School bus back-up plan works well on frigid winter day



On Tuesday, Jan. 21, on one of the coldest days of the year, School District 166 had three buses with mechanical problems. Fortunately school staff and community members pitched in and all students made it to school safely with only a minimal delay. Superintendent Beth Schwarz said buses on the Pike Lake Road, Hovland and West End routes had mechanical […]

Commissioners approve permits for hostel, trailer and gravel pits



Upon recommendation of the Cook County Planning Commission, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a conditional use permit to Jeremy Keeble to establish a hostel/bunkhouse in the FAR-3 zone district on a property adjacent to County Road 14 if he meets certain state septic guidelines, and other criteria that will be established by county Environmental Health and Septic Supervisor […]

Vikings hustle, but lose to Cromwell



The Vikings showed a lot of hustle against Cromwell on Friday, January 17, but couldn’t score points, falling 65 to 19. “The wheels fell off a bit in the Cromwell game,” said Head Coach Mitch Dorr. Down 38 to 7 at the half, the Vikings scored 12 points in the second half and kept Cromwell to 27 points. More and […]

Photos



Students’ geography skills shine at Geography Bee



The annual Cook County Middle School National Geographic Geography Bee was held at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts on Jan. 8. Ten students advanced to the district competition after winning the classroom rounds held in December. They took to the stage at the ACA in front of their peers, answering challenging geography questions from around the globe. Competing were […]

Sissy Dog Neighborhood



I can’t speak for everyone, but it seems to me the South Shore Drive is filling up with sissy-pants dogs. Some readers will strongly object to the use of such an insulting term for man’s best friend, but what else can you say when you own the sweetest but wimpiest dog in the world? And I’m not speaking of Mr. […]

30th running of John Beargrease comes to North Shore



For 30 years, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon has provided a break from cabin fever for North Shore residents and visitors. Will a Cook County musher take top honors? Will Iditarod-bound Nathan Schroeder, who won the Beargrease last year, finish first again? The excitement starts in Duluth on Sunday, January 26, with marathon and mid-distance teams leaving from 1:00 […]

Seize the season at Cook County’s Winter Tracks Festival



Hold onto your long johns! From Jan. 31 to Feb. 8, families and snow-lovers are invited to seize the season with Winter Tracks, an annual celebration that Minnesota Monthly called “one of the best winter festivals in Minnesota.” Winter Tracks takes place throughout Cook County, including the communities of Lutsen-Tofte-Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage. The nine-day […]

Girl Scouts invite community to UMD Hockey Night



On Sunday, February 9, the UMD Bulldogs women’s hockey team is playing North Dakota at Amsoil Arena in Duluth. The game starts at 3:07 p.m. It is also “Girl Scout Appreciation Day” and there is a special price for Girl Scouts, families and friends! The Girl Scouts of Cook County would like to invite anyone interested to go with them […]

Local artist seeks mosaic donations for wall project



Karen Neal of Hovland is encouraging local artists to participate in a fundraiser to benefit public art projects such as creation of a new wall mural in Grand Marais. “I recently finished a 12-inch by 12-inch mosaic for the A’RT (Art ‘Round Town) fundraiser which will be held at the Johnson Heritage Post in Grand Marais from Feb. 14 through […]