Community asked to comment on housing issues



Affordable workforce housing is a major issue confronting our community and the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) is taking steps to find solutions. The EDA and the “Go Cook County Housing Work Team” are working together to assess workforce housing needs, preferences, and affordability for both rental and home ownership options.An anonymous online survey has been developed to gather community input. The housing group needs 15-20 minutes of your time to go […]

Airport extension rebidding results in higher cost



An extension of the runway at Cook County Airport has been in the works for several years. In August 2014 it appeared that the project would finally be getting off the ground, with work to be done by Northland Constructors. However the contractor’s bid was submitted with the assumption that a temporary access road could be built and used during […]

Vikings win 45-31 over Northeast Range



Marcus Logan and Rory Bakke helped lead the Cook County Vikings to a 45-31 win over the Northeast Range Nighthawks last Thursday night, January 22, at home. It was the Vikings’ second win of the season coming against eight defeats. Logan, a rangy sophomore guard scored 9 points, had at least 5 steals, and threw several beautiful no-look passes to […]

Enjoying life



I just had the pleasure of spending two weeks in Mexico—Cabo San Lucas to be precise. This is my third trip to this city and it is the most beautiful place I have ever been. Of course I haven’t been everywhere, yet. The weather is perfect in January. The temperature is about 75 to 80 degrees and cools down to […]

Community Calendar



Borealis Chorale and Orchestra rehearsals(Rutter Requiem and Messiah Easter portions) begin onMonday, February 2nd. Orchestra meets at 5:45 p.m.and choir meets at 7:00 p.m. at Bethlehem LutheranChurch. Concert will take place on Palm Sunday,March 29 at 7:00 p.m. at Bethlehem. Bill Beckstrand,conductor.Community Center outdoor ice rinks openCook County Community Center outdoor ice rinksand warming house open for skating Mondays,Wednesdays, Fridays […]

Emily Johnson brings Catalyst Dance back to Grand Marais



“I want to be on the land myancestors dug into, pulledfrom, rose up from—andfell into. I want to be on thisland, listening, and I alsowant to let the land be.”Emily Johnson Reached earlier this month, Emily Johnson and her award-winning dance performance company Catalyst were performing in New York City, but Johnson said by phone that she can’t wait to […]

Something for everyone on Gunflint Lake



Ice fishing got a little tougher this week on Gunflint Lake, but I am not complaining. A few fish a day is still better than getting skunked and we have at least been managing to do that. The reports have been about the same all over the lake from a few different groups of anglers enjoying the warm weather. Warm […]

Pincushion Winter Festival to feature old, new events



The North Superior Ski & Run Club has announced that the inaugural Pincushion Mountain Winter Festival will be held Friday – Sunday, Feb. 13-15 on the Pincushion Trails, just north of Grand Marais. Expanding on the longstanding Sawtooth Ski Races, the event will now incorporate youth races, sprint racing, competitive and non-competitive snowshoeing and skijoring events for a long weekend […]

New special angling regulations on Sag, Seagull



Angling regulations will change on nearly three dozen waters this year, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Among the changes anglers will see more restrictive walleye regulations in and around Saganaga Lake in Cook County. In Saganaga, Sea Gull, and Gull lakes in Cook County and connected waters, walleye will have a 17-inch minimum length restriction and a […]

AIS training and trailer decal program on hold



The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, following a directive from the state legislature planned to implement a new aquatic invasive species training and trailer decal program in January. However, the numerous questions raised by anglers has led to postponement to determine the best way to educate watercraft users and to track whether boaters have taken the required training. The DNR […]