Belief in Santa, religious adherence the same



Decorations for the holiday season arrive a bit earlier each year nudged ahead by a highly competitive commerce. To begin before Thanksgiving was once unthinkable. Even I find myself in playful banter with kids: “Have you written to Santa?” (Or should I have said “texted”?) “Are you behaving especially well?” “The elves are working overtime (non-union) due to more kids, […]

County board withdraws support for “Complete Streets” workshop



Two weeks after agreeing to write a letter of support for grant funding for a “Complete Streets” workshop led by a nonprofit organization called Smart Growth America, the county board withdrew its support for the grant. On November 17, 2013, Kristin Wharton of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s Moving Matters project invited the county board to be part of a countywide […]

Weekly Weather



Correction:



The November 30 article entitled County board supports AEOA affordable housing project mistakenly stated that Jim Boyd said support of an affordable housing project proposed by AEOA would be the next step in the county board’s support of significant economic development initiatives such as improvements to Superior National Golf Course at Lutsen and hiring a county administrator. Boyd said “broadband,” […]

Believing or Belonging



Do you believe? What does it mean to believe? This question is central to most religious misunderstandings. “How can anybody believe that?” we ask ourselves about others” beliefs. When Mark Twain was asked if he believed in infant baptism, he famously responded, “Believe in it? I’ve seen it!” Twain’s quip moves us to the heart of the problem, as he […]

New Arrivals



William Olai “Bill” Berge



William Olai “Bill” Berge died Thursday, November 7, 2013 in Salt Lake City, Utah where he resided for the past 40 years. He was born May 14, 1931, in Chinook, Montana to Olai Berge and Williamina “Mina” Laing Berge. In 1948 Bill’s family moved to Grand Marais where his father had been transferred with the U. S. Customs. Although Bill […]

Chili and Christmas preparation for Grand Portage Elders



The Elders enjoyed November celebrating Veterans Day and Thanksgiving with family and friends. We held a very successful 8th Annual Chili Cook Off & Meat Bingo. The lucky winners of the evening were Mary Johnson in the 50/50 raffle. She won half the pot, which was $164. Bernice LeGarde won the last game, which was a “cover all” for the […]

Christmas season busy for North Shore Care Center



The spirit of giving is always in season at the North Shore Care Center thanks to the dedication and commitment of over 70 volunteers during 2013. The residents count their blessings for family, friends, staff, and community members who gave so much this past year. As the holiday season begins, the giving continues with donations for the Resident Council Sale […]

Senior Center a friendly place



The holidays are a special time to give thanks to our fortune of family and friends. We here at the Senior Center are very fortunate to have such a large, wonderful special extended family of friends. Facebook friends The Cook County Senior Center has finally begun to establish an Internet presence. We now have a Facebook page filled with photos […]