Debate over who should pay to restore walkway around tennis courts



An overlooked consequence of the parking lot being built outside the new Cook County Community YMCA had commissioners at the July 16, 2013 county board meeting discussing the difference between remediation and enhancement and the fact that either one could cost the county money. The driveway leading to what will be a new parking lot above the tennis courts cut […]

Birch Grove Foundation asks Tofte Township for direction



Calling it the “elephant in the room that we have avoided talking about for too long,” Tofte Supervisor Paul James said maybe it was time for the Birch Grove Community School to pay its fair share for the space it leases from the Town of Tofte. “I’m probably going to receive about 100 phone calls for saying that, but it […]

Library, EDA and more among topics covered by city council



A room full of visitors greeted the Grand Marais City Council on July 10, 2013. Leading off the proceedings was Mark Privratsky, a representative from Congressman Rick Nolan’s Duluth office. Privratsky had hosted a “Congress Comes to You” meetand greet session earlier in the day at City Hall, and said he just wanted to stop by and introduce himself to […]

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Busy beavers being bothersome



Beavers are causing problems in Schroeder. A culvert on Sugarloaf Road is threatening to clog because of the industrious building projects of nearby beaver. Schroeder Township Supervisor Roger “Bill” McKeever reported at the township board meeting on July 9, 2013 that he had cleaned the culvert out recently but had a hard time doing it. Fire Chief Bill Bonin suggested […]

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Bright blue sparkling water




It seems like there is a special day to celebrate everything under the sun. There are holidays ranging from National Popcorn Day (January 19) to “Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day” (August 8)—and more. Most of these “special” days are not so special. But coming up is a day that truly is meaningful. On the third Sunday of […]

Disrespect for the American flag



The Fourth of July parade in Tofte is a very gala event. Post 413 American Legion has led the parade for many years. A fun time for all. This year I was appalled at the sight I witnessed. As I approached the beginning of the parade set up, laid on the ground across the parade route was an American flag […]

Community Y is a Grand Marais facility



The vocal minority has been asked to stop complaining and support the community center. First, I believe the “vocal minority” is, in fact, a majority of the residents of Cook County. I am quite sure the “vocal minority” is a majority of the taxpayers of the county. Second, we are already supporting the project through the payment of the sales […]

Not anti-YMCA, but anti-over spending



First let me say that I appreciated Helen Carter’s positive letter to the editor last week in regards to the YMCA. I must say again that I am not anti-YMCA. I am simply against the county spending funds that we haven’t even collected and on top of that have now asked for more of the 1 percent tax not yet […]