“Closing the gap” is challenging



It is unsettling for everyone to acknowledge that the test scores and graduation rates of United States students are below other countries. We know that a high school diploma is critical for young adults as a step towards receiving additional education or training which more likely opens the door for them to acquire a livable wage job throughout their adulthood. […]

Specialized needs rise at ISD 166



Special education needs at ISD 166 are growing. As of the October 3, 2013 school board meeting, 72 students – 16 percent of the student population – were receiving special ed services. According to Superintendent Beth Schwarz, about 11 percent of students in Minnesota schools receive special ed services. The school went from two to three special ed rooms this […]

Vikings win first play-off game



It wasn’t easy, but the Cook County High School (CCHS) girls’ volleyball team won their first round Section 7A playoff game against Fond du Lac, 3 games to 1, on Monday, October 21 at home. Fond du Lac got out of the gate early, taking an 11-6 lead, and the Vikings had to play catchup the entire first game. Although […]

It’s 50/50 from now on



For those of you who live in the Annandale area, you might have noticed a minivan with a huge “HONK I’m 50 Today” sign on the back. Unbeknownst to me, my son Jack made this lovely sign of declaration in his art class. (Thanks Mr. Sparks…I owe you one!) As I’m driving the kids to school I kept asking why […]

23rd Bluegrass Masters Weekend set



The 23rd Annual Masters Weekend will happen Nov. 1–3 at Lutsen Resort. Workshop classes with Jim Van Cleve will offer relaxed teaching and learning, and pickin’ and listenin’ jam sessions will continue throughout the weekend. Workshops will run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; the Saturday concert with Jim Van Cleve & Friends will start at 8 p.m. At […]

COMMUNITY CALENDAR



Knotty Carvers of the North Annual Woodcarving Show The Knotty Carvers of the North will host their first annual woodcarving show at the Proctor Area Community Center (PACC), 100 Pionk Drive, Proctor,MN, 9-3, Saturday, Nov. 2nd. Admission is free. Call Nancy Borson, 218-624-0121. Small Business Development Consultant (SBDC): Need Advice? LegalCORPS assists small businesses and nonprofits by providing individuals and […]

Destination College 2014



Thinking about going to college, but don’t know where to start? The Destination College event at Cook County Higher Education is for you to explore your options, whether you are an adult returning to college or a high school student considering college choices for the first time. Kirsten van den Berg, director of education at Higher Ed, said, “Join us […]

Outstanding season for Junior High volleyball



The eighth grade girls’ volleyball team, under the direction of Coach Kelly Roberts, won the majority of their games this season. Their last contest, against Silver Bay on Monday, October 14, was more of a scrimmage, with the Vikings winning all of the games against the Mariners in a dominating fashion. On Saturday, October 12, the 7th and 8th grade […]

Vikings battle top-rated teams



The Cook County High School Viking football team traveled to Barnum on Wednesday, October 16 to face the top-ranked Bombers in a game that was going to be an uphill battle for the winless Viking team. After playing a close first quarter, trailing by 8, the Bombers scored a flurry of points and led the Vikings 42-8 at halftime. In […]

Wet, windy and cold run at Proctor Invitational



The Cook County/Two Harbors cross country team headed to Proctor for the final Forty degrees, Johnsonmeet of the regular season. Jacob a and a windy and rain are pretty common for this late-season meet, and this year was no exception. All the teams from Section 7A were at the meet, except the Iron Range Conference teams that were having their […]