Don’t ask citizens to speed read




I’ve written more than a few columns about the need for public involvement in government. Most recently, during “Sunshine Week” in March 2015, I noted that during that Cook County commissioners were reconsidering their policy for accepting public comments at county board meetings. I was delighted that commissioners were concerned about being open to feedback from the public. That is […]

Photos



Weekly Weather



Carrying Jesus



I carried Jesus all day in downtown Minneapolis. He wasn’t heavy, but he would not fit in a bag or a backpack, so all day he was in my arms. Although some people smiled and even chuckled, many people crossed the street clearly hoping to avoid one or both of us. By the end of the day I was tired […]

Care Partners to receive $75,374 state grant



Services that help older adults in Minnesota stay in their homes as they age are receiving more than $7 million in funds appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton, and awarded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Locally, Care Partners of Cook County was awarded $75,374 to help sustain some of its core community services that help […]

Fall food drive under way



Do you have items to donate to the food shelf? The Cook County Senior Center will help you get your donation there. Jes Rodne, programs and services coordinator at the Cook County Senior Center has asked everyone to take part in the “Thanks for Giving” fall food drive. In addition to helping community members, anyone who donates will be entered […]

Veterans needed for history project



Sen. Al Franken has announced a new initiative to recruit Minnesota war veterans to take part in the national “Veterans History Project” to collect and preserve their personal accounts so that future generations may hear directly from them and better understand the realities of war. Franken is promoting the effort to ensure that the voices of as many Minnesota war […]

Historical Reflections



Down Memory Lane



10 Years AgoOct. 28, 2005 ISD 166 will receive a check for $37,000 in January as its share of a settlement claim against Microsoft by the state of Minnesota. In all, $50 million will be awarded to K-12 schools in Minnesota. The state filed suit against Microsoft for overcharging on licensing fees for its software. Residents of Grand Marais were […]

Local businesses recognized by peers



A remarkably diverse set of nominees has been put forward for the Cook County Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Business Awards, Chamber Executive Director Jim Boyd announced last week. “At our Nov. 3 Gala, sponsored jointly with Visit Cook County, we will give three awards,” Boyd said. “They are for Entrepreneur of the Year, Business of the Year and Community Business […]