Government coffee?



Many years ago, several elections ago, the Cook County Coalition of Lake Associations held a candidate forum. There were many hard-hitting questions about property taxes and protecting water quality and so on. But the question that sticks in my mind from that long ago Q&A session was—who pays for the coffee and treats consumed at county board meetings? There was […]

Sunshine and song at the Rec Park during Radio Waves



Area residents and visitors of all ages came together for three days of music September 5-7 at Sweetheart’s Bluff in Grand Marais as part of the 7th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival, sponsored by WTIP North Shore Community Radio. The festival featured a full line-up of musicians that offered a variety of genres, from rock to folk, jazz, swing and […]

Weekly Weather



In the midst of paralyzing fear



Last week’s article, based on Matthew 14: The Feeding of the 5,000, reminded us of Jesus’ compassion in supplying and satisfying the people with what was needed. Feeding the 5,000 was a heady miracle for the disciples who saw the loaves multiply–surely a faith-strengthener! But immediately afterward they experience what might be called paralyzing fear… like they were seeing a […]

Busy year for Workers on Wheels



Fall is in the air. School has started and many of the international workers that visit the North Shore each summer are heading home. As they say goodbye, they are stopping by the First Congregational Church/United Church of Christ to return the bikes lent to them by the WOW (workers on wheels) program. The WOW program started five years ago […]

New Arrivals



Norbert John “Norby” Mayer Jr.



Norbert John “Norby” Mayer Jr. died August 29, 2014. He was born Oct. 26, 1923 to Norbert John Mayer Sr. and Lydia Marie Nelson Mayer. Norbert Sr. died when Norby was quite young and he was then sent to live with various relatives. These included Hulda and Hilmer Hansel in Dalton, Minnesota and Inez and Ed Vincent in Madison, Wisconsin. […]

Esther Theresa (Rowe) Sorlie,



Esther Theresa (Rowe) Sorlie, 75, passed away September 6, 2014, at North Shore Community Hospital in Grand Marais with her family at her side. Esther was born April 4, 1939, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Victor and Cora (Foss) Rowe. She grew up in St. Paul, marrying Donald Sorlie Sr. on January 29, 1960. They relocated to Cook County in […]

Historical Reflections



Down Memory Lane



10 Years AgoSept. 17, 2004 A land exchange involving Cook County and the federallyowned Tip of the Trail resort was finalized Tuesday by unanimous vote of the county board. The exchange with the Forest Service was set to be completed in mid-July when the board was made aware that three septic systems on the property that were believed to be […]