DFL endorsing convention shake-up
In a move that shocked local members of the DFL, Senate District 3 DFL Chair Paul Fish, who was charged with organizing the events surrounding the special election to fill the seat left vacant by the August 8 death of House District 3A Representative David Dill, cancelled the endorsing convention that had been scheduled by other party officials for September […]
Flute Reed Partnership demands Otis Creek fix
For 10 years or more, residents living below Otis Creek where it intersects with the Arrowhead Trail (one half mile up from North Road) have complained after significant rain events or normal snowmelts, that the culvert plugs and their property floods. The sediment-filled water from Otis Creek also ends up in Flute Reed River, a designated trout stream, said Rick […]
Superintendent Beth Schwarz to leave ISD 166 at end of the year
Beth Schwarz, superintendent of Cook County Schools announced at a September 3, 2015 work session of the ISD 166 school board her intention to not seek a renewal of her contract. Her current agreement will end in June 2016. Schwarz read a prepared statement. “I feel a responsibility to provide the board with information, help the board process all the […]
Hovland farmer loses agricultural designation for taxes
What is a farm? That was the topic of discussion at the Cook County Board of Appeals meeting held June 17, 2015 when Hovland resident Mark Adams came before the board and argued that he should be able to keep the agricultural designation for his 40.98 acres of land because he farms it and make most of his living off […]
Remembering and celebrating
As I write this week’s Unorganized Territory, it appears that today will be another beautiful fall day. The leaves are turning with splashes of red and gold scattered amongst the green and the sky is a brilliant blue. I’m looking forward to this weekend’s festivities—it’s Radio Waves weekend. I can’t imagine that there is anyone who lives in Cook County […]
Food shelf closure is a big deal
The Cook County Food Shelf was not open on Labor Day, September 7, 2015. It’s a big deal to me. It is the first Monday that the food shelf has not been open since July 2004, when it became an “all volunteer” food shelf. When the Monday night fell on Christmas or Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day or New Year’s […]
Chamber encourages voters to learn about school levy
At the Cook County Chamber board’s Aug. 27 meeting, it heard a presentation by representatives of ISD 166 on the school levy that will be the subject of a referendum on Nov. 3. The board’s endorsement of the levy was sought. This was the first political issue to arise since the chamber organized. After extended discussion, the board decided to […]
Pass the school levy to ensure our future
In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re all getting a little older here in Cook County! And I do mean that literally and collectively. The percentage of the population over 65 years of age increased from 17.2 in 2000 to 20.3 in 2010. The median age for our county is now 51.4 years old compared to the State of Minnesota median […]