Historical Reflections



Down Memory Lane



10 Years AgoMay 28, 2004 The recent hike in gas prices over $2 per gallon in Minnesota and $1 per liter in Canada coincided with the start of the fishing season. It will be interesting to see how rising fuel costs affect angling travel and tourism. Some of us may fish closer to home this summer, which could be good […]

Franken awarded for work on behalf of law enforcement



U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) was honored on May 13, 2014, by the National Association of Police Organizations for his work on behalf of law enforcement in Minnesota and across the country. Since joining the Senate, Franken has strongly supported legislation to help the law enforcement community. For example, he authored the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act, which would […]

Embracing change



Change can be daunting, exciting, overwhelming and relieving all at once. For the graduates of Cook County High School, their lives will soon change in unpredictable ways. For the parents of those graduates, whether it is their first graduate or their last, many will feel a roller coaster of emotions. There may be fleeting moments of joy mixed with sudden […]

No burn restrictions, but caution still advised



Although the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) lifted burning restrictions across the state on May 23, including in Cook County, residents and visitors should still be aware of weather and wind conditions before having a campfire or burning brush. The DNR lifted the restrictions due to decreased fire danger because of wet conditions and green up moving northward. However, […]

PUC sets out to stop squirrels



Training squirrels to stay out of substations is out of the question (think of fitting the wiggly little varmints with caps and gowns for graduation) but something has to be done to keep squirrels out of the town’s electrical substations. Last month the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission (PUC) spent half of their meeting in the dark because a squirrel […]

Legislation for Hedstrom Lumber Company passes



It’s made some of the state’s boiler operators boiling mad, but special legislation written explicitly for Hedstrom Lumber Company passed both the Minnesota House and Senate by a wide margin at the close of this year’s legislative session. State Senator Tom Bakk and House Representative Dave Dill introduced an amendment written specifically for Hedstrom Lumber that would allow the mill […]

Vikings win first playoff game to advance in Section 7A



In an all too short season, the young Cook County High School baseball team has gotten hot at just the right time and won four out of its last five games. The Vikings will move on in the Section 7A tournament despite losing 9-0 to Barnum in the second round of Section 7A playoffs. The Vikings played two playoff games […]

Naniboujou hosts pre-opening event



Nearly 50 local business people gathered at the Naniboujou Lodge on May 8, 2014. The event, hosted by the lodge owners, Tim and Nancy Ramey, was set as an opportunity for local businesses to network while enjoying a preview of the Naniboujou’s summer menu. The lodge, which emphasizes simple relaxation, will soon be opening for the season. Located 15 miles […]

When will the ice go?



Day One: May 17 The large ice pack glistens white out on the main part of Lac des Milles Lac where a brisk northwest wind slowly erodes it, sending chunks across the lake. One of these ice patches pushes against the shore in front of our cabin, its combination of melting ice and small waves creating a lovely melodic tinkle. […]