Grand Marais hanging on in “America’s Coolest Small Town” contest
Grand Marais, the little town on the harbor beloved by residents and visitors alike, is currently the focus of national attention as a contender in the Budget Travel Magazine’s “America’s Coolest Small Towns 2015.” Grand Marais had a strong lead through most of the contest, but at press time Chincoteague, Virginia was closing in. “I’m surprised Grand Marais took the […]
Judge rules in favor of Forest Service on South Fowl snowmobile trail
On February 13, 2015, Judge John Tunheim issued a long-awaited opinion on the U.S. Forest Service 2006 decision to construct the South Fowl snowmobile trail between McFarland and South Fowl lakes in Hovland. Reached by phone after the ruling became public, Attorney David Oberstar said the ruling was “all in favor” of the U.S. Forest Service. Oberstar, of Fryberger, Buchanan […]
Commissioners put chevron signs on hold
Gunflint Trail Scenic Byways Committee Chair Nancy Seaton told Cook County commissioners that if chevron road signs were allowed on the roadway they “would have a significant negative impact on the character of the Gunflint Trail.” Seaton and two other long time Gunflint Trail residents Barb Young and James Raml appeared before the commissioners on Tuesday, February 17 during the […]
Grand Marais to prioritize its priorities
In an effort to develop a long-term planning strategy and identify needs for consideration in future budgets, Grand Marais city councilors decided Feb. 11 to hold a day-long workshop sometime next month. City Administrator Mike Roth broached the topic at council’s prior meeting and was asked to compile some information about the various options. Roth reiterated Feb. 11 that there […]
School should not choose one holiday over another
I am writing to express my opinion that ISD 166 should honor MLK day. Superintendent Beth Schwartz was quoted in the Jan 31, 2014, issue of the Cook County News-Herald as commenting to the school board that “There is a lot of tailored instruction about Dr. King when school is in session on MLK day.” However I also think there […]
Birch Grove Community School is an investment in the future
I write this letter of support as a property owner and taxpayer in Tofte for more than 30 years. Although I do not live in Tofte right now, I am aware of what is going on in the township, as well as Lutsen, Schroeder and Cook County in general. My daughter and her family reside at our family’s homestead and […]
There is a need for a shooting range
The February 14, 2015 article How do you feel about a shooting range in Cook County? begs a response. There is a significant need for such a facility. The need is not limited to local sportsmen, however, but has much greater application: The Sheriff’s Department, State Troopers, U.S. Customs, Border Patrol, DNR, and U.S. Forest Service all have armed personnel […]
Cook County residents would not survive as colonialists
Picture Cook County residents transported to colonial times. The residents would be so worried about British feelings (politically correct), they might not like us if we say or do anything against them. We would have had our hands out asking for a hand out, and the colonialist (Cook County residents) would not have survived, and they would not be given […]
Governor’s transportation plan must get back to basics
Governor Dayton’s announced “transportation plan” would be easier to sell to Minnesota’s citizens and industry if those who pay the bill—the motoring public—through their “dedicated” motor fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, vehicle license fees and motor vehicle excise (sales) taxes, had an ironclad guarantee from the governor and legislature that all highway user paid tax dollars would flow only to […]