Support for YMCA is justified and growing



Even after posting unexpected success in membership response at the Cook County Y, the naysayers continue to push back. Tod Sylvester suggested that although over 900 have joined there may be some 4,000 Cook County residents that remain opposed and feel cheated by this community center, but with today’s number at 1047, the opponents are rapidly shrinking. Tod is right, […]

Catching the spirit—

the 30th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Although there were a few teams still on the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Trail at press time on Wednesday, January 29, the winners of the 2014 race were clear. Surviving the brutal temperatures from the start on Sunday, January 26 to the finish on Wednesday, January 29, was Nathan Schroeder of Chisholm, who successfully earned the Beargrease championship for […]

Weekly Weather



Unlimited opportunity with no possibilities



“A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that may in fact be true; a person or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities.” That’s how a dictionary defines the word “paradox.” To say, for instance, that Haiti, the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, is a country full of unlimited opportunity with no possibilities is a paradox. How can […]

Phyllis Josephine Kettunen,



Phyllis Josephine Kettunen, 76, passed away on January 22, 2014 at the North Shore Care Center, after a difficult battle against breast cancer. Phyllis was born March 19, 1937 in Fancher, Wisconsin to Florian and Regina (Stankowski) Groshek. She attended St. Michael’s Grade School and graduated from Newman High School in Wausau, Wisconsin in 1955. She lived in Grand Rapids […]

Theodore “Ted” William Zimmerman,



Theodore “Ted” William Zimmerman, 97, Two Harbors, died Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors. He was born November 20, 1916 to George and Josephine (Drouillard) Zimmerman in Grand Portage where he grew up. He graduated from Cook County High School and then worked for the U. S. Forest Service as a fire tower watchman for […]

February activities at the North Shore Care Center



The residents at North Shore Care Center will try to beat “cabin fever” with a full calendar of activities scheduled in February. There is a lot to look forward to all month. February 2nd marks Groundhog Day, Super Bowl XLVIII, and national Popcorn Day. We’re sure to have six more weeks of winter this year! Everyone is encouraged to wear […]

Cold weather doesn’t stop Senior Center activities



On Monday, January 27, it was -15 degrees with lots of wind, but eight brave souls ventured out for lunch at the Cook County Senior Center. They are true Northerners! Braving the cold were Nona Smith, Betty Larsen, Geri Jensen, Sharon Hendrickson, Lu Pettijohn, Gladys Anderson, Steve Homa and Buddy Skinner. In February the Cook County Senior Center will continue […]

Busy new year ahead for Elders



Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year. Several Elders were able to get out and enjoy ringing in the New Year with Portage at the Community Center celebration. Fun was had by all who attended. Although our congregate dinning numbers are down slightly, many Elders continue to brave the weather and get out participating in weekly water aerobics or chair […]

Superior Zip Line loses revolving loan funds



Matt Geretschlaeger received unexpected bad news this week when the county’s Assistant County Attorney Molly Hicken informed him and his attorney, Baiers Hereen, that the Cook County Revolving Loan of $250,000 granted to him last July was being voided because Geretschlaeger hadn’t finished the necessary requirements for him to get the money. When contacted, Geretschlaeger said he didn’t know why […]