 2013. But they are busy right now making plans for […]