The Towering Pines Canopy Tour at Gunflint Lodge has had three emergency medical calls this summer, raising concern for some that the popular treetop attraction is not safe. The Cook County News-Herald spoke with Gunflint Lodge owner Bruce Kerfoot about the incidents. Kerfoot confirmed that the ambulance had unfortunately been called to the lodge three times this summer. Each time, […]
Vial of Life—still a good idea
Sometimes an old idea, even one without a shred of technology, is a good idea, and shouldn’t be forgotten or abandoned. But apparently that’s what happened to the Vial of Life (VOL), an old idea that needs to be resuscitated, said Cook County Ambulance Director Steve DuChien. DuChien said he and his crew haven’t found any VOLs in any patients’ […]
The Power of Play
“Mom, let’s rough and tumble” as screams erupt from my 3-year-old daughter. My son eagerly joins in the tumble and the pile of body parts sprawled across the floor. Laughter and delight pour through the house as my daughter waits in anticipation for her next attack. Play is defined by the Oxford dictionary as engaging in an activity for “enjoyment […]
City to pursue parkside public water access project
A long talked about and planned project to improve the Grand Marais Recreational Park public water access found some new energy and direction after a meeting with three Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials on August 13. Joe Russell, DNR Trails and Waterways area manager, Kent Skaar, DNR acquisition and development section lead, and Larry Killien, DNR Harbors Program, […]
Discretionary funding discussion difficult for county board
The Cook County commissioners continued the grueling process of budget planning last week, on Tuesday, August 25 tackling discretionary funding—the requests from the organizations that offer services that are not mandated, but are near and dear to the hearts of many citizens. Working their way down a list of 17 entities requesting a total of $298,656, commissioners sought consensus on […]
County board considers support of BWCAW land exchange/sale proposal
U.S. Forest Service Superior National Forest Supervisor Brenda Halter attended the county board meeting on August 25 to give an update on the proposed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) land trade and purchase. Halter said she is hopeful that a resolution to the long-standing land management dilemma involving 83,000 acres of school trust land will finally be resolved. Joined […]
County land use plan available for review— comments wanted
After 15 work meetings beginning in April 2014, Cook County has released the draft update of the County Comprehensive Land Use Guide Plan. The land use plan, which along with other documents including the water and energy management plans will form the county’s comprehensive plan, is now available for public review and comment. Last updated in 1997 the Land Use […]
Vikings lose home opener
The much-anticipated home opener for the Vikings football team ended in some disappointment as the team lost 28-7 to the North Woods Grizzlies, a team that qualified for the state tournament last year. It was the first time the Vikings lined up to play nine-man football, and the team showed that with a little bit better ability to finish, they […]
Not so “one” with nature
For our family vacation this summer we rented a houseboat on Rainy Lake…. about five hours’ north in International Falls. I wasn’t sure what to expect. For example, are we on the boat 24 hours a day? What are the sleeping arrangements? And of course, how do I cook for eight people in a houseboat kitchen? Thankfully, the Internet has […]
Northwoods traditions continue at Big Bear Lodge
In the 1930s Northwoods Lodge was a popular Gunflint Trail destination. It was a hunting-fishing lodge along the shore and on a peninsula of Poplar Lake. The resort was downsized through the years and many of the original 22 cabins were sold and are now private residences on Poplar Lake. Fortunately the lodge tradition continues under the newest owners, Andy […]