The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently seeking comments from the public about its proposal to quarantine Cook and Lake counties “for the restricted movement of certain articles at risk for spreading gypsy moths.” Those “articles” include wood shipped from lumber mills to areas outside of Cook or Lake County, and any other wood products like a lumberjack’s logs, […]
Public invited to weigh in on North Shore Restoration Project
In December 2012, the U.S. Forest Service Gunflint and Tofte Ranger districts introduced a proposal to restore the forest along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Gunflint Ranger Nancy Larson and then- Tofte District Ranger John Wytanis noted that anyone traveling on Highway 61 could see that birch trees along the North Shore are dying. The rangers explained that it […]
Time for township citizens to consider running for office
Although candidates for city and county offices have until late summer or fall to decide if they want to run for election, citizens interested in serving on a township board have only until January 14, 2014 to announce their intentions. Anyone interested in serving in Lutsen, Tofte or Schroeder should contact the township to file now. Each of the West […]
A rich tradition of local news
Recently, during the lunch break of an all-day meeting in Duluth, conversation turned to the decline in the timber industry. A man I had just met said he feels it is related to the increase in technology reducing the amount of paper we all use. Another person I was sitting with noted how many paper mills had closed and asserted […]
Happy fantasy, not faith for the holidays
Darwin had it right when he determined that the “fittest” tend to survive. To be “fit” does not mean be selfish, non-loving brutes. Love, nurture and cooperation are advantageous for survival, maybe because of efficiency of resources. Humans evolved with an inclination for love, compassion, as have other animal species as observed where the parents gently tend their young and […]
Timber sale will endanger wildlife, scenic and wild places
Gunflint District Ranger Larson and Tofte District Ranger Steele are accepting public comments on the environmental assessment (EA) for a proposed North Shore timber sale [the North Shore Restoration Project] until January 11, 2014. The sale will log 7.1 square miles (1.9 being clearcut) scattered and beginning at Tofte and going 40 miles up the shore of Lake Superior past […]
Care Center provides comprehensive, quality care
I am dismayed to read that Lloyd Speck said the most important thing about Care Center residents is that they are “well fed and clean.” This could describe the residents of an animal rescue shelter. Speck and others with similar feelings need to come observe conditions at the Care Center and visit with some of our cognitively intact residents and […]
