Veterans Day remembrances began early on November 11, 2013, as flags were raised at the Grand Portage Veterans Memorial at daybreak. Ceremonies in honor of local veterans continued through the day, at the new Grand Portage American Legion building, at School District 166 and finally at the Grand Marais American Legion lounge. Grand Portage welcomes veterans to new building For […]
Change in venue granted for County Attorney Scannell
Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell, indicted on two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct by a Duluth area grand jury on October 22, 2013, made his first—and last— appearance in the Cook County courthouse Tuesday. All future hearings and the potential trial will be held in St. Louis County with Judge Shaun Floerke presiding. The decision to change venue met […]
Wage increases for county attorney’s office staff
The county attorney’s office staff is very busy these days. A November 7 memo from Assistant County Attorney Molly Hicken to Cook County Board of Commissioners departmental liaison Heidi Doo- Kirk states, “On October 15, 2013, [County Attorney] Tim Scannell gave notice that he was leaving the office indefinitely on medical leave and that he would be passing responsibility for […]
County board discusses EDA writing off golf course loan
At the Tuesday, November 12, county board meeting, the board discussed the Cook County-Grand Marais Economic Development Authority’s (EDA’s) decision to write off $100,335 owed to it from Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course (SNL). The same thing was done in 2011 with $69,000 in debt. A memo from EDA Treasurer Scott Harrison explaining the EDA’s rationale stated, “If and […]
Students suspended for unauthorized entry into school to play hoops
A recent disciplinary action at Cook County High School (CCHS) has some community members upset. One Saturday night in October, several students and a recent grad let themselves into the school so they could play basketball in the gymnasium. A parent who had previously been involved in the athletic program gave them the key, following a long tradition of CCHS […]
Camera kismet
I’m not the world’s best photographer, but once in a while I get lucky. Some of my favorite pictures, such as the one that adorns my computer monitor right now, are accidental. My computer “wallpaper” is an interesting shot of a lovely lichen covered rock jutting out into Lake Superior. I didn’t set out to take a scenery photo. I […]
County and city should disband the EDA
I thought the comment by Mark Sandbo in the November 8, 2013 article about the new search for a new Economic Development Authority (EDA) director was interesting. Mr. Sandbo stated that “If we get the right person in here, we can get things done.” That seems to say that in the past the right person was never hired. Based on […]
Investment in Superior National golf course benefits county
The Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) made a wise decision when they chose to invest $3.1 million of 1 percent funds for Superior National golf course improvements. Here’s one example: . The 12 home development known as the Lutsen Log Lodges (a stone’s throw from the golf course) would […]
Time to review county attorney office mission
I think it is time to look at the “Mission from the County Attorney’s Office.” I know you had a letter to the editor telling people to go online and read it when this scandal first came out but I think it should be printed now. Tim Scannell and his attorneys claim he did nothing illegal…so I guess that makes […]