Moose added to special concern species list
For the first time since 1996 the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has updated its lists of endangered species, threatened species and species of special concern, and for the first time moose have landed on that list. Since 2007 moose have been disappearing at an alarming rates in northern Minnesota, while all but disappearing from the northwestern part of […]
County watching nickels and dimes
The county board is trying not to let Cook County Community YMCA costs get out of hand. On August 20, 2013, a motion by Commissioner Sue Hakes authorizing Branch Executive Director Emily Marshall to spend up to $300,000 for furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E)-—the amount budgeted—as long as individual purchases were within 10 percent of the amount budgeted failed for […]
Water fountain uncer tainty continues to flow
The county asking the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to waive the standard $1,000 hookup fee for a water fountain to be installed outside the Cook County tennis courts by the new Cook County Community YMCA seemed like a simple request. But a visit by County Commissioners Garry Gamble and Heidi Doo-Kirk to the August 21, 2013 PUC meeting […]
Remembering Bertha Toftey’s days at Cook County News-Herald
When Bertha Kretzschmar married Adolph “Ade” Toftey at the Evangelical Lutheran Emmanuel Church in Gaylord, Minn. in June 1937, she probably didn’t realize she would become the matriarch of a small town newspaper on Minnesota’s North Shore. Bertha Toftey assumed the role with grace and style and worked alongside her husband for over 35 years publishing the Cook County News-Herald. […]
A few unorganized words
This week, to paraphrase a famous politician, I feel your pain. As editor I frequently get taken to task for insisting that people stay within our 350 word limit for Cook County News-Herald letters to the editor. I understand the frustration of trying to fit what you want to say in limited space. That is why, once in awhile, in […]
Special meaning found in blueberry patch
In tribute to the life of Paul Brandt, who passed away this month doing what he loved best—berry picking. The Blueberry Patch Globes of purple, pale green and blue, hidden beneath small-toothed leaves; Subterranean rhizomes pursuing acidic soil, perennial wild low-bush blueberries. Elixir for life, infused with sunlight, we feast not alone… boreal creatures savor the star-shaped dimpled delicacy; Succulent […]
Commissioner clarifies comments
In the Cook County News Herald article entitled County board moving closer to finding administrator (8/17/13), Reporter Jane Howard inaccurately reported my words and my intentions. Here is what Jane Howard reported that I said “Commissioner Sue Hakes said she wanted to see all 36 resumes because she was curious and because she wanted the board to be able to […]
RV rules are the same all over
Editor Rhonda Silence, your August 3 column Home sweet home is right on. We have been RV people since 1972 – 41 years. Cook County is not alone however in their rules in using an RV for semi-permanent living on a lot owned by the RV owner. Most cities and counties have such rules. We live in Faribault, Rice County. […]